Agenda and draft minutes

Venue: Council Chamber - Municipal Offices. View directions

Contact: Democratic Services Team Leader 

Media

Items
No. Item

1.

Apologies

Minutes:

Apologies were received from Councillors Beale, Chandler, Garcia Clamp, Sankey, Smith and Tooke.  Councillor Pemberton advised that she would arrive during the meeting.

 

2.

Declarations of interest

Minutes:

There were none.

3.

Minutes of the last meeting pdf icon PDF 552 KB

Minutes of the Extraordinary meeting held on 17 November 2025

Minutes:

The minutes of the extraordinary meeting held on 17 November were approved as a true record and signed accordingly.

4.

Communications by the Mayor pdf icon PDF 168 KB

Minutes:

The Mayor began by thanking the council and officers who supported the Christmas appeal for selection boxes for underprivileged children, organised by Dave Bath, Cheltenham’s Citizen of Honour.  The donations make a huge difference to residents in St Peter’s, The Moors and St Paul’s.

He said the tragic events at Bondi Beach are in everyone’s minds, and sympathy is extended to Jewish communities across Gloucestershire and the globe, who are suffering, particularly at the precious time of Hanukah.  There is no place in the world for anti-Semitism or indeed any hate crime based on religion, creed, colour or any other protected characteristic. 

Another very sad event is the recent loss of CBC’s Deputy Chief Executive, Paul Jones.  The Mayor invited Members to pay tribute, and several spoke with warmth and sincere gratitude for his many years of dedicated service to CBC, describing him as a kind, trusted, professional and exceptionally talented officer with a unique ability to inspire and support people without them realising he was doing it.  He was devoted to Cheltenham, always ready to listen, think outside the box, and take risks.   His legacy is enormous, and he will be much missed by everyone.

The Mayor encouraged those present to stand for a minute’s silence.

 

 

5.

Communications by the Leader of the Council

Minutes:

The Leader said that CBC has now put forward its submission for local government reorganisation, and the government’s decision is expected by the middle of next year.  Further work will be needed before then to ensure we are ready for one or two unitary authorities, and in the meantime, it is business as usual, with work continuing on the CBC Corporate Plan.

She took the opportunity to talk about CBC’s communications team, an often silent but crucial partner, central to delivery of priorities and services and critical to the future success of local government.   This year the team has focussed on delivering comms to directly support the Corporate Plan priorities,  investing time in digital platforms, with a rich and varied content, increasing the number of Facebook followers by 1.5k, to a total of 10k.  The team is committed to the ever-changing communications landscape, with new accounts on Next Door and a dedicated Golden Valley Facebook page, as well as an award-winning LinkedIn account which enables us to network and engage with businesses, partners, other sectors and individuals, and plays an important part in the recruitment process, with 11k followers now connected. 

Aware that not everyone can access online platforms, the communications team now delivers a rebranded magazine to 4k tenants, to ensure they are informed and engaged in the redesigned housing service, as well as building a strong relationship with the local press through openness and transparency. 

She said a full report on the communications team’s year can be found on the intranet, demonstrating the extent of its innovation, commitment and creativity, and that the council is always ready to listen and act. 

She went on to welcome Councillor Joy back to the Council, and ended by thanking all officers for their hard work over 2025 and wishing them a very happy Christmas.

6.

To receive petitions

Minutes:

No petitions had been received.

7.

Public Questions pdf icon PDF 273 KB

These must be received no later than 12 noon on the seventh working day before the meeting.

Minutes:

Nine public questions had been received from five questioners, four of whom were present to ask supplementary questions.  The Mayor asked that the original questions and Cabinet Member responses be taken as read. 

The first questioner, as a former borough councillor, added his own brief tribute to Paul Jones, with whom he had worked for many years, and always found to be an outstanding and highly-professional officer, and great asset to the council, as well as a good cricketer.  He sent sympathy to his family.  

1.     Question from Tim Harman to the Leader, Councillor Rowena Hay

Cheltenham Borough Council is proposing a consultation on the establishment of a Town Council.  Can the Cabinet Member confirm if the Town Council would fund itself by setting an additional precept above and beyond that which Households would pay to a new unitary Council. If so, can the cabinet member give an estimate of likely amount that each household would pay on an annual basis?

Member response

Thank you for the question. The community governance review is not at the point when any decisions could be made about future precepts. Currently, it is premature to predict what the shape of town and parish councils would be in Cheltenham going forward so estimates cannot be provided.

Supplementary question

Whilst understanding the state of flux, would you agree that in any consultation about a potential town council, it is important to say openly to members of the public that this could involve an additional precept - another tax level above and beyond what they pay now? 

Cabinet Member response

I cannot confirm that one way or the other at the moment.  Information from the first tranche of consultation is being assimilated into a second full consultation based on what has been proposed going out in the New Year.  I cannot say whether this will result in  more parishes or a town council or what the precept might be at present - it is too early to tell.

 

2.     Question from Tim Harman to the Cabinet Member Waste and Recycling and Parks, Gardens and Green Open Space, Councillor Paul Baker

Residents and users of Hatherley Park have raised with me concerns about the condition of the lake where the water level seems lower than normal. My understanding is that Friends of Hatherley Park have been involved with a restoration plan but there is no progress at this time. Can the Cabinet Member clarify the situation and assure residents and users that the Council will commit to restoring the lake in this popular and well used Park.

Member response

The water level in the lake dropped very low during what was one of the driest summer and autumns on record exposing large areas of mud and silt which have built up over many years. The lake is not fed from an existing river or brook and is reliant upon surrounding ground water to maintain its level. With the water table so very low it was unable to replenish  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

8.

Member Questions pdf icon PDF 831 KB

These must be received no later than 12 noon on the seventh working day before the date of the meeting.

Minutes:

Seven Member questions had been submitted by two Members.  The questions and responses were taken as read; supplementary questions are shown below.

1.     Question from Councillor Martin Horwood to the Cabinet Member Planning & Building Control, Councillor Mike Collins

How many Section 106 agreements have been concluded in the Leckhampton ward since May 2023 and for which developments?

Member response

1.          21/02750/FUL – Unilateral Undertaking dated 18 August 2023, land adjoining Leckhampton Farm Court (Redrow Homes Ltd - 30 dwellings).

 

2.          21/02750/FUL – s106 Agreement dated 05 July 2023, land adjoining Leckhampton Farm Court (Redrow Homes Ltd - 30 dwellings).

 

3.          22/02205/FUL – s106 Agreement dated 12 February 2024, land off Kidnappers Lane (Newland Homes – 13 dwellings)

 

4.          22/02205/FUL – s106 Agreement (variation to the above) dated 09 May 2025, land off Kidnappers Lane (Newland Homes – 13 dwellings)

 

5.          23/00813/FUL – Unilateral Undertaking dated 19 April 2024 at 170-172 Leckhampton Road (Boo Homes – retail unit + 14 dwellings)

 

6.          23/01856/FUL – Unilateral Undertaking dated 23 January 2024 at Leckhampton Lodge, 23 Moorend Park Road (single dwelling)

 

2.     Question from Councillor Martin Horwood to the Cabinet Member Planning & Building Control, Councillor Mike Collins

How many Section 106 agreements are currently being negotiated in the Leckhampton ward and for which developments?

Member response

1.        25/01073/FUL: Residential development of 21no. zero carbon dwellings with associated access and internal roads, parking, landscaping, and other associated works and infrastructure. Newland Homes Ltd

 

2.        25/01031/CONDIT: Variation of condition 2 (approved plans) of planning permission 21/02750/FUL to allow for change in house types/design and associated site layout changes. New Dawn Homes Ltd

 

 

3.     Question from Councillor Martin Horwood to the Cabinet Member Planning & Building Control, Councillor Mike Collins

How are councillors currently consulted on section 106 agreements as per policy agreed by cabinet on 5 April 2022 and by council on 20 June 2022 (Cabinet & council paper recommendation 6 and para 6.4) which obliged officers to:

  • Notify ward members of any application of interest and identify any known demands for local infrastructure
  • Notify ward members when an application is likely to result in section 106 negotiation
  • Update planning report templates to include details of section 106 agreements agreed
  • Provide section 106 training for members

Member response

 

Ward members are notified of all planning applications within their ward via a weekly email sent to all members on a Friday. The weekly list is subdivided on a ward-by-ward basis, so that ward members can easily refer to their own areas. Paragraph 6.4 of the 2022 Cabinet report sets this out as follows:

1. Following review of the weekly list Ward members to notify the case officer of any application of interest and identify any known demands for infrastructure in the area.

2. Where an application is expected to result in the need for S106 negotiation, the case officer to notify the relevant ward members to enable engagement early in the application process

The onus is on the member to review that list and comment accordingly within  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

9.

Review of Statement of Licensing Policy (Licensing Act 2003) pdf icon PDF 260 KB

Report of the Cabinet Member Safety & Communities, Councillor Victoria Atherstone

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Cabinet Member for Safety and Communities introduced the report, explaining that our Licensing Policy Statement was last updated in 2020, and must be reviewed every five years.  This time it requires just a little bit of tidying up with no notable changes, due to there being no significant changes to primary legislation or case law.  There are a few minor changes, including:

-       additional information with regard to personal licenses and annual fees;

-       a new section on women’s safety and wider vulnerabilities in the town centre and various premises;

-       further addressing of safeguarding concerns;

-       a note in Appendix E about premises requiring ID and their retention policy on that.

New policy recommendations include the work of evening and night-time economy working group and its aspiration for a charter for local businesses, committing to provide  safe spaces for all.  This work will support the continuation of the Purple Flag accreditation, which Cheltenham has held for ten years, in recognition of its status as a thriving and safe town.

There were no Member questions. 

In debate, a Member commented that she liked the report, in particular the improvements to women’s safety, adding that the track changes were very helpful, making it easy to see what has been updated,

The Cabinet Member for Safety and Communities agreed, and thanked officers for all their work on this.

RESOLVED (unanimously) THAT:

-        the revised licensing policy statement is adopted, to take effect from 7 January 2026.

 

 

 

 

 

10.

Review of Taxi and Private Hire Licensing Policy (Emissions Policy) pdf icon PDF 445 KB

Report of the Cabinet Member Safety & Communities, Councillor Victoria Atherstone

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Cabinet Member for Safety and Communities said that when the revised taxi and private hire licensing policy was adopted in July, the section about the 2040 emissions policy was held back, pending further consultation which has now concluded.  CBC is proposing to adopt same policy as that of Stroud District and Tewkesbury Borough Councils,  maintaining the highest possible standards with our neighbours and minimising fears about licence shopping. We are committed to keep this approach under review, working alongside the licensed trade, CBC’s climate team, Climate Leadership Gloucestershire, and other district Cabinet leads. 

She said that on our journey to carbon neutrality by 2030, the emissions policy will be reviewed to consider whether a move to electric vehicles (with no tailpipe emissions) or ULEV (with less than 75g of CO2 per kilometre emitted) is appropriate by 01 April 2028, always mindful that people’s livelihoods are linked to taxis and private hire trade,   which creates employment and provides vital services to residents and visitors, while supporting safety, accessibility, and overall economic activity. 

With electric car technology continually improving, especially battery capacity and management – a main historic reason for non-adoption, due to concerns over range anxiety – she confirmed that ownership is increasing, pushing up demand and driving down price.   The age and mileage of current vehicles must be considered, however, and whether there are sufficient fast charging options in town, and work is ongoing towards our 2030 goal, in line with the Climate Emergency Action Plan. Currently, 48% of the fleet is either electric or hybrid, and further policy review will be undertaken if needed in April 2030.  In the meantime, we will work to engage with all partners across Gloucestershire, neighbouring districts and the trade.

In response to a Member’s questions, the Licensing and Public Protection Manager confirmed that there is a typo under Point D on page138 of the agenda -  which should state that all vehicles must emit zero emissions on their 2033 renewal date’, not 2030 as shown, and undertook to correct the error.

 

In response to a Member’s question about what is being done, in conjunction with the county and rail services, to provide affordable public charging points for taxis at places where they need to be, in particular at railway stations, the Cabinet Member for Safety and Communities confirmed that a review of infrastructure in Cheltenham showed provision to be currently quite sparse, with the majority of chargers at the Arle Court Transport Hub being slow – 7KW or 13KW per hour, which would take up to seven hours  for a full charge, not sufficient for the taxi trade.  There are a number of fast-charge bays in Bath Road car park, and the county is working to put more in other car parks, but clearly more high-capacity charging options will be needed to support the taxi trade.

 

The Cabinet Member for Planning and Building Control added that there are four rapid chargers in the outside car park at Arle Court Transport Hub.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

11.

Hackney Carriage Byelaws pdf icon PDF 239 KB

Report of the Cabinet Member Safety & Communities, Councillor Victoria Atherstone

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Cabinet Member for Safety and Communities introduced her report, explaining that in November 2023, the Department of Transport updated the published byelaws for hackney carriages,  which act as best practice for local authorities to adopt.  The previous byelaws date back to 2012 and need updating.

 

She said that the Local Government Act 1976 doesn’t permit local authorities to attach conditions to a hackney carriage licence, other than by way of byelaws, under Section 68 of the Town Police Clauses Act 1847 and Section 171 of Police Public Health Act 1875, to enable local licensing authorities to regulate hackney carriage drivers and proprietors.  There is scope for the council to deviate from this model but officers do not consider it necessary, and 

the recently-adopted comprehensive taxi and private hire policy, together with the updated byelaws, are considered sufficient to ensure applicants are fit and proper and maintain appropriate passenger safety.

If adopted, the resolution will need to be published, and the revised byelaws will need to be approved by the Secretary of State.

The Leader pointed out that the recommendation as published doesn’t make sense, and it was agreed that it should read: The Council resolves that the Hackney Carriage byelaws, dated 26 June 2012, be repealed and the revised model byelaws attached at Appendix 2 be adopted.

In response to a Member’s question as to how much time and effort was required by the council to get this process implemented, from publication by the government to the byelaws being adopted by CBC today, the Cabinet Member for Safety and Communities said that there was no indication that this had taken any more time than is normally expected for a policy update, but if there is anything unusual regarding the workload, she will let the Member know.

There was no debate.

RESOLVED (unanimously) THAT:

-       the Hackney Carriage byelaws, dated 26 June 2012, are repealed and the revised model byelaws attached at Appendix 2 is adopted.

12.

Local Council Tax Support Scheme 2026-27 pdf icon PDF 459 KB

Report of the Cabinet Member Finance and Assets, Councillor Peter Jeffries

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Assets said that the council is required to set its local council tax support scheme for working-age residents every year, and that as we no longer receive the revenue support grant which funded the scheme, we must fund that share of the scheme’s cost ourselves. In 2019-20 a new scheme was introduced to ensure that our most vulnerable residents, particularly those on low incomes, would continue to receive 100% support at the highest income band tier.  For 2026-27, the scheme set out in the report will again be based on five income bands, with some changes being made to increase the income disregarded in respect of disabled children and to extend the income levels in line with increased welfare benefits. 

He said that all Members will be aware that many residents continue to struggle with ongoing cost of living pressures, with many low-income households spending a large percentage of their income on essentials.  This scheme will provide vital support to approximately 4,300 of our most financially-challenged working-age residents, the cost of which, based on data at October 2025, amounts to just over £4.3m.

Inviting Members to support the recommendations, he drew their attention to the recommendation to delegate authority to adjust  the scheme when changes to national welfare benefit scheme occur, vital to ensure our most vulnerable residents are not disadvantaged. 

He ended by thanking the revenues and benefits team for their hard work.

There were no questions.

In debate, a Member commented that this proposal has his 100% support, with so many vulnerable residents needing support, and said CBC would not be in a position to help them as much as it can without the work of the former Director of Finance, Paul Jones.

Another Member noted that some Reform councils in the north of England were completely withdrawing help of this kind, which will not only lead to additional hardship for their poorest residents, but will ultimately cost those councils more as they try to recover council tax that people are not able to pay.  She said it is incredible that we can provide 100% support, also crediting Paul Jones’s skills in balancing the books, and reminds us how important it is to elect the right people and to stand up for those who need help.

Another Member agreed, saying he was proud of the council for looking after our most deprived and vulnerable residents, ensuring they are not forced to pay council tax they cannot afford.

Summing up, the Cabinet Member for Finance and Assets confirmed that it would ultimately cost the council more to try and recover money from people who cannot afford to pay council tax, and praised Paul Jones and the current Leader who started this fantastic policy which has held throughout the years of austerity and which he is proud to support.

RESOLVED THAT:

 

1.    the Local Council Tax Support Scheme for working age customers in Appendix 5 and summarised in Appendix 6, for 2026/27 is approved  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

13.

Half-yearly Treasury Management Report pdf icon PDF 809 KB

Report of the Cabinet Member Finance and Assets, Councillor Peter Jeffries

Minutes:

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Assets introduced his report, saying the council is required to review and scrutinise treasury management activity every year, including  investments and borrowing; this mid-term report sets out the position for first six months of the financial year and confirms that all treasury activity has been carried out in compliance with that approved by Members in March 2025.  He said Members will note that General Fund borrowing costs  are on target to the forecast in the 2025-26 budget, taking into account the HRA debt, reimbursement for this year, and steady investment returns; hopefully borrowing costs will be reduced in the coming months as interest rates fall further.   He said that the majority of council borrowing is at fixed rates, therefore insulated from recent increases and volatility,  and capital commitments are currently being met through short-term borrowing.  He said work continues to review borrowing strategy and minimise future financial pressures, and officers monitor interest rates daily to secure fixed-rate borrowing at the most advantageous opportunity.  Alongside this, we continue to maximise opportunities to generate capital receipts to repay debts. 

He confirmed that the report has been considered by the treasury management panel, and thanked them and treasury management officers in the finance team.

In response to a Member’s question about information on the ethical choices of investment, which is of concern to some residents, the Cabinet Member for Finance and Assets confirmed that relevant advice about investments and holdings is regularly sought, with Schroder’s Maximiser Fund being raised most frequently.  Although Members are not keen on this holding, to get rid of it would be expensive, so officers have been instructed to reduce it over time – it now stands at £59,200 of the original £2m invested, down from £120k in September 2024.  

There was no debate on this item.

RESOLVED THAT: 

-        contents of this summary report of the treasury management activity during the first six months of 2025/26 are noted.

14.

Cheltenham Borough Council's Greenhouse Gas Emission Report: 2024-25 pdf icon PDF 553 KB

Report of the Cabinet Member Climate Emergency, Councillor Richard Pineger

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency introduced the report, which he said was evidence of the action promised when the climate emergency was declared in 2019. He said climate change is not an abstract concept but real, impacting every aspect of our world; while some forces are beyond our control, others are not and are driven by everyday choices, and it is in the council’s power to choose its actions.  The report is a mirror, showing where we are succeeding and where we can do better. It highlights:

-       Scope 1 emissions (direct emissions from fossil fuels) own 55% from the baseline – a huge achievement;

-       Scope 2 emissions (electricity use at the council) up by 23%, reflecting the deliberate shift away from gas towards electrification;

-       Scope 3 emissions (the supply chain) remain the biggest challenge, but also provide the greatest opportunity to innovate and embed sustainability into every contract and procurement decision.

He said the picture is similar for housing services where, despite some reductions, the sheer scale of emissions from our housing stock shows why investing in programmes like the Warm Homes Fund, heat pumps and insulation matter so much—not just for carbon reduction, but for people’s lives. Warmer homes mean lower bills, better health, and greater comfort for thousands of residents, but this work requires investment, innovation, courage, and sometimes making decisions that feel uncomfortable. However, everything we do strengthens our resilience against spiralling energy costs brings us closer to a safer, healthier future, and reinforces our commitment to achieving Net Zero and to the worldwide movement for climate justice. 

He said the report demonstrates CBC’s accountability and transparency, is the foundation for everything that comes next, and moving forward, we will continue to empower residents to make greener choices. Approval and publication of the reports reaffirms our commitment to working together across parties, communities and Gloucestershire to make Cheltenham a beacon of climate leadership.

Members thanked the Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency for his report, and made the following comments and observations:

Regarding the challenges of collecting Scope 3 emissions data and improvements to reduce emissions,  a Member noted that the 2024 update of the Climate Emergency Action Plan listed improvements to infrastructure for cycling and walking, which will impact commuting and business travel but needs collaboration with the county council.  She wondered what progress there is with the county, not only connecting the Arle Court Business Hub to Bishop’s Cleeve, but also helping Cheltenham residents to get into the town centre from various neighbourhoods?  The Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency said he is keen to see this improved, and it appears that these actions now form part of the Strategic and Local Plan.  He will talk with the team and provide a written response later.

A Member noted that we can only manage what we can measure, and the report is honest about where we are, where we aim to be, where we are falling short, and where we are trying to make  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14.

15.

Member Development Panel Annual Report April 2024- May 2025 pdf icon PDF 420 KB

Report of the Chair of the Member Development Panel, Councillor Jackie Chelin

Additional documents:

Minutes:

As Chair of the Member Development Panel, Councillor Chelin was pleased to present the report, and to thank her fellow Panel Members, Councillors Pemberton and Davies, and Democratic Services officers for their hard work. 

She highlighted the following:

-       CBC achieved its Councillor Development Charter from Southwest Councils in May.  Thanks to Councillors Hay, Tailford, Collins and Davies, and to officers for their input.  We are currently working on the recommendations of the assessment panel, including clarifying the role of champions, including:

-     clarifying the role of champions, with draft role descriptions to be submitted to the

constitution working group in due course.  We currently have champions for cycling and walking, safeguarding, and refugees, but can give consideration to others in future, including youth;

-     Councillor Chelin has acted as an assessor for another local authority reviewing its charter and applying for Charter Plus accreditation, which provides a useful model for CBC to observe and possibly adopt;

-     as good practice, Democratic Services have organised IT drop-in sessions in advance  of major committees to help colleagues, and will be doing more, including help for Members to use Microsoft Teams more fully;

-     the buddying scheme for new Members and senior officers is helpful, but other authorities have a more formal and ongoing arrangement; we can look to encourage more engagement in our scheme;

-     a new approach to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) training is currently being sourced for roll-out in February or March;

-     a skills audit has been circulated to all Members, to share information about the general skills they bring from their working and professional lives, which may be useful in their councillor roles;

-     Members are invited to feed back any concerns about training and development not only at meetings but also through formal requests for consideration of any ideas and questions;

-     Planning training is important and to ensure access for all Members, we are looking to make it available at different times of the day and on line.

There were no questions.  Members thanked Councillor Chelin for her excellent chairing of the Member Development Panel, and made the following comments:

-       we have come a long way in way with the training delivered to Members, and they are encouraged to complete the skills audit, particularly if they have something to offer or contribute which might encourage others to come forward to be councillors;

-       in other parts of the world, women are stepping away from politics out of fear and the fear of intimidation, and this is having an enormous effect on democracies.  Here, we are giving all Members the feeling they belong, are supported, and can get help if needed.  This is really important, and demonstrated by the range of councillors we have at CBC, making a real difference for the town;

-       Members’ skills and interests are very wide ranging and useful.  Members should also keep an eye on Local Government Authority training, especially if stepping up into leadership roles.

No vote  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15.

16.

Delegation to Gloucestershire County Council to act as designated county planning authority responsible for deciding on the Requirements contained in Parts 1 and 2 of Schedule 2 of the M5 Junction 10 Development Consent Order pdf icon PDF 464 KB

Report of Cabinet Member for Planning and Building Control, Councillor Mike Collins

Minutes:

The Cabinet Member for Planning and Building Control apologised for this late addition to the agenda, saying it is largely a procedural and technical issue but Council approval is required today.  He explained that to avoid any risk of confusion or ambiguity around management of the M5 Junction 10 works, Cheltenham and Tewkesbury Borough Councils are delegating planning authority to Gloucestershire County Council, the most logical way forward as GCC is the highways authority.

A Member recalled that the JCS Planning Inspector had specifically stated that no large construction vehicles should use local roads in Swindon Village, St Peter’s and St Paul’s during development, and asked who will be responsible for monitoring and enforcing this for J10 and associated works.  The Cabinet Member for Planning and Building Control said any planning application will include conditions covering construction vehicles and transport plans, and although enforcement will be the responsibility of the county council, CBC will need to work in partnership with them and the highways authority to make sure it is happening.  

In response to another Member’s question, the Director of Planning confirmed that the Secretary of State had referred to the ‘relevant planning authority’ taking responsibility for the DCO, but for J10, three different councils are involved.  The county council, as the local highways authority, has the skills and expertise to manage the project, and the recommendations being voted on today ensure absolute clarity on that point.

Further to the earlier Member’s question, she added that although the county will be the designated planning authority, CBC will be a statutory consultee and retain the opportunity to engage in the planning process.  There will be an agreement outside the decision today which can be quite specific and explicit about what responsibilities and engagement looks like – this can be taken off line with the county.  With regard to the Planning Inspector’s comments about the JCS, she said any applications outside the M5 Junction 10 development, such as Elms Park, still sit with the district council. As today’s decision is only concerned with removing ambiguity about the designated planning authority for the Junction 10 DCO, it was agreed to take further discussion of this issue off line.

In response to a Member’s question about whether the county has sufficient resources and ability to enforce the conditions of the DCO, and whether this will transition to a future unitary authority without further work, the Cabinet Member for Planning and Building Control was unable to give a definitive response, saying the county council would be responsible. 

In debate, a Member welcomed the recommendation, and was keen for work to start. Another Member agreed, and suggested that had the UK still been part of the EU, the regional development fund would have been used to finance this, and more affordable and social housing would have been built in the process.

A Member commented that we need to make sure that if there are any infractions or perceived infractions, GCC will take enforcement action commensurate to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16.

17.

Appointment of Interim Section 151 Officer pdf icon PDF 217 KB

Minutes:

The Leader introduced the report, explaining that the council is required by statute to appoint an S151 officer, and that following the sad loss of Paul Jones, it was necessary to make an interim appointment as soon as possible. She said we have been lucky to appoint an interim S151 officer with a huge amount of local government experience, who will start at CBC in January.  

There were no questions.  A Member thanked the Leader and officers for moving quickly to fill this critical post for the council.

The Leader took the opportunity to say that the council has a fantastic finance team, which has done such a great job under such difficult circumstances.  In particular she wanted to thank Jon Whitlock for stepping up. 

RESOLVED THAT: 

-       Council formally appoints Adele Taylor as Interim Section 151 Officer with effect from January 2026

 

18.

Notice of Motions

Minutes:

There were none.

19.

Any other item the Mayor determines as urgent and which requires a decision

Minutes:

There were none.