Agenda item

A period of up to 15 minutes is available to deal with issues raised by the public;

O&S.66/17      

In accordance with the Public Forum Procedure Rules, two issues were received for consideration as follows:-

1.       From Cllr John Birch

Ref. Section 106 Case Manager

‘In welcoming the appointment of Julie Rowdon as the S106 Case Manager, it is noted that in the recent Bulletin sent to Members it is stated that ‘her current priorities are to bring all records up to date, monitor finances ensuring that deadlines are met and to streamline S106 processes.’

I am concerned that the extent of the officer’s duties may not be sufficient in that they may not extend to the monitoring of the imposition of non-financial obligations on developers arising out of completed S106 Agreements and other completed planning agreements such as unilateral undertakings and management plans submitted in order to satisfy a planning condition.

I have recently come across three examples on major developments in Totnes where it appears the Council has not sought to impose non-financial obligations on the developer.

Can Members be sent a copy of the Section 106 Case Manager’s detailed Job Description and an assurance that she will have sufficient resources to undertake the monitoring of the imposition of non-financial obligations in respect of completed S106 Agreements and other completed planning agreements as mentioned above?’

In response, the Head of Paid Service stated that, whilst largely an operational matter, he would speak to Cllr Birch outside of this meeting with regard to the Job Description for this role.  However, the Head of Paid Service did assure those in attendance that he was satisfied that the content of the Job Description was appropriate for this role.

Whilst noting the concerns in the question relating to planning conditions, Cllr Birch was informed that these would not be part of the postholder’s roles and responsibilities, with the focus instead being on ensuring development compliance with each S106 Agreement.

In reply to a supplementary question related to whether or not the allocated resource would be sufficient to meet the associated work demands, it was agreed that officers would discuss this matter with Cllr Birch outside of this meeting.

2.       Follaton House Car Parking

‘Barriers have recently erected in parts of the car park without reference to or in consultation with local Members.  Upon the barriers becoming operational members of the public will suffer a loss of 35 car parking spaces in an area of limited parking.

Why has this restrictive car parking scheme been implemented without reference to or in consultation with local Members?  Can the new scheme be put on hold until such reference and consultation has taken place?’

In reply, the Head of Paid Service stated that, in line with the Council’s delegated authority arrangements, the Community Of Practice Lead for Assets had taken the decision to erect these barriers.  This decision had been taken in response to recent difficulties being experienced from the car park being used as a facility for second vehicles (often camper vans) to be stored for a significant period of time.

Whilst grateful for this response, Cllr Birch did nonetheless wish to put on record his disappointment that the local ward Members had not been consulted on this decision.