Agenda and minutes

Ian Allan had a world-wide reputation and following for publishing books on all forms of travel, particularly railway history, and other titles, plus owning local travel agency and car dealership businesses. He was an OBE, a Freeman of the Borough, and long-time Chairman of the Trustees of the Laleham Charities (Village Hall and Recreation Ground). 

The Council observed a minute’s silence in memory of the late Ian Allan OBE.

To receive a presentation from Chief Executive, Suzanne Rankin, Chairman Aileen McLeish, and Chief Nurse Heather Caudle, on the work of the Ashford and St. Peter's Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Chief Executive Suzanne Rankin, Chairman Aileen McLeish, and Medical Director Dr. David Fluck, gave a presentation on behalf of the Ashford and St. Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the Annual Council meeting held on 21 May 2015.

The minutes of the Annual Council meeting held on 21 May 2015 were agreed as a correct record.

To receive any disclosures of interest from Councillors in accordance with the Council’s Code of Conduct for members.

There were no disclosures of interest.

To receive any announcements from the Mayor.

The Mayor invited one of the new members to join his Charity Committee.

To receive any announcements from the Leader.

The Leader announced that Councillor Daxa Patel is appointed as the Council’s representative on the South West Middlesex Crematorium Board with immediate effect and until June 2015.

The Leader also announced that the Council is pleased to be supporting the Voices for Hospices Choir in a Massed Come and Sing performance of the Armed Man by Karl Jenkins at Kempton Park on Sunday 27 September. Also supported by Surrey County Council, it is expected that some 4000 singers will take part either as individuals or choirs, including the Spelthorne Choral Society.

All proceeds will go to local hospices so this is a hugely worthwhile event.

To receive any announcements from the Chief Executive.

The Chief Executive, Roberto Tambini, reminded councillors about the seminar taking place in the Chamber on 20 July on Planning enforcement and appeals. It is aimed primarily at Planning Committee members but any other councillors who are interested will be welcome to attend.

The Chief Executive also reminded councillors about two other seminars, the first one being on 7 September on the Lower Thames Strategy and the second one on 9 September on Planning Green Belt and flooding.

The Leader, or their nominee, to answer any questions raised by members of the public in accordance with Standing Order 14.

The Mayor reported that, under Standing Order 14, one question had been received from a member of the public.

Question from Mr. McLuskey

“Given the danger of a Sipson-type blight descending on Stanwell following the alarming but somewhat vague comments regarding the area which are to be found at Paragraph 10.05 in the Business Annexe to the recent Airports Commission report, will the Leader undertake to find full details of when clarification will be available on what is planned and communicate these to local people?

Can he also enquire why, notwithstanding the enormity of this suggestion, the proposal was not included in any of the consultations mounted by the Commission; also the meaning of the alarming but somewhat obscure term ‘severance implications’?”

Response from the Leader of the Council, Councillor Robert Watts

Thank you for your question, Mr. McLuskey.

The Airports Commission on 1 July published its much awaited report and recommendation to government on an additional runway in the South East.  It has recommended a new runway to the north west of Heathrow.  The Commission’s report does not seek to present detailed plans for the proposal.

It will now be for the government to make a decision on whether or not to accept the Commission’s recommendation. Its decision is not expected before the end of the year.

Only then will the finally chosen scheme be able to be worked up in detail by its promoter.

This Council has already issued a press release and provided information on its website to explain the current position and we will certainly be doing all we can to keep our residents and businesses informed as matters progress over the coming months and years.

I am already on record as saying that whilst we support Heathrow it will be essential that the environmental and transport implications are properly addressed.

To receive any petitions from members of the public.

There were no petitions.

To consider the recommendation of the Cabinet from its meeting on 24 June 2015.

The Council considered the Cabinet recommendation from its meeting of 24 June 2015 on the draft Statement of Community Involvement which had been out to consultation for a four week period between February and March 2015.

RESOLVED that Council adopts the Statement of Community Involvement, subject to the changes proposed by the Local Plan Working Party following the consultation.

To consider the recommendation of the Members’ Code of Conduct Committee from its meeting on 18 June 2015.

The Council considered the Members’ Code of Conduct Committee recommendation from its meeting of 18 June 2015 on the new role for Independent Persons.

RESOLVED that Council agrees:

1. That the following be appointed as Independent Persons to support both the Council’s Code of Conduct and Statutory Officer procedure rule requirements:

a. Mr Roger Pett

b. Mr Tony Allenby

c. Ms Vivienne Cameron

d. Mr Paul Sherar

e. Mr David Seymour

2. To authorise the Monitoring Officer to make consequential amendments to the Employment Procedure Rules within the Constitution.

To receive the reports from the Leader of the Council on the work of the Cabinet at its meetings on 24 June 2015 and 15 July 2015.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Watts, presented the reports of the Cabinet meetings held on 24 June and 15 July 2015, which outlined the matters the Cabinet had decided since the last Council meeting.

To receive the report from the Chairman of the Audit Committee on the work of her Committee.

In the absence of the Chairman of the Audit Committee, Councillor Madams, the Vice-Chairman, Councillor Harman, presented the report which outlined the matters the Committee had decided since the last Council meeting.

To receive the report from the Chairman of the Licensing Committee on the work of his Committee.

The Chairman of the Licensing Committee, Councillor Sider, presented his report which outlined the matters the Committee had decided since the last Council meeting.

To receive the report from the Chairman of the Members' Code of Conduct Committee on the work of his Committee.

The Chairman of the Members’ Code of Conduct Committee, Mr. Murray Litvak, presented his report which outlined the matters the Committee had decided since the last Council meeting.

To receive the report from the Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee on the work of his Committee.

The Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Councillor Friday, presented his report which outlined the matters the Committee had decided since the last Council meeting.  

To receive the report from the Chairman of the Planning Committee on the work of his Committee.

The Chairman of the Planning Committee, Councillor Smith-Ainsley, presented his report which outlined the matters the Committee had decided since the last Council meeting. 

To receive any motions from Councillors or members of the public.

There were no motions.

The Leader, or their nominee, to answer questions from Councillors on issues in their Ward, in accordance with Standing Order 15.

There were no questions on Ward issues.

The Leader, or his nominee, to answer questions from Councillors on matters affecting the Borough, in accordance with Standing Order 15.

Question from Councillor R.W. Sider

Members will be aware that Shepperton Town Ward recently experienced what can only be described as a sudden invasion by Travellers on Dumsey Meadow, an area designated as a site of Special Scientific Interest. Their incursion, which numbered over 20 caravans and trailers, gave rise to a great deal of concern and anxiety amongst local residents. Would the Leader and members of this Council join me in congratulating the  Head of Street Scene and the Council’s Legal department on the way this situation was dealt with to the complete satisfaction of the community, on an issue which involved and required a great deal of tact and diplomacy in obtaining their eviction?

The Mayor reported that one general question had been received, in accordance with Standing Order 15, from Councillor Sider.

Question from Councillor Sider 

“Members will be aware that Shepperton Town Ward recently experienced what can only be described as a sudden invasion by Travellers on Dumsey Meadow, an area designated as a site of special scientific interest Their incursion, which numbered over 20 caravans and trailers, gave rise to a great deal of concern and anxiety amongst local residents. Would the Leader and members of this Council join me in congratulating the  Head of Street Scene and the Council’s Legal department, on the way this situation was dealt with to the complete satisfaction of the community, on an issue which involved and required a great deal of tact and diplomacy in obtaining their eviction.”

Response from the Leader of the Council, Councillor Robert Watts

Thank you for your question, Councillor Sider, and your positive comments.

All the staff in the service areas concerned, who assisted with the removal of the travellers on Dumsey Meadow, are very grateful for your kind remarks. This type of event, whilst difficult to manage at the time, showcases to residents how effective we can be when we all work together to achieve the same outcome.

To consider any urgent business.

There was no urgent business.