Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 26 February 2008 (attached).

RESOLVED:

            That the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 26 February 2008 be taken as read and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

(a)               Planning Protocol (Minute 23)(a))

The Deputy Monitoring Officer reported that it had not been possible to agree a convenient date for the proposed training session.  However, emails had been sent to relevant staff, a letter had been sent to local councils and an item had been included in the Council Bulletin.  In addition an advice note had been included on Area Plans Sub-Committee agenda.  The Committee noted that the issue would also be addressed in future training sessions regarding the Protocol.

To declare interests in any item on the agenda.

No declarations of interest were made pursuant to the Council’s Code of Member Conduct.

(Monitoring Officer) To consider the attached draft Sixth Annual Report of the Committee for 2007/08.

The Committee considered a draft of their sixth Annual Report for 2007/08.  Several alterations were agreed and the Chairman advised that she would be sending an email to the Deputy Monitoring Officer with proposed further amendments.

            RESOLVED:

(1)               That the officers be authorised to amend the report in accordance with Members’ views and arrange for its submission to the Annual meeting of the Council on 15 May 2008; and

(2)               That, if possible, the Chairman of the Committee attend the Annual meeting to present the report.

To consider the attached report.

The Committee received a report on applications for dispensation from all members of Waltham Abbey Town Council.

In accordance with Section 100(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972, together with paragraphs 6 and 25 of the Council’s Procedure Rules, the Chairman had permitted on the grounds of urgency, the inclusion of this item of business so that the vacancy on the Town Council could be filled without delay.

The Committee was advised that in the absence of a Parish Council representative it would not be possible to consider this report.

            RESOLVED:

            That a Sub-Committee comprising Ms M Marshall, G Weltch and Councillor Mrs D Borton or Councillor B Surtees be authorised to consider and to determine the applications for dispensation.

           Recommendation:

           To confirm attendance at a training session for local assessment.

(Monitoring Officer) At the last meeting it was decided that members of this Committee and officers supporting the Committee should attend a training session being co-ordinated by Braintree District Council.

Braintree District Council has now confirmed that sufficient places are available for members and officers at the session which has been arranged for 12 May 2008. Officers will report further on the details.

In accordance with section 100(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972, together with paragraphs 6 and 25 of the Council’s Procedure Rules, the Chairman has permitted on grounds of urgency, the inclusion of this item of business so that Braintree District Council can be advised of the members and officers attending.

The Deputy Monitoring Officer advised that Braintree District Council had now confirmed the arrangements for a training session for local assessment being held on 12 May 2008. 

Members were asked to advise if they proposed to attend the training session.

In accordance with Section 100(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972, together with paragraphs 6 and 25 of the Council’s Procedure Rules, the Chairman had permitted on grounds of urgency, the inclusion of this item of business so that  Braintree District Council could be advised of the members and officers attending.

            RESOLVED:

            That Braintree District Council be advised that this Council will be represented at the training session by Ms M Marshall, M Wright, Councillor Mrs P Smith, Councillor B Surtees, the Monitoring Officer, the Deputy Monitoring Officer and the Allegations Determination Manager.

(Monitoring Officer) The calendar for 2008/09 provides for meetings of the Committee on 15 July 2008, 13 October 2008, 27 January 2008 and 14 April 2008.

Additional meetings can be arranged as and when required by the Committee.

The Committee noted that the calendar for 2008/09 provided for meetings of the Committee on 15 July 2008, 13 October 2008, 27 January 2009 and 14 April 2009.