This week, the Maldon Council held the Strategy and Resources Committee meeting on Thursday, June 13, 2024.

Council Tax Empty Homes Premium Policy Revision

One of the key decisions made during the meeting was the revision of the Council Tax Empty Homes Premium Policy. The committee decided to amend the previously agreed policy to apply the legislative provisions locally in advance of the legislation. This change aims to address the delay in legislative provisions affecting council tax premiums for empty homes. The Chief Finance Officer, Sue Green, explained that her department reviews information on empty homes and updates IT systems accordingly to trigger additional council tax when appropriate.

Where we do receive information and then that information is reviewed to determine whether or not that property does constitute an empty property. If we require further investigations, for example, visit to the premises, etcetera, that could be arranged. - Sue Green

Project and Improvement Management Framework and MDC Productivity Plan

The committee also approved the Project and Improvement Management Framework and the Maldon District Council Productivity Plan. Cheryl Hughes presented the framework, which aims to improve the strategic overview of projects and support corporate resource reduction. The framework includes internal governance processes and steps for projects, as well as a technical approach to improving processes within the council.

The document details the approach that we take to projects and improvement work in the organisation and it includes the internal governance processes and steps for projects and also our technical approach to improving our processes. - Cheryl Hughes

Technology Strategy 2024-2027

Annette Cardy presented the Technology Strategy for 2024-2027, which outlines four main priorities: cyber and security, modern IT infrastructure, streamlined processes, and system and data centre strategy. The strategy aims to transform the way the council works and improve efficiency through technology.

The strategy and the company road map are built on learning for the past three years around the council system capabilities, development type of new processes and organisational strengths and weaknesses. - Annette Cardy

Work of the Planning Policy Working Group

Councillor Lagan provided an update on the work of the Planning Policy Working Group. The group has met 24 times and is working on various policies related to the Local Development Plan (LDP). Members expressed concerns about the need for regular updates and more detailed information on the progress and costs associated with the LDP review. The committee agreed to provide more frequent updates and involve all members in the process.

We need to ensure that what we're doing, we're doing it in the right way, and we're doing it through consultation. We're looking at our options. Our options have got to be modelled, which is what's going on at the same time as well as our policies being written. - Councillor Siddle

Appointment of Representatives on Outside Bodies and Working Groups

The committee appointed representatives to various outside bodies and working groups. Notably, Councillors Lagan and Lay were appointed to the Maldon Museum in the Park Liaison Committee, and Councillors Spencely, Fittick, and Thompson were appointed to the Maldon Citizens Advice Bureau Liaison.

Urgent Business - Approval to Carry Forward Capital Funding for the Galleon Replacement

An urgent item of business was discussed regarding the approval to carry forward capital funding for the Galleon replacement from 2023-24. The committee approved the carry forward of £226,000 to ensure the project could proceed as planned and meet the delivery deadline of 18 October 2024.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the Public reports pack and the Minutes of the last Meeting 14 March.

This week, the Maldon Council held two meetings. The first was the Council meeting on Tuesday, May 28, 2024. The second was the Central Area Planning Committee meeting on Wednesday, May 29, 2024.

Council Meeting

The Council meeting on Tuesday covered several important topics, with a significant focus on the five-year housing land supply. The council endorsed the five-year housing land supply position, confirming that the district can demonstrate a supply of specific deliverable sites sufficient to provide for 6.3 years' worth of housing against the council's identified housing requirements.

The briefing paper appended to this report at appendix one, and its accompanying spreadsheets appendix A, being endorsed as providing robust evidence that the Council can demonstrate a supply of specific deliverable sites sufficient to provide for 6.3 years' worth of housing against the Council's identified housing requirements. - Meeting Transcript

The discussion also touched on the need for better communication and updates regarding the Local Development Plan (LDP) review. Members expressed concerns about the lack of timely information and the importance of keeping all council members informed about the progress and changes in the LDP.

I don't think members are getting enough information at the appropriate time for us to make a decision. - Councillor Stamp

Central Area Planning Committee

The Central Area Planning Committee meeting on Wednesday focused on a planning application for the installation of replacement play equipment at the Valley Adventure Park in Promenade Park. The new equipment includes a bespoke pirate ship and lighthouse, designed to replace the existing pirate ship Galleon.

The pirate ship and lighthouse will include slides, climbing ladders, rope, zip line, a fireman's pole, a climbing wall, as well as common features found on both pirate ships and lighthouses such as masts, sails, cannons, lookout windows, and crashing waves. - Meeting Transcript

The committee discussed the importance of maintaining the play area for children and ensuring safety with the new equipment. There was also a brief discussion about the potential reuse of parts from the old pirate ship, though this was not a planning consideration.

Implications

The endorsement of the five-year housing land supply is a critical step in ensuring that the district can meet its housing needs. This decision reflects the council's commitment to strategic planning and sustainable development. However, the concerns raised about communication and updates on the LDP review highlight the need for improved transparency and member involvement in the planning process.

The approval of the new play equipment at Promenade Park underscores the council's focus on community amenities and public spaces. The new pirate ship and lighthouse will enhance the park's appeal and provide a safe and engaging environment for children.

These meetings reflect ongoing themes of strategic planning, community engagement, and the importance of maintaining and improving public amenities. As the council continues to address these areas, the emphasis on thorough planning and member involvement will be crucial in ensuring successful outcomes for the district.

This week, the Maldon Council held two meetings. The first was the North Western Area Planning Committee meeting on Wednesday, May 22, 2024. Unfortunately, no specific details from this meeting were available. The second was the South Eastern Area Planning Committee meeting on Thursday, May 23, 2024, which focused on a planning application for new signs at an access site.

South Eastern Area Planning Committee

The primary topic of discussion was a planning application for two new signs at an access site. The proposed signs are to be placed 10 meters from the road, with dimensions of two meters in height and four meters in width. The committee reviewed the existing access to the site and the proposed location of the signs.

A significant point of discussion was the safety concerns related to the new signs. The highway authority raised no objections regarding safety, which was crucial for the committee's considerations. Photos of the current site and the proposed changes were shown to the members. The committee also discussed the removal of existing signs as part of the new application.

The signs would be 10 meters from the highway boundary, ensuring a clear line of sight. - Meeting Transcript

The committee did not make a final decision during the meeting. The discussion was focused on understanding the details and implications of the new signs and ensuring that all safety concerns were addressed.

Implications

The focus on safety and visibility of the new signs highlights the council's ongoing commitment to ensuring public safety in planning decisions. This is a theme we've discussed before, particularly in relation to infrastructure projects. The decision to defer a final decision indicates a thorough and cautious approach, ensuring that all potential issues are considered before approval.

As we continue to monitor the council's activities, it is clear that the emphasis on safety and careful planning remains a priority. This approach not only impacts current projects but sets a precedent for future planning applications, reinforcing the importance of detailed scrutiny and community safety in council decisions.

This week, the Maldon Council held two significant meetings. The first was the District Planning Committee meeting on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, which centered on a major development at Great Hayes Business Park. The second was the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on Thursday, April 25, 2024, which dealt with routine governance and specific housing issues.

District Planning Committee

The key decision in this meeting was the approval of the development project at Great Hayes Business Park. This involves demolishing two cottages to make way for new commercial buildings, including a veterinary clinic and office spaces. The committee highlighted the economic benefits and alignment with the local development plan, emphasizing job creation and business expansion within the district. Concerns about the demolition of the cottages were considered but ultimately deemed less significant given the structures' poor condition and lack of architectural merit.

The decision supports local economic growth and allows existing businesses to expand, potentially increasing employment opportunities in the area. - Meeting Summary

This decision is pivotal as it not only affects the local landscape but also the economic fabric of the district, promising new job opportunities and business growth.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee

This meeting focused on procedural governance and strategic planning. Key decisions included the approval of previous meeting minutes, the addition of a member scrutiny request to the work plan, and the referral of housing issues to the Strategic Housing Board. The discussion on housing highlighted a strategic shift towards addressing the need for three-bedroom homes, though it raised concerns about the impact on smaller housing units.

Councillor Spitzley raised concerns about the potential impact of prioritizing three-bedroom homes on the availability of smaller units, suggesting a need for strategic calculations and planning. - Meeting Summary

The decision to redirect the housing issue to the Strategic Housing Board indicates a move towards specialized, perhaps more efficient, handling of housing policies, though it may delay immediate action.

Both meetings this week reflect a council that is actively shaping both the economic and residential landscape of the district. The decisions made have direct implications on business development and housing strategy, areas we have seen repeatedly highlighted in council priorities. These themes, especially the focus on strategic economic growth and housing needs, are likely to recur as the council continues to address these pivotal areas.