Agenda and minutes

To receive as a correct record the minutes of Cabinet held on Tuesday, 24 November 2020 (previously circulated). 

The minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 24 November 2020 were approved as a correct record.

The Chair advised that there were no items of urgent business.

To receive declarations by Councillors of interests in respect of items on this Agenda. 

Councillors are reminded that, in accordance with the Localism Act 2011, they are required to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests which have not already been declared in the Council’s Register of Interests. (It is a criminal offence not to declare a disclosable pecuniary interest either in the Register or at the meeting). 

Whilst not a legal requirement, in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 9 and in the interests of clarity and transparency, Councillors should declare any disclosable pecuniary interests which they have already declared in the Register, at this point in the meeting. 

In accordance with Part B Section 2 of the Code Of Conduct, Councillors are required to declare the existence and nature of any other interests as defined in paragraphs 8(1) or 9(2) of the Code of Conduct. 

The following Councillors declared an ‘other’ interest in the report on Residential Conversions and Houses in Multiple Occupation: It was noted they had declared an ‘other’ interest when a previous report concerning Houses of Multiple Occupation was tabled at October’s Cabinet meeting (Minute 63 refers) and it was confirmed that their ‘other’ interest did not preclude them from voting on the item.

·        Councillors Brookes, Jackson, Parr & Whitehead lived in one of the areas affected.

·        Councillor Hamilton-Cox owned a property within the area affected.

Members were advised that there had been no requests to speak at the meeting in accordance with Cabinet’s agreed procedure.

At this point the Chair requested that standing order 17 (Cabinet Procedure Rule 17) be suspended to allow for questions to be taken from all members as the reports were introduced. The proposal was moved by Councillor Brookes, seconded by Councillor Hamilton-Cox and there was no dissent to the proposal.

Resolved unanimously:

(1) That Standing Order 17 (Cabinet Procedure Rule 17) be suspended.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Hanson)

Report of Director for Economic Growth & Regeneration

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Hanson)

Cabinet received a report from the Director for Economic Growth & Regeneration which sought a resolution from Cabinet to formally adopt the Residential Conversion and Houses in Multiple Occupation Supplementary Planning Document.  The Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) had been through two stages of consultation and the views raised had been considered in the drafting of the final version. The report outlined the content of the SPD, and the Consultation Statement attached to the report outlined the stages of consultation and how the responses were taken into account and sought a resolution to adopt the SPD as a material consideration for the determination of planning applications.

The options, options analysis, including risk assessment and officer preferred option, were set out in the report as follows:

The officer preferred option is Option 1 – Adoption of the Residential Conversions and Houses in Multiple Occupation Supplementary Planning Document.  Adoption of the SPD will ensure the contents can be given weight in decision making.

Councillor Lewis proposed, seconded by Councillor Jackson:-

“That the recommendation, as set out in the report, be approved.”

Councillors then voted:-

Resolved unanimously:

(1)             That the Residential Conversions and Houses in Multiple Occupation Supplementary Planning Document be adopted.

(2)             That the necessary measures be undertaken to publicise the adoption of the Residential Conversions and Houses in Multiple Occupation Supplementary Planning Document in accordance with national legislation.

Officer responsible for effecting the decision:

Director for Economic Growth & Regeneration

Reasons for making the decision:

The decision is consistent with the ambition within the Corporate Plan to enhance community cohesion.  The SPD builds upon policies in the Local Plan, particularly policy DM13, which aims to ensure a balanced community. The SPD will support the implementation of this policy. The SPD, in conjunction with policy DM13 and proposals to designate an Article 4 Direction seek to address the detrimental impacts of concentration of HMOs in accordance with the ambitions of the Corporate Plan and the Local Plan.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Lewis)

Report of the Chief Executive

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Lewis)

Cabinet received a report from the Chief Executive to request Cabinet’s endorsement of the full proposal for a unitary council for the Bay area.  At meetings on 5 November 2020, Cabinet endorsed, and full Council authorised the submission of an outline proposal for a unitary authority for the Bay to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the subsequent preparation of a full proposal. The report presented that full proposal for approval. If approved, the Barrow, South Lakeland and Lancaster councils would present the full proposal to Government, demonstrating how a unitary council would be an effective driver and enabler of economic, social and environmental benefits for the area’s residents, businesses and visitors, realise the strategic potential of the area and enable transformation of public services.

The options, options analysis, including risk assessment and officer preferred option, were set out in the report as follows: