Decisions

To engage a recruitment search agency to provide candidates for the Interim Joint Strategic Director for Economy, Planning and Place role for a 3 month period from 15 July.

To award a contract to Penna Executive Search for the provision of an interim Strategic Director for Economy, Planning and Place for a 3 month period from the 15 July.

In accordance with the Council’s public speaking scheme, the following made representations which were duly considered:

·        Zoe Stroud – In objection

·        Charles Collins – In support

·        Cllr James Bloomfield – Ewhurst Parish Councillor

·        Cllr Michael Higgins – Ward Councillor

Following the debate, an alternative recommendation was proposed by Cllr Carole Cockburn and seconded by Cllr Kevin Deanus to REFUSE planning permission.

The Committee voted on the motion and there were 13 votes in favour, 1 vote against and 0 abstentions.

The Committee therefore resolved to REFUSE planning permission by reason of the proposed development fails to safeguard the intrinsic character and beauty of the Countryside, which requires development to be of a high quality and to respond to the distinctive local character of the area and resist development which harm the visual character and distinctiveness of a locality, in relation t its surroundings, contrary to policies RE1, TD1 of the Local Plan (Part 1) 2018, Policies DM1 and DM4 of the Local Plan (Part 1) 2013, Policy EEG1 of the Ewhurst and Ellens Green Neighbourhood Plan, and the principles of the NPPF 2023. Within these areas the Countryside is to be recognised and safeguarded in the interests of protecting its intrinsic character and beauty. The proposed development does not comply with the requirements of these policies and there were no material considerations which would indicate otherwise.

To award contracts for the supply of gas and electricity in accordance with Regulation 10 of The Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012 (“the Regulations”)

The Leader of the Council, having considered the report and recommendations, RESOLVED to approve:

1.            The award of a contract for the supply of Electricity to the Council via the LASER consortium, for a two-year contract with the option to extend for one further year, worth up to £1,185,000 in total. This will be to the top ranked supplier on the Electricity framework – Npower.

2.            The award of a contract for the supply of Gas to the Council via the LASER consortium, for a two-year contract with the option to extend for one further year, worth up to £1,167,000 in total. This will be to the top ranked supplier on the Gas framework – Total Energies.

3.            To delegate to the Strategic Director of Place, in consultation with the Borough Solicitor, to enter into contractual arrangements on behalf of the Council to implement these decisions.

4.            The Section 151 officer to present a detailed rationale to the Executive of the reasons for this decision being necessary, making it clear why such a large contract was not picked up as part of the ‘business as usual’ management of contracts and to provide a full list of all contracts over £500,000 and their renewal dates to the Executive by October 1st 2024.

5.            A consideration of the net-zero tariff options under this framework (including full costings) to be presented to the Executive by January 31st 2025, in line with the Carbon Neutrality Action Plan objectives.

To discharge Express Delegation EXE 103/23 - New Build Housing Delivery – Witley

To discharge Express Delegation EXE 103/23 - New Build Housing Delivery – Witley; and to approve the final form of legal agreements.

To discharge Express Delegation EXE 103/23 - New Build Housing Delivery – Witley; and

      i.        To enter the land and build agreements with the developer related to the land acquisition and build of new homes – Witley

     ii.        To enter into related contractual documentation including collateral warranties relating to the project

    iii.        To enter into agreements related to the project within the project budget for example agreement with the Managing Agents when the development has been completed.