COUNCIL MEETING 23 June 2020 - Borough of Broxbourne
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COUNCIL MEETING
23 June 2020
Statements made by
Cabinet Members and Chairmen of the
Council’s Committees
Leader of the Council
Finance and Business Services
Housing and Community Services
Planning and Regeneration
Environment
Planning and Regulatory Committee
Audit and Standards Committee
Scrutiny Committee
LEADER OF THE COUNCIL
Covid-19
Since lockdown began at the end of March, other than sports
and leisure sites that cannot be opened, the Council has
continued to deliver a near normal service across most of its
services, a truly outstanding performance.
Notably, the Council has brought forward the adoption of the
Local Plan which the Cabinet Member for Planning and
Regeneration has referred to in more detail in his report and
about which I will speak further at the meeting. In addition,
the Council has been able to develop a new set of corporate
priorities which I will also speak about further at the meeting.
The Council has managed to issue £14.8m in grants to local businesses with
payments having been made promptly to all eligible businesses that made contact.
Regular communication with residents has continued throughout lockdown including
two leaflets delivered to every household, with a third underway, and continuous
information and messages via social media.
Two video messages providing reassurance to local residents have been published
and a third is being prepared.
Plans are in preparation for the recovery and a return to the new normal.
Throughout lockdown, feedback from the public about the Council has been very
positive, examples of which are set out in the communications section below.
Borough of Broxbourne Awards (the BoBs)
The first BoB Awards evening took place at The Spotlight on 6 March which was a
great success. The next awards ceremony, planned for 12 March 2021, will focus on
awards for local ‘heroes’ who have made outstanding community contributions during
the pandemic.
Economic Development
The Ambition 2019 Conference was held on 12 November at the Spotlight Theatre
with 137 attendees. This event saw the launch of a programme of business support
activity, which saw 160 attendees book on business related training during the last
four months of 2019/20.
The following events in the 2020/2021 calendar year will now be run virtually:
1. Blogging, Vlogging and Podcasts
2. Speed Networking
3. Business recovery events with Better Business for All (BBfA)
4. Google Digital Garage – Digital Marketing Strategy (continuing the digital
programme that began with Social Media in February).
A Business Recovery Survey linked to the Covid-19 pandemic be undertaken which
will help to identify the non-financial assistance that is needed for relevant events and
training.
A business newsletter went out to businesses located in the Borough with the
business rate bills. A second e-newsletter that includes advice on re-opening
businesses, financial support, events, health and wellbeing will be delivered to 1,900
email addresses this month.
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Member Training Programme 2019/20 and 2020/21
Twelve training sessions for Members were held in the 2019/20 programme, which
concluded with a virtual session on the Local Plan in May.
This year’s programme will include an early session on licensing and as previously
agreed by the Council, a training session on the Code of Conduct later in the
programme.
One–to-one training on tablet devices continues to be available to Members, including
on Teams which is now used regularly for remote meetings.
Communications
The Council’s communications have been focused on supporting residents and
businesses through the coronavirus pandemic as stated above.
The Council’s social media has seen increased engagement and followers during this
time and many positive comments have been shared by members of the public about
the Council’s services and front line workers. A ‘thank you’ message from staff to
local residents and businesses for playing their part in the battle against the virus was
compiled which has been well received.
The Council commemorated the 75th anniversary of VE day via social media, posting
a video from the Mayor and memories of the Borough as well as a follow up post
sharing how some local Broxbourne Councillors celebrated.
Electoral Registration
This year’s local elections were postponed to 2021 due to the Covid-19 lockdown.
Following recent legislative changes, the annual electoral register preparation will
now involve data matching with national records. As a result it is expected that
approximately 70% of residents will be automatically confirmed as registered electors
on the new register to be published in December without the need to take any further
action.
Lewis Cocking
Leader of the Council
FINANCE AND BUSINESS SERVICES
Finance
Although it is too soon to be certain about the impact on the
Council’s finances for the whole of the current year, no
overspend in the general fund is forecast at the present time.
However, the Council’s cash investments are being depleted
rapidly due to the reduction in business rates and council tax
being collected. The current forecasts indicate that council tax
collection will be 93% and business rates will be 85%. The
significant reduction in business rates collection is mainly due
to the government’s support package of the business rates holiday for the retail,
leisure and hospitality industry.
The Council has been administering the Government’s two Covid-19 business grant
schemes which support small businesses and those in the retail, leisure and
hospitality sectors. To date the Council has made grant payments to over 1,100
businesses with a total value of £14,800,000.
The Council has received £819,500 to fund a discretionary grants scheme aimed at
small businesses that have been adversely impacted by the Covid-19 crisis but which
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have not been able to access the other grant schemes. The application period for
these grants closes on 26 June.
Property
Some of the Council’s commercial tenants who have been experiencing particular
difficulties during the Covid-19 period have been allowed to defer their rents for three
months. A further period is likely to be given to those companies who have not been
able to trade so that they can start operating for a period of time before having to pay
the deferred rent.
The Development Agreement for Brookfield Riverside is expected to be ready for
completion by the end of June 2020.
The Council has received a grant for £1,060,000 from Homes England to progress a
planning application and carry out pre-development works to that part of the Bishops’
College site which lies between the New River and the staff car park, for a housing
development. The planning application is currently being prepared.
The Council has provided Badger BC Investments with a loan to acquire the KO
carwash site at 78 Great Cambridge Road.
Paul Mason
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY SERVICES
Broxbourne Sport
Although the Laura Trott Leisure Centre and John Warner
Sports Centre remain closed, extensive plans are being
prepared to enable the sites to reopen as soon as it is safe
and relatively financially viable to do so. Initially the sites
will only be open for use of the gyms and exercise classes.
The swimming pools will remain closed until further
government advice has been issued. An on-line booking
system will ensure that users will be limited to a safe
number per hour and thorough cleaning of all equipment
will be carried out before the start of each session.
Since the Cheshunt Park Golf Centre (CPGC) re-opened
on 14 May virtually all available tee times have been sold-out and 30 new members
have joined the centre. Opening hours have been extended to try to meet the
additional demand.
The driving range and halfway house at CPGC is also fully open selling take-away
sandwiches, light snacks and drinks.
Housing
The Council’s first fully externally-funded Rough Sleeper Initiative, the ‘No First Night
Out’ project, has launched. The programme is designed to provide support for single
homeless people who do not qualify for support or assistance under the
homelessness legislation. The scheme helps customers to achieve settled
accommodation and receive the necessary support they may need.
Since the last report, and despite the Covid-19 pandemic, the number of households
in temporary accommodation has remained fairly static at 281.
A number of opportunities for additional hostel accommodation within the Borough
are being considered and a business case for the first of these is expected to be
considered at the next Cabinet meeting.
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An additional Hugg home has been included in the current lease bringing the total to
33 units on the site.
New B3 Living homes at the former Small Acre nursery in Goffs Oak are nearing
completion with 21 properties being available for applicants on the Council’s housing
register during July. The development comprises eight two bedroom flats, eight studio
flats and five two bedroom houses.
The Spotlight
The Spotlight remains closed and a number of the planned shows and entertainment
events have been rescheduled for 2021.
Community Safety
A public consultation will begin shortly on three Public Spaces Protection Orders
(PSPOs) relating to the control of dogs, public consumption of intoxicating liquor and
vehicle related anti-social behaviour.
The guidance which will be used when the PSPO relating to parking on grass verges
and footways is put out for public consultation later this year is being prepared.
St Giles Trust workers have continued to support vulnerable young people within
Broxbourne during Covid-19 lockdown as part of the Youth Intervention Project. The
St Giles mentor has been actively supporting 24 vulnerable young people. The
school/parent information evenings which were cancelled in April will be rescheduled
for later in the year. The project has, so far, supported over 60 young people
providing guidance and support around the prevention of serious youth violence.
The Police and OWL neighbourhood watch scheme are continuing to provide support,
information and advice around crime prevention, including potential scams that have
emerged during lockdown.
A county-wide project aimed at providing information to those experiencing domestic
abuse is due to be advertised within local businesses.
Community Development
Since the start of the lockdown the Community Development team has been
supporting the county-wide Covid-19 volunteer initiative.
A number of national and local grants have been secured to fund:
celebrating our community events and for Caribbean Culture workshops in
primary schools which is funded from the Government’s Windrush Grant
scheme
a new junior Parkrun at Cedars Park
sports equipment to keep for children active during lockdown
the establishment of the trust for the Lowewood museum
the tackling of mental health issues relating to Covid-19.
Health
The new Healthy Hub, funded by a grant from Hertfordshire County Council, has
begun to offer health advice and support to residents. A Healthy Hub Adviser
provides motivational counselling and practical help to tackle health issues such as
smoking, problem drinking or overeating, with the approach and goals tailored to the
individual. To prioritise members of the community who most need help, clients for
the service are referred by partners such as GP practices and the Council’s housing
service.
Siobhan Monaghan
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PLANNING AND REGENERATION
Local Plan
Following examination in public, the Local Plan 2018-2033
was found ‘sound with modifications’ and legally compliant
by Planning Inspector William Fieldhouse on 14 April 2020.
The Council is being asked to adopt the new Local Plan
tonight which will replace the Local Plan 2005 as a key part
of the statutory development plan for the Borough of
Broxbourne. The Council can rightly be proud of
successfully navigating its way through this long, detailed
and complex process which many other councils have been unable to achieve.
The Local Plan contains a suite of new development management policies against
which planning applications will be assessed, as well as plans for new homes,
employment, facilities including parks and open spaces, and new infrastructure to
support the Borough’s ambitions for growth.
Town Centres
Over the autumn/winter months, Farmers’ Markets were held in Waltham Cross Town
Centre making use of the new town square. The Street Fair was held between 26-29
October and proved beneficial, plus the Christmas Shopping Day on 7 December was
successful. Hoddesdon Town Centre saw the annual Christmas event on 30
November and the New Year Street Fair 28 December - 1 January. Both Town
Centres hosted local schools performing for the Festival of Carols on selected market
days during December.
Events such as the May Fair and VE Heritage Day, Summer Fair and Celebrating our
Community were scheduled to take place during May, June, July and August in
Hoddesdon and Waltham Cross but were cancelled due to Covid-19 and government
guidelines. Further events scheduled were Rock around the Clock Tower, Food and
Drink Festival, the Vintage Car Show, Classic Vehicle Day, Give your town the run
around and the Charter Fair weekend. Unfortunately, these have now also been
cancelled.
Further town centre events are still to be confirmed but it is hoped that the
autumn/winter events will be able to continue.
The markets in Hoddesdon and Waltham Cross have reopened.
Cheshunt Old Pond Strategy
The Cheshunt Old Pond Strategy was agreed following Cabinet on 24 March. The
overall strategy is to improve the Old Pond area for the benefit of local residents and
visitors from further afield. The strategy includes improvements to Grundy Park and a
major public realm project around the fountain.
The first phase of implementation will be improvements to Grundy Park and detailed
plans are under development.
Keith Brown
ENVIRONMENT
Green Spaces
The value of our green spaces to the community has been
clearly demonstrated during the Covid-19 period; the physical
and mental benefits of having contact with the natural
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Play areas and ball courts remain closed, however there has been an increase in
demand for allotment plots across the Borough.
After initial challenges from the wet start to the season followed by the exceptionally
dry April and May, the frontline services have been able to maintain our green spaces
to a consistent standard.
Environmental Sustainability
The first phase of the tree planting programme was completed in March with over
1,000 trees planted across the Borough.
Environmental Health
The Council’s Environmental Health Team have been working with the Better
Business For All (BBFA) team and colleagues from the county council to provide
recovery plan information to the Borough’s commercial businesses to assist them with
the re-opening following the Covid-19 pandemic shutdowns.
World Food Safety Day – we have conveyed messages to members of the public in
the Borough to re-emphasise clear public health messages such as hand washing to
link in with the current public health challenges.
The demands on the Environmental Health Service have increased significantly due
to the impact of more people being at home, with increased numbers of complaints
about bonfires and noise along with requests from several food outlets applying for
changes to allow them to provide takeaway services.
Parking
A cashless parking system will be introduced from mid-October 2020. A number of
pay and display machines need to be upgraded to allow this change but once
implemented the machines will be able to take card payment along with Apple Pay
and Google Pay.
124 free parking permits have been issued to NHS and care workers.
Waste Management
Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic period the Council’s frontline staff have continued
to carry out and provide a full waste and recycling collection service to residents of
the Borough. Whilst the Borough’s Recycling Points have been heavily used and
unfortunately mis-used with fly tipped material, staff have worked hard to keep them
as clear and clean as possible.
Transformation
There are now over 100 customer journeys live on the Council’s website.
The Parking service has been fully digitised and customers therefore only need to
interact with the service by face to face or over the phone if this is their preferred
method of communication.
The new MyAccount function added to the website allows residents to register so they
can track the status of issues raised and enjoy better Council interaction.
New software that allows the Council to hold virtual public meetings which are
broadcast via the website has been rolled out. A link to the meeting remains on the
website so residents can watch any public meeting that has been held since 1 April
2020.
David Holliday
Deputy Leader
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-6-PLANNING AND REGULATORY COMMITTEE
Planning
Between October and March, 307 planning applications were
determined of which 251 were approved.
Between October and March, 15 appeals were determined by the
Planning Inspectorate; the Council’s decision was upheld in 11
cases.
In November, the Committee approved a residential development
compromising 60 houses and apartments at Oakland’s Yard in Essex Road
Hoddesdon. The development put forward by B3Living will deliver 100% affordable
homes in a pleasantly designed setting. The Committee also considered and refused
an application seeking permission for the erection of a dwelling in a rear garden in
Sterling Avenue, which was considered to be of poor design. Also at this meeting,
the Committee considered details for the Design Code at High Leigh Garden Village
and also a planning application submitted to Hertfordshire County Council in respect
of the new primary school. The Committee was concerned in respect of both
applications that they failed to deliver the high quality of design and place making
aspired to through the High Leigh Development.
In December, the Committee considered a proposal for a hyper scale data centre with
additional business space on land at Maxwells Farm in Waltham Cross. Members
sought additional information and clarification relating to the impacts of this
development and the benefits that it would bring to the Borough and consequently
deferred the application. At the same meeting, the Committee approved revised plans
for residential development at the rear of 74 High Street Hoddesdon and also for
plans to enlarge the Turkish Food Centre supermarket in Waltham Cross High Street
with the addition of flats above.
In January, the Committee considered an application to carry the planning obligation
which secures access alongside 66 High Street, Hoddesdon to connect the High
Street to Limes Court, including the Limes Surgery.
In February, the Committee considered the application for the data centre at
Maxwell’s Farm which had been deferred in November. Members approved the
application which had been revised in the meantime to clarify the impacts and
enhance the benefits to the Borough through a comprehensive Section 106
agreement. Members also approved the first detailed reserved matters for the first
195 homes to be delivered within the development at Cheshunt Lakeside. A planning
application proposing re-development of the site of a former Brethren’s meeting room
in Salisbury Road Hoddesdon was deferred by the Committee, to seek improvements
to the proposal.
During the current Covid-19 restrictions, the Committee is unable to meet in person.
Following a change in legislation to enable councils to take decisions virtually, a
regular series of virtual Planning meetings has been held via Microsoft Teams and
live webcast via the Council’s website. Since the end of April, the Committee has met
weekly and has made the following decisions:
- agreement to a revised version of the High Leigh Design Code which addressed
the concerns raised by Members on November last year;
- approval of 24 houses within the farmyard at Cheshunt Park Farm;
- approved revised planning and listed building consent applications for conversion
and new build at the Green Dragon public house in Cheshunt;
- refusal of a proposal to redevelop The Pavilions shopping centre in Waltham
Cross. The proposal was to retain the shopping centre and lower levels of multi-
storey car park and replace the upper floors with a flatted development of eleven
-7-storeys in total, together with retail extensions and alternations to the centre at
ground floor. Members were concerned at the overall height, design and massing
of the development and also that it could prejudice the future development
ambitions for Waltham Cross through lack of car parking spaces;
- approval of a residential development of 51 new houses on a site to the south of
Goff Lane, allocated in the emerging Local Plan. The development would provide
40% affordable homes;
- approval for a redevelopment of the Munro Industrial Estate in Waltham Cross
with modern new industrial units;
- refusal of a residential scheme for 42 houses on land at the corner of
Newgatestreet Road with St James’ Road in Goff’s Oak. Although allocated in the
emerging Local Plan, the development proposed a significantly higher number of
homes than proposed in the allocation and failed to develop the open space in the
form sought by the Council which would facilitate wider community use;
- refusal of a proposal to redevelop the Windmill public house in Cheshunt with a
mixed use scheme involving commercial units on the ground floor with nine flats
above. The scheme was considered unacceptable in terms of the design, impact
on neighbours and the shortfall in car parking.
Licensing
The Covid-19 pandemic has affected the licensed taxi and private hire trade in terms
of business but guidance has been issued to all drivers currently working on ensuring
cleaning and sanitising routines are carried out between each passenger journey.
The emergency legislation introduced to enable committee meetings to be held
virtually as a result of Covid-19 also enables licensing hearings to be held without all
members being present in one place to ensure that the licensing function can
continue uninterrupted if the Licensing Applications Sub-Committee needs to meet.
Tony Siracusa
AUDIT AND STANDARDS COMMITTEE
At its April 2020 meeting, the Committee received the details of the
outline approach and scope for the audit of the 2019/20 financial
statements. This was presented by the Council’s external auditor,
Ernst and Young, who explained that the Accounts and Audit
(Coronavirus)(Amendment) Regulations 2020 had moved the
publication date for final, audited, accounts from 31 July to 30
November 2020 for all local authority bodies. To give local authorities
more flexibility, the requirement for the public inspection period to
include the first 10 working days of June had been removed. Instead local authorities must
commence the public inspection period on or before the first working day of September
2020. However, both the Council and the External Auditors were confident that the original
timetable could still be achieved despite coronavirus.
The Committee approved the 2020/21 anti-fraud plan which was presented by the
Hertfordshire Shared Anti-Fraud Service (SAFS). This supports the Council’s Anti-Fraud and
Corruption Strategy.
Mike Iszatt
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The Committee has met five times since the last statement. For
the first four meetings the Committee considered the reports
going to the next Cabinet meeting which included electric
vehicle charging points, Brookfield Riverside development
agreement and Wormley Community Centre.
Committee members were able to pass on comments and
recommendations to Cabinet for its consideration.
At the Committee’s first meeting of the municipal year, it was
noted that the Committee would no longer be considering the
draft Cabinet reports and would instead be focussing on its own
work plan in future.
The Committee received its Annual Report for the previous municipal year 2019/20
which was approved and referred to Full Council.
The Committee also looked at whether the Council should be webcasting its meetings
in the future.
The Scrutiny Committee Panel on Housing met again in February where the Panel
considered a report from the Director of Finance on the Council’s housing service.
The Panel made two recommendations which the Committee decided to defer to a
future meeting so that officers could bring to the Committee a report on the housing
allocations policy.
Giles Hall
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