Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors L Bates, D Foster and P Seekings.

The minutes of the meetings held on 28 February 2012 and 7 March 2012 were approved and signed as a correct record.

(Moved by Councillor D Cook and seconded by Councillor R Pritchard)

To receive any declarations of Members’ interests (personal and/or personal and   prejudicial) in any matters which are to be considered at this meeting.

When Members are declaring a personal interest or personal and prejudicial interest in respect of which they have dispensation, they should specify the nature of such interest.  Members should leave the room if they have a personal and prejudicial interest in respect of which they do not have a dispensation.

There were no Declarations of Interest.

Announcement by Councillor R Cook

Councillor R Cook announced that this was his last meeting as a member of Council. He considered standing again but said that he is not as young as he used to be. He has contested every election since 1965 and lost a few but won many more. He has had a fantastic time and had support from lots of people.

He has seen lots of changes including two Committee structure changes and the present Cabinet structure. His first appointment was to the Sewage and SewageCauses Committee. He recalled a time when he dangled fish in water to see how long it survived.

He will sit as a member of public when he leaves and attend Freeman events too as he is very proud to be a Freeman of the Borough. He has received support from past and present members of staff and the public and he is very grateful for all the support he has been given. He has memories that he will carry to his grave.

He wished good fortune to everyone at this Council.

Announcement by the Mayor

The Mayor thanked Councillor Ron Cook for his contribution to Council and as Mayor over the years.

Announcement by Councillor J Faulkner

Hopes that Councillor Ron Cook enjoys his retirement and thanked him for his contribution over the years.

Announcement by Councillor D Cook

Councillor D Cook thanked Councillor Ron Cook and said it had been an honour to work with him. He has known him since he had been President of the Conservative Party in Tamworth.

Announcement by Councillor R McDermid

Councillor McDermid said that he came to public office to work for the Community which is the Heart of Tamworth and he does his best to inspire the people out there. He had a weird experience on holiday, while walking down the street he met Councillor Ron Cook. Councillor Cook’s expertise and enthusiasm are second to none and he wished him and his wife well in his retirement.

Announcement by Councillor K Gant

Councillor Gant announced that he had known Councillor Ron Cook since 1952 and they were in the forces together. He described Councillor Cook as a very affable, well meaning person on Spital Ward and everyone has a high regard for him. He has done his best for everyone. Both Councillor Ken Gant and Councillor Maureen Gant gave their best regards for a long and happy retirement.

Announcement by Councillor J Garner

Councillor Garner paid tribute to Councillor Ron Cook. In 1979 they were on opposite sides of the Chamber. The pattern bears no resemblance to today and there is a far better management style. He wished him well for his retirement.

Announcement by Councillor A James

Councillor James said that Councillor Ron Cook had paid great service to the town and although he is retiring from the Council, he will still be out there pounding the streets. He wished him luck and thanked him very much.

Announcement  ...  view the full minutes text for item 75.

(i)                 To answer questions from members of the public pursuant to Procedure Rule No. 10.

(ii)               To answer questions from members of the Council pursuant to Procedure Rule No. 11

QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC                NO. 1

Under Procedure Rule No 10, Mr K Forest, 64a Foxglove, Amington, Tamworth will ask the Portfolio Holder for Economic Development and Enterprise, the following question:-

“It is my understanding that linked to the Council’s exciting Town centre regeneration proposals there is also a Town Centre master plan.

Could some early arrangements be made to display and explain the ideas to the public.”

The Portfolio Holder for Economic Development and Enterprise gave the following reply:

Yes a town centre masterplan was produced in 2009 following consultation in late 2008 and early 2009 with key stakeholders in the town centre. The masterplan has been promoted at several public events and has been available for the public since its publication in 2009 in both hard copy and on CD.

The Council is working with public and private sector partners to implement some of the ideas in the masterplan, such as improving the pedestrian and public transport links to the town centre. The Town Centre remains a key corporate priority and the new Core Strategy places the regeneration of the town centre as a key objective. We also intend to produce a town centre Supplementary planning document that will provide more detail and guide the future regeneration of the town centre. We will ask the general public for their thoughts in late spring which will guide the development of that document.

Supplementary Question

I didn’t know that this was in the public domain and I will seek a copy. It was originally produced in 2009, is there any updated information and how up to date is the information? Is it accessible to the public?

The Portfolio Holder for Economic Development and Enterprise gave the following reply:

It has not been updated. The updates are as per the Core Strategy. If you want a copy of the Town Centre Masterplan I will get you one.

QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC                NO. 2

Under Procedure Rule No 10, Mr K Forest, 64a Foxglove, Amington, Tamworth will ask the Portfolio Holder for Economic Development and Enterprise, the following question:-

“Concerns were registered at a recent planning meeting attended by a highways officer that the detail and accuracy of Traffic Impact data and car parking assessment and provision is based on data that does not come from the Tamworth area.  For various reasons Tamworth has a high car user rate.  It therefore would need higher car parking needs.  The highways officer stated “there is no data for Tamworth”.  This may be a reason why Highways do not raise planning objections on highways matters within Tamworth when perhaps they ought to.  Several years ago applications required developers to use Traffic Impact studies for existing Town areas to compile local standards.

Could Tamworth Council liaise with Staffordshire Highways to ensure a return to such local standards and that all traffic related data supplied by applicants as part of their planning submissions be obtained from Tamworth based  ...  view the full minutes text for item 76.

(Report of the Chair of Audit & Governance Committee)

The Report of the Chair of Audit and Governance Committee advising Members on the action taken by the Audit and Governance Committee for the municipal year 2011/2012 was considered.

(Report of the Chair of Community & Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee)

(Report of the Chair of Corporate Scrutiny Committee)

The Council received the Annual Reports of the Chair of Community and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee and the Chair of Corporate Scrutiny Committee.

(Report of the Chair of Community & Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee)

The Report of the Chair of Community and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee on the outcome of the Fluoridation Petition Inquiry Day was considered.

(Report of the Leader of the Council)

The Report of the Leader of the Council detailing Tamworth Borough Council’s Pay Policy Statement so that statutory guidance as set out in S38 of the Localism Act 2011 is adhered to was considered.