Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Hunt, C. Leaver, P. Leaver, Roome and Turton.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meetings held on 27 March 2024 (circulated previously) be approved as correct records and signed by the Chair.

(a)  Special Policy Development Committee: 18 July 2024

The Chair reminded Council of the special meeting of the Policy Development Committee that was scheduled to be held on Thursday 18 July 2024 at 6.30 pm at Petroc regarding dentistry.

(b)  Substance/Alcohol Misuse Webinar: 24 July 2024

Councillor York reminded Council of a webinar that was scheduled to be held on Wednesday 24 July 2024 at 6.30 pm regarding Substance/Alcohol Misuse and the services that were available to improve health outcomes which all Councillors were invited to attend.

There was no business brought forward by or with the consent of the Chair.

There were no questions submitted by the Public and/or to receive Petitions under Part 4, Council Procedure Rules, Paragraphs 8 and 9 of the Constitution.

(a)  To consider the following notice of motion from Councillor R. Knight

“This Council recognises:

· That meat and dairy production is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and global deforestation, and that reducing consumption of these foods is a key part of tackling the climate crisis as well as improving health outcomes.

·  That we have a duty as leaders in the district to empower the local community to make changes that can mitigate climate catastrophe and help preserve the vitality of our planet for future generations.

·  The importance of a balanced diet as well as individual choice and catering for all dietary requirements. Increasing awareness of dietary choices and the resulting impact on an individual’s carbon footprint can allow individuals to make more informed choices.

· The huge contributions made by our farmers to the local economy and its rural communities, and recognises the need for farmers to be appropriately supported to deal with the challenges of farming in an increasingly unstable climate and a cost-of living-crisis.

This Council notes:

· A 2018 Oxford University study [1] concluded that adopting a plant-based diet is the single biggest way individuals can reduce their environmental impact.

· In the UK we eat twice as much meat and dairy as the global average which is not sustainable - there is not enough land in the world to meet this demand without destroying our natural world. [2]

·  According to analysis by Greenpeace, in order to halve global meat consumption by 2050 Europe needs to reduce by 70% by 2030. 

·  The Government-commissioned National Food Strategy (2021), led by Henry Dimbleby, recommended that food provided in the public sector should be plant-based by default, and that a new Reference Diet is developed, focusing on wholegrains, fruit, vegetables and pulses.

· The Eat Lancet Commission’s Global Planetary Health Diet is a global reference diet for adults that is symbolically representedby half a plate of fruits, vegetables and nuts. The other half consists of primarily whole grains, plant proteins (beans, lentils, pulses), unsaturated plant oils, small amounts of meat and dairy (if preferred), and some added sugars and starchy vegetables. [3]

· 90% of Amazon deforestation is for animal agriculture, soya being the biggest culprit, the majority of which is exported across the world (including the UK) for animal feed.

· Plant-based sources of protein have much smaller carbon footprints than animal-based ones, even when comparing locally raised meat to imported plant foods. [4]

· When we talk about emissions, we usually think of carbon dioxide (CO2). But livestock's emissions also include methane, which is up to 34 times more damaging to the environment over 100 years than CO2, according to the UN. [5]

· Beef produces the most greenhouse gas emissions, which include methane. A global average of 110lb (50kg) of greenhouse gases is released per 3.5oz of protein. Lamb has the next highest environmental footprint but these emissions are 50% less than beef. Cattle produce more methane than poultry, while poultry rely more on imported feed than cows,  ...  view the full agenda text for item 14.

(a)  To consider the following notice of motion from Councillor R. Knight

The Chair advised Council that given the level of interest it was considered that this motion, which in its wording stands to be referred to Strategy and Resources Committee, should be dealt with at this meeting.

It was proposed by Councillor Walker and seconded by Councillor Biederman “that the Council Procedure Rules in the Constitution be waived to allow for this motion to be determined at this Full Council meeting and additionally give an opportunity to any Councillors, who consider they have a prejudicial non-registerable interest, to speak, should they wish to do so, prior to the item being subject to deliberation and vote.”

RESOLVED that the Council Procedure Rules in the Constitution be waived to allow for this motion to be determined at this Full Council meeting and additionally give an opportunity to any Councillors, who consider they have a prejudicial non-registerable interest, to speak, should they wish to do so, prior to the item being subject to deliberation and vote.

Councillor R. Knight presented the notice of motion to Council.

It was moved by Councillor R. Knight and seconded by Councillor Haworth-Booth that the notice of motion be adopted.

Councillor Milton declared a non registerable interest as a full time farmer.  He addressed Council and then left the meeting during the deliberation and vote.

Councillor Bulled declared a non registerable interest for transparency reasons as she and her husband had downsized and only had a few sheep which her husband took to shows.

An amendment was moved by Councillor Crabb and seconded by Councillor Maskell “that North Devon Council continues to support local farmers and growers, and promotes locally grown food of all kinds and continues to work with farmers and growers through existing committee channels”.

It was moved by Councillor Bushell and seconded by Councillor Jones “that the vote be taken by a recorded vote”.

RESOLVED that the vote be taken by a recorded vote.

Voting on the amendment:

Voting for the amendment: Councillors Crabb, Haworth-Booth, R. Knight and Maskell.

Voting against the amendments: Councillors Bell, Biederman, Bishop, Bulled, Bushell, Cann, Clayton, Davies, Denton, Jones, Jusef, D. Knight, Lane, Lethaby, Lovering, Maddocks, Norman, Orange, Patrinos, Prowse, Quinn, Renshaw, Spear, Stevenson, Topps, Walker, Whitehead, Wilkinson, Williams, Wilson, Worden and York.

Abstained from voting on the amendment: None.

Totals: 4 For, 32 Against and 0 Abstained. 

Therefore, the amendment was lost.

Voting on the motion:

Voting for the motion: Councillors Haworth-Booth and R. Knight.

Voting against the motion: Councillors Bell, Biederman, Bishop, Bulled, Bushell, Cann, Clayton, Crabb, Davies, Denton, Jones, Jusef, D. Knight, Lane, Lethaby, Lovering, Maddocks, Maskell, Norman, Orange, Patrinos, Prowse, Quinn, Renshaw, Spear, Stevenson, Topps, Walker, Whitehead, Wilkinson, Williams, Wilson, Worden and York.

Abstained from voting on the motion: None

Totals: 2 For, 34 Against and 0 Abstained. 

Therefore, the motion was lost.

Councillor Milton returned to the meeting.

Please telephone the Corporate and Community Services team to prepare a form for your signature before the meeting. Interests must be re-declared when the item is called. A declaration of interest under the Code of Conduct will be a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest, an Other Registrable Interest or a Non-Registrable Interest.  If the item directly relates to your interest you must declare the interest and leave the room for the item, save in the case of Other Registrable Interests or Non-Registrable Interests where you may first speak on the item as a member of the public if provision has been made for the public to speak.  If the matter does not directly relate to your interest but still affects it then you must consider whether you are affected to a greater extent than most people and whether a reasonable person would consider your judgement to be clouded, if you are then you must leave the room for the item (although you may speak as a member of the public if provision has been made for the public to speak) or, if you are not, then you can declare the interest but still take part).

The following declarations of interest were announced:

Councillor Lane – item 6, non registerable interest for transparency reasons

Councillor Maddocks - item 6, non registerable interest for transparency reasons

There were no questions received by Members submitted under Part 4, Council Procedure Rules, Paragraph 10 of the Constitution.

To consider the appointment of Leader of the Council for the 2024/25 municipal year.

It was moved by Councillor Wilkinson and seconded by Councillor York “that Councillor Clayton be appointed as Leader of the Council for the 2024/25 municipal year”.

It was moved by Councillor Maskell and seconded by Councillor Renshaw “that Councillor Crabb be appointed as Leader of the Council for the 2024/25 municipal year”.

It was moved by Councillor Bushell “that Councillor Prowse be appointed as Leader of the Council for the 2024/25 municipal year”.

Councillor Prowse thanked Councillor Bushell for his nomination and advised that he would decline as he was not prepared to stand as Leader.

24 Councillors voted in favour of appointing Councillor Clayton and 7 voted in favour of appointing Councillor Crabb.  3 Councillors abstained from voting.

RESOLVED that Councillor Clayton be appointed as Leader of the Council for the 2024/25 municipal year.

Councillor Clayton thanked Council for his appointment and advised that it was an honour and privilege. He advised Council of his background and previous experience at Rochdale Council.

To consider the appointment of Deputy Leader of the Council for the 2024/25 municipal year.

It was moved by Councillor Worden and seconded by Councillor D. Knight “that Councillor P. Leaver be appointed as Deputy Leader of the Council for the 2024/25 municipal year”.

It was moved by Councillor Bulled and seconded by Councillor Lane “that Councillor Prowse be appointed as Deputy Leader of the Council for the 2024/25 municipal year”.

Councillor Prowse thanked Councillor Bulled for her nomination and advised that he would decline as he was not prepared to stand as Deputy Leader.

RESOLVED that Councillor P. Leaver be appointed as Deputy Leader of the Council for the 2024/25 municipal year.

To consider the appointment of a Chair and Vice-Chair of the Strategy and Resources Committee for the 2024/25 municipal year.

(NOTE: The Chair of the Strategy and Resources Committee shall be the Leader of the Council in accordance with Part 3, Annexe 1, paragraph 1 of the Constitution)

It was moved by Councillor Worden and seconded by Councillor Bell “that Councillor Clayton be appointed as Chair of the Strategy and Resources Committee for the 2024/25 municipal year and that Councillor P. Leaver be appointed as Vice-Chair of the Strategy and Resources Committee for the 2024/25 municipal year.”

RESOLVED that Councillor Clayton be appointed as Chair of the Strategy and Resources Committee for the 2024/25 municipal year and that Councillor P. Leaver be appointed as Vice-Chair of the Strategy and Resources Committee for the 2024/25 municipal year.

Report by Leader of the Council (to follow).

Councillor Clayton, Leader of the Council provided an update to Council. He advised that Councillor Roome was due to prepare a written report for consideration by Council, however had not done so due to his election as MP for North Devon at the General Election. He thanked Debbie Chandler and the elections team for their work in organising the elections. He advised that there had been some inappropriate behaviours and comments left on social media during the election campaign, which needed to be called out. This was resulting in people not coming forward to stand for election due to the abuse that they were receiving.  He congratulated Ian Roome on his election as MP for North Devon and wished him the very best in Parliament and thanked him for all the work that he done as former Leader of the Council.

Questions to the Leader or the Chair of a Committee submitted under Part 4, Council Procedure Rules, paragraph 10.4 of the Constitution.

Council noted that no questions had been submitted to the Leader or the Chair of a Committee under Part 4, Council Procedure Rules, paragraph 10.4 of the Constitution.

Report by the Director of Resources and Deputy Chief Executive to the Strategy and Resources Committee on 1 July 2024 (attached).

Council considered a report by the Director of Resources and Deputy Chief Executive regarding the Performance and Financial Management Quarter 4 report of 2023/24 to the Strategy and Resources Committee on 1 July 2024 (circulated previously).

To receive the report of the Policy Development Committee held on 2 July 2024 (to follow).

Councillor Spear, Chair of the Policy Development Committee presented the Committee’s report on the Performance and Financial Management Quarter 4 of 2023/24 report to the Policy Development Committee on 2 July 2024 (circulated previously)

To receive the report of the Strategy and Resources Committee held on 1 July 2024 (attached).

Councillor Clayton, Chair of the Strategy and Resources Committee reported the recommendations of the Strategy and Resources Committee held on 1 July 2024 on the Performance and Financial Management Quarter 4 of 2023/24 report (circulated previously).

It was moved by Councillor Clayton and seconded by Councillor Patrinos “that minute 22 (f) of the report of the Strategy and Resources Committee held on 1 July 2024 regarding the Performance and Financial Management Quarter 4 of 2023/24 report be adopted”.

RESOLVED that minute 22 (f) of the report of the Strategy and Resources Committee held on 1 July 2024 regarding the Performance and Financial Management Quarter 4 of 2023/24 report be adopted.

Report by Head of Governance to the Strategy and Resources Committee on 1 July 2024 (attached).

Council considered a report by the Head of Governance regarding the Annual Treasury Management Strategy Report 2023/24 to the Strategy and Resources Committee on 1 July 2024 (circulated previously).

To receive the report of the Policy Development Committee held on 2 July 2024 (to follow)

Councillor Spear, Chair of the Policy Development Committee presented the Committee’s report on the Annual Treasury Management Report 2023/24 to the Policy Development Committee on 2 July 2024 (circulated previously).

To receive the report of the Strategy and Resources Committee held on 1 July 2024 (attached).

Councillor Clayton, Chair of the Strategy and Resources Committee reported the recommendations of the Strategy and Resources Committee held on 1 July 2024 on the Annual Treasury Management Strategy Report 2023/24 (circulated previously).

It was moved by Councillor Clayton and seconded by Councillor Maskell “that minute 23 of the Strategy and Resources Committee held on 1 July 2024 regarding the Annual Treasury Management Report 2023/24 be adopted”.

RESOLVED that minute 23 of the Strategy and Resources Committee held on 1 July 2024 regarding the Annual Treasury Management Report 2023/24 be adopted.

Report by Director of Resources and Deputy Chief Executive (attached)

Council considered a report by the Director of Resources and Deputy Chief Executive (circulated previously) regarding the Productivity Plan for 2024-2025.

It was moved by Councillor Worden and seconded by Councillor Norman “that the recommendations in the report be adopted subject to the Productivity Plan being amended to include reference to the recently published English Housing Survey by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities which had concluded that North Devon had a high percentage of dwellings that were classed as non-decent and was one of the worst performing local authority areas.”

RESOLVED:

(a)  that the content and publication of the North Devon Council Productivity Plan as set out in Appendix A of the report be approved subject to the Plan being amended to include reference to the recently published English Housing Survey by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities which had concluded that North Devon had a high percentage of dwellings that were classed as non-decent and was one of the worst performing local authority areas;

(b)  that the Director of Resources and Deputy Chief Executive be delegated authority to make any minor amendments to, in consultation with the Leader, ahead of submission to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities by the deadline of 19 July 2024.

Report by Culture Manager (attached).

Council considered a report by the Culture Manager (circulated previously) regarding the Museum Forward Plan 2024-2029.

It was moved by Councillor Haworth-Booth and seconded by Councillor Clayton “that the recommendation in the report be adopted”.

RESOLVED that the Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon Forward Plan 2024- 2029 be adopted.

Report by Chief Executive (attached)

Council considered a report by the Chief Executive (circulated previously) regarding the appointment of Deputy Electoral Registration Officer.

It was moved by Councillor Worden and seconded by Councillor Topps “that the recommendation in the report be adopted”.

RESOLVED that Council delegates to the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) the power to appoint one or more deputies and to revoke or vary such appointments as necessary.

Report by Lead Environmental Health Officer Environmental Protection (attached)

Council considered a report by the Lead Environmental Health Officer Environmental Protection (circulated previously) regarding the proposed extension of the Ilfracombe Public Space Protection Order.

It was moved by Councillor Crabb and seconded by Councillor Quinn “that the recommendations in the report be adopted”.

RESOLVED:

(a)   That the extension of the Ilfracombe Public Space Protection Order to include Wildermouth Beach, Harbour Beach and Cheyne Beach be approved;

(b)   That the outcomes of the Equality Impact Assessment as summarised in paragraph 6 of the report and Appendix 2 be noted.

Report by Place Manager Economic Development and Regeneration (attached)

Council considered a report by the Place Manager Economic Development and Regeneration (circulated previously) regarding the North Devon and Torridge Economic Strategy 2024-2029.

The Place Manager Economic Development and Regeneration advised Council that Torridge District Council had considered the strategy at its meeting on 15 July 2024 and had recommended some minor amendments to be made as follows:

·       Inclusion of ‘heritage tourism’ within the Tourism cluster section

·       More direct reference to Petroc College throughout, as opposed to just the ‘University Centre’, to show the importance and our support for the college provision

Council considered the draft Strategy and recommended that minor amendments be made to include reference to the following:

·       Pathfields Industrial Estate at South Molton on the map

·       Onshore wind as a potential for green energy

·       Supporting small businesses in terms of recruiting apprentices

·       Tiverton Parkway rail station was important to residents in North Devon

The Chief Executive recommended an additional recommendation to delegate power to the Head of Place, Property and Regeneration to make minor amendments to the strategy in consultation with the Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Regeneration, Economic Development and Planning.

It was moved by Councillor Prowse and seconded by Councillor Biederman “that the recommendation in the report be adopted and that power be delegated to the Head of Place, Property and Regeneration to make minor amendments to the strategy in consultation with the Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Regeneration, Economic Development and Planning.”

RESOLVED:

(a)   That the North Devon and Torridge Economic Strategy 2024 – 2029 be adopted; and

(b)   That power be delegated to the Head of Place, Property and Regeneration to make minor amendments to the strategy in consultation with the Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Regeneration, Economic Development and Planning.

Report by Place Manager Economic Development and Regeneration (attached)

Council considered a report by the Place Manager Economic Development and Regeneration (circulated previously) regarding the North Devon and Torridge Clean Maritime Growth Vision.

In response to questions, the Place Manager Economic Development and Regeneration advised the following:

·       References to fishing within the document did not include commercial fishing.

·       Torridge District Council Economic Development team would take the lead in holding discussions with Harland and Wolff, the owners of Appledore Shipyard, regarding support.

·       There was an active proposal in North Devon for a demonstration site for floating offshore wind, at White Cross.  This was proposing an onshore cable route across Saunton Sands and connecting to a power station at Yelland.  Due to the sensitive nature of the landscape in this area and the tourism trade, the local community have felt uneasy with the proposals.  The Crown Estate Leasing Round 5, which was proposing three sites of development area for floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea, would not have any on shoring cable routes in North Devon. There was a need for careful public engagement on future proposals so that there was a positive dialogue.

It was moved by Councillor Prowse and seconded by Councillor Worden “that the recommendation in the report be adopted”.

RESOLVED that the Clean Maritime Growth Vision as the first ‘action plan’ under the Clean Maritime and Green Energy Cluster of the North Devon and Torridge Economic Strategy be adopted.

Council is recommended to note the schedule of Committee minutes and approve recommendations as listed below:

(i)             25 April 2024

RESOLVED that the following minutes of the Building Control Joint Committee (circulated previously) be noted and adopted as follows:

(i)             25 April 2024

(i)             11 June 2024

a.    Minute 91: Draft Statement of Accounts 2023-2024

b.    Minute 93: Review of the Committee’s Terms of Reference

c.     Minute 95: Review of the Planning Code of Conduct

RESOLVED that the following minutes of the Governance Committee (circulated previously) be noted and adopted as follows:

(i)             11 June 2024

a.    Minute 91: Draft Statement of Accounts 2023-2024

b.    Minute 93: Review of the Committee’s Terms of Reference

c.     Minute 95: Review of the Planning Code of Conduct

(i)             7 May 2024

RESOLVED that the following minutes of the Harbour Board (circulated previously) be noted and adopted as follows:

(i)             7 May 2024

(i)             19 March 2024

(ii)            9 April 2024

(iii)          14 May 2024

RESOLVED that the following minutes of the Licensing and Community Safety Committee (circulated previously) be noted and adopted as follows:

(i)             19 March 2024

(ii)            9 April 2024

(iii)          14 May 2024

(i)             3 April 2024

(ii)            1 May 2024

(iii)          5 June 2024

RESOLVED that the following minutes of the Planning Committee (circulated previously) be noted and adopted as follows:

(i)             3 April 2024

(ii)            1 May 2024

(iii)          5 June 2024

(i)             11 April 2024

(ii)            16 May 2024

(iii)          23 May 2024

(iv)          2 July 2024 (to follow)

RESOLVED that the following minutes of the Policy Development Committee (circulated previously) be noted and adopted as follows:

(i)             11 April 2024

(ii)            16 May 2024

(iii)          23 May 2024

(iv)          2 July 2024

(i)             8 April 2024

(ii)            13 May 2024

a.    Minute 11: Residential Park Home Sites, Fees and Licensing and Compliance Policies

(iii)          1 July 2024

a.    Minute 26: Approval of S106 Funds – CCTV, Anchorwood Bank

RESOLVED that the following minutes of the Strategy and Resources Committee (circulated previously) be noted and adopted as follows:

(i)             8 April 2024

(ii)            13 May 2024

a.    Minute 11: Residential Park Home Sites, Fees and Licensing and Compliance Policies

(iii)          1 July 2024

a.    Minute 26: Approval of S106 Funds – CCTV, Anchorwood Bank