In the last 7 days (since Saturday 08 June 2024), the council has held the following meetings:

• Planning and Licensing Committee on Wednesday, 12 June 2024
• Licensing Sub-Committee (Licensing Act 2003 Matters) on Tuesday, 11 June 2024 (no video provided)

Planning and Licensing Committee

The Planning and Licensing Committee meeting on Wednesday, 12 June 2024, was the most impactful, with significant discussions on updates to the pavement licensing regime and a planning application for a garage in Longborough.

Update to Pavement Licensing Regime

Kevin, the Licensing Officer for Cotswold District Council, presented the draft policy document for the pavement licensing regime, which has been made permanent following the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act. The regime, initially introduced under the Business and Planning Act 2020, allows businesses to apply for licenses to use outdoor spaces for food and drink consumption. Key amendments to the policy include:

• Increasing the minimum consultation period from 14 to 28 days.
• Extending the license validation from 12 to 24 months.
• Raising the capped fees for new licenses from £100 to £500 and introducing a renewal fee capped at £350.
• Enforcement powers to remove and store unlicensed furniture from highways and recover costs from businesses.

Councillor Neill raised concerns about A-boards obstructing pavements, which are covered under advertisement consent regulations¹. The committee approved the draft policy and new fees, with the recommendation that full council also approve them.

Planning Application for Garage in Longborough

The committee discussed the planning application for the erection of a single-detached garage and the addition of two gable windows at Milverton, Old Rectory Gardens, Longborough. The application, submitted by Mr. Sagar, faced scrutiny over highway safety concerns due to the proposed garage's proximity to a blind bend and the potential for vehicles to obstruct the road while entering or exiting the garage.

Public and Member Comments

• Councillor Timothy House from Longborough Parish Council and Caroline Garnham, a local resident, expressed concerns about highway safety and the impact on the village's conservation area.
• Laura Sagar, the applicant, highlighted their commitment to the community and the use of technology to mitigate safety concerns, such as using Alexa to open the garage doors remotely.
• Councillor David Cunningham, the ward member, emphasized the need for a thorough review of highway safety issues.

Committee Discussion

Members debated the balance between the aesthetic impact on the conservation area and highway safety. The highways officer acknowledged potential safety issues but deemed them not significant enough to warrant refusal. The committee considered the use of technology to open garage doors and the existing access arrangements.

Councillor Mark Harris proposed permitting the application, seconded by Councillor Gary Selwyn. The committee voted to permit the application with 10 votes for and one against.

For more details, you can refer to the Proposed Block Plan, Existing House Elevations, and Proposed Garage Plans Elevations.

Licensing Sub-Committee (Licensing Act 2003 Matters)

The Licensing Sub-Committee (Licensing Act 2003 Matters) meeting on Tuesday, 11 June 2024, was held, but no video was provided for this meeting.

Summary

This week's meetings focused on updates to the pavement licensing regime and a significant planning application in Longborough. The decisions made will influence local business operations and community safety. The ongoing theme of balancing development with maintaining the district's unique character continues to be a significant point of discussion.

This week, the Cotswold Council held two scheduled meetings. The Licensing Sub-Committee meeting on Tuesday, 14 May 2024, was cancelled. The Council meeting on Wednesday, 15 May 2024, was the primary focus, with significant discussions on leadership elections, committee appointments, and strategic announcements.

Leadership Elections

The most notable event was the election of the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Council. Councillor Nicky was elected as Chair with 28 votes in favor and 1 against. She was praised for her fairness and ability to maintain order in meetings. Councillor Mark Harris was elected as Vice-Chair with 34 votes in favor, noted for his effective role and distinctive beard.

Announcements from the Chair and Leader

Councillor Nicky expressed gratitude for her re-election and highlighted her participation in local events, such as the gala night at the Barn Theatre and the Forest of Dean Council's charity dinner. She also announced her plan to walk the Cotswold Way over the summer to support three local charities: North Cotswold Friends, the Churn Project, and Tetbury Youth and Community Trust.

Councillor Joe Harris, the Leader, congratulated Chief Executive Rob Weaver on the birth of his daughter and welcomed Alan Hope as the new Strategic Housing Manager. He addressed member safety concerns due to recent vandalism incidents and discussed the economic impact of the Kingshill Meadow Roundabout closure. He criticized the Gloucestershire Growth Strategy for proposing 23,000 new houses in Kemble and 7,000 in Moreton-in-Marsh, arguing it would nearly double the district's housing stock and affect its unique character.

The proposed housing developments would nearly double the district's housing stock and impact its unique character. — Councillor Joe Harris

Committee Appointments

The council discussed the appointment of committees, with Councillor Joe Harris presenting updated cabinet portfolios and thanking various councillors for their contributions. The council resolved to apply political balance provisions to committees, appoint councillors to serve on committees and working groups, and agree on changes to the terms of reference for the Constitution Working Group and the Publica Review Working Group.

Appointment to Outside Bodies

The council addressed appointments to outside bodies, with Councillor Joe Harris providing an overview of various roles and nominations. An amendment was proposed by the opposition to appoint Councillor Darryl Corr to the Gloucestershire County Council Economic Growth Scrutiny Committee, but it was ultimately rejected in favor of Councillor Angus Jenkinson.

Summary

This week's meetings focused on leadership transitions, strategic announcements, and committee appointments. The decisions made will influence the council's governance structure and its approach to addressing community concerns, such as housing development and member safety. The ongoing theme of balancing growth with maintaining the district's unique character continues to be a significant point of discussion.

This week, the Cotswold Council convened for several meetings, with significant decisions made regarding neighborhood plans, community welfare, and environmental strategies. The most impactful discussions occurred during the Thursday 09 May 2024 meeting, which centered on neighborhood development plans for Chipping Camden and Stowe on the Wold and Swell.

Chipping Camden and Stowe on the Wold and Swell Neighborhood Plans

The council reviewed the Chipping Camden Regulation 14 draft consultation, which is crucial for the area's development. The plan focuses on local priorities such as housing, climate change, and economic support. The council supported the vision and recommended strengthening the policies to meet basic conditions. This decision is pivotal as it moves the neighborhood plan towards final approval, enhancing local governance and community involvement in planning.

The council supported the vision and recommended strengthening the policies to meet basic conditions. — Council Meeting Transcript

However, a decision on the Stowe on the Wold and Swell's Neighborhood Development Plan was deferred due to a last-minute legal challenge concerning the examiner's recommendations. This deferral highlights the complexities of neighborhood planning and the significant impact of legal scrutiny on public decision-making processes.

Infrastructure and Community Welfare

Decisions were also made regarding infrastructure and community welfare. The council approved a significant budget increase for road and bridge repairs, emphasizing the necessity for safety and the potential to boost local commerce by improving transport efficiency. Additionally, a new set of regulations for public gatherings was adopted to address recent disturbances, aiming to ensure safer, albeit more regulated, public events.

The council agreed to expand the free public Wi-Fi network, which is expected to increase digital inclusivity, aiding education and business activities in underserved areas. This decision aligns with the ongoing theme of enhancing community welfare through improved infrastructure, a topic we've discussed in previous emails.

Environmental Initiatives

During the Cabinet meeting on the same day, the council endorsed a grant application for electric vehicle (EV) charging points, reflecting a commitment to environmental sustainability. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to reduce the area's carbon emissions by promoting the use of electric vehicles.

Summary

This week's meetings underscored the council's focus on community-driven development, infrastructure enhancement, and environmental sustainability. The decisions made will have long-term implications on local governance, community welfare, and the council's environmental goals. As these plans and initiatives progress, they will undoubtedly influence the Cotswold community's landscape and operational efficiency.

This week, the Cotswold Council held two scheduled meetings, one of which was cancelled. The remaining meeting, the Audit and Governance Committee, took place on Thursday, 25 April 2024, and covered several critical areas including financial oversight, asset management, and fraud prevention.

Key Outcomes from the Audit and Governance Committee Meeting

1. Approval of the 2022-23 Accounts The committee finalized the approval of the financial statements for the fiscal year 2022-23. The external auditors, Grant Thornton, presented the accounts, emphasizing the necessity for timely submissions to avoid conflicts with audit schedules and budget preparations. This approval is crucial for maintaining compliance with financial reporting standards and facilitating a smoother audit process in the subsequent year.

2. Internal Audit Plan for 2024-25 A new internal audit plan was approved, designed to be flexible and responsive to the ongoing Publica review.* The plan includes specific audits on human resources and climate-related risks, aiming to enhance the council's risk management strategies and adapt to operational changes.

3. Discussion on Property and Estate Services The committee expressed concerns regarding the management of council assets. This led to discussions about the need for an updated Asset Management Strategy to improve the oversight and utilization of council properties, which is essential for their maintenance and efficient use.

4. Counter Fraud Enforcement Unit (CFEU) Report The CFEU's annual report was reviewed, highlighting successful fraud prevention activities and the acquisition of funding for a new website. This underscores the council's commitment to robust fraud prevention measures and efficient resource management.

Additionally, the meeting addressed sensitive issues such as staff experiences of bullying within the council. This discussion reflects ongoing cultural challenges and the council's commitment to improving the workplace environment.

This meeting's decisions and discussions are significant as they directly impact the council's operational efficiency, financial health, and workplace culture. The focus on timely financial reporting, flexible auditing, asset management, and fraud prevention are critical for the council's future governance and operational success.

*Publica is a company that provides back-office services to local governments, including Cotswold Council.