Issue - meetings

The purpose of this report is to seek approval for a supplementary estimate to cover the costs of the Farnham Neighbourhood Plan Review. The report sets out that the Council can only claim for £20,000 in funding from the Government for the Neighbourhood Plan Review and the costs are estimated to be £71,000. There is therefore a shortfall of £51,000.

Recommendation

It is recommended that the Executive approves a supplementary estimate for £51,000 to cover the costs of the Farnham Neighbourhood Plan Review.

50.1    Cllr Merryweather introduced the report which explained the need for a Supplementary Estimate of £51,000 to meet the actual costs of the Farnham Neighbourhood Plan Review. These were estimated to be £71,000 however only £20,000 could be claimed from the Government.

50.2   Cllr Hyman referred to the public question earlier in the meeting and the response given in respect of the Habitats Regulations. The Farnham Neighbourhood Plan Review assumed that the Council had an Appropriate Assessment; without that, proceeding with the referendum was a waste of money. Cllr Follows reiterated that the Local Plan Part 1, including relevant Appropriate Assessments, had been found sound by the Local Plan Inspector.

50.3   The Executive RESOLVED to approve a supplementary estimate for £51,000 to cover the costs of the Farnham Neighbourhood Plan Review.

Reason: the Council can only claim for £20,000 in funding from the Government for the Neighbourhood Plan Review and the costs are estimated to be £71,000. There is therefore a shortfall of £51,000.

To request a supplementary estimate to continue to seek an injunction to require the known occupants to cease the unlawful occupation of the site and to clear the site of all structures and hardstanding.

Recommendation

It is recommended that the Executive approves a supplementary estimate of £20,000 to meet the costs of continuing to seek an injunction.  This figure may need to be revised depending on the works associated with the application, and any subsequent proceedings.

17.1     The Executive reviewed the history of the this long-running enforcement case, and noted that the Eastern Area Planning Committee had consistently supported the expediency of continuing enforcement action.

17.2     The Executive RESOLVED to approve a supplementary estimate of £20,000 to meet the costs of continuing to seek an injunction.

Reason: to enable the continuation of planning enforcement action, to require the known occupants to cease the unlawful occupation of the site and to clear the site of all structures and hardstanding.