Agenda item

To recommend Council approve entry into a Section 113 agreement with Uttlesford District Council for provision of services to progress the development of a new Local Plan for Fenland.

Members considered entering into a Section 113 agreement with Uttlesford District Council for provision of services to progress the development of a new Local Plan for Fenland, presented by Councillor Mrs Laws.

Members made comments, asked questions and received responses as follows:

·       Councillor Booth stated that he has deep reservations concerning the proposal as it took the Council 7 years previously in which to prepare a Local Plan using the assistance from Peterborough City Council. He added that now the Council finds itself in a situation where they are trying to deliver a new Local Plan within 2 years but are still having to go to another Local Authority as that is where the resources are. Councillor Booth stated that he has concerns that there will not be the commitment and the time needed from officers to be able to deliver a Local Plan in the timeframe but there appears to be no other option.

·       Councillor Boden stated that he agrees with Councillor Booth that all authorities facing abolition are going to find it increasingly difficult to recruit officers that are being dissolved but the proposal and the Section 113 Agreement is the best option available and he provided assurance that he attends monthly meetings with Councillor Mrs Laws to monitor the progress that is being made on the Local Plan with the available staff. He made the point that the whole process is being overseen and both himself and Councillor Mrs Laws are very keen to ensure that the whole process is completed in time so that the Council makes the final decision as to what the new Local Plan will be for Fenland over the course of the next 6 to 8 years.

·       Councillor Mrs Laws stated that she does understand the concerns of Councillor Booth, but she explained that other options have been explored, including consideration being given to whether agency staff are used but with that brings a considerable cost and then there is the risk that agency staff dictate their working hours. She stated that by entering into an agreement then there is the certainty of the manpower which the Council will have, making the point that by going to an agency there is also the possibility of introducing an individual who is not familiar with Fenland. Councillor Mrs Laws explained that the proposed officer has been completely involved to date and is familiar with planning policies and it will only mean that some of the work already undertaken will need to be adapted rather than totally undertaking work from scratch. She expressed the view that she believes that it is a good option and not just the only option available as it is an officer that knows the work, knows Fenland and will deliver for the authority.

Proposed by Councillor Mrs Laws, seconded by Councillor Boden and AGREED to enter into a Section 113 agreement with Uttlesford District Council for the provision of services to deliver a new Local Plan and planning policy work and for the drafting and final approval of the Section 113 agreement to be delegated to the Monitoring Officer in consultation with the Portfolio Holders for Finance and Planning.