This week, the Mansfield council held three significant meetings: a Licensing Committee meeting on Thursday, 20 June 2024, a General Purposes Committee meeting on Thursday, 20 June 2024, and a Planning Committee meeting on Wednesday, 19 June 2024.

Licensing Committee Meeting on Thursday, 20 June 2024

Unfortunately, we were unable to find a video broadcast of this meeting. Therefore, we cannot provide details on the discussions or decisions made.

General Purposes Committee Meeting on Thursday, 20 June 2024

Similarly, we were unable to find a video broadcast of this meeting, and no further details are available.

Planning Committee Meeting on Wednesday, 19 June 2024

The Planning Committee meeting was particularly impactful, focusing on a major planning application for a battery energy storage system (BESS) on Land off State Road in Airm. This proposal has significant implications for the local community and the council's strategic priorities.

Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Proposal

The application sought full planning permission for the construction and operation of a BESS, including transformers, a substation, and associated infrastructure. The site comprises approximately 25.5 hectares of agricultural land, intersected by overhead electricity power lines.

Key points discussed included:

• Community Consultation: The meeting was delayed to ensure proper consultation with 151 objectors, highlighting the council's commitment to community engagement.
• Environmental Impact: The proposal includes a 28.09% gain in habitat units and a 42.26% gain for hedgerows, exceeding the requirements of the Environment Act 2021¹. This aligns with the council's manifesto pledges on biodiversity and environmental sustainability.
• Visual and Landscape Impact: The site will undergo significant changes, transitioning from agricultural use to an industrial appearance. However, extensive landscaping and acoustic barriers are planned to mitigate visual and noise impacts.
• Flood Risk and Safety: The site is partially within flood zone 3a, but flood risk assessments and mitigation measures, including sustainable urban drainage systems, have been incorporated into the proposal.
• Fire Safety: Concerns about fire safety were addressed, with conditions imposed to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations.

The proposed development would store electricity as chemical energy in lithium batteries and then import and export electricity when it's required by the national grid but it does not in itself generate electricity. — Planning Officer

The committee approved the application, subject to a Section 106 agreement to secure biodiversity net gain and ecological mitigation measures, and conditions related to decommissioning and highway condition surveys.

Implications and Themes

This week's meetings highlight the council's ongoing efforts to balance development with environmental sustainability and community engagement. The approval of the BESS proposal reflects a commitment to renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions, consistent with the council's strategic priorities.

The discussions on community consultation and environmental impact underscore the importance of involving residents in significant planning decisions and ensuring that developments contribute positively to the local environment. The focus on fire safety and flood risk management demonstrates a careful consideration of potential hazards and the implementation of robust mitigation measures.

These themes of sustainable development, community engagement, and environmental stewardship are consistent with previous council decisions and strategic priorities, reinforcing the council's commitment to creating a resilient and sustainable future for Mansfield.

This week, the Mansfield council held two significant meetings: a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, 04 June 2024 and a Planning Committee meeting on Thursday, 06 June 2024.

Cabinet Meeting on Tuesday, 04 June 2024

The Cabinet meeting covered several critical topics, including grant agreements for local charities and the display of the Kiddey Stones.

Grant Agreements for Local Charities

The council reviewed an in-depth report from the Policy Performance and Improvement Committee (PPIC) regarding annual grant funding for local charities. The key recommendations were:

• Continued Funding: The council will continue funding five charities: Citizens Advice Sherwood and Newark, Home Start Newark and Sherwood, Newark and Sherwood CVS, Furniture Project, and Live and Local.
• Ceased Funding: Funding will cease for Knott's and Lynx Credit Union and Newark and Sherwood Community Hub due to changes in their service delivery and membership.
• Increased Funding: A 10% increase in funding for four of the charities in year one, followed by a 3% increase in years two and three.
• Three-Year Grant Agreements: Moving to three-year grant agreements to provide stability and security for these organizations.

The amount of work that these organizations do for this authority is outstanding. I welcome the 10% increase this year. It certainly will be an assistance to them and it's a recognition of the hard work that they do. — Cass Taylor

Display of the Kiddey Stones

The council discussed the proposal to display the Kiddey Stones, significant artworks by Robert Kiddey, at Castle House in Newark. The stones have been under tarpaulin for 40 years and will now be publicly displayed, enhancing the town's cultural heritage.

These sculptures will be enjoyed by everybody and they'll be very, very visible from the road, but also from foot traffic coming here. I also think it's a very good place for them to be. — Councillor Cousins

Planning Committee Meeting on Thursday, 06 June 2024

The Planning Committee meeting focused on two major planning applications: the former allotments on Barnby Road, Newark, and land at Greenaway, Rolleston.

Former Allotments on Barnby Road, Newark

The proposal for nine residential units on the former allotments was approved. Key points included:

• Ecology and Trees: Significant emphasis was placed on preserving the site's ecology, including a 30-year biodiversity management plan.
• Housing Mix: The proposed housing mix aligns with the district's needs, including two, three, and four-bedroom homes.
• Traffic and Access: Concerns about traffic and access were addressed, with no objections from the highways authority.

The site comprises a currently unmanaged area of green space in the habitat including trees and hedgerows. The applicant was required to submit an Abora cultural report, an impact assessment, preliminary ecological appraisal, a reptile survey and a ground level back roost assessment. — Planning Officer

Land at Greenaway, Rolleston

The proposal for five affordable housing units, including the demolition of two existing bungalows, was deferred due to concerns about drainage and sewage capacity. The committee will seek further information from Seven Trent Water before making a final decision.

I think the least we can do is the potential deferral to get some real conclusion on what the position on the drainage is. — Councillor Wildgust

Implications and Themes

This week's meetings highlight the council's ongoing efforts to support local charities, enhance cultural heritage, and manage sustainable development. The discussions on grant agreements reflect a commitment to community support and financial stability for essential services. The display of the Kiddey Stones underscores the council's dedication to preserving and promoting local art and culture.

The Planning Committee's focus on ecological preservation and the deferral for further drainage information demonstrate a careful balance between development and environmental sustainability. These themes of community support, cultural enhancement, and sustainable development are consistent with the council's strategic priorities and previous decisions.

This week, the Mansfield council held a Planning Committee meeting on Tuesday, 28 May 2024.

Planning Committee Meeting on Tuesday, 28 May 2024

The Planning Committee meeting primarily focused on updates regarding two significant solar farm applications: the Knapthorpe scheme and the Muscombe Wood scheme. These updates were crucial as they involved recent appeals and modifications to the original proposals.

Solar Farm Appeals and Modifications

The committee received an update on the council's decision concerning the two solar farms and the appellant's recent appeal information. The Knapthorpe and Muscombe Wood schemes are both large-scale projects, each proposing a 49.9 megawatt capacity of solar panels and associated infrastructure.

Knapthorpe Scheme:

• The appellant proposed to remove some solar panels in specific locations as part of the appeal.
• All other aspects of the proposal remain unchanged.

Muscombe Wood Scheme:

• Similarly, the appellant removed an entire field of solar panels as part of the appeal process.

The council's officers believe that these changes are minor and anticipate that the planning inspector will accept them, considering no substantial injustice will be caused. This expectation is based on previous experiences with similar appeals, such as the battery energy storage system appeal in 2020.

The inspector considered that it didn't substantially change the scheme from what had originally been considered. So under the Wheatcroft principle, he was happy to accept it. — Planning Officer

The council will notify residents about the amendments and allow them to respond to the planning inspector with any concerns.

Transparency and Public Involvement

A significant point of contention during the meeting was the transparency of the appeal process. Councillor Salington expressed concerns about parts of the meeting being held in private, arguing that it could appear non-transparent to the public, especially given the importance of the applications to local residents.

I think we need to be transparent, and I can't for the life of me, except it says some exempt information, understand why we're trying to avoid the public. — Councillor Salington

However, it was clarified that discussing the council's response to an appeal in public could disadvantage the council by revealing their arguments to the appellant.

Implications and Themes

The discussions this week highlight the council's ongoing efforts to manage large-scale renewable energy projects while balancing transparency and public involvement. The modifications to the solar farm proposals and the anticipated acceptance by the planning inspector reflect the council's adaptability and commitment to sustainable development.

The concerns raised about transparency underscore the importance of maintaining public trust and ensuring that residents feel involved in significant planning decisions. This theme of balancing development with community engagement and transparency is consistent with previous council discussions and decisions.

The council's proactive approach to notifying residents about changes and allowing them to voice their opinions demonstrates a commitment to inclusive governance. This week's meeting reinforces the council's strategic priorities of sustainable development, transparency, and community involvement.

This week, the Mansfield council held two significant meetings. The first was on Monday, 20 May 2024, and the second was a Full Council meeting on Tuesday, 21 May 2024.

Monday, 20 May 2024 Meeting

The meeting began with routine administrative tasks, including recording consent, apologies for absence, and the appointment of a new chair and vice-chair. The main discussions focused on the operations report and the annual statement of accounts.

Operations Report

Staffing Restructure The council is consulting staff on a proposed restructure aimed at reinstating weekend working at the remembrance room. This change is expected to address staff concerns and save around £41,000 annually in staffing costs.

Cremator Maintenance The council is facing challenges with aging cremators. Cremator number three is scheduled for relining, which will take it out of action for three to four weeks. Cremator number four has software issues but is currently operational. The council is managing capacity to avoid overloading the cremators.

Events Calendar A successful Mother's Day service was held in March, with over 100 attendees. A Father's Day service is planned for June, and additional services are being considered, including those for bereaved children. Local support from Ashfield, Newark, and Sherwood has been instrumental in promoting these events.

Cremation Numbers There has been a 15% reduction in cremation numbers compared to the previous year, attributed to limited capacity and a general dip in excess death rates. The council is working to accommodate families as much as possible despite these challenges.

Annual Statement of Accounts

The annual statement of accounts for 2023/24 was presented, showing a surplus better than budgeted by £104,233, which has been allocated to the general reserve. Despite lower income due to reduced cremation numbers, total expenditure was also lower, resulting in a positive financial position. The committee approved the statements and budgeted surplus distribution, and agreed to carry forward unused capital budget for future use.

Other Business

• Dates of Next Meetings: The dates and locations for future meetings were noted without objections.
• Work Programme: The work programme was reviewed and noted.
• Exclusion of Press and Public: The committee resolved to exclude the press and public for the final item of business, citing potential disclosure of exempt information.

Full Council Meeting on Tuesday, 21 May 2024

The Full Council meeting covered several key topics, including the election of a new chair and vice-chair, discussions on flooding issues, and various community projects. The meeting also included acknowledgments and thanks to outgoing members and officers.

Election of Chair and Vice-Chair

Councillor Jean Hall was unanimously elected as the new chair of the Newark and Sherwood District Council for the municipal year 2024-25. Councillor Cousins nominated her, and Councillor Crosby seconded the nomination. Councillor Hall expressed her gratitude and shared her experiences and achievements from the past year, including attending events organized by the Polish community, the Tour of Britain cycle race, and the opening of a community hub in Boone.

Councillor Linda Tiff was elected as the vice-chair. Councillor Peacock proposed her, highlighting her experience and ability to make people feel valued. Councillor Brian seconded the proposal, noting her wealth of knowledge and previous experience as a chair.

Flooding Issues

Councillor Jackson proposed a motion addressing flooding issues, emphasizing the need for stricter planning policies and better flood risk assessments for all developments, regardless of size. He highlighted the impact of recent storms, Bobette and Hank, on local communities, particularly in Loudoun.

Councillor Freeman proposed an amendment to the motion, detailing the council's current and future plans to mitigate flood risks, including new policies in the Development Plan Document (DPD) and lobbying for more powers to enforce flood alleviation measures. The amendment was accepted, and the motion was supported by all members, emphasizing the need for a united approach to address flooding.

Community Projects and Acknowledgments

Councillor Bracey highlighted the success of the Motion for the Ocean initiative, which included various community engagement activities and educational projects. She thanked the officers and teams involved for their commitment and efforts.

Councillor Brooks was thanked for her service as chair over the past year, with several members expressing their appreciation for her guidance and support.

Councillor Pringle suggested a joint motion between Councillor Jackson and Councillor Freeman to ensure continuous focus on flooding issues, emphasizing the importance of working together for the benefit of the community.

Other Discussions

Councillor Harris inquired about the status of the Jubilee Bridge and its adoption by the county council. Councillor Peacock responded that a report would be brought back to the Cabinet.

Councillor Harris also raised a question about the policy regarding information on the rear of front passenger seats in taxis, to which a written response was promised.

Implications and Themes

The discussions this week highlight the council's ongoing efforts to address operational challenges, financial management, and community engagement. The focus on staffing restructure and cremator maintenance reflects a commitment to operational efficiency and service continuity. The election of new leadership and the emphasis on flooding issues underscore the council's proactive approach to governance and community resilience.

The reduction in cremation numbers and the positive financial outcome despite this challenge show the council's ability to adapt and manage resources effectively. The community projects and acknowledgments indicate a strong emphasis on community involvement and recognition of contributions, which are crucial for fostering a collaborative and supportive environment.

These themes of operational efficiency, proactive governance, and community engagement are consistent with previous discussions and decisions, reinforcing the council's strategic priorities and commitment to serving the community effectively.

This week, the Mansfield council's Planning Committee convened to address several significant issues surrounding planning, environmental conservation, and heritage site management. The meeting took place on Thursday, May 9, 2024. You can view the full meeting details here.

The key points discussed were:

1. Tree Protection in Planning Applications: The committee emphasized the need to strengthen policies to protect trees in development areas. This decision reflects a growing environmental consciousness and aims to ensure sustainable development practices that incorporate existing natural resources. The potential enhancement of local biodiversity and community quality of life were highlighted as major benefits. This aligns with previous discussions on environmental sustainability, a recurring theme in council decisions.

2. Filming at Noat Castle and Palace Theatre: The approval of commercial filming at these heritage sites aims to generate revenue and increase tourism. However, concerns about potential disruptions and the impact on public access were raised. Balancing commercial benefits with community access and preservation requires careful management, a challenge that has been noted in past council discussions on heritage site utilization.

3. Planning Enforcement Activity Report: The report indicated an increase in enforcement actions and the complexity of cases handled by the council. The council's commitment to maintaining order and legality in development was underscored, ensuring that growth aligns with established regulations and community standards. This continues the council's focus on robust enforcement as a means to uphold community and developmental standards.

4. Annual Planning Committee Report: The review of the committee's activities over the past year showed a significant alignment with officer recommendations, with some divergences. This reflection is crucial for understanding the committee's dynamics and identifying areas for improvement in decision-making processes.

The discussions in this meeting highlighted the council's ongoing efforts to balance development and conservation, echoing broader societal concerns about environmental sustainability and heritage preservation. These decisions not only impact immediate planning and development but also set a precedent for how the council approaches the integration of environmental and cultural considerations in future projects.

This week, the Mansfield council's Audit and Governance Committee convened to address several key issues that could impact the council's operations and governance. The meeting took place on Wednesday, April 24, 2024. You can view the full meeting details here.

The committee discussed updates to the council's constitution and code of conduct, reviewed internal and external audit reports, and planned future workshops to refine governance procedures. Here are the key takeaways:

1. Internal Audit Progress Report: The committee acknowledged delays in several audit reports. This issue will be revisited in the next meeting to ensure timely completion and review of audits, which are crucial for maintaining accountability.

2. External Auditor's Report: The acceptance of this report highlighted an ongoing issue with council members not completing their declaration of interest forms. The council plans to enforce compliance, reinforcing its commitment to transparency.

3. Constitutional Amendments: The decision to hold a workshop to discuss amendments to the council's constitution, especially concerning the petition scheme and council procedure rules, indicates a potential shift in how public engagements and council operations are handled.

4. Code of Conduct Complaints Procedure: Another workshop will focus on revising the complaints procedure. This is a response to cross-party concerns about the effectiveness and fairness of the current process. The aim is to align the procedure with best practices and possibly integrate advice from the Local Government Association.

5. Cyber Security Report: The committee's decision to receive updates on cyber security only when there are significant changes should streamline meetings and focus resources on pressing security issues.

This meeting underscores a broader theme of striving for improved governance and operational efficiency within the council. The emphasis on workshops before formal approvals suggests a move towards more inclusive and thorough policy development processes. These discussions and decisions are foundational to how the council will function and interact with the public moving forward.