Agenda, decisions and minutes

To approve, as a correct record, the minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 7^th November 2022.

The minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 7^th November were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To receive questions and statements from the public, if any.

None received.

To determine any other items of business which the Chairman decides should be considered as a matter of urgency pursuant to Section 100B(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972

None received.

Members are asked at this stage to declare any interests that they may have in any of the following items on the agenda. The Code of Conduct for Members requries that declarations include the nature of the interest and whether it is a disclosable pecuniary interest (see attached guidance and flowchart)

Cllr L Shires declared a non-pecuniary interest in Agenda item 13: North Walsham Market Place Improvement Scheme. She informed members that she belonged to North Walsham Phoenix Group which had been awarded a Building Improvement Grant (BIG) as part of the Heritage Action Zone Scheme. She added that she was also the County Councillor for North Walsham.

To receive oral questions from Members, if any

The Chairman advised members that they could ask questions as matters arose.

To consider any recommendations referred to the Cabinet by the Overview & Scrutiny Committee for consideration by the Cabinet in accordance within the Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rules

Cllr N Dixon, Chairman of the Overview & Scrutiny Committee confirmed that there were no recommendations to Cabinet from the November meeting.

LIST OF BACKGROUND PAPERS AS REQUIRED BY LAW

(Papers relied on to write the report, which do not contain exempt information and which are not published elsewhere)

Contact Officer, telephone number and email:

James Moore, 01263 516430, James.Moore@north-norfolk.gov.uk

Decision

RESOLVED

Cllr E Seward, Portfolio Holder for Finance & Assets, introduced this item. He explained that it was a statutory report which set out the fees and charges that would come into effect from April 2023. Cllr Seward asked that the car park designations for Sheringham (page 47) were amended to show Station Road as a resort category car park and Chequers as a coastal car park.

It was proposed by Cllr E Seward, seconded by Cllr R Kershaw and

RESOLVED

Contact Officer, telephone number and email:

James Moore, 01263 516430, james.moore@north-norfolk.gov.uk

Decision

RESOLVED:

To recommend that Full Council approves the Treasury Management Half Yearly Update

Reason for the Recommendation:

To comply with Local government requirements on reporting treasury activity regularly

Cllr E Seward, Portfolio Holder for Finance & Assets, introduced this item. He said that it provided mid-year information on the Council’s treasury activity.

It was proposed by Cllr E Seward, seconded by Cllr L Shires and

RESOLVED to recommend to Full Council:

That Full Council approves the Treasury Management Half Yearly Update

Reason for the Recommendation:

To comply with Local government requirements on reporting treasury activity regularly

LIST OF BACKGROUND PAPERS AS REQUIRED BY LAW

(Papers relied on to write the report, which do not contain exempt information and which are not published elsewhere)

Contact Officer, telephone number and email: Steve Blatch, Chief Executive

Email:- steve.blatch@north-norfolk.gov.uk

Tel:- 01263 516232

The Chairman, Cllr T Adams, introduced this item. He explained that this was a regular report that outlined the work that had been achieved in the previous quarter. He drew members’ attention to the completion of 8 new affordable homes in Southrepps and explained that there would be a much lower number of completions overall in 2022/2023 due to the nutrient neutrality issue.

The Chairman said that significant time had been taken up during the early part of the second quarter finalising the Levelling Up Fund bids for Fakenham and Cromer. It was now anticipated that the outcome would be known by the end of the calendar year.

The Chairman referred to page 95 and queried the inclusion of the purple section of the pie chart for the Climate, Coast & Environment. He wondered if this was an error.

Cllr E Seward referred to page 99, which referred to the completion of changing places facilities in Fakenham and Wells by June 2022. He said that the work at Wells would be completed shortly and in Fakenham it was likely to be June 2023.

Cllr A Fitch-Tillett said that she was disappointed that there was no table included for the Coast. The Chief Executive replied that it was an ‘exceptions’ report and that no commentary was a positive sign. He added that there was commentary regarding the Mundesley and Cromer coastal protection schemes included and the Coastal Transition Accelerator Programme (CTAP) would be covered in future reports.

The Chairman asked Cllr Fitch-Tillett if there had been an annual update to the Overview & Scrutiny committee on the work of the Coastal team. Cllr Fitch-Tillett replied that she was pleased to confirm that this had taken place in November.

It was proposed by Cllr T Adams, seconded by Cllr L Shires and

RESOLVED

To note the report and endorse the actions being taken by Corporate Leadership Team detailed in Appendix A – Managing Performance.

Reason for the decision:

To ensure the objectives of the Council are achieved.

LIST OF BACKGROUND PAPERS AS REQUIRED BY LAW

(Papers relied on to write the report, which do not contain exempt information and which are not published elsewhere)

Contact Officer, telephone number and email:

Karen Hill, Assistant Director of People Services, 01263 516183, karen.hill@north-norfolk.gov.uk

The Chairman began by thanking officers for contributing to the event and it was very beneficial having the expertise from external organisations too. He said that key findings showed that 60% of people didn’t know where to go for support with cost of living issues and this showed how important communication was. He concluded by saying that the Community Connectors were supporting in excess of 20 ‘warm hubs’ across the District.

The Assistant Director for People Services explained that the report outlined the issues that arose out of the summit, adding that most of them could be achieved without any additional resource and by working in partnership with community organisations. Financial support had been requested for food hubs, so more work would be undertaken regarding this to see if it was a cost-effective and sustainable approach for the Council to take. The Chairman agreed, saying that further consideration was needed regarding the provision of any support across the District.

Cllr J Toye said that he was amazed by the agility of officers and how quickly they had adapted and responded to the cost of living crisis. He thanked them for their continued hard work.

Cllr L Shires echoed Cllr Toye’s comments. She said that she was grateful for the way in which officers had responded to the Cost of Living Motion. She said that it was important to remember that 66% of people felt that their mental health had been impacted by the cost of living crisis. Several residents had spoken to her about their concerns for the winter and how they would manage to heat their homes. It was an appalling situation for people to be medicated against a situation that they were powerless to prevent.

Cllr V Gay thanked officers for making the recording of the summit available as it made it accessible for a much wider audience.

The Chairman said that the Council would continue to monitor the cost of living crisis closely.

It was proposed by Cllr T Adams, seconded by Cllr L Shires and

RESOLVED

To consider the further actions identified and to decide which to develop further.

Reason for the decision

To support residents of the District during the cost of living crisis.

LIST OF BACKGROUND PAPERS AS REQUIRED BY LAW

(Papers relied on to write the report, which do not contain exempt information and which are not published elsewhere)

Decision

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet approve the Community Engagement Strategy.

That Cabinet agree the content of the Action Plan.

Reason for the Recommendations:

To clearly support the Customer Focus element of the CorporatePlan andCorporate DeliveryPlan andto set ahigh-level frameworkwhich ensuresthat engagement is undertaken in a consistent and effective manner; to ensure that people feel well informed about local issues, have opportunities to get involved, influence local decision making, shape their area andallow us to continue to improve services theyreceive.

The action plan identifies activities which support the transition of the Strategy into delivery of engagement.

Cllr V Gay, Portfolio Holder for Health & Wellbeing, introduced this item. She referred to the actions table and highlighted the way that the strategy fed through into democratic engagement. Other key measurements included increasing volunteering and work placements and these were all good outcomes for a community engagement strategy.

Cllr L Shires said that the strategy was predominantly customer focussed and it was based on what residents wanted and how they wanted North Norfolk to be. She thanked the Director for Communities for all his hard work in pulling the strategy together.

The Assistant Director for People Services, said that she had pulled together the responses that had been received as part of the consultation process, some of them had been excellent and had suggested different models of engagement which was helpful and would assist with learning and future development around working with partners and delivering the strategy.

Cllr J Rest referred to page 143 and the North Walsham Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) project. He said that there had coverage of the scheme on local radio which indicated that people were not very supportive – which was not implied within the strategy. The Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Growth, Cllr R Kershaw, replied that a project of this scale would always cause some level of disruption. He said it was unfortunate that the interviewer had not asked for a Council representative to respond. He added that some of the issues experienced by businesses were caused by the wider economic problems and not the HAZ scheme.

Cllr L Shires said that there had been an extensive consultation process for the HAZ scheme and a number of groups had been formed, including the business group, and there had been several public meetings. There was also a stakeholder consultation group which included representatives from across the town. So, although there were a few vocal objectors to the scheme, the level of consultation and engagement should not be dismissed.

The Director for Communities said that the Council needed a consistent approach to community engagement. The strategy was about setting out the Council’s activity along project lines. There would always be differences in opinion but as long as the criteria were clearly set out, members could make informed decisions. He concluded by saying that the action plan was a living and evolving document.

It was proposed by Cllr T Adams, seconded by Cllr L Shires and

RESOLVED

To approve the Community Engagement Strategy.

To agree the content of the Action Plan.

Reason for the Recommendations:

To clearly support the Customer Focus element of the CorporatePlan andCorporate DeliveryPlan andto set ahigh-level frameworkwhich ensuresthat engagement is undertaken in a consistent and effective manner; to ensure that people feel well informed about local issues, have opportunities to get involved, influence local decision making, shape their area and allow us to continue to improve services theyreceive.

The action plan identifies activities which support the transition of the Strategy into delivery of engagement.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 85.

Contact Officer, telephone  ...  view the full agenda text for item 86.

Decision

RESOLVED:

To recommend to Full Council that £400,000 be allocated from the Business Rates Retention Reserve for the completion of the NWHSHAZ place-making scheme.

Reason for the recommendation:

This recommendation is made in order to deliver the additional town centre improvements as part of the HSHAZ place-making scheme.

The Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Growth, Cllr R Kershaw, introduced this item. He said that the earlier reference to the radio interview on the scheme was pertinent, because that had arisen due to the report being placed in the public domain. He agreed with Cllr Shires summary of the extensive consultation process for the scheme and said that it had been revised to accommodate the majority of views. He said that he firmly believed in the scheme. It had already generated additional business in the town.  It was well known that there were some people who were not supportive but this was always the case for any large project.

Cllr Kershaw explained that the original budget had been drawn up in 2020 and a lot of change had happened since then, including a pandemic and an economic crisis. He said that the Project Manager had had the foresight to pre-purchase a lot of the construction materials which had already saved a considerable amount of money. He reminded members that costs for the Kings Lynn HAZ scheme had increased by 48%, whereas the North Walsham scheme had increased by 18%.

Cllr E Seward said it was important to remember why the scheme had commenced. North Walsham Town Centre had been in decline for some time and to arrest this decline, there was a need to improve the environment of the town centre. There had been small projects undertaken in the past which had not been done properly. He went onto say that there were a small number of individuals on social media which said certain things about the project which had not truth in them. He gave the example of the travel hub and false comments that had suggested that the buses would not be able to turn and they would hit the bus shelters. This had not happened and since its opening, it was now a welcome improvement to the town.

Regarding inflation, Cllr Seward said that as Finance Portfolio Holder, he was concerned about escalating construction costs. It was a struggle faced by all councils but it must be remembered that the cost increases for this project were relatively low compared to others. He concluded by saying that, as a resident of the town, he was confident that the project would be completed and it would be done properly. Ultimately, people would say what a success it was.

Cllr N Lloyd said that he had been a resident of North Walsham for 40 years and during that time he had seen huge change – including housing growth and the closure of some businesses. Very little had been spent on the town and a project of this scale was well overdue. He said that Church Slope looked wonderful now. It was very unfortunate that there were a few, very vocal people who seemed to get all the media attention.

Cllr N Dixon said that he had no issue regarding the merits of the scheme or the impact of cost inflation  ...  view the full minutes text for item 86.

Contact Officer, telephone number and email:

Robert Young - 01263 516162, Robert.Young@north-norfolk.gov.uk

Decision

RESOLVED

1.    Lumi be donated to Sheringham Museum to display as part of its climate change and Deep History Coast collection;

2.    Delegation to finalise the arrangements is given tothe Assistant Director for Sustainable Growth in consultation with the portfolio holder for Leisure, Wellbeing and Culture.

Reason for the recommendation:

The sculpture would be a welcome and relevant addition to the Museum’s collection, strengthening local links to the Deep History Coast. The museum is also able to offer a safe and secure location to display the sculpture and ensure its long-term maintenance

Cllr V Gay, Portfolio Holder for Culture, introduced this item. She explained that, following the successful conclusion of the GO_GO Discover Sculpture Trail, as lead sponsor for the countywide trail, NNDC retained ownership of two sculptures, including ‘Lumi’ which was temporarily placed at the DHC discovery point at Cart Gap. Sheringham Museum had expressed an interest in hosting the sculpture permanently and it would accept Lumi on a gift or loan basis, allowing the Council to ‘borrow’ it for events such as Greenbuild in the future, if necessary. The sculpture was currently on display at the museum’s entrance.

Cllr E Withington, said that, as local member for Sheringam, she would be delighted for it to be permanently hosted at the museum.

Cllr N Dixon asked if there would be any scope for the sculpture to be located at other locations across the District during the tourist season. Cllr Gay replied that this could be considered in the future, however, as yet no other places had expressed an interest. The sculpture was extremely heavy and required a low-loader to transport it as well as a proper base if it was to be sited outdoors.

Cllr L Shires said that she welcomed the request for it to be hosted safely at the Sheringham museum.

It was proposed by Cllr V Gay, seconded by Cllr N Lloyd and

RESOLVED

1.    Lumi be donated to Sheringham Museum to display as part of its climate change and Deep History Coast collection;

2.    Delegation to finalise the arrangements is given tothe Assistant Director for Sustainable Growth in consultation with the portfolio holder for Leisure, Wellbeing and Culture.

Reason for the recommendation:

The sculpture would be a welcome and relevant addition to the Museum’s collection, strengthening local links to the Deep History Coast. The museum is also able to offer a safe and secure location to display the sculpture and ensure its long-term maintenance

LIST OF BACKGROUND PAPERS AS REQUIRED BY LAW

(Papers relied on to write the report, which do not contain exempt information and which are not published elsewhere)

Contact Officer: Kate Rawlings kate.rawlings@north-norfolk.gov.uk

Decision

RESOLVED

·         To make the suggested changes to the Environmental Charter

·         To join the UK100 network

·         That the portfolio holder for Environmental Services, Climate Change and Environmentsigns the online form showing support for ADEPT a Blueprint for accelerating climate action and a green recovery at the local level.

Reason for the decision:

To access assistance from and show support for initiatives to help the Council meet its Net Zero targets

Cllr N Lloyd, Portfolio Holder for Environment & Climate Change, introduced this item. He explained that it was recommended that the Council joined the UK100 network to share knowledge and collaborate on environmental issues. Doing so required a change to the wording of the Council’s environmental charter, to reinforce the commitment to the wider district to assist decarbonisation. In addition, it was proposed that the Council demonstrated support for the ADEPT Blueprint to accelerate climate action and green recovery at local level, by the Portfolio Holder for Environment & Climate Change signing an online petition.

It was proposed by Cllr N Lloyd, seconded by Cllr R Kershaw and

RESOLVED

·         To make the suggested changes to the Environmental Charter

·         To join the UK100 network

·         That the portfolio holder for Environmental Services, Climate Change and Environmentsigns the online form showing support for ADEPT a Blueprint for accelerating climate action and a green recovery at the local level.

Reason for the decision:

To access assistance from and show support for initiatives to help the Council meet its Net Zero targets

Decision

RESOLVED

1. To confirm support for the serving of the General Vesting Document to take ownership of the site as soon as possible

2. To recommend to Full Council that it approves the addition of a capital budget of the valuation cost as set out at section 6 of the confidential appended report, and an additional £10,000 to cover the costs associated with the purchase of the property to be financed by the use of capital receipts, use of reserves and borrowing if required.

Reason for the decision:

To secure timely redevelopment of the site, in accordance with the previously agreed Compulsory Purchase Order process, and the decision of the public inquiry to confirm the Order.

The Assistant Director for Planning introduced this item. He said there was a small error at section 2.3 of the report. It should state £10,000 not £50,000.

He went on to explain that this was a long-standing matter and the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) had been granted some time ago. The building had been demolished in June 2021 and no further work had been commenced to take forward the development of the approved new building. Work should have started by June 2022, with an extended date of 23^rd November 2022. This date had now passed and with increasing public concern about the lack of progress made, it was felt that it was an appropriate time for the Council to consider whether it should exercise the CPO by serving the General Vesting Document on the site owner as soon as possible. He informed members that the deadline for completion of the new development was June 2023. It was therefore proposed that the Council proceeded with the CPO and took control of the site.

Cllr A Brown, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Enforcement, said that it was a myth that the CPO process was straightforward. It was extremely complex. He explained that this had begun in 2014 and if no action was taken by the Council now, it would run until 2024, when the CPO expired. That essentially meant Sheringham had been subjected to 10 years of blight on a prominent site on the seafront. It was time to take decisive action as it was clear that very little was being done by the owner to progress the development of the site.

Cllr E Withington, Local member for Sheringham, thanked officers for all their hard work. She said that the community was very appreciative, adding that the owner of the adjacent building was becoming increasingly concerned that no action was being taken.

Cllr R Kershaw commented that it was incumbent on the Council to act decisively and serve documents on the owner. It was a prime site in the town and could not be left any longer.

Cllr N Dixon said that he recognised the need for the Council to support and deliver effective planning enforcement, however, he was concerned that any action taken could commit the Council to delivering the CPO and regenerating the site too. He asked whether the costs and risks had been robustly and reliably addressed in the Savills report (included in the exempt appendix)

The Assistant Director for Planning replied that Savills had provided an updated report to support this process in terms of the General Vesting Document. The process in terms of the Council becoming a developer was not confirmed at this stage. It was intended that the Council would take ownership of the site and then work with property experts to move the matter forward. It was possible that a further report would come to Cabinet, looking at a back to back project, limiting the risk, by using a partner as a developer for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 89.

To pass the following resolution:

a.    That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 3 of Part I of Schedule 12A (as amended) to the Act.”

b.    That the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosure for the following reasons:

Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information). The appended report contains commercially confidential information.