Agenda and minutes

The Mayor will invite all present to join her in a Minute’s silence in respect for the late Past Mayor Sam Budd who passed away on 19 November 2018.

The Mayor invited those present to stand and join her in a minute’s silence as a mark of respect, and in memory of former Mayor Sam Budd who passed away on 19 November 2018.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the Council meeting held on 18 October 2018.

The minutes of the Council meeting held on 18 October 2018 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.

“I recently visited Grand Port, Mauritius, in October to mark the tenth anniversary of Spelthorne’s twinning with Grand Port and was presented with a glass dodo ornament to mark the occasion.

In order to commemorate the centenary of the end of World War 1, the Council organised a special one-off service for schools.

Traditionally, most schools do not take part in Remembrance Sunday Services.  As a former head teacher it was my wish to devise an event for 2018 which would involve young people and schools and mark this very special anniversary.

I was delighted that 14 schools accepted our invitation to take part in a remembrance service here at Knowle Green.  This event was attended by over 400 children, teachers and veterans.  135 Geo Squadron from Ewell were also in attendance and councillors with a good memory will recall that it was 135 Geo who signed our armed forces community covenant in 2011 so it was especially nice to invite them back for this special day. 

Councillors will note that as part of the event the Council created a garden of remembrance in front of the Council Offices with a cross for each serviceman that died during the war.  851 crosses were planted with individual names. 

One of the unforeseen benefits of this event was the research which went into those names.  Councillors may be interested to note that there are 725 servicemen from WW1 listed on the six war memorials in Spelthorne.  In addition to these names, the council identified another six separate memorials which were not part of the 725.  This brought the number up to 731.  With the help of Spelthorne museum we then discovered an additional 120 men from Spelthorne who died and were either commemorated overseas, on naval memorials at Portsmouth or Chatham, or not at all.  It was therefore fitting that these additional 120 names were remembered on this occasion and members will find a full roll call of 851 names in their order of service.”

A short video of the event was then played. 

Details of upcoming mayoral events had been circulated to all present and the Mayor invited all councillors and officers to join her at a Carol Service on Friday 14 December from 10.00am to 11.00am in the Council Chamber.

The Mayor reported that she had today attended the first Pride of Spelthorne awards for volunteers in the Borough.  16 volunteers who had been nominated for the award attended a lunch at the London Irish Club and were presented with certificates.  The Mayor hoped this would be an ongoing event.

To receive any announcements from the Leader.

The Leader made the following announcements:

“It was with great sadness that we learnt of the passing of former Mayor of Spelthorne Sam Budd .

As you have just seen in the video, we held a 100th anniversary ceremony commemorating the end of World War One, focusing on today’s children, here at Knowle Green on Friday 9th November. In excess of 400 children attended the event. Commemorations also took place in all our major towns on Sunday the 11th with very large turn outs.

We have also now planted and dedicated our 100 tree Centenary plantation in Laleham Park with a further 751 trees being planted around the borough in the near future, one for each person of the Borough who gave their life in World War One.

Staying on the tree theme, five trees donated to MP Kwasi Kwarteng were planted in Staines Park on 16 November. The trees are from the Woodlands Trust, Queens Commonwealth Canopy project, a network of forest conservation initiatives to mark Her Majesty's lifetime of service to the Commonwealth and we were pleased to choose Staines Park as a suitable location.

Following our assurance to residents that the new leisure centre will not be sited in Staines Park, we are at an advanced stage of a “Fields in Trust” designation for the Park and this will be addressed further later this evening.

We have recently announced that an initiative to provide dynamic business incubation space for start-ups and pre-starts in the science, technology and creative sectors will be opening in spring 2019 in Staines-upon-Thames. To be known as the Heathrow Launchpad, the scheme is a new partnership between Spelthorne Borough Council, Royal Holloway University of London and the University of Surrey.

Members will be aware of recent press interest in our property investment strategy, which continues to deliver, now in excess of £10million per annum net income to this council to support our services to residents. We now have a Frequently Asked Questions section with 44 questions and answers covering the most common questions, in the Property section of our website.

The Greeno Centre improvements to provide extra space for people with additional support needs are one step closer with planning permission granted. Construction is expected to start in the New Year.

We have now started work on converting Ceaser Court, Sunbury to 52 flats.

We are offering free parking in our town centre car parks from 4pm for late night shopping on Thursdays in the run up to Christmas.

We continue to work proactively with Heathrow Airport to ensure the best possible outcome for our residents.

As Members will recall we submitted our proposal for a Southern Light Railway linking Staines to the planned new western hub at Heathrow and we await the Department for Transport’s decision.

Members will also be aware that there are currently significant issues with, primarily, heavy lorries in Horton Road, Stanwell Moor. Our Council has stepped in and is funding a traffic survey and assessment, with a view  ...  view the full minutes text for item 299/18

To receive any announcements from the Chief Executive.

The Chief Executive gave the following announcement:

“As head of paid service, I commence with reporting that after negotiations spanning a number of months, a collective agreement with Unison was successfully concluded. The agreement pertains to the transfer from national to local pay, terms and conditions for all employees with an effective date of the 1st April 2019.

At this time of year, I should also like to put on record my appreciation to colleagues across this authority, from Human Resources and Housing to Strategic Planning and Streetscene, for a most productive year of public service commitment that has ensured that our communities remain at the very heart of everything we strive to accomplish.”

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

Note: the deadline for questions to be considered at this meeting is 12 noon on Thursday 6 December 2018.

There were none.

To receive any petitions from members of the public.

There were none.

To consider a report on a proposal to protect Staines Park as an Open Space.

Council considered a report on a proposal to dedicate open space at Staines Park with Fields in Trust.  This would maximise the use, secure funding and protect the land.

Resolved:

1.            To give approval to the Group Head for Regeneration and Growth to apply to dedicate open space at Staines Park with Fields in Trust;

2.            To authorise the Group Head for Regeneration and Growth to negotiate and agree the terms of any deeds required; and

3.            To authorise the Head of Corporate Governance to enter into any legal documentation necessary to secure the dedication.

Council considered a recommendation of Cabinet on the proposed Calendar of Meetings for 2019/2020.  The meetings have been programmed to ensure that the Council makes decisions in a timely way.

Resolved to approve the Calendar of Meetings for 2019/20 as attached.

The Council considered the recommendation of the Cabinet seeking approval of the budget of £580,000 for design fees for the conversion of the West Wing Council Offices, to 25 new apartments.  The conversion to residential units would increase the provision of housing within the Borough.

Resolved to approve the budget for design fees for the conversion of the West Wing offices.

To consider a recommendation from Cabinet on a budget for the design team and the contractor for the development of the site.

Council considered Cabinet’s recommendation to approve a budget of £16.25m for the design team and contractor for the development of the site known as ‘Acquisition T’.  The site will deliver a steady income stream once developed which will support the Council to deliver its ambitious housing and regeneration programme across the Borough to help meet the needs of its residents. The Council needs to generate additional income to offset the revenue impacts of undertaking these projects across the Borough.

Resolved to approve the budget of £16.25m for the design team and contractor for the site known as ‘Acquisition T’. 

Council considered a recommendation from the Licensing Committee to approve the adoption of the Statement of Gambling Policy 2019-2022.  The revised policy reflected changes to statutory guidance and codes of practice issued by the Gambling Commission since the current policy came into effect in 2016.  It also included proposed amendments following consultation responses received.

Resolved to approve the adoption of the Statement of Gambling Policy 2019-22.

Council also considered a recommendation from the Licensing Committee to adopt the Statement of Licensing Policy 2019-2024.  The proposed policy included changes to statutory guidance since the policy was last reviewed and proposed amendments as a result of consultation responses received.

Resolved to approve the adoption of the Statement of Licensing Policy 2019-24.

To receive the reports from the Leader of the Council on the work of the Cabinet at its meetings on 21 November 2018 and 11 December 2018.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor I.T.E. Harvey, presented the reports of the Cabinet meetings held on 21 November 2018 and 11 December 2018, 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.

The Chairman of the Audit Committee, Councillor M.J. Madams, presented her report which outlined the matters the Committee had decided since the last Council meeting.

Councillor Madams confirmed in response to a comment from Councillor Edgington, that Brexit would remain on the corporate risk register and continue to be monitored and updated as further details became available.

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

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

To receive the reports from the Chairman of the Planning Committee on the work of his Committee at their meetings on 14 November (attached) and 12 December 2018 (to follow).

The Vice-Chairman of the Planning Committee, Councillor H.A. Thomson, presented the Chairman’s reports 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 her Committee.

The Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Councillor S.C. Mooney, presented her report which outlined the matters the Committee had decided since the last Council meeting.

To receive any motions from Councillors in accordance with Standing Order 19.

Note: The deadline for motions to be considered at this meeting was Monday 3 December 2018 and none were received.

There were no motions.

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

Note: the deadline for questions to be considered at this meeting is 12 noon on Thursday 6 December 2018.

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.

Note: the deadline for questions to be considered at this meeting is 12 noon on Thursday 6 December 2018.

Five questions were received by the deadline.

The first question was received from Councillor R.W. Sider, BEM.

Question 1

“The 9th of November 2018 saw the council holding a special Service of Remembrance for schools to mark the Centenary of the end of the Great War, and was the largest gathering of young people ever seen at Knowle Green.  That said, will the Leader and members of this council join me in congratulating the Head of Corporate Governance who worked tirelessly in the organisation and planning of this special day, together with Head of Neighbourhood Services and her team who executed the plan with supporting council staff. In essence will the Leader agree with me that this was a fantastic team effort where everyone played a significant part in its success.”

The second question was received from Councillor Q. Edgington.

Question 2

“Following on from the question relating to the additional invitation to the Queen’s Royal Garden Party. Do you agree with our Group that the second tickets should be given to Councillors only and preference given to long serving Councillors?”

The third and fourth questions received were from Councillor J. Sexton.

Question 3

“The Borough Bulletin has just dropped through residents' doors.  Pages 12 and 13 highlight Christmas activities around the Borough?  Why is there no mention of the Christmas Fayre in Ashford or any other town other than Shepperton or Sunbury?  It is too "Leader patch" centric - who has sanctioned this?  Can the Leader confirm that the Leader and Cabinet Member for Communications were given the opportunity to sign this off?”

Question 4

“On page 19 of the Bulletin - "County Services under threat" - In the final paragraph it is stated that Spelthorne because of the scale of the forthcoming cuts by Surrey County Council to services, will no longer be able to step in and fill the gap?  What gap is this?  The different responsibilities between Surrey and Spelthorne are clear?  What Services are Spelthorne taking up that Surrey are statutorily obliged to carry out?  I might also ask did the Leader not think that the said item was somewhat hostile to its big brother, Surrey County Council?”

The fifth question was received from Councillor D. Saliagopoulos.

This question contained information relating to a matter which is exempt within the meaning of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985 and by the Local Government (Access to information) (Variation) Order 2006 Paragraph 3 – Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

The question and response will be dealt with in private (Part 2).

The Mayor reported that five general questions had been received, in accordance with Standing Order 15, from Councillors Sider, Edgington, Sexton and Saliagopoulos. The questions and responses were read aloud at the meeting.

1.    Question from Councillor Sider:

“The 9th of November 2018 saw the council holding a special Service of Remembrance for schools to mark the Centenary of the end of the Great War, and was the largest gathering of young people ever seen at Knowle Green.  That said, will the Leader and members of this council join me in congratulating the Head of Corporate Governance who worked tirelessly in the organisation and planning of this special day, together with Head of Neighbourhood Services and her team who executed the plan with supporting council staff. In essence will the Leader agree with me that this was a fantastic team effort where everyone played a significant part in its success.”

Response from Leader of the Council:

“Thank you Cllr Sider for highlighting this event. 

As councillors will have seen on the video earlier, this was a tremendous occasion for the Borough.  I was particularly keen that the Council marked the 100 years of the ending of World War 1 and I am pleased to say that I believe we have done the borough proud.

On Saturday 10th November, Madame Mayor hosted a performance of the Armed Man at Staines Methodist Church and this was a great success [as you have already heard].  There was of course our usual support for the remembrance services on Sunday 11th which are mostly organised by the community but assisted by the Council in terms of road closures.

The schools event on 9 November was a very special occasion.  I would like to pass my thanks on to Michael and Jackie as Councillor Sider has mentioned, but I would also like to mention a number of other people who made the service possible:

·         The 14 schools in Spelthorne who supported it and sent around 400 children.

·         Rev Michael Burley, your Chaplain Madame Mayor

·         Nick Pollard of Spelthorne Museum

·         Our Sponsors for their financial and practical support: Shepperton Studios, Bretts, Staines Prep School and Cushman and Wakefield. 

·         Staines Brass Band

·         135 Geo Squadron from Ewell

·         The children who participated and the teachers who organised all the logistics of bringing pupils out of school for such an event

·         Our staff here at Knowle Green and the Depot, too numerous to mention, who all volunteered to make this a special day. 

Lastly I would also like to advise councillors that 100 trees were planted in Laleham Park to mark the Centenary.  A commemorative plaque has been placed next to this Centenary wood and I encourage councillors to visit the park and see it for themselves.  I would like to thank Jackie and all of the grounds maintenance staff who planted the 100 trees.  This is another fantastic achievement for the Council. 

As you mentioned before Madam Mayor we believe there to have been 851 armed forces  ...  view the full minutes text for item 316/18

Ashford Relief in Need

To consider the re-appointment of Alison Blundell as a representative Trustee to the Ashford Relief in Need Charity for a further four year term until 31 October 2022.

Laleham Charities – Village Hall and Recreation Grounds

To consider the re-appointment of Mavis Duncan, Richard Stokes and Keith Vigurs, as representative Trustees to the Laleham Charities – Village Hall and Recreation Grounds for further four year terms each, until December 2022.

Ashford Relief in Need

It was proposed by Councillor Harvey and seconded by Councillor Harman and

Resolved that Alison Blundell be reappointed as a Council representative trustee to serve on the Board for a further four year term of office until October 2022.

Laleham Charities – Village Hall and Recreation Ground

It was proposed by Councillor Harvey and seconded by Councillor Harman and

Resolved that Richard Stokes, Keith Vigurs and Mavis Duncan be reappointed as Council representative trustees to serve on the Board for a further four year term of office each until December 2022.