(a)  To consider the following notice of motion from Councillor Bell

“Bideford/Barnstaple Rail Connection

The Strategy and Resources Committee meeting on 4th April 2022 considered a Motion, referred from Full Council on 23rd February 2022, “to support the reinstatement of Bideford to Barnstaple rail link for passenger and other services, as proposed by ACE Rail” proposed by Councillor Lofthouse. 

The Motion was supported by the Committee, and it was agreed

(a) That the inclusion of this policy aim within the revised joint local plan be referred to the Joint Planning Policy Committee for consideration; and 

(b) To work with partners and organisations to explore this idea and where necessary to lobby those who may contribute to making this happen including Great British Railways, Devon County Council, Peninsula Transport, and the Government.

The Joint Planning Policy Committee on 15^th July 2022 RESOLVED that the Bideford to Barnstaple rail link is considered as part of the People and Place project.

The Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance has this opening declaration of purpose: “To secure a new rail link between Bideford and Barnstaple and upgrade of the North Devon (Tarka) Line between Exeter and Barnstaple, championing their transformational benefits for communities and businesses and advocating to decision-makers the economic, social and environmental case for developing and investing in the project.”

Stakeholders who have already joined the alliance as founding members are Barnstaple Town Council, Bideford Town Council, Northam Town Council, Torridge District Council, Railfuture, and Tarka Rail Association.  This newly formed alliance held its inaugural event, generously sponsored by Barnstaple and Bideford Town Councils, on 1^st March in Bideford’s Royal Hotel with senior officers present from North Devon Council.

Motion:

1) That North Devon Council join the Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance as a founding Member.

2) That North Devon Council considers following the example of Torridge District Council in 2024/25 will commit to providing a contribution towards feasibility studies / business case development to be commissioned on behalf of the Alliance. This study will create a “roadmap” to extending rail services to Bideford as well as vital improvements to the antiquated Tarka Line to allow additional passing points in order to ensure 2 services per hour, an express Barnstaple to Exeter and the existing stopping service to Exmouth. Any costs to be presented for agreement at a later NDC S&R meeting.

3) That North Devon Council uses its influence as a founder member of the Alliance to

a) call on other public bodies, voluntary and business stakeholders and others to support sustainable transport options for northern Devon and to take an active role in the Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance.

b) support an integrated sustainable transport strategy for northern Devon, including long-term ambitions to see Bideford fully reconnected to the national rail network via Barnstaple. 

c) include rail development plans and other sustainable transport plans in any future North Devon Council contribution to Local Planning processes and reflect this desire in any plans brought forward for  ...  view the full agenda text for item 6.

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).

Report by Leader of the Council (attached).

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

Report by Lead Member for Housing (attached).

Report by Lead Member for Climate and Biodiversity (attached).

Report by Director of Resources and Deputy Chief Executive to the Strategy and Resources Committee on 4 November 2024 (attached).

To receive the report of the Policy Development Committee held on 7 November 2024 (to follow).

To receive the report of the Strategy and Resources Committee held on 4 November 2024 (attached).

Report by Director of Resources and Deputy Chief Executive to the Strategy and Resources Committee on 4 November 2024 (attached).

To receive the report of the Policy Development Committee held on 7 November 2024 (to follow)

To receive the report of the Strategy and Resources Committee held on 4 November 2024 (attached).

Chair of the Governance Committee to report the recommendations of the Governance Committee held on 12 November 2024 (to follow).

Report by Head of Governance (attached) and to consider the recommendation of the Governance Committee held on 11 June 2024 (attached)

It is RECOMMENDED “that the letter of representation on behalf of the Council be approved and signed by the Chief Financial Officer”.  To consider the recommendation of the Governance Committee held on 12 November 2024 (to follow).

Report by the Chair of Governance Committee (attached).

Report by Chief Executive (attached).

Report by Head of PMO and Environmental Health and Housing (attached).

To consider the appointment of a Councillor(s) to replace Councillor(s) on the North Devon Highways and Traffic Orders Committee for the life of Council and that attendance at meetings be an approved duty. 

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

(i)             23 September 2024

a.    Minute 113: Update to Constitution – Delegated Powers to Harbour Board (NOTE: This recommendation was adopted by Council at its meeting on 25 September 2024)

(i)             20 September 2024

(i)             10 September 2024

(i)             4 September 2024

(ii)            13 September 2024

(iii)          9 October 2024

(i)             7 November 2024 (to follow)

(i)             7 October 2024

a.    Minute 60 (c): Pest Control Service

(ii)            4 November 2024 (to follow)

a.    Minute 73 (e): Approval and Release of S106 Public Open Space Funds – Burrington, Heasley Mill and Lovacott

b.    Minute 75: Gambling Act Statement of Licensing Principles

c.     Minute 79: NDC Corporate Strategies

Nil.