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Agenda and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber - Council Chamber

Contact: Democratic Services 

Items
No. Item

2.

Chairman's announcements and receipt of petitions

Minutes:

In opening the meeting, the Chairman led a minute silence as a mark of respect for the passing of Rhodri Morgan.  Group Leaders expressed the condolences of Council.

 

There were no petitions presented.

 

 

3.

Declarations of interest

Minutes:

Members’ declarations of interests are recorded against the agenda item in the minutes.

 

4.

Public Open Forum

4a

Question from Mr. M Smith to County Councillor P. Fox

Why is the County Council supporting a proposed development scheme, namely the M4 Corridor around Newport which if approved, will destroy the character and the environment of Llanfihangel Rogiet, an area which has been designated by this Council as a Conservation Area and is listed as such in the Adopted Local Development Plan? Is he aware that  “Conservation Areas are widely recognised as one of the County’s key tourism and amenity areas and that these assets are irreplaceable and any detrimental impact upon them can have significant cultural, environmental and social costs and therefore it is essential that they are preserved and where possible enhanced? “  Is he also aware that if the proposed motorway scheme is approved it will be in breach of the Council’s policy on “Development in Conservation Areas” and in particular policy HE1 which states that:-

 

“Policy HE1 – Development in Conservation Areas

 

Within Conservation Areas, development proposals should, where appropriate, have regard to the Conservation Area Appraisal for that area and will be permitted if they:

a) preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the area and its landscape setting;

b) have no serious adverse effect on significant views into and out of the Conservation Area;

c) have no serious adverse effect on significant vistas within the area and the general character and appearance of the street scene and roofscape;

d) use materials appropriate to their setting and context and which protect or enhance the character or appearance of the Conservation Area; and

e) pay special attention to the setting of the buildings and its open areas.”

 

And how can the Leader of the Council justify such unjustifiable, irrecoverable and permanent damage to that area?

 

Minutes:

We welcomed Mr. Smith., who was in attendance tin order to present a question to County Councillor P. Fox.

 

Councillor Fox responded:

 

‘Following debate and approval at Council in May 2016 the Council wrote to Welsh Government to confirm support for the new M4 route. A subsequent letter went from officers, which discussed in more detail various aspects of the proposed route. This highlighte

d concern about the impact upon the Llanfihangel conservation area. The letter from Council is available in the Council minutes on the website but I am also arranging that the officer letter be placed on the website for information.

LDP planning policy HE1 reflects the statutory duty to have special regard to the desirability of preserving or enhancing the character or appearance of the Conservation Area.  The same principles for making decisions on planning applications apply to the M4 proposal, namely that the benefits of the proposal must be weighed up against the harm caused.

The Council’s response to the M4 proposal explicitly notes that the M4 would cause significant and permanent harm to the Llanfihangel Rogiet Conservation Area.  The Council’s response properly takes into account LDP policy HE1 and the statutory duty.  Amendments and mitigation were sought to minimise this harm to the Conservation Area, including changes to the slip road and landscaping, and it is understood that the proposals have incorporated these changes.

The matter of the M4 proposal is currently at an advanced stage of a public inquiry, at the end of which an independent Inspector will make a recommendation to the Welsh Cabinet Secretaries, who will make the final decision.”

 

As a supplementary Mr Smith stated that he disagreed with the Council’s position and suggested an alternative route, the Green Route.  He questioned the connection with a letter from County Councillor B. Jones dated 3rd May 2016.  Councillor Fox reiterated his response, and added that the inquiry process should come to a considered answer, which should satisfy the residents of Monmouthshire.

 

 

5.

To confirm the following minutes:

5a

County Council - 9th March 2017 pdf icon PDF 355 KB

Minutes:

The minutes of the meeting of County Council held on 9th March 2017, were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

5b

County Council - 20th March 2017 pdf icon PDF 121 KB

Minutes:

The minutes of the meeting of County Council held on 20th March, were confirmed as a corr4ect record, and signed by the Vhairman.

 

In doing so Councillor Howarth referred to a petition relating to public rights of way at118,  Clydach Gorge, Gilwern and Llanelli Hill. He expressed disappointment that to date no response had been received.  The Deputy Chief Executive agreed to look into the matter following the meeting. 

 

Councillor S. Jones noted that it had been agreed to review meeting times, and requested that this be added as an agenda item for next Council.

6.

To elect the Leader of the Council and to receive notification of Leader delegations (appointments to Cabinet)

Minutes:

County Councillor R.J.W. Greenland moved that County Councillor P.A. Fox be elected as Leader of the Council.  This was duly seconded by County Councillor P. Jones.

 County Councillor R.J.W. Greenland moved that County Councillor P. Fox be elected as Leader of the Council.  This was duly seconded by County Councillor P. Murphy.

 

Following a recorded vote where 33 voted for the proposal, and 9 against, the proposal was carried.

 

County Councillor P. Fox expressed thanks to the Council for his re-election stating that it was a privilege to lead Monmouthshire County Council, in what would be his 10th year as Leader.  He took the opportunity to welcome new Members.  He thanked Councillor Greenland for his work as Deputy Leader, at a national level as well as a Monmouthshire level.  He paid tribute to past Members, particularly to Cabinet Members P. Hobson, E. Hacket Pain and G. Burrows.

 

The Leader announced that Cabinet portfolios and personnel would be:

 

County Councillor P. Fox (Leader)                             Whole Authority, Strategy and Direction

County Councillor R. J. Greenland (Deputy Leader)            Enterprise

County Councillor P. Murphy                                     Resources

County Councillor S.B. Jones                         County Operations

County Councillor S. L. Jones                                    Social Justice and Community Development

County Councillor P. Jones                                        Social Care, Safeguarding and Health

County Councillor R. John                                          Children and Young People

County Councillor R.P. Jordan                                   Governance

 

In response to a question regarding collaborative working, and the benefits to residents of Monmouthshire, Councillor Fox

 

The Leader of the Opposition congratulated the Conservatives adding that the opposition would present challenge to ensure effectiveness and hold Conservatives to account where appropriate, adding there would be no apology for scrutiny. He added that he was pleased with the welcome appointment of a Cabinet Member for Social Justice.

 

 

 

 

                       

 

 

 

7.

Representation of Political Groups-Review pdf icon PDF 81 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Council were presented with a report to review the representation of different political groups on the bodies to which the Council makes appointments.  We noted that Audit Committee is now subject to the political balance rules and therefore there is now 96 seats across committees.

 

Councillor Howarth referred to previoys discussions surrounding select committees and asked that they be reviewed in 12 months, with regards to attendance.  The Leader recognised the importance of continuity, and added that Democratic Services Committee may wish to consider adding a review as part of their work programme

 

In response to a request for clarity regarding substitutions at meetings, we heard that Group Leaders could advise of a substitution up to one hour prior to the meeting.  It was noted that this would not be the case with Planning Committee due to the requirement for statutory training.  In terms of long-term absence it was expected that the member would be replaced.

 

Upon being put to the vote Council resolved to agree the recommendation:

 

·         To accept the report (and appendices) as a review under Section 15 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 and to appoint the ordinary committees with the numbers and adjustments as indicated below:

 

8.

Appointments to Committees pdf icon PDF 101 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Council received a report to appoint committees together with their membership and terms of reference in accordance with the Council’s Constitution.

 

In accepting the recommendations we noted the following:

 

2.1 Area Committees

 

That Area Committees be appointed, with the terms of reference in appendix A.

 

Bryn Y Cwm, Ward Members for:

Castle

Llanelly Hill

Grofield

Priory

Lansdown

Croesonen

Llanover

Goetre Fawr

Llanwenarth Ultra

Mardy

Llanfoist Fawr

Crucorney

Cantref

Central Monmouthshire, Ward Members for:

Mitchel Troy

Llangybi Fawr

Raglan

Llantillio Crossenny

Dixton with Osbaston

Wyesham

Usk

Llanbadoc

Trellech United

Overmonnnow

Drybridge

Lower Wye, Ward Members for:

St Christopher’s

St Kingsmark

Shirenewton

Devauden

St Mary’s

Thornwell

St Arvans

Larkfield

Caerwent

Severnside, Ward Members for:

Dewstow

West End

Portskewett

Rogiet

The Elms

Severn

Mill

Green Lane

Caldicot Castle

 

2.2 AUDIT COMMITTEE

That the Audit Committee be appointed, with the terms of reference

in appendix B.

 

That the membership of the Committee comprises 11 members of the

Council, to be appointed in accordance with political balance, plus one lay

member.

 

That the current lay member be appointed by Council for a further term.

 

That it be noted that the Chair of the Audit Committee will be appointed by

the Committee.

 

It was noted that Mr. P. White has expressed a wish to continue as Lay Member for the Committee, and the guidance of the 2011 Measure states that the lay member can be appointed for one further term, being a decision for Council.

 

2.3 DEMOCRATIC SERVICES COMMITTEE

That a Democratic Services Committee be appointed, with the terms of

reference in appendix C.

 

That the membership of the Committee comprises 11 members of the

Council, politically balanced.

 

That the Chair of the Democratic Services Committee be appointed by the

Council.

 

We understood that the role of Chair is reserved for a member of the opposition. 

 

Upon being put to the vote, it was agreed that County Councillor D. Evans be appointed as Chairman of Democratic Services Committee.

 

2.4 REGULATORY AND OTHER COMMITTEES

That the following Committees, together with their terms of reference in appendix D, be appointed, subject to any changes to be notified

by the political groups.

 

(a) Planning (16 Members)

(b) Licensing and Regulatory (12 Members)

(c) Sub-Committees under the Licensing Act 2003

• Three sub-committees of three members to be established to meet on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

• The Chairman, Vice Chairman and Opposition spokesman of the

Licensing and Regulatory Committee to be appointed as Chairman of

each sub-committee

• The nine remaining members be called to attend sub-committee

meetings on a rota basis in discussion with the Chairman of the

relevant sub-committee.

(d) Appeals Committee (3 members) 3 members to be nominated on an ad hoc basis.

(e) Appointment of Local Authority Governors Committee (7 Members)

(f) Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) (6 Members)

Persons representing such Christian denominations and other religions and denominations in such religions as in the opinion of the County Council will approximately  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

9.

Appointment to Outside Bodies pdf icon PDF 65 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Council received a report in order to appoint representatives to serve on outside bodies.

 

The report recommended that the Council make appointments to the outside bodies set out in the schedule, with the exception of joint committees listed in

Category B, which are Cabinet appointments.

 

County Councillor Easson declared a personal, non-prejudicial interest as a family member is employed by Y Prentis.

 

County Councillor Woodhouse declared a personal, non-prejudicial interest as her husband, C. Woodhouse is also appointed to King Henry VIII Foundation Governors.

 

Upon being put to the vote, the appointments were agreed as attached:

 

Representation on outside bodies May 2017.doc

10.

Members' salaries and payments pdf icon PDF 127 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Council received a report to set out the determinations of the Independent Remuneration Panel for the civic year 2017/2018 and to give Council the opportunity to determine which roles should receive a senior salary.

 

The Monitoring Officer advised that all Members would be recorded as declaring a personal, non-prejudicial interest under paragraphs 10(2)(c)(i) and 12(2)(b)(iv).

 

Upon being put to a vote, Council resolved to agree the recommendations:

 

2.1 That members note the determinations of the Panel that:

i. An annual basic salary of £13,400 is paid to all members with effect from 9 May 2017.

ii. The County Council may pay senior salaries to up to 17 members. In addition, the Chair and Vice Chair may also receive a civic salary each making a total of 19 senior salaries.

iii. The level of senior and civic salaries that may be paid for relevant duties, some of which may now be paid at different levels at the discretion of the Council. A summary of the options is detailed below:

a. Level 1 (£26,100) or Level 2 (£23,500) payments for members of the executive

b. Level 1 (£22,100) or Level 2 (£20,100) payments made to Chairs of committees dependent on the level of responsibility attached to that role as determined by the Council.

iv. Care allowance for care of dependent children and adults shall be payable for actual and receipted costs up to a maximum of £403

per month.

v. Daily fees of £256 (pro rata for ½ days) be paid to co-opted Chairs of Standards and Audit Committees

vi. Daily fees of £198 (pro rata for ½ days) be paid to ordinary co-opted

members of Standards, Education Scrutiny, Crime and Disorder

Scrutiny and Audit committees

vii. Travel and subsistence allowances are set out in report at Appendix 2

 

2.2 That members determine:

            i. Which roles should attract a senior or civic salary, up to a maximum       of 19 including the civic and deputy civic head.

            ii. The level of senior or civic salary to be paid where appropriate.

 

 

11.

Appointment of a Community Committee Member to the Standards Committee pdf icon PDF 77 KB

Minutes:

Council received a report to consider the reappointment of Community Councillor Irene Cameron for a further term to the council’s Standards Committee as the community committee member.

 

Upon being put to the vote Council resolved to agree the recommendation:

 

·       That Community Councillor Irene Cameron is appointed for a further term to the Council’s Standards Committee as the community committee member.