Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

To record the names of apologies given.

There were no apologies received.

To give consideration to the approval of alternative arrangements for appointments to bodies set up by Cabinet or external bodies, or the making or terminating of such appointments.

There were no changes to be made.

To receive any disclosure of interests from Members and Officers in matters to be discussed.

Note: Councillors are reminded of their obligations to declare disclosable pecuniary interests, personal and/or prejudicial interests in accordance with legislation and the Council’s Code of Conduct.

Councillors Porter and Tod declared personal (but not prejudicial) interests in respect of various items on the agenda due to their roles as County Councillors.

– to note the names of members of the public wishing to speak on general matters affecting the District or on agenda items (in the case of the latter, representations will normally be received at the time of the agenda item, after the Cabinet Member’s introduction and any questions from Cabinet Members).

NB members of the public are required to register with Democratic Services three clear working days before the meeting (contact: democracy@winchester.gov.uk or 01962 848 264). 

Julian Perkins and Ian Tait spoke during public participation as summarised briefly below.

Julian Perkins

He referred to comments made at previous Cabinet meetings regarding the condition of the public toilets at Abbey Gardens and Market Lane, Winchester.  He acknowledged that the condition of the Market Lane conveniences had improved due to the works funded by the council,  but highlighted a number of issues that remained with the disabled facilities toilets.  Noting that some difficulties were due to the council not owning the Market Lane building, he suggested that the council seek to build new toilet facilities on land that it did own and possibly charge a small fee to support upkeep.

Councillors Thompson and Tod responded to the comments made by Mr Perkins including outlining the further improvements that had already taken place and were scheduled for public toilets across the district.  In addition, officers would arrange to meet Mr Perkins at the Market Lane facilities to discuss his specific points if he wished.

Ian Tait

He referred to the government’s recent announcement to deliver 1.5 million new homes over the next five years.  He emphasised the size of the Winchester district and the potential capacity for a large number of homes to be built, particularly at a higher density.  He asked whether the council would support the challenge to deliver the required number of new housing.

Councillor Tod responded to the comments made including highlighting that the details of the revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) were not yet known and the council’s Local Plan detailed proposals for the delivery of new homes.

RESOLVED:

          That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 20 November 2024 be agreed as a correct record.

Councillor Porter announced that an Inspector had now been appointed to undertake the independent examination of the council’s Local Plan early in the new year (exact dates to be advised).

1.    That the adoption of the Council Plan 2025 -2030 be recommended to Full Council with effect from 1 April 2025.*

2.    That authority be delegated to the Leader, in consultation with the Chief Executive, to make any necessary minor amendments and typographical corrections to the Plan prior to consideration at Council.

*NB recommendations to Council are not subject to call-in.

Councillor Tod introduced the report and outlined the priorities within the Council Plan 2025 – 2030.

At the invitation of the Leader, Councillors Lee and Horrill addressed Cabinet as summarised briefly below.

Councillor Lee

Councillor Lee raised a number of detailed points and suggestions in relation to the proposed plan, as well as its future implementation and performance monitoring.  He queried when the results of the residents’ survey would be available to all councillors.

Councillor Horrill

Councillor Horrill thanked Cabinet for consulting on the draft plan with a wide range of committees and partners. She also requested the full results of the residents’ survey be made available to councillors.  She made a number of other points, typographical updates and suggestions in relation to the plan itself.

Councillor Tod and other Cabinet members responded to the comments made, including emphasising that the Plan was a strategic level document rather than a detailed delivery plan.

It was proposed that the Leader be granted delegated authority to make any necessary minor amendments to the Plan prior to consideration by Council.  This was agreed as set out in the second resolution below.

Cabinet agreed to the following for the reasons set out in the report and outlined above.

RECOMMENDED (TO COUNCIL):

1.                That the Council Plan 2025 -2030 be adopted with effect from 1 April 2025.

RESOLVED:

2.                That authority be delegated to the Leader, in consultation with the Chief Executive, to make any necessary minor amendments and typographical corrections to the Plan prior to consideration at Council.

It was clarified that the HRA budget report would be submitted to February Cabinet, but not Cabinet Committee: Housing, prior to consideration at full Council.

RESOLVED:

That the list of future items as set out in the Forward Plan for January 2025 be noted.