It was
noted that four motions had been received in accordance with
Council Procedure Rule 10:
(a)
By Cllrs Hodgson and
Rose
“We
propose that SHDC lobbies National Government to create a
structure of fines that Local
Authorities can impose for planning breaches. These would include illegal felling or damage to
trees, illegal removal of Devon Bank and all mature hedgebanks. These
fines could be imposed further to formal
investigation by Enforcement officers (rather than the additional
costs and time taken going through formal court
proceedings).”
In her introduction, the proposer
emphasised the need for more meaningful sanctions to be available
to act as a deterrent against potential planning
breaches.
During the subsequent debate, an
amendment to the motion was PROPOSED and SECONDED that read as follows:
‘This Council resolves to lobby
its Members of Parliament, the Local Government Association and
national government in order to strengthen the sanctions arising
out of a breach of planning controls including an increase in the
current level of fines in cases of serious breaches such as
unauthorised felling or damage to trees, removal of Devon Banks and
mature hedgebanks.
It is proposed that in introducing an
increase in the current level of fines the procedure leading to
their imposition be simplified and made more effective in
consequence of the limited resources available to local authorities
in respect of enforcement.’
The proposer introduced his amendment
and, whilst welcoming the intent of the original wording, he was of
the view that his suggested revision would in fact add strength to
the motion.
It was noted that local Ward Members
had a key role to play with regard to the reporting of potential
planning breaches and there was an acknowledged training need to
support Members in this respect. As a
result, officers gave a commitment to deliver relevant training to
Members in the upcoming months.
When put to the vote, the amendment was
declared CARRIED and therefore became the
substantive motion.
It was then:
RESOLVED
This Council resolves to lobby its
Members of Parliament, the Local Government Association and
national government in order to strengthen the sanctions arising
out of a breach of planning controls including an increase in the
current level of fines in cases of serious breaches such as
unauthorised felling or damage to trees, removal of Devon Banks and
mature hedgebanks.
It is proposed that in introducing an
increase in the current level of fines the procedure leading to
their imposition be simplified and made more effective in
consequence of the limited resources available to local authorities
in respect of enforcement.
(b)
By Cllrs Baldry and
Thomas
“In the interest of public health, of our
residents and of tourism there shall be no further closure of SHDC
public lavatories.
This motion reverses the decision taken by the
Executive on 22 November 2018 and 7 February 2019 and confirmed at
Full Council on 21 February 2019 (following a Call-in to Overview
and Scrutiny).
Where agreement has been reached with Parish
Councils ... view
the full minutes text for item 38/19