Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors P Andrews, Cussons and J Andrews.

Apologies for late arrival were received from Councillor Clark, who arrived at 6:50pm.

There were no public questions.

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the ordinary Meeting of Council held on 20 February 2020.

The minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Council held on 20 February 2020 were presented.

            Resolved

That the minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Council held on 20 February 2020 be approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

Voting record

22 For

4 Abstentions

To receive notice of any urgent business which the Chairman considers should be dealt with at the meeting as a matter of urgency by virtue of Section 100B(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972.

There were no items of urgent business which the Chairman considered should be dealt with as a matter of urgency by virtue of Section 100B(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

Members to indicate whether they will be declaring any interests under the Code of Conduct.

Members making a declaration of interest at a meeting of a Committee or Council are required to disclose the existence and nature of that interest.  This requirement is not discharged by merely declaring a personal interest without further explanation.

The Chairman advised that the declarations of all member of North Yorkshire County Council would be taken as given.

To receive any announcements from the Chairman, the Leader and/or the Head of Paid Service.

The Chairman made the following announcements:

Thanks were given to the people of Ryedale, and Officers and Members of Ryedale District Council for their work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

On behalf of the Council, the Chairman congratulated Simon Copley on his appointment to the post of Head of Corporate Governance.

Statements of apology were received from Councillors Raper and Thackray.

To Councillor Goodrick, Chair of the Planning Committee, from Councillor Potter

To Councillor Goodrick, Chair of the Planning Committee, from Councillor Potter:

Councillor Potter submitted the following question:

“Do you agree with the points made in a letter from the cabinet member for planning and leader of Cheshire East Council to the Secretary of State for Housing, Robert Jenrick, after he allowed a planning appeal, despite a clear conflict with local development plan policies and sufficient 5 year land supply.  The letter claims this decision ‘undermines the principles of effective plan making’ and will ‘likely lead to a further scramble for developers to seek permission for other unplanned sites’.”

Councillor Goodrick, Chair of the Planning Committee, replied:

“Councillor Potter, thank you for your question. As you are aware – this is what you've already been advised by Officers – that this question relates to planning policy, and as such it would be best and most appropriate for this question to be directed to the Chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee.”

Councillor Potter then asked a supplementary question:

“This item, I believe, relates to actual decisions under planning policies, not of planning policy itself, because this was a decision made on a planning application and was overruled by the Secretary of State for Housing. So it's not actually about planning policy as such, this is absolutely about a planning decision. So, I would expect an answer from the Chair of Planning, as the Chair of Policy and Resources is actually only responsible for strategic planning in the powers that he took unto himself.”

Councillor Potter confirmed that he wished to repeat the same question and requested a response from the Chair of Planning.

Councillor Goodrick, Chair of the Planning Committee, replied:

“I think I was fairly forthright in what I said. It’s quite clear. The group decided that this is how it's best to be handled and that is where I leave it.”

To consider a resolution to exclude the press and public from the meeting during consideration of the reports marked exempt for the following item 10 (To Receive all Committee and Council level decisions made under urgency powers, as required under the Constitution) as provided by paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972, as they contain information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

The public interest test has been considered and, in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption is considered to outweigh the public interest in disclosing the information.

Resolved

To exclude the press and public from the meeting during any consideration of the reports marked exempt for the following item 10 (‘To Receive all Committee and Council level decisions made under urgency powers, as required under the Constitution’) as provided by paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972, as they contain information relating to the financial or business affairs of any person (including the authority holding that information).

The public interest test has been considered and, in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption is considered to outweigh the public interest in disclosing the information.

Public Committee and Council level decisions made under urgency powers are available for inspection on the Council’s website. This includes a list of exempt decisions outlining the reasons for the exemptions.

The Committee and Council level decisions made under urgency powers were received and the Constitutional requirement was met.

Councillor Duncan, the Leader of the Council, presented the following statement:

LEADER’S STATEMENT

This is our first Full Council meeting since the Covid-19 pandemic began. Lots has happened, and it would be impossible to mention everything, but I will endeavour to give the headline points and take your questions.

I could not be prouder of this council, and in particular the way our officers have gone above and beyond to stand by our residents during one of the toughest period in the district’s history. Despite everything, we’ve seen the very best of what our council can do.

But it’s not just our officers worthy of thanks, I would like to congratulate councillors too for coming together, across the political divide, to join forces with hundreds of volunteers in all corners of our district. I hope this cooperation can continue in the uncertain months ahead, as we play our role in the ongoing Covid-19 recovery and face up to the prospect of big changes to local government in North Yorkshire.

Covid-19

Our key priority, from the outset of the emergency, was to protect lives and livelihoods. I’m immensely proud that we’ve been able to help do this on behalf of our residents, communities and businesses. And that is what we will need to do during the uncertain times ahead by working together.

Delivering services

Our teams worked around-the-clock to deliver frontline services for our communities. Most of our normal services operated throughout the emergency period, despite increased demand and capacity constraints. We also played a key and significant role in supporting those shielding and in need, working closely with town/parish councils, volunteers and partners such as North Yorkshire County Council.

Business support

We are at forefront of efforts to support the local economy. We’ve led the way in getting grants out of the door to those who need it - fast. In total, we distributed over £23.5m in grants to more than 2,000 local businesses. That includes £1.1m of discretionary business grants targeted at small and micro businesses unable to access other assistance. A huge amount of work has gone on behind-the-scenes to develop and deliver these grants. Without them, it is certain that many businesses in Ryedale would not have been able to survive.

On top of this, we played a key role in getting businesses back open. We issued over 200 ‘back to business packs” to help them reopen and operate safely. We also provided particular advice and guidance to hospitality and tourism businesses about how to reopen safely, with 185 businesses registered for Visit England’s ‘We’re Good to Go’ industry mark.

Voluntary and community groups

We’ve also been supporting our important voluntary, community and arts groups. The council created a £40,000 emergency grants fund available to voluntary and community organisations. This provided a lifeline cash injection so they could continue supporting local people during this difficult time. Most recently, we also launched a £5,000 arts grant scheme.

Budget

While all of this is happening, we’re of course keeping  ...  view the full minutes text for item 103.

It was moved by Cllr Duncan and seconded by Cllr Arnold that the following recommendations be approved and adopted:

i)      The Council notes the contents of the report and that the Surplus Balance of £32k has been transferred to the General Reserve.

ii)     The Council approves a carry forward of £1.301m from the Capital Programme.

Councillor Clark moved and Councillor Potter seconded the following amendment:

            Delete the recommendations and replace with:

i)      The Council notes the contents of the report.

ii)     The report is referred to the Policy and Resources Committee and the Audit Committee to be considered at the earliest convenient date.

Upon being put to the vote the amendment was lost.

Recorded vote:

For: Councillors Brackstone, Burr, Clark, Potter, Thackray and Wass

Against:  Councillors Arnold, Bailey, Cleary, Delaney, Docwra, Duncan, Frank, Garbutt Moore, Goodrick, Graham, Hope, Keal, King, Mackenzie, Mason, Middleton, Oxley, Raine, Raper, Riby, Windress

Upon being put to the vote, the substantive motion was carried.

Resolved

i)      The Council notes the contents of the report and that the Surplus Balance of £32k has been transferred to the General Reserve.

ii)     The Council approves a carry forward of £1.301m from the Capital Programme.

Voting record

25 For

2 Abstentions

It was moved by Councillor Duncan and seconded by Councillor Arnold that the following recommendations be approved and adopted:

That Council:

i)      Endorses the actions of officers and note the contents of the report.

ii)     Agrees that an amount from reserves will be required to offset the net additional costs arising from COVID.

Councillor Clark moved and Councillor Potter seconded the following amendment:

            In recommendation i) delete “Endorses” and replace with “Notes”; delete “note”. 

In recommendation ii) replace “Agrees” with “Notes”.

Insert “iii) Refers the report to the next available meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee.”

Upon being put to the vote the amendment was lost.

Recorded vote:

For:  Councillors Brackstone, Burr, Clark, Frank, Mason, Potter, Raine, Riby, Thackray and Wass

Against:  Councillors Arnold, Bailey, Cleary, Delaney, Docwra, Duncan, Garbutt Moore, Goodrick, Graham, Hope, Keal, King, Mackenzie, Middleton, Oxley, Raper and Windress

Upon being put to the vote, the substantive motion was carried.

Resolved

That Council:

i)      Endorses the actions of officers and note the contents of the report.

ii)     Agrees that an amount from reserves will be required to offset the net additional costs arising from COVID.

Voting record

Unanimous

It was moved by Councillor Duncan and seconded by Councillor Arnold that the following recommendations be approved and adopted:

The Council is asked:

·         to note the content of this report, and

·         to agree the proposed approach in pulling together the financial plan, and

·         to agree the timescales as set out in the report

Upon being put to the vote the motion was carried.

Resolved

That Council:

·         notes the content of the report, and

·         agrees the proposed approach in pulling together the financial plan, and

·         agrees the timescales as set out in the report

Voting record

Unanimous

It was moved by Councillor Duncan and seconded by Councillor Oxley that the following recommendation be approved and adopted:

          That the Council Plan 2020-2024 is approved, which is attached as Appendix 1 to the report.

Upon being put to the vote the motion was carried.

Resolved

That the Council Plan 2020-2024 is approved, which is attached as Appendix 1 to the report.

Voting record

23 For

4 Abstentions

Proposed by Councillor Keal and seconded by Councillor Mason

[Please note that this item was considered at Policy and Resources Committee on 19 March 2020 and subsequently as part of a Decision Notice issued under urgency powers.]

“In view of the continuing calls for west east access to the A64 from York Rd, we call on Ryedale District Council to work with North Yorkshire County Council and the Highways Agency to explore the possibility of a roundabout at the Huttons Ambo junction on the A64 to help alleviate the traffic congestion levels in Malton and Norton.

The roundabout would allow access to the A64 east from York Road, reducing the level of traffic, including HGVs, that have to pass through Malton and Norton to access the A64 and create east/west access at both ends of the Malton bypass.

Furthermore, with the concern widely expressed for the safety of children and parents accessing Malton County Primary School and St Mary’s RC School on Highfield Lane, Malton, we call on Ryedale District Council to support a HGV ban between the Peasey Hill Road junction and Hawthorn Avenue.

We request that Officers be asked to enter into negotiations with North Yorkshire County Council to follow the process required to introduce this ban.”

Councillor Duncan proposed and Councillor Docwra seconded the following amendment:

            Delete the motion and replace with:

“The Council welcomes the commitment from North Yorkshire County Council to undertake work to develop proposals for a junction that allows for all-direction managements between York Road and the A64, near the western end of the Malton Bypass.  It is understood that the intention is to develop proposals to a stage whereby bids for funding the junction could be submitted at short notice.

Further, officers will continue discussions with colleagues at North Yorkshire County Council with the aim of identifying options and developing proposals for a junction or slip roads between Broughton Road and the A64.”

Upon being put to the vote the amendment was carried.

Voting record

21 For

2 Against

3 Abstentions

Councillor Keal proposed and Councillor Mason seconded the following amendment:

After “between York Road and the A64,” insert “and the alternative option for a roundabout adjacent to the Huttons Ambo junction”.

Upon being put the vote the amendment was lost.

Voting record

4 For

16 Against

6 Abstentions

Councillor Mason proposed and Councillor Keal seconded the following amendment:

Insert “ii) The District Council welcomes the proposed part-time HCV prohibition on Highfield Road and calls for it to remain in place until the detailed schemes for A64 junctions have been developed, the implications for the internal highways network have been assessed and the implementation is due to go ahead (subject to NYCC seeking to minimise the potential for HCVs to simply divert via the AQMA).”

Upon being put to the vote the amendment was lost.

Recorded vote:

For:  Councillors Brackstone, Burr, Clark, Keal, Mason, Potter, Raine, Riby, Thackray and Wass

Against:  Councillors Arnold, Bailey, Cleary, Delaney, Docwra, Duncan,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 109.

To appoint a new representative to the Milton Rooms Management Committee, following Councillor Delaney’s decision to step down from this role.

This item was deferred.

There being no items of urgent business, the meeting closed at 9:45pm.