The Policy and Resources Committee of Three Rivers Council met on Monday, 10 June 2024, to discuss a range of topics, including the Local Development Scheme, Article 4 Direction, and the review of strategic risks. Key decisions were made regarding the Local Development Scheme and budget monitoring, among other issues.

Local Development Scheme

The Committee approved a revised Local Development Scheme (LDS) to align the Local Plan timetable with the Government’s transitional arrangements following the update to the National Planning Policy Framework in December 2023. The submission date to the Secretary of State was moved from May/June 2025 to February/March 2025. Councillor Oliver Cooper proposed the amendment, which was seconded by Councillor Chris Lloyd and agreed unanimously.

Article 4 Direction

The Committee noted a report on the amended Article 4 Direction issued by the Secretary of State, which will come into force on 29 March 2024. This Direction restricts Class MA Permitted Development Rights, which allow changes of use from Class E (commercial, business, and services) to Class C3 (residential). The Council is publicising this through various channels, including the Watford Observer and the Council website.

Review of Strategic Risks

Phil King, Data Protection and Resilience Manager, presented a report on the Review of Strategic Risks. The Committee agreed to the revised Strategic Risk Register, which includes eight risks. A point was raised about the impact rating for the failure to deliver net-zero carbon commitments, highlighting the reputational risk to the Council. The vote carried with nine members in favour and two abstaining.

Budget Monitoring Report to 31 January 2024

Alison Scott, Director of Finance, presented the Budget Monitoring Report showing the financial position as of 31 January 2024. The Committee agreed to present the report to the Council, including revenue budget virements, supplementary estimates, and capital variances. The vote carried with nine members in favour and two abstaining.

YMCA Woodlands Café Expansion

The Committee approved a report recommending the use of £60,000 (£20,000 from S106 funding and £40,000 from UKSPF funding) to support the expansion and renovation of the Woodlands Café into the adjacent building formerly used by the Leavesden Cycle Hub. The recommendation was moved by Councillor Stephen Giles-Medhurst and seconded by Councillor Andrew Scarth.

Renewal of Service Level Agreement for Environmental Health Service

The Committee unanimously agreed to renew the service agreement with Watford Borough Council for the provision of the Environmental Health (Commercial) Service for another five years, starting from 1 May 2024. The initial service cost is £198,000, subject to annual increases in line with pay rises.

Private Rented Sector Offer Policy - Update

Jason Hagland, Strategic Housing Manager, presented an update on the Private Rented Sector Offer Policy. The Committee approved the updated policy, which includes four minor amendments.

Local Authority Housing Fund

The Committee approved the acquisition of up to 11 new build dwellings under the Local Authority Housing Fund (LAHF) scheme and the settlement of the ground rent obligation of the leaseholder. The details of the acquisition and settlement are delegated to the Chief Executive and Director of Finance, in consultation with the Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Resources.

Contract Award for Professional Communications, Branding and Marketing Services

The Committee approved the award of a contract for Communication and Design Professional Services to Contractor 1. The contract will support the delivery of critical projects that fulfil the objectives of the Council’s Corporate Framework. The authority to complete and sign the contract is delegated to the Associate Director of Legal and Democratic Services.

Work Programme

The Committee approved the items listed in the Work Programme and requested that the covering report and appendix be merged into one document.