A MEETING OF THE CONDUCT AND STANDARDS COMMITTEE WAS
HELD ON 23 APRIL 2003
Attendance:
Councillors Chegwyn, Cully (P), Edgar (P), Hook (P), M Russell (P) and
Wright (P).
Independent Members
Mr Lidgey (P) and Mr Perry (P) (Chairman)
Also in Attendance
Councillor Smith (P)
4. MINUTES
RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 13 June 2002 be approved and signed by the Chairman as a true and correct record.
PART I
5. BELLE VUE HOTEL ENQUIRY
It was reported that the Committee had been convened to hold an enquiry into the discussions, which officers had with the potential developer of the Belle Vue Hotel site. The enquiry had been requested by Councillor Smith which had subsequently been agreed by Council at its meeting on 5 February 2003.
The Committee heard submissions from Councillor Smith, the Regulatory Services Manager and the Chief Executive.
The Committee was satisfied that there had been no question of any breach of the Council's various codes, including the Code relating to planning matters, by officers attending the pre-application meeting with McCarthy & Stone, the potential developer of the site. The Committee also recognised that pre-application meetings with potential developers were a useful part of the planning process and that such meetings would inevitably be requested to be kept confidential. However, there may be occasions where the issues discussed at such meetings were likely to be controversial or difficult that other officers, particularly the Chief Executive, should be made aware of the issues and Members advised as appropriate. The Chief Executive explained to the Committee that this did indeed happen but it would be useful from the Planning Officer's point of view if there were clear guidelines set by the Council which required them to advise potential developers requesting confidential meetings, that whilst the meeting would proceed on such a basis, the officers may have to advise other officers and Members of the Council of the meeting. If potential developers were advised of the Council's requirements from the outset, then they would have the option of proceeding or not proceeding with the meeting. The Committee considered this suggestion and agreed the following recommendation.
RECOMMENDED: That the Council be advised that officers should advise potential developers that requests for confidential meetings will be considered and if granted, will take place solely on the basis that, depending on the nature of the discussions, other officers of the Council including the Chief Executive and Members may need to be advised of the meeting.
CHAIRMAN
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