Agenda and minutes

RESOLVED

That the minutes be approved as a correct record.

In accordance with Procedure Rules Nos.11 and 35 a period of 10 minutes is allocated for members of the public to address the meeting on any matter relating to the work of the body in question.  Individual members of the public may speak for up to 5 minutes but the Chairman or person presiding will decide how the period of time allocated for public speaking will be apportioned where there are a number of speakers. Members of the public are not required to give notice to use this facility. However, as a matter of courtesy, a period of 24 hours’ notice is encouraged.

Members of the public wishing to ask a question at the meeting should provide at least three clear working days’ notice in writing and should include the question with that notice. This will enable an informed answer to be given.

The Head of Governance and Democratic Services reported to the meeting that he had been informed of the intention of a member of the public to address the Committee upon concerns relating to the Local Plan.  In anticipation of this, he advised the Committee, and members of the public present at the meeting, that the terms of reference of the Committee did not permit it to formally deal with Local Plan matters.

He further advised that, whilst members of the public may have attended the meeting in anticipation of being able to speak about Local Plan issues, and whilst the Committee might be interested to hear what they might have to say, such representations would not be formally recorded, nor would they be regarded as being submitted or made as part of the Local Plan process.

Having heard the advice offered, Mrs Furr and Mr Bard both took part in public speaking and used this time to speak about local plan issues in respect of land in the Fence Avenue area of Macclesfield.  Mr Farndale spoke about the green belt east of Fence Avenue.

Mr Furr referred to planning appeals in Sandbach and his opinion as to the implications for Macclesfield.

Mr Watson used public speaking time to address the Committee about the Community Governance Review for Macclesfield, and the consultation process associated with it.  His hope was that there would be a ballot of local people.

Mr Williams spoke about the prosperity of the town and recent issues in respect of Astra Zeneca. 

The Committee thanked members of the public for attending the meeting in such encouraging numbers and, despite the advice of officers, for bringing their concerns and representations to the attention of the Committee.

To provide an opportunity for Members and Officers to declare any disclosable pecuniary and non-pecuniary interests in any item on the agenda.

There were no declarations of interest.

To consider a briefing paper on Macclesfield allotment provision.

George Broughton attended the Committee and presented his report on allotment provision in the unparished area of Macclesfield.  The report provided details of the number, location and take up of allotments in the area; how vacant allotments were dealt with; whether there were any arrangements in place for allotments to be run locally; and whether there might be opportunities for allotment federations to be established, in conjunction with the National Society of Allotments and Leisure Gardeners.

Discussion took place.

Agreed - It was agreed that a report would be presented to the next meeting of the Committee which would provide more details as to the practical arrangements which might be made for the running of a local allotments service, including details of finances, officer support and management.

To consider a briefing paper on Macclesfield indoor and outdoor markets.

John Leach attended the Committee and presented his report on market provision in Macclesfield.  Details were provided of how the Macclesfield market arrangements worked, comparing these with arrangements in other towns in Cheshire East; and the financial aspects of market provision.

Agreed - The report was noted, and John was thanked for attending the meeting.

To agree a date for the next meeting.

It was agreed that the next meeting would be arranged to take place in January or February 2014, and a request was made that the meeting should consider a report on the provision and cost of open space and play equipment provision.