Agenda and minutes

Members of Cabinet are asked to consider whether they have an interest in any of the matters on the Agenda and, if so, to formally declare that interest.

Councillor Connolly declared a personal interest for the reason that his partner is employed by Adult Care Services.

A period of thirty minutes was allocated for members of the public present

at the meeting to ask questions about the work or performance of the Council or Council services.

Topic: Draft Local Flood Risk Management Strategy – NuttallPark

Question: The Local Flood Risk Management Strategy document refers to flood risk areas on the west bank of the River Irwell. There are other flood risk areas on the east bank of the river, which includes NuttallPark. Will there be other measures included in the Strategy to mitigate the flood risk in these areas?

Response: If approved by Cabinet the Local Flood Risk Management Strategy document would form the basis of a consultation and members of the public will be invited to submit their concerns for consideration and inclusion in the final Strategy. The area referred to in the Strategy relates to a flood risk area in north Ramsbottom and Rossendale identified by the Environment Agency (which has responsibility to reduce flood risk) as requiring flood defences for the purpose of protecting properties in that area. There are other flood defences already in place on the east bank of the river.

Topic: Planning application for the construction and operation of an anaerobic digestion plant to be sited at the Fletcher Bank Quarry, Manchester Road, Ramsbottom.

Question: I am a local resident and have recently found out that there is a planning proposal for the Fletcher Bank Quarry site. Could you tell me at what stage this proposal is at?

Response: As this is an active planning application and is currently going through a formal process of consultation the Cabinet cannot comment for the reason that the matter is not within its jurisdiction. The public consultation will be open until 13 September 2013, and this will allow you to submit your concerns regarding the proposal. These will be included in the papers to be considered by the Planning Committee when the application is submitted to the committee meeting on 15 October. You will be provided with contact details for the Planning Department.

Topic: Core Strategy – Wind Energy Holcombe Moor

Question: In view of the information detailed in the Core Strategy, are there any plans to erect wind turbines on Holcombe Moor? Is the area protected against this kind of development?

Response: The Core Strategy provides information on areas of the Borough and following an ‘area of search’ process Holcombe Moor was identified as an area which had the potential to sustain wind turbines as a result of the wind speeds in that area. No planning application has been received for such a proposal. The Council has a policy regarding green belt land and there is a national policy for the promotion of sustainable energy.

That the minutes of the meeting held on 10 July 2013 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

The Leader of the Council submitted a report outlining the progress made during quarter four (2012-2013) for the corporate performance indicators and projects within the Bury Council Corporate Plan. 

Delegated decision:

That the report be noted.

Reason for the decision:

The report provides a clear indication of the overall performance made against the Corporate Plan.

Other option considered and rejected:

To reject the recommendation.

The Cabinet Member for Environment submitted a report seeking approval for Bury’s first Local Flood Risk Management Strategy as a draft for consultation purposes.

It is proposed that the final Flood Risk Management Strategy will be completed by the end of December 2013 when it will provide a framework to deliver a prioritised programme of works and initiatives to manage flood risk in the area.

The draft Strategy has been produced in consultation with local partners and the designated “Risk Management Authorities” under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010. The focus of the Strategy is on flooding from surface water runoff, groundwater and smaller ‘ordinary’ watercourses.

Delegated decisions:

1. That approval be given to the Draft Local Flood Risk Management Strategy (LFRMS), as detailed in the report submitted.

2. That approval be given to authorise the proposed measures for it to be subject to a period of public consultation.

Reasons for the decisions:

Bury Council is a Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 and has a new statutory duty to develop, maintain apply and monitor a Local Flood Risk Management Strategy for the Borough.

Other option considered and rejected:

To seek revisions to the proposed contents of the Draft LFRMS prior to public consultation.

(An amended version of the Strategy will be circulated.)

The Cabinet Member for Environment submitted a report regarding the Statement of Community Involvement (SCI). The SCI sets out how the Council intends to involve the community in the preparation, alteration or revision of the various components of the Bury Local Plan, and in the decision-making process for planning applications. The Council’s current SCI was adopted in December 2009.

Following a decision made under delegated powers on 18 June 2013 by the Cabinet Member for Environment for a 4-week consultation on the document (held between 24 June to 22 July 2013). Eleven representations were received and minor changes were made to the document where appropriate.

Delegated decisions:

1. That the consultation comments received as a result of public consultation on the Statement of Community Involvement and the minor changes made in response to those documents be noted.

2. That the Statement of Community Involvement document be adopted as council policy.

Reason for the decisions:

Following recent changes to Government guidance and Regulations a review of the SCI was considered necessary. The SCI must remain an effective tool for residents and developers and contain the most up-to-date information.

Other options considered and rejected:

Member to seek further revisions to the Statement of Community Involvement before it is adopted.

The Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Affairs submitted a report informing Cabinet of the Council’s financial position for the period to June 2013 and the projects the likely outturn at the end of 2013/14.

The report also includes Prudential Indicators in accordance with CIPFA’s Prudential Code.

Delegated decisions:

1. That the financial position of the Council as at 30 June 2013 be noted.

2. That approval be given to the s151 officer’s assessment of the minimum level of balances.

Reason for the decision:

The monitoring of the Council budget provides an early warning of any potential major overspends or underspends. This falls within the appropriate      statutory duties and powers and is a requirement of the Council’s Financial Regulations.

Other option considered and rejected:

To reject the recommendation.

Delegated decision:

That in accordance with Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item of business as it involves the likely disclosure of information as detailed in the conditions of category 3.

The Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Affairs submitted a report providing options to sell the site of the former Beech Grove Elderly Persons Home.       

Delegated decision:

That approval be given to sell the site SVHA for market value together with nomination rights.

Reason for the decision:

The sale of the site to SVHA provides the Council with more benefits then offering the site for sale on the open market.       

Other option considered and rejected:

To offer the site for sale on the open market.