In the last 7 days (since Saturday 15 June 2024), the council has held the following meetings:

1. Development Control Committee - Monday 17 June 2024
2. Planning Applications Committee - Thursday 20 June 2024
3. Cabinet Delegated Decisions - Monday 17 June 2024
4. Standards Committee (SMDC) - Friday 21 June 2024
5. The Executive - Individual Executive Decisions - Thursday 20 June 2024
6. The Executive - Individual Executive Decisions - Friday 21 June 2024
7. The Executive - Individual Executive Decisions - Friday 21 June 2024
8. The Executive - Individual Executive Decisions - Friday 21 June 2024

The most impactful meeting this week was the Planning Applications Committee on Thursday 20 June 2024. Here are the key points discussed:

Springfield Farm Café and Tea Room Application

The committee reviewed an application to change the use of an agricultural building at Springfield Farm from a retail use to a café and tea room. The site is located within the green belt, and the change of use was considered acceptable in principle. However, concerns were raised about the impact on residential amenity and highway safety.

Key Issues Discussed:

• Green Belt Policy: The change of use was deemed acceptable under green belt policy, provided there was no harmful impact on openness.
• Residential Amenity: Concerns were raised about potential impacts from cooking smells and increased vehicle movements. Environmental health objections were noted, but it was concluded that the development, being contained within the existing building, would not adversely affect residential amenity.
• Highway Safety: The local highway authority had no objections, and it was noted that the development would not significantly increase vehicle movements.
• Enforcement Issues: There were ongoing enforcement investigations related to other developments at the site, but these were considered separate from the current application.

The committee ultimately approved the application, emphasizing the importance of conditions to mitigate any potential impacts on residential amenity and highway safety.

TPO Application at 1 Bank End, Brown Edge

The committee also considered an application to fell a mature sycamore tree protected under a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) at 1 Bank End, Brown Edge. The application was refused, with the committee noting the tree's significant public amenity value and the lack of sufficient justification for its removal.

Key Issues Discussed:

• Tree's Condition: The sycamore tree was found to be in good condition, with no evidence of structural damage or disease.
• Applicant's Personal Circumstances: The applicant cited personal circumstances, including the health of a disabled child, as reasons for the tree's removal. However, the committee determined that these did not outweigh the tree's public amenity value.
• Policy Considerations: The decision was guided by the council's tree protection policies and the adopted tree strategy, which generally do not support the removal of protected trees without compelling reasons.

The other meetings held this week, including the Development Control Committee, Cabinet Delegated Decisions, Standards Committee (SMDC), and The Executive - Individual Executive Decisions, did not have video broadcasts available, so detailed insights from those meetings are not provided.

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

1. Corporate Select Committee - Monday 10 June 2024
2. Cabinet - Tuesday 11 June 2024
3. The Executive - Individual Executive Decisions - Tuesday 11 June 2024
4. Climate Change Working Group (SMDC) - Wednesday 12 June 2024
5. The Executive - Thursday 13 June 2024
6. The Executive - Individual Executive Decisions - Friday 14 June 2024

The most impactful meeting this week was the Corporate Select Committee on Monday 10 June 2024. Here are the key points discussed:

Transition Buxton and the Repair Café

Jean Beale from Transition Buxton presented an update on the Repair Café initiative. Transition Buxton, established in 2009, is part of a network of around 350 groups across the UK aiming to reduce waste, fossil fuel use, and plastic consumption. The Repair Café has been running since September 2009, holding 10 sessions a year. They have processed 1,085 items, repairing 650 of them, saving an estimated 21.4 tonnes of CO2. Jean highlighted the need for regulatory reform to eliminate designed obsolescence and the importance of community engagement in sustainability efforts.

Hard to Recycle Scheme and Library of Things

Transition Buxton also runs a hard-to-recycle scheme through TerraCycle, processing significant amounts of waste, including 550 kilograms of crisp packets. They have launched a Library of Things, allowing community members to borrow useful items, reducing the need to own, store, and maintain them. The library has 87 items and 123 members, with popular items including gardening tools and party supplies.

Plastic-Free Community Certification

Transition Buxton has achieved a plastic-free community certification from Surfers Against Sewage, involving 18 businesses, 24 community organizations, six schools, the College, and the Council. They aim to reduce single-use plastics and raise awareness about plastic use and misuse.

Community Engagement and Education

Transition Buxton organizes various activities, including workshops, seminars, and energy audits. They emphasize the importance of working in partnership with local authorities, businesses, and community groups to tackle environmental challenges.

Council's Commitment to Sustainability

The committee discussed the Council's role in supporting sustainability initiatives, including the potential for regulatory changes and increased community engagement. Councillor Anthony McEwen, chair of the Climate Change Working Group, emphasized the importance of collaboration and the Council's commitment to addressing the climate emergency.

Next Steps

The committee agreed to continue supporting Transition Buxton's initiatives and explore further opportunities for collaboration. They also discussed the importance of promoting sustainability efforts through the Council's communication channels and engaging with the community to raise awareness and participation.

The other meetings held this week, including the Cabinet, The Executive - Individual Executive Decisions, Climate Change Working Group (SMDC), The Executive, and The Executive - Individual Executive Decisions, did not have video broadcasts available, so detailed insights from those meetings are not provided.

In the last 7 days (since Saturday 01 June 2024), the council has held the following meetings:

1. Community Overview and Scrutiny Panel - Monday 03 June 2024
2. Climate Change Working Group (HPBC) - Tuesday 04 June 2024
3. Service Delivery Overview & Scrutiny Panel - Wednesday 05 June 2024
4. Audit & Regulatory Committee - Wednesday 05 June 2024
5. The Executive - Individual Executive Decisions - Thursday 06 June 2024
6. Audit & Accounts Committee - Friday 07 June 2024

The most impactful meeting this week was the Service Delivery Overview & Scrutiny Panel on Wednesday 05 June 2024. Here are the key points discussed:

Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs)

Richard Cole from Alliance North presented on the progress and future plans for Disabled Facilities Grants. The council has faced challenges in spending the allocated funds due to previous data issues but has made significant strides in the past year. Richard highlighted that they have completed 287 cases and have 74 in progress. The council is looking to further reduce dependency on subcontractors and bring more work in-house, which has already resulted in cost savings. Richard emphasized the importance of marketing the availability of DFGs, as many residents are unaware of the support they can receive.

Mowing Regimes and Biodiversity

The panel discussed proposed changes to mowing regimes to enhance biodiversity. The plan includes creating wildflower meadows and adjusting mowing practices to support pollinators like bees and butterflies. The approach aims to balance the need for well-maintained recreational spaces with the benefits of increased biodiversity. Councillor Yates presented a detailed plan, including the use of signage to inform the public about the changes and the benefits for wildlife. The council will work with AES to review the contract and ensure the necessary machinery and staff training are in place.

Work Programme

Councillor Haynes introduced a new Teams channel for committee members to discuss and suggest items for the work programme. The panel will have a programme-setting meeting on 13 June 2024 to finalize the agenda for upcoming meetings. Members were encouraged to provide feedback and suggestions through the Teams channel or directly to the chair and vice-chair.

Leisure Operations Model

Councillor Beswick raised concerns about the leisure operations model and requested that it be brought to the committee before any cabinet decisions are made. The panel agreed to review the report at the next meeting, ensuring that the implications for the moorlands are thoroughly considered.

Conclusion

The meeting concluded with a motion to approve the consideration of changes to mowing regimes and the work programme. The discussions highlighted the council's efforts to improve service delivery, enhance biodiversity, and engage with the community effectively.

The other meetings held this week, including the Community Overview and Scrutiny Panel, Climate Change Working Group (HPBC), Audit & Regulatory Committee, The Executive - Individual Executive Decisions, and Audit & Accounts Committee, did not have video broadcasts available, so detailed insights from those meetings are not provided.

In the last 7 days (since Saturday 18 May 2024), the council has held the following meetings:

1. The Executive - Individual Executive Decisions - Monday 20 May 2024
2. Development Control Committee - Monday 20 May 2024
3. Cabinet Delegated Decisions - Monday 20 May 2024
4. The Executive - Individual Executive Decisions - Tuesday 21 May 2024
5. Cabinet Delegated Decisions - Tuesday 21 May 2024
6. Resources Overview & Scrutiny Panel - Wednesday 22 May 2024
7. The Executive - Individual Executive Decisions - Wednesday 22 May 2024
8. Planning Applications Committee - Thursday 23 May 2024
9. Economy and Growth Select Committee - Thursday 23 May 2024

The most impactful meeting this week was the Resources Overview & Scrutiny Panel on Wednesday 22 May 2024. Here are the key points discussed:

Scrutiny of Outside Bodies

Councillor Johnson raised concerns about the level of scrutiny given to outside bodies, particularly those funded by the council, such as Support Staffordshire. He suggested that the scrutiny should be more performance and financially related rather than anecdotal. Martin, a council officer, responded by explaining that the head of communities, David Smith, is working with the management team to assess the value derived from these groups. The scrutiny panel will be pointed towards questions of value for money.

The Leader supported the idea, stating that while the community should scrutinize Support Staffordshire, any financial issues should be raised at the resources committee. The leader emphasized the importance of ensuring value for money, especially for bodies receiving significant funding.

Corporate Peer Challenge Report

Martin presented the corporate peer challenge report, which highlighted several positives about Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, including well-managed finances and strong governance. However, the report also recommended areas for improvement, such as accelerating the pace of change in ICT programs, environmental aspects, and accommodation.

Councillor Taylor raised concerns about the council's ability to attract and retain talented staff. Martin responded by outlining efforts to improve recruitment and retention, including developmental posts and succession planning.

Councillor Malion and Councillor Roberts expressed frustration over the local plan, noting that while planning applications are approved, builders are not constructing the houses. The leader mentioned that representatives from the council are attending the UK Reef Conference to attract developers.

Councillor Abbally asked about the impact of the East Midlands Combined Authority on High Peak and Staffordshire Moorlands. Martin explained that the council is closely monitoring the situation and will respond appropriately to any changes.

Efficiency Programme

Lyndon and Emily presented the efficiency programme, focusing on income and charges. They outlined several objectives, including identifying potential additional income and reviewing the cost of delivering services. The presentation highlighted the importance of balancing income generation with protecting vulnerable groups and maintaining vibrant town centres.

Councillor Johnson requested evidence on the relationship between car parking charges and economic performance for future discussions. Councillor Parks emphasized the need for involving town and parish councils in discussions about the efficiency programme, particularly regarding assets.

Councillor Hopcroft asked for better breakdowns of delivery dates for each objective to scrutinize progress more effectively. Martin assured that quarterly reports would be provided.

Councillor Aberly inquired whether the car parking charges review would stick to the budget or accept potential revenue variations. Martin responded that while the council aims to maintain or increase income, any significant changes would require adjustments elsewhere.

Councillor Swindell and Councillor Wood discussed the challenges of balancing fees and charges with protecting frontline services, especially given the uncertainty of government settlements.

Councillor Yates emphasized the importance of efficiency savings and the potential need for upfront investments in areas like green space strategy and AI to achieve long-term benefits.

Conclusion

The meeting concluded with a motion to exclude the public for the final agenda item. The discussions highlighted the council's efforts to balance financial prudence with effective service delivery and community engagement.

The other meetings held this week, including The Executive - Individual Executive Decisions, Development Control Committee, Cabinet Delegated Decisions, and Economy and Growth Select Committee, did not have video broadcasts available, so detailed insights from those meetings are not provided.