MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF

THE EXECUTIVE

HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER ON WEDNESDAY, 13 MARCH 2024

 

Members in attendance: * Denotes attendance Ø Denotes apologies for absence ** Denotes attendance via Teams in a non-voting capacity
*	Cllr V Abbott	*	Cllr N A Hopwood
Ø	Cllr J P Birch	Ø	Cllr J McKay **
*	Cllr J Brazil (Chairman)	*	Cllr D M O’Callaghan
*	Cllr J M Hodgson	*	Cllr D Thomas (Vice Chairman)

 

Non-Executive Members also present either in person or remotely for all or part of the meeting: Cllrs Cooper (via Teams); Dennis; Hawkins; Penfold and Yardy

 

Officers in attendance and participating:
All items		Deputy Chief Executive, Director of Place & Enterprise; Section 151 Officer (via Teams); Head of Democratic Services and Principal Assets Officer

 

 

E.89/23          DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

                       

Members and officers were invited to declare any interests in the items of business to be considered during the course of this meeting but there were none made.

 

 

E.90/23          DARTMOUTH PARK & RIDE

 

Arising from the Executive meeting held on 7 March 2024 (Minute E.82/23 refers), Members considered a report that set out several proposed amendments to the operating tariff of the Dartmouth Park and Ride bus service.

 

During discussion, the following points were raised:

 

(a)  A number of Members welcomed the fact that a compromise agreement had been reached that had been deemed to be more acceptable by local Ward Members and local community groups and stakeholders.  To reach this compromise, Members recognised the work and effort that had been put in by both lead officers and the lead Executive Member and widespread thanks were therefore extended to these individuals;

 

 

 

(b)  Whilst accepting the improved position, a Member nonetheless informed that she could still not support the proposals in light of the recommended increases to the annual business permit and the all day tariff;

 

(c)  The political aspiration to introduce a two-tier pricing structure (for local residents and visitors) remained but was wholly reliant upon the software being in place to support its roll-out.  In addition, reference was made to the excellent suggestion of a local Ward Member to produce a combined Lower Ferry / Park & Ride permit and a commitment was given to take this idea forward;

 

(d)  Officers emphasised that they were committed to supporting the local events in Dartmouth and conversations were to be held with event organisers in order to establish their position and views.  In expanding the point, Members welcomed the collaborative approach that had been undertaken to reach this point and it was hoped that this way of working would continue to flourish both in Dartmouth and across the South Hams;

 

(e)  The need to improve upon the advertising and promotion of the Park and Ride Service was noted.  In addition, there was considered to be scope to improve the signposting that would help to increase user numbers;

 

(f)   The Leader informed that lessons had been learned with regard to the lack of prior consultation before the proposals were presented to the previous Executive meeting (held on 7 March 2024) and proceeded to give an assurance that this would not happen again during this administration.

 

It was then:

 

RESOLVED

 

1.    That the extension of the contract of the existing Park and Ride (P&R) operator for the provision of the P&R bus service be approved, subject to inclusion of the changes proposed within Section 4 of the presented agenda report;

 

2.    That the Director of Place & Enterprise be authorised to publish notice of proposals for the approval of the South Hams District Council (Off-Street Parking Places) Amendment Order No 2 of 2022 amendments to be made to:

 

2.1 Amend the Dartmouth Park and Ride car park Pay and Display charges in accordance with Appendix A of the agenda report; and

 

2.2 Amend the Dartmouth Park and Ride permits in accordance with Appendix B of the presented agenda report; and

 

3.    That the Director of Place & Enterprise be requested to review the consultation responses in consultation with the lead Executive Member and either prepare a report for the Executive or implement the proposals, subject to the responses received.

 

 

(Meeting commenced at 9.00 am and concluded at 9.30 am)

 

 

______________________

Chairman