Agenda item

O&S(E) 22     

A report was considered that provided an update on Our Plan.  In the ensuing debate, reference was made to:-

(a)    the division of responsibility between Hub Committee Members.  For clarity, the Leader advised those present that he was the lead Hub Committee Member for the overriding ‘Our Plan’ and Cllr Parker was the lead Member specifically for the ‘Local Plan’.  In discussion, there was a general consensus that progress on the wider ‘Our Plan’ should not be constrained by any delays on the ‘Local Plan’ aspect and these should therefore run in parallel;

(b)    it was felt to be reassuring that the activity plan illustrated that at least some progress had been made on every action related to the Borough;

(c)    the relationship with Plymouth City Council (PCC) and Dartmoor National Park Authority (DNPA).  The Leader informed that PCC was keen on investigating the merits of developing a joint Local Plan.  As a consequence, a meeting was due to take place in the upcoming weeks between PCC, DNPA, South Hams District Council and Borough representatives to discuss this matter further;

(d)    being realistic and reasonably ambitious.  Members recognised that there was a need to strike the delicate balance between setting realistic aims and objectives whilst still being sufficiently ambitious;

(e)    future reporting methods.  The following presentation methods were suggested for future consideration:-

-         differentiating between the less contentious actions and those that require more focus;

-         creating a ‘Traffic Light’ system to enable for Committee focus to be on the ‘Red’ and ‘Amber’ actions; and

-         separating those actions that would not see any progress until the year end.

(f)     the need to improve the communications in relation to Our Plan was recognised by the Committee;

(g)    Member participation in the process.  A number of suggestions were put forward for Members to be involved in the Our Plan process.  In conclusion, the Committee was of the view that, in the first instance, an Overview and Scrutiny sponsored all Member event should be held with South Hams District Council Members early in the New Year.  When put to the vote, this proposal was declared CARRIED.

It was then:

RECOMMENDED

That the Hub Committee RECOMMEND to the Council that:

1.      The monitoring of Our Plan and the 2015/16 Annual Delivery Plan be noted;

2.      West Devon Our Plan be re-issued for the start of the 2016/17 Financial Year as a document that:-

o  recognises Our Plan as the single comprehensive Council Plan;

o  restates the Council’s corporate Vision and Objectives;

o  establishes the common basis for the Council’s Financial Plan, Asset Management Plan, Local Plan and all other Plans and Strategies;

o  establishes long-term and short-term priorities for delivery, including a delivery plan commencing in 2016/17;

o  establishes mechanisms for delivery;

o  establishes engagement, monitoring and review procedures; and

o  provides context for subsequent incorporation of the Local Plan element currently subject to separate preparation;

3.      an Overview and Scrutiny sponsored all Member event should be held with South Hams District Council Members early in the New Year; and

4.      the proposed document be presented back for review to the Overview & Scrutiny (External) Committee, Hub Committee and Council for agreement prior to publication.