Agenda and draft minutes

Members are required to declare the existence and nature of any interests they may have in subsequent agenda items in accordance with the District Council’s Code of Conduct. Those interests are matters that relate to money or that which can be valued in money, affecting the Member, her/his partner, extended family and close friends. Interests that become apparent at a later stage in the proceedings may be declared at the time.

Item 11 Proposal of a Notice of Motion (Rule of Procedure 16) – Motion A

Councillors Susan Hobson, Martin Burfoot, Sue Burfoot, Matt Buckler and John Bointon declared pecuniary interests in Item 11 – Motion A due to holding a pension within the Derbyshire Pension Fund.

Item 19 – Public Sector Biodiversity Duty – Update

Councillor Matt Buckler declared a pecuniary interest in Item 19 due to his employment with Derbyshire Wildlife Trust.

To receive a summary of and conclusions from the economic and financial assessment completed by external consultants on development options for the site and consider an initial package of works to be commenced during the remainder of 2023/24.

The Regeneration and Place Manager introduced a report which provided a summary of, and conclusions from, the economic and financial assessment completed by external consultants on development options for the site. The report also asked Members to consider an initial package of works to be commenced during the remainder of 2023/24.

The Updated Business Case for the proposed conversion of the former Market Hall, enabling provision of a new indoor leisure attraction was approved at the meeting of Community & Environment Committee held on 1 March 2022. The scheme received detailed planning consent on 8 February 2022. Project development had been overseen by the Project Management Group (PMG) with input from the Council’s Legal and Finance teams.

Following this, several Invitation To Tender (ITT) exercises had been completed, unfortunately no acceptable/affordable tender was received. These therefore concluded without a contractor appointment, illustrating the significant challenge of delivering the proposed scheme within the volatile construction market, impacted by high cost inflation. As a result of this, in July Members were asked to consider a list of development options which were detailed within the report. Further assessment work was then completed by Thomas Lister and AMION consulting, the updated assessment was included as an addendum to the updated business case, this was presented to Members as an appendix to Part B of this report.

It was moved by Councillor Steve Flitter and seconded by Councillor Martin Burfoot that the recommendations as set out within the report be accepted. During debate, an amendment was proposed by Councillor Peter O’Brien and seconded by Councillor Roger Shelley to include the additional point as shown below:

9.    That the Bakewell Road project be re-scoped as the “Matlock Western Gateway” initiative, in order to generate a wider range of community, environmental, commercial and residential opportunities to support the priorities in the Council Plan and that an all-Party Working Group be established to steer the re-scoping exercise, supported by appropriate external partners.

The proposed amendment was debated and put to the vote as follows:

08 For

14 Against

03 Abstentions

The Chair declared the amendment LOST.

It was moved that the substantive motion be put to the vote by Councillor Geoff Bond, this was seconded by Councillor Martin Burfoot.

I was then moved by Councillor Steve Flitter that a recorded vote taken, this was seconded by Councillor Sue Burfoot. The substantive motion, as moved and seconded, was then put to a recorded vote as follows:

For: 24, Councillors: Anthony Bates, John Bointon, Geoff Bond, Kelda Boothroyd, Matt Buckler, Martin Burfoot, Sue Burfoot, David Burton, Neil Buttle, David Chapman, Peter Dobbs, Nigel Edwards-Walker, Steve Flitter, Dawn Greatorex, Susan Hobson, David Hughes, Laura Mellstrom, Dermot Murphy, Andy Nash, Lucy Peacock, Simon Ripton, Roger Shelley, Peter Slack, Nick Wilton.

Against: 1, Councillor: Gareth Gee

Abstention: 1, Councillor: Peter O’Brien

It was therefore RESOLVED

1.    That Members note the continuing challenges in delivering the project within the current economic climate.

2.    That Members note the outcome of the updated economic and financial  ...  view the full minutes text for item 268/23

To enable members of the public to ask questions, express views or present petitions, IF NOTICE HAS BEEN GIVEN, (by telephone, in writing or by email) BY NO LATER THAN 12 NOON OF THE WORKING DAY PRECEDING THE MEETING. As per Procedural Rule 14.4 at any one meeting no person may submit more than 3 questions and no more than 1 such question may be asked on behalf of one organisation.

Re: Agenda Item 13 – Gypsies and Travellers – Update

In accordance with the procedure for public participation, Mr Stephen Walton (Local Resident) and Mr Richard Walsh (Local Resident) made statements regarding the Gypsies and Travellers - update report.

The following representations were received in writing prior to the meeting and were distributed to Members:

STATEMENT from Ms Victoria Friend, Chair Rowsley Parish Council

“Dear Councillors,

The Parish Council and residents of Rowsley are extremely concerned that the decision to designate the car park at Old Station Close in Rowsley as a temporary traveller site has only been postponed and not removed completely.  The postponement prior to the meeting on 28th September was due to the extensive representation of local opposition to use of the car park in Rowsley as a temporary site due to its complete unsuitability and the detrimental impact it would have on local business which employ local people, as well as on the local community and tourism industry within the Derbyshire Dales and Peak District National Park.  Rowsley is a small village and the car park is essential to our local businesses on the Industrial Estate as well as to tourists using the Derwent Valley Heritage Way, Cycle Trail and numerous popular walks through the National Park to Chatsworth, Bakewell, Stanton Moor and Haddon Hall that all start in the village. The contemporary arts centre, The Level was located on Old Station Close because of the essential amenity of the car park close by.  This car park is full of cars all day every day.  If the car park is taken out of use the detrimental impact on the village will be enormous and disproportionate.  In addition, the site is situated on the river bank within the flood zone that has caused such distress to residents of the village in recent years, not least just a few weeks ago when several houses were flooded yet again and the village was completely inaccessible for several hours due to flood water.  

The residents of Rowsley would like the assurance of the council that the Old Station Close car park will not be considered as a Traveller site at any point in the future.”

STATEMENT from Ms Sarah Porter, Clerk to Baslow and Bubnell Parish Council

“Hello,

On behalf of Baslow and Bubnell Parish Council I am writing to raise concerns about the traveller item on the agenda for 14th December.

Having expressed concerns over this topic before, I am surprised I was not notified about this report and only heard about it via our District Councillor.

The Council is concerned that any consultation on site will be online only.  This is not an inclusive way of engaging the community and should only form one method of consultation.

The Council notes the proposal to appoint land agents to look for suitable sites.  Will this include sites which the District Council has already considered and deemed unsuitable such as the sites within the Peak Park?  To not  ...  view the full minutes text for item 269/23

Announcements of the Leader of the Council.

Councillor Steve Flitter, Leader of the Council, gave the following announcements:

“I’d first like to thank all those who sent messages of condolence to both my wife and I and Councillor Steve Wain and his wife following recent losses.

As you will be aware, a comprehensive Organisational Update was circulated earlier this month to all Members and if you haven’t had the opportunity to read it yet then I would strongly encourage you to do so as it contains a lot of information about the fantastic work which has been undertaken by this Council.

In relation to the proposed closure of the Natwest Bank in Bakewell, on behalf of the Council I have sent a strongly worded letter to the CEO, Mr Paul Thwaite, and encouraged him to meet with us, the MP, and other interested parties to work together to find a future solution to in person banking in this part of the Dales. I received a response earlier this afternoon which reiterates the previous standard responses issued and offers a meeting with the local Director for the branch, rather that the requested meeting with the senior leadership of Natwest. This is very disappointing, however I will continue to explore with colleagues how we can continue to exert influence on Natwest.

I would also like to talk about a recent meeting of the Vision Derbyshire Joint Committee for Economic Prosperity, it was good to see that the Business Start Up Grants Scheme has currently funder 100 projects with a combined value of nearly £350,000, with a further £99,000 currently being appraised. I also noted that the client investment, within the private sector, totalled £485,000 taking the total for project investment so far to £835,000. A decision was made that the remainder of the Retained Business Rates would go to the new Strategic Leadership Board to support their ongoing work. It is also worth noting that we hope to bring the draft terms of reference for this Board to the January meeting of this Council for consideration.

At the most recent meeting of Vision Derbyshire, we were presented with graphs showing which issues District Councils would be unable to vote on, due to being out of the remit of their responsibilities. I raised a question regarding the ability for District Councils to vote on issues relating to Public Transport, as whilst this is not strictly within the roles and responsibilities of the District Council, it does have large impacts on the lives of our residents via the planning system, housing, traffic, and most of all the connectivity of a rural area such as the Derbyshire Dales. I hope to receive a response to my queries soon.

I was delighted to hear that Jason Spencer, the Council’s Democratic and Electoral Services Manager, has been formally recognised for his distinguished service by the Association of Democratic Services Officers. At their recently held Annual Conference, Jason was robbed of winning the award, but his shortlisting for it clearly demonstrates his achievements  ...  view the full minutes text for item 270/23

Announcements of the Civic Chair, Councillor David Burton. Rector Stephen Monk of St Helen’s Church Darley Dale has been invited to provide words of reflection.

The Civic-Chair of the Council, Councillor David Burton introduced Rector Stephen Monk, of St Helen’s Church, who provided some words of reflection.

The deputy Civic-Chair of the Council, Councillor Peter Slack, spoke on the events that he had attended throughout the year:

“On Thursday 31^st August, I attended a charity reception and dinner held by the Lord-Lieutenant, Mrs Elizabeth Fothergill, fundraising for ABF, The Soldiers Charity, at the Carriage House Restaurant, Chatsworth.

I was extremely impressed by a former soldier that had lost his legs in Afghanistan,
He explained that he had been a young soldier and loved serving his country, having been in hospital a long time where he was fitted with artificial legs. He did not give up and started a new life, getting married and having two children and today he works for the charity all around the country, he is truly a brave man.

On Saturday 30^th September, I attended Derby Cathedral for the appointment of Reverend Canon Nicky Fenton as Archdeacon of Derbyshire Peak and Dales. Nicky said that she was looking forward to working within the High Peak and the Derbyshire Dales.

I was once again at Derby Cathedral, on Sunday 8^th October, to attend the Legal Service of the High Sheriff of Derbyshire, Theresa Peltier. I am pleased to say that Theresa is a resident of the Wirksworth Ward, and I celebrate the appointment.

On Thursday 19^th October, I was pleased to attend the 771^st Ilkeston Chartered Fair, which is one of the largest street fairs in the country. It was a lovely October morning, large crowds assembled with many school children, His Worship the Mayor Cllr Frank Phillips invited children on to the stage to help ring the celebrated bell which opens the fair. We were all invited to go to the Dodgems, Big Wheel, and other fairground attractions and afterwards a lovely buffet lunch was served, which completed a wonderful morning and early afternoon.

On Friday 10^th November, my daughter and I travelled up to the top of the district to Great Hucklow for a Remembrance Service. Even though it was a cold day there was good turnout, the children had made incredibly beautiful poppies and little teddy bears. As Great Hucklow has no village bells, all the Children had hand bells which they rang in sequence, the memorial for the village is set in the lovely chapel of the Unitarian Church.

On remembrance Sunday, I attended Wirksworth memorial, which forms part of the new market area of Wirksworth. As we stood silently for two minutes, leaves slowly drifted down from the trees, it reminded me so much of the fallen soldiers.

In the afternoon, I attended Matlock remembrance service parading from the Imperial Rooms to the Parkhead where an exceptionally large crowd had assembled, and the Council Leader, Cllr Steve Fitter, gave the British Legion tribute to the fallen.

On Tuesday 5^th December, my daughter and I attended the University of Derby  ...  view the full minutes text for item 271/23

To receive the non-exempt Minutes of the Committees shown below:

Non-exempt Minutes to be received:                                                          Date:

Biodiversity Sub-Committee                                                13 September 2023

Governance and Resources Committee                             14 September 2023

Local Plan Sub-Committee                                                  27 September 2023

Council                                                                                 28 September 2023

Licensing and Appeals Sub-Committee                                   02 October 2023

Planning Committee                                                                 10 October 2023

Scrutiny Committee                                                                  19 October 2023

Biodiversity Sub-Committee                                                     24 October 2023

Community and Environment Sub-Committee                         26 October 2023

Governance and Resources Committee                              02 November 2023

Licensing and Appeals Sub-Committee                               08 November 2023

Licensing and Appeals Sub-Committee                               14 November 2023

Planning Committee                                                             14 November 2023

Ernest Bailey Charity Committee                                         28 November 2023

Local Plan Sub-Committee                                                   30 November 2023

It was moved by Councillor Kelda Boothroyd, seconded by Councillor Martin Burfoot and

RESOLVED (unanimously)

That the non-exempt minutes of the Committees listed in the Minute Book for the period 13 September 2023 to 30 November 2023 be received.

The Chair declared the motion CARRIED.

Questions, if any, from Members who have given notice.

Question from Councillor Mark Wakeman to Councillor Steve Flitter, Leader of the Council:

“On Tuesday 5th December, the Leader of DDDC wrote to Natwest about the forthcoming closure of Natwest bank in Bakewell, supporting the campaign launched by Sarah Dines MP and local Conservative Members on 24th November.

Has he also signed the petition started by our MP protesting against the closure?”

Councillor Flitter provided the following response.

RESPONSE:

I have not signed the petition because I do not see this as a party political issue or an issue solely affecting Bakewell. My reason for writing to Natwest was to express the concerns of residents and businesses in Bakewell and across the Derbyshire Dales that key facilities such as banks and post offices offer more than just financial transactions or mail delivery points: they are lifelines and community hubs that connect individuals to the wider social and economic network. The withdrawal of those services is more than an inconvenience; it is a disruption that risks leaving our rural communities feeling isolated and disconnected.

I will support every effort to encourage a review of this decision which has been taken with no public consultation with residents, businesses, the District Council or the MP.

Question from Councillor Susan Hobson to Councillor Steve Flitter, Leader of the Council:

“Despite my best efforts, the report of the Gypsy and Traveller Working Group presented to you today does not contain the email from Phil Mulligan, the CEO of the Peak District National Park Authority, clearly stating the position of the national park in relation to provision of Traveller Sites in the Peak Park.

Can the Council Leader explain why not?”

Councillor Flitter provided the following response.

RESPONSE:

The purpose of the report before Members this evening is to provide an update on the work undertaken by officers following the decisions taken by Council on the 28^th September 2023.

The report seeks specific approval of revised site criteria to be adopted in the search for permanent and temporary tolerated Traveller sites and it is for members to determine whether this should include or exclude sites within the Peak District National Park.

28 September 2023

It was moved by Councillor David Chapman, Seconded by Councillor Gareth Gee and

RESOLVED (unanimously)

That the minutes of a meeting of Council held on 28 September 2023 be approved as a correct record.

The Chair declared the motion CARRIED.

This report provides an update on the implementation of the 28^th September 2023 Council resolutions and seeks specific approval of revised site search and assessment criteria to be adopted in the search for permanent and temporary tolerated Traveller sites.

The Director of Housing introduced a report which provided an update on the implementation of the 28^th September 2023 Council resolutions, and sought specific approval for a revised site search and assessment criteria to be adopted in the search for permanent and temporary tolerated Traveller sites.

At the previous meeting of Council, Members considered a report from the cross-party Member led Traveller Working Group, which proposed a range of measures to progress the identification of suitable sites for Gypsy and Traveller families to whom the District Council has a statutory homelessness duty. This subsequent report provided an update on the work that had been undertaken to date in progressing a number of the decisions made at the last meeting of Council.

It was moved by Councillor Steve Flitter, seconded by Councillor David Hughes and

RESOLVED (unanimously)

1.    The site search and assessment criteria set out in Appendix 1 are adopted.

2.    The Council formally discontinues work in relation to the Woodyard, Homesford.

3.    That expenditure of £3,623 in relation to the Woodyard, Homesford is noted and that the unspent revenue budget of £21,377 is re-designated for the appointment of land agents.

The Chair declared the motion CARRIED.

Brief description of item.

At 20:30, it was moved by Councillor Matt Buckler, seconded by Councillor Peter Dobbs and

RESOLVED

That in accordance with Rule of Procedure 13, the meeting continue to enable the business on the agenda to be concluded.

Voting

16 For

09 Against

01 Abstained

The Chair declared the motion CARRIED.

The meeting adjourned at 20:35, and reconvened at 20:45.

Councillor David Burton and Councillor Lucy Peacock left the meeting.

The Derbyshire Dales Plan (corporate plan) is the District Council’s primary policy document. It establishes the Council’s policies and priorities for the coming years and sets the framework for allocating scarce financial and human resources through the forthcoming budget and service planning process.

The report reiterates the commitments of the Council’s leadership, and sets out Aims, Themes and Principles. It proposes a process and timescale for completing the detailed Derbyshire Dales Plan for the period 2024-2028.

The Leader of the Council introduced a report which proposed a process and timescale for the completion of the detailed Derbyshire Dales plan for the period 2024-28. This report reiterated the commitments of the Council’s leadership, setting out the Aims, Themes and Principles which would guide the plan.

The Derbyshire Dales Plan (corporate plan) sets out the aims of the Council for the coming years and lists the key improvement projects. The plan is the over-arching strategy for the Council as it sets out specific areas to maintain and improve service delivery in the coming years.

It was moved by Councillor Steve Flitter, seconded by Councillor David Hughes and

RESOLVED (unanimously)

1.    That the Aims, Themes and Principles set out in Appendix 1 be approved as the basis of the new Derbyshire Dales Plan.

2.    That the draft Theme priorities and outcomes set out in Appendix 2 be noted as work in progress.

3.    That a cross-party working group established for each of the five Themes (each with one member from each Political Group) responsible to policy committees, as set out in the report.

4.    That each Political Group makes their nominations to the working groups directly to the Council’s Director of Corporate and Customer Services (Monitoring Officer) by no later than 5pm, 15 December.

5.    That the process and timescale for completing the development and adoption of the Derbyshire Dales Plan set out in the report be agreed.

The Chair declared the motion CARRIED.

20:56 – Councillor Dermot Murphy left the meeting.

To consider the recommendations of the Local Plan Sub-Committee regarding the approval of a supplementary revenue budget of £13,922 for 2023/24 for a Principal Planning Policy Officer from 1st January 2024 to 31 March 2024, to be funded from the Revenue Grants Unapplied Reserve, noting that the estimated annual cost of £55,688 from 1st April 2024 will be built into the Medium-Term Financial Plan, financed from the Neighbourhood Planning Grant and the Custom Build Register Grant, that sit within the Revenue Grants Unapplied Reserve, until exhausted.

Please find attached the minutes of the Local Plan Sub-Committee meeting held on 30 November 2023 and the report considered by that Sub-Committee in providing the recommendation to Council.

Members were asked to consider the recommendations of the Local Plan Sub-Committee which sought Council approval of a supplementary revenue budget of £13,922 for 2023/24 for a Principal Planning Policy Officer from 1^st January 2024 to 31 March 2024. It was proposed that this be funded from the Revenue Grants Unapplied Reserve, noting that the estimated annual cost of £55,688 from 1^st April 2024 would be built into the Medium-Term Financial Plan.

It was moved by Councillor Peter O’Brien, seconded by Councillor Matt Buckler and

RESOLVED (unanimously)

That a supplementary revenue budget of £13,922 for 2023/24 be approved for a appointment of a Principal Planning Policy Officer from 1 January 2024 to 31 March 2024, to be funded from the Revenue Grants Unapplied Reserve, and to note that the estimated annual cost of £55,688 from 1st April 2024 be built into the Medium-Term Financial Plan, financed from the Neighbourhood Planning Grant and the Custom Build Register Grant, that sit within the Revenue Grants Unapplied Reserve, until exhausted.

The Chair declared this motion CARRIED.

This report provides an update on the Council’s revenue budget for 2023/24 and seeks approval for virements and the revised budget for 2023/24.

The Director of Resources introduced a report which updated Members on the Council’s revenue budget for 2023/24 and sought approval for virements and the revised budget for 2023/24.

Following the setting of a net revenue budget at the March 2023 meeting of Council, this was updated when the revised net revenue budget of £14,132,053 was approved at the September 2023 meeting of Council. The report informed Members that following the approval of the revised budget, there had been a number of virements approved, which had impacted directorate totals. These approved budget changes were detailed at Appendix 1 to the report. Additional requests for the use of earmarked reserves were summarised at Appendix 2 to the report.

The current forecast out-turn position at Quarter 2 was detailed at Appendix 3 to the report. Following the repeated increases of the Bank of England’s base rate throughout the 23/24 financial year, the forecast for the investment income budget had been repeatedly amended. It was noted within the report that the current assumption was that a 5% average interest rate would be achieved on investments for the remainder of the financial year. A breakdown of the other key variances within the forecast out-turn position at Quarter 2 was presented within the report, and a full summary of reserves, with forecasts, was included at Appendix 4.

The budget amendments highlighted within the report had been introduced into an update of the Medium-Term financial Plan and the updated plan was presented in detail at Appendix 5 to the report.

It was moved by Councillor Steve Flitter, seconded by Councillor Nick Wilton and

RESOLVED (unanimously)

1.     That the updated revised revenue budget for 2023/24, including the virements as identified in paragraphs 1.2 to 1.4 of the report, be approved.

2.     That the forecast underspending of £795,579 for 2023/24 be received and agreed.

3.     That any underspend at out-turn for 2023/24 be transferred to reserves as detailed in paragraph 1.18 of the report.

4.     That the updated Medium Term Financial Plan (Appendix 5) be approved.

The Chair declared the motion CARRIED.

This report outlines spending for each project against the approved 2023/24 capital programme as at 30 September 2023, and seeks approval for an updated capital programme for 2023/24 to 2027/28 and associated financing. Two new projects are proposed for inclusion in the revised programme.

The Director of Resources introduced a report outlining spending for each project against the approved 2023/24 capital programme as at 30^th September 2023 and sought approval for an updated capital programme for 2023/24 to 2027/28 and associated financing, taking account of the expected slippage into 2024/25. Two new projects were proposed for inclusion in the revised programme.

At the Council meeting on 27^th July 2023 Members approved a revised capital programme totalling £38,450,376, covering the financial years 2023/24 to 2027/28, this was summarised in Table 1 of the report. The two new projects proposed for inclusion in the revised capital programme were set out in Table 4 of the report. These were the Local Authority Housing Fund Round 2 and the Devolution Retrofit projects.

It was moved by Councillor Peter Slack, seconded by Councillor Nick Wilton and

RESOLVED (unanimously)

1.     That the Capital Programme expenditure to 30^th September 2023 be noted.

2.     That re-phasing of existing projects for completion over the next 4 years be approved.

3.     That new projects totalling £1,259,100, set out in paragraphs 2.12 to 2.15 of the report, be approved for inclusion in the programme.

4.     That the revised capital programme for 2023/24 to 2027/28, as shown in Appendix A, totalling £37,770,410 be approved.

5.     That financing of the Capital Programme from sources summarised at paragraph 3.21 and shown in Appendix A be approved.

6.     That the balance of funds available over the 5-year programme, shown at Appendix B, be noted.

The Chair declared the motion CARRIED.

This report summarises activity and progress related to the Ashbourne reborn Grant Funding Agreements for the Highways and Public Realm project and Link Community Hub project and associated financial risks.

The Regeneration and Place Manager introduced a report which summarised the activity and progress relating to the Ashbourne Reborn Grant Funding Agreements for the Highways and Public Realm project and the Link Community Hub project, and the associated financial risks.

The report presented Members with a brief background to the programme and how it aimed to transform Ashbourne town centre through significant improvements to the highways and public realm and the development of the Link Community Hub. It was noted that the programme would principally be funded by the UK Government through a funding allocation from the Levelling Up Fund, Round 2.

The responsibilities of the District Council, as the accountable body for the programme, were outlined within the report, along with the requirement for Grant Funding Agreements to be completed to enable the defrayal of grant to delivery partners. The reasons for the delays and the procedure leading to the completion and approval of the Grant Funding Agreements were set out within the report.

It was moved by Councillor David Hughes, seconded by Councillor Anthony Bates and

RESOLVED

1.    That completion of the Grant Funding Agreements between the District Council and Derbyshire County Council for the Highways and Public Realm project and between the District Council and Ashbourne Methodist Church for the Link Community Hub project be noted.

2.    That the increased financial risk to the District Council associated with the Grant Funding Agreement for the Highways and Public Realm project, and proposed measures to help mitigate this risk, be noted.

Voting

22 For

00 Against

01 Abstention

The Chair declared the motion CARRIED.

21:05 – Councillor Matt Buckler left the meeting for consideration of the following item due to previously declaring a pecuniary interest.

This report provides a further update to Members about the Biodiversity Duty and sets out activities which the District Council has undertaken and is currently undertaking that contribute to meeting the new requirement.

The Director of Regulatory Services introduced a report which provided a further update to Members about the Biodiversity Duty and set out activities which the District Council had undertaken and was currently undertaking that would contribute to meeting the new requirement.

The report informed Members of recent legislation relating to the responsibilities of Local Authorities to conserve and enhance biodiversity in relation to their functions. This included the implementation of the Environment Act which would introduce mandatory ‘Biodiversity Net Gain’ (BNG) requirements from development sites from January 2024.

The report detailed the steps taken in the preparation of a biodiversity action plan designed to meet the enhanced Biodiversity Duty, including the indicative timeframes for the preparation of the plan. The approved specification was included in Appendix 1 to the report, this was approved by the Community and Environment Committee, along with a budget to commission the plan.

It was moved be Councillor David Chapman, seconded by Councillor Martin Burfoot and

RESOVLED (unanimously)

1.     That the specialist professional services quotation brief for the preparation of a biodiversity action plan at Appendix 1 be approved.

2.     That the updates on the preparation of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy be noted.

3.     That the updated timeframe for the delivery of Biodiversity Net Gain be noted.

4.     That the updates to the initial Assessment of District Council activities linked to the Biodiversity Duty and Biodiversity Resolution at Appendix 2 be noted.

5.     That a delivery plan and costing be prepared for a collaborative project between the Council and the Derbyshire Swift Group to address the loss of swift nesting sites across the district and that this be presented to the appropriate committee for consideration.

The Chair declared the motion CARRIED.

Motion A

The Council will debate the following Motion, submitted by Councillor Laura Mellstrom, in accordance with Rule of Procedure 16.

“In May 2019, this Council declared a climate emergency and pledged to become carbon neutral by 2030.  Since then, a number of significant actions have been taken towards achieving that goal, in terms of this Council’s Scope 1 and 2 emissions.  The climate impact of the investment of the Council’s employee pension monies has not yet been addressed.

The most effective way an individual can reduce their carbon footprint is to switch their pension fund out of fossil fuels.  It is estimated that this one step can be 21 times more effective than the combined effect of giving up flying, going vegetarian and switching energy provider[1].  Pension divestment from fossil fuels is supported by UNISON which actively assists its members to campaign for divestment[2].

This Council’s employees are members of the Derbyshire Pension Fund which is administered by Derbyshire County Council.  Derbyshire is one of 8 counties in the Central area Pool of the Local Government Pension Scheme, but Derbyshire Pension Fund retains control of its own investment strategy.

This is set out in two documents written in November 2020: The Investment Strategy Statement[3] and the Climate Strategy[4]. The Fund’s climate strategy is weak and unambitious:

·         to achieve net zero in its portfolio by 2050,

·         to “monitor” the relative weight of oil and gas with sustainable investments, and

·         to “engage” with the fossil fuel companies it invests in.

The strategy of “engagement” is not only of doubtful effectiveness, but it ignores (a) the ethics and morality of continuing to fund climate-damaging businesses, and (b) the financial risks of investment in fossil fuels.  By staying invested in fossil fuels, the Fund risks being left holding a portfolio of “stranded assets” after other major investors have pulled out of the sector.  Sustainable investments regularly outperform fossil fuel investment products in the global markets.

This Council does not control the investment decisions of the Derbyshire Pension Fund, but it has a voice and should use it now to call on DCC to divest the Fund of fossil fuel investments.

The Fund’s Investment Strategy Statement and Climate Strategy were to be reviewed after no later than 3 years.  That review is now overdue, so this is the ideal moment to send a clear message to DCC that its approach to the investment of pension money needs to change, that “engagement” is not strong enough, that 2050 is not soon enough.

Divestment motions have already been passed by Derby City Council, Chesterfield Borough Council, Amber Valley Borough Council, Bolsover District Council and High Peak Borough Council. 

Proposed motion

1.    This Council calls upon Derbyshire County Council’s Pensions and Investments Committee and the managers of the Derbyshire Pension Fund

a.    With immediate effect, to freeze any further investment into publicly traded fossil fuel companies;

b.    By 31 December 2025, to divest the Derbyshire Pension Fund of all investments  ...  view the full agenda text for item 283/23

21:14: Councillor Nick Wilton left the meeting during consideration of the following motion due to declaring a pecuniary interest as an employee of National Rail.

The Council considered motion B as submitted by Councillor Andy Nash in accordance with rule of procedure 16, this is included below.

Motion B

Public Transport Motion

A good public transport system is a vital component of the administration’s commitment to maintaining thriving and sustainable communities, and to enable our residents to live, work and study without dependence on the private car. It is also fundamental to the Council’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions, in the context of the acknowledged climate emergency, and practically, through integration with active transport modes such as walking and cycling.

However, in many parts of the Derbyshire Dales, the reliability of local bus services has deteriorated to the point where residents are unable to rely on them and passengers are left stranded, with little or no information offered by the bus operators. At the same time, most of our rural communities are seeing little or no meaningful investment from the £47 million funding awarded to Derbyshire County Council through the Bus Service Improvement Plan.

It was moved by Councillor Andy Nash, seconded by Councillor Roger Shelley and

RESOLVED

That this Council:

1.    Recognises that a sustainable, effective and integrated public transport network must serve our local communities and confirms its responsibilities to advance that network through all means possible including the planning process, advocacy and support for innovative provision including active transport.

2.    Seeks an urgent meeting with relevant Members of the County Council to address the issues of reliability of local bus services.

3.    Seeks an urgent meeting with Members of the County Council and Bus Service Improvement Plan Partnership, to advocate a reassessment of current investment proposals (including Demand Responsive Transport, rail, bus, cycle and footpath integration, Real Time Information, transport hubs, roadside shelters and environmentally friendly buses) within the Derbyshire Dales, and where these cross the authority’s boundaries.

4.    Establishes an all-Party Transport Group of Members through which issues relating to public transport can be raised, discussed and circulated.

Voting

19 For

00 Against

01 Abstention

The Chair declared the motion CARRIED.

21:29: Councillors Martin Burfoot, Sue Burfoot, John Bointon, Susan Hobson, and David Chapman left the meeting during consideration of the following motion due to declaring pecuniary interests in the matter concerned.

The Council then considered Motion A as submitted by Councillor Laura Mellstrom in accordance with rule of procedure 16, this is included below.

Motion A

Pension Divestment Motion

In May 2019, this Council declared a climate emergency and pledged to become carbon neutral by 2030.  Since then, a number of significant actions have been taken towards achieving that goal, in terms of this Council’s Scope 1 and 2 emissions.  The climate impact of the investment of the Council’s employee pension monies has not yet been addressed.

The most effective way an individual can reduce their carbon footprint is to switch their pension fund  ...  view the full minutes text for item 283/23