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Decisions

Use the below search options at the bottom of the page to find information regarding recent decisions that have been taken by the Council’s decision making bodies.

Alternatively you can visit the officer decisions page for information on officer delegated decisions that have been taken by Council officers.

Earlier - Later

Decisions published

30/09/2021 - Review Of Local Council Tax Discounts ref: 1072    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Policy, Resources & Economic Development Committee

Made at meeting: 30/09/2021 - Policy, Resources & Economic Development Committee

Decision published: 07/10/2021

Effective from: 30/09/2021

Decision:

In March 2021, following a motion at full Council by the labour group which was accepted in February 2021, PRED resolved to review Council Tax Discretionary Discounts and report options to a future PRED Committee.

 

This report reviewed the options available and recommends to consult with residents to make amendments to the scheme of Council Tax Discounts and Premiums with effect from 1 April 2022, using discretionary powers granted by the Rating (Property in Common Occupation) and Council Tax (Empty Dwellings) Act 2018.

 

The report outlined the proposed changes and the potential impact on the tax base.

 

After a full discussion, Cllr Poppy MOVED and Cllr Barrett SECONDED the recommendations in the report. A vote was taken and it was RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

Members are asked to:

R1. Award delegated authority to the Section 151 Officer in consultation with the Chair of Policy, Resources & Economic Development Committee to consult with residents on:

A) Removing the Council Tax discretionary discount for Empty and Unfurnished properties from 1 April 2022.

B) Removing the Council Tax discretionary discount for Second Homes from 1 April 2022.

C) Not changing The Council Tax discretionary discount for Empty & Uninhabitable properties from 1 April 2022.

 

R2. Report the results of the consultation to the next appropriate Policy, Resources and Economic Development Committee for a final decision on any proposed changes to Council Tax Discretionary Discounts.

 

Reasons for Recommendation

Properties that are vacant for long periods of time, can lead to problems with squatters, anti-social behaviour and have a direct impact on the amount of housing available in the Borough. The removal of these discounts would incentivise the owners to bring properties back into use and occupation with less delay.

 

Currently two local Council Tax discounts we are reviewing to remove are costing Brentwood Council £13,519 per annum, and the precepting authorities collectively £113,344 per annum. This would generate additional income to the collective Councils to reinvest within their services.

 

Legislation would still allow the Council to award discretionary support to people in exceptional circumstances and each request would be given due care and consideration and assessed on its own merits.

Wards affected: (All Wards);


30/09/2021 - Social & Commercial Opportunity ref: 1074    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Policy, Resources & Economic Development Committee

Made at meeting: 30/09/2021 - Policy, Resources & Economic Development Committee

Decision published: 07/10/2021

Effective from: 30/09/2021

Decision:

Following an approach from Grove School to request assistance in securing a commercial premise from which their students can gain work experience, to improve skills and resilience, as they come towards the end of their student careers, a proposal had been prepared that requested the Council to make a capital investment to deliver the social aspirations and requires member approval.

 

After a full discussion, Cllr Poppy MOVED and Cllr Pearson SECONDED the recommendations in the report. A vote was taken and it was RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

Members are asked to:

R1. To approve to purchase of a vehicle within the Councils Capital Programme 2021/22, to pursue the Business case attached in Appendix A.

 

R2. To delegate authority to the Corporate Director of (Finance and Resources) and S151 officer and the Corporate Director (Law and Governance) and Monitoring Officer in consultation with the chair of PRED to enter into the legal agreements required.

 

Reasons for Recommendation

To create an opportunity within the borough that meets a social need as well as a commercial return.

Wards affected: (All Wards);


30/09/2021 - Lower Thames Crossing Community Impacts Consultation and Development Consent Order ref: 1071    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Policy, Resources & Economic Development Committee

Made at meeting: 30/09/2021 - Policy, Resources & Economic Development Committee

Decision published: 07/10/2021

Effective from: 30/09/2021

Decision:

Highways England (now known as National Highways) were inviting views on the Lower Thames Crossing, a proposed new motorway connecting Essex and Kent through a tunnel beneath the River Thames to provide additional road capacity. A Community Impacts Consultation had been launched following previous consultations. This preceded the expected submission of a Development Consent Order application for the scheme.

 

After a full discussion, Cllr Poppy MOVED and Cllr Pearson SECONDED the recommendations in the report. A vote was taken and it was RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

Members are asked to:

R1. Approve the response to the Lower Thames Crossing Community Impacts Consultation, as set out in Appendix A; and

 

R2. Approve delegated powers to the Corporate Manager (Planning Development Management) as part of the Development Consent Order (DCO) process.

 

Reasons for Recommendation

It was recommended that the issues set out in Appendix A be issued in response to the Lower Thames Crossing Community Impacts Consultation. The Council had engaged with National Highways on the Lower Thames Crossing project to date. It was proposed that issues raised in previous consultation responses were maintained where relevant and/or unresolved.

 

Once National Highways commence the Development Consent Order (DCO) process there would be strict deadlines to adhere to, often with challenging timeframes. Once submitted the Council’s Planning Development Management Team would be responsible for considering the scheme and responding to the Planning Inspectorate. In light of the timeframes, it is recommended that the Corporate Manager for Planning Development Management be delegated authority to determine the DCO process. Updates on progress will be brought to Members when relevant.

Wards affected: (All Wards);


30/09/2021 - Litter Enforcement ref: 1070    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Policy, Resources & Economic Development Committee

Made at meeting: 30/09/2021 - Policy, Resources & Economic Development Committee

Decision published: 07/10/2021

Effective from: 30/09/2021

Decision:

The Borough of Brentwood experiences issues, like many other authorities, with discarded litter. This especially so on major trunk roads around and through Brentwood where not only is the litter a problem but so is the safety of our operatives.

 

The authority was reviewing how the management and collection of litter can be addressed from beginning to end which will form a report to a future Environment, Housing & Health Committee.

 

However, in the meantime the Councilwere looking at other options to reduce or deter littering in the borough. This report asked Members to consider one such option by considering the introduction of a 14 day trial of a littercam which detects people throwing litter from moving or stationery cars.

 

After a full discussion, Cllr Poppy MOVED and Cllr Pearson SECONDED the recommendations in the report. A vote was taken and it was RESOLVED.

 

Members are asked to:

R1. To agree to a trial of a ‘Littercam’ camera to be deployed for 14 days at a cost of £4,500 plus lamp column checks at £850, installation, decommission and cost to return the camera.

 

R2. To approve the trial is funded from an appropriate Earmarked Reserve.

 

R3.That a further report on the outcome from this trial is brought back to this committee for consideration.

 

Reasons for Recommendation

Brentwood Borough Council needed to consider all methods to combat the problem of litter in the area and whilst campaigns have their place other options should be considered.

 

Emphasise to the public that we as a Council and a borough do not tolerate poor behaviours of those who blot our landscape by not disposing of litter appropriately

 

Will enable the Council to consider whether such a scheme could work on a more permanent basis.

Wards affected: (All Wards);


30/09/2021 - Financial Initiatives Working Group ref: 1073    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Policy, Resources & Economic Development Committee

Made at meeting: 30/09/2021 - Policy, Resources & Economic Development Committee

Decision published: 07/10/2021

Effective from: 30/09/2021

Decision:

Members will be aware that one of the key objectives within the Council’s Corporate Strategic Plan 2020-2025 is to sustain £1 million revenue via commercial activities to reduce the council’s revenue budget gap.

 

To assist with this objective and meet the targets set out in the Council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy and build on the initiatives already developed it is considered appropriate to introduce a member’s cross working party, Financial Initiatives Member Working Group (FIWG) to review and develop financial initiatives for presentation to and consideration by this committee.

 

The members had to talk with their group to decide which members from the opposition would be part of the working group.  Cllr Poppy confirmed that the members from the Conservative Party would be Cllrs Hossack and White. 

 

After a full discussion, Cllr Poppy MOVED and Cllr Pearson SECONDED the recommendations in the report. A vote was taken and it was RESOLVED.

 

Members are asked to:

R1. Agree to set up a formal cross party Member’s Financial Initiatives Working Group.

 

R2. Agree the Members to be representatives on the working group.

 

R3. Agree the working group’s Terms of Reference as attached at Appendix A.

 

Reasons for Recommendation

To ensure that the council considers all financial opportunities in an appropriate and structured manner.

Wards affected: (All Wards);


30/09/2021 - Disposal of General Fund Property Asset - EXEMPT ref: 1075    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Policy, Resources & Economic Development Committee

Made at meeting: 30/09/2021 - Policy, Resources & Economic Development Committee

Decision published: 07/10/2021

Effective from: 30/09/2021

Decision:

The public were excluded from the meeting for the item of business on the grounds that the disclosure of exempt information as defined in Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 was involved.

 

A Motion was MOVED by Cllr Poppy and SECONDED by Cllr Mrs Pearson to agree the recommendation in the report. 

 

A vote was taken by a show of hands and it was RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY.  

 

Wards affected: Brentwood South;


28/09/2021 - Minutes of the previous meeting ref: 1069    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Audit and Scrutiny Committee

Made at meeting: 28/09/2021 - Audit and Scrutiny Committee

Decision published: 06/10/2021

Effective from: 28/09/2021

Decision:

The Minutes of the Audit & Scrutiny meeting held on 6th July were approved as a true record.

 


21/09/2021 - APPLICATION NO. 21/01215/TEL - Land Between Hulletts Lane And Ongar Road Hulletts Lane Pilgrims Hatch Essex ref: 1066    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Planning and Licensing Committee

Made at meeting: 21/09/2021 - Planning and Licensing Committee

Decision published: 06/10/2021

Effective from: 21/09/2021

Decision:

A request for deferral had been received on this item. This is to consider a revised set of application drawings and so will be brought to a future meeting of the committee.

 

Wards affected: Pilgrims Hatch;


20/09/2021 - Empty Homes Strategy ref: 1065    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Environment, Enforcement & Housing Committee

Made at meeting: 20/09/2021 - Environment, Enforcement & Housing Committee

Decision published: 04/10/2021

Effective from: 20/09/2021

Decision:

The current Empty Homes Strategy expired in 2020 and an updated document and delivery plan is required to take forward action in this area. The Council can have anywhere from between 300 to 450 empty homes at any one time. Many of these are in transition from being moved into, redecorated, rebuilt etc. The aim of this strategy is to have a process in order to tackle the longer term empty homes and create a path to bring them into occupation. An updated strategy document (Appendix A) and delivery plan (Appendix B) have been created based on good practice.

 

A motion was MOVED by Cllr Mrs Pearson and SECONDED by Cllr Mrs Hones to agree the recommendations in the report.

 

Following a discussion a vote was taken and it was RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY that: Members are asked to:  

 

Members are asked to:

1. Approve the Empty Homes Strategy and action plan.

2. Approve the recruitment of a part time empty homes officer

 

 

Wards affected: (All Wards);


20/09/2021 - Meanwhile Offer ref: 1064    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Environment, Enforcement & Housing Committee

Made at meeting: 20/09/2021 - Environment, Enforcement & Housing Committee

Decision published: 04/10/2021

Effective from: 20/09/2021

Decision:

The report presented the Meanwhile Offer to the Committee for approval. The Meanwhile Offer sets out in general terms the approach the Council would take to the management and maintenance of properties and buildings impacted by regeneration.

 

Following a discussion a vote was taken and it was RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY that: Members are asked to:

 

A motion was MOVED by Cllr Mrs Pearson and SECONDED by Cllr Mrs Hones to agree the recommendations in the report.

 

Members are asked:

To approve the Meanwhile Offer in Appendix A.

 

Reasons for Recommendation

To ensure that the Housing Department has an approach covering the management and maintenance of HRA sites impacted by regeneration.

Wards affected: (All Wards);


20/09/2021 - Decant Policy ref: 1063    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Environment, Enforcement & Housing Committee

Made at meeting: 20/09/2021 - Environment, Enforcement & Housing Committee

Decision published: 04/10/2021

Effective from: 20/09/2021

Decision:

The report presented the Decant Policy to the Committee for approval. The policy provided a clear framework for when decants would be used and ensured that the Council adhered to the relevant legislation for making home loss and disturbance payments to residents.

 

Ms Lilley asked members to reach out to residents to ask them to engage and provide their feedback with any consultation in order to get the most out of the Housing department. 

 

A motion was MOVED by Cllr Mrs Pearson and SECONDED by Cllr Mrs  Hones to agree the recommendations in the report.

 

Following a discussion a vote was taken and it was RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY that: Members are asked to:

 

Members are asked:

To approve the Decant Policy in Appendix A.

 

Reason for recommendation

To ensure that the Housing Department has a policy covering the way that decants (both planned and unplanned) are managed and how tenants and leaseholders will be treated.

Wards affected: (All Wards);


20/09/2021 - Strategic Housing Development Plan ref: 1068    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Environment, Enforcement & Housing Committee

Made at meeting: 20/09/2021 - Environment, Enforcement & Housing Committee

Decision published: 04/10/2021

Effective from: 20/09/2021

Decision:

The report summarised progress since the last report to Committee on 5 July 2021 on the development of a pipeline of new affordable homes through the development and regeneration of various Housing Revenue Account (HRA) owned sites.

 

As a reminder, this Strategic Housing Delivery Programme (SHDP) is made up of two distinct elements,

1)    the regeneration of Brookfield Close and Courage Court, Hutton to develop 62 zero carbon homes and

2)    the development of a range of smaller HRA sites to deliver a further 80 Zero Carbon homes on a further 8 council owned sites.

 

All of these new homes will contribute to, and be managed within, the Council’s HRA. In addition this report also updated Members on progress with the conversion of 17, Crescent Road, Brentwood, a vacant double fronted Victorian villa style house in some disrepair into two new apartments.

 

The Council’s Corporate Strategy ‘Brentwood 2025’ commits to Introducing “innovative Carbon reduction and absorption schemes”, “identify opportunities for low emission and green developments” and using ‘brownfield sites efficiently, such as council owned garage sites, to provide affordable homes…”.

 

A motion was MOVED by Cllr Mrs Pearson and SECONDED by Cllr Mrs Hones to agree the recommendations in the report.

 

Following a discussion a vote the recommendations were taken separately.

 

Members are requested to:

1.     Note the new affordable homes programme viability assessment in the report and approve:

a)    the continuation of financial and technical assessment across the small sites programme to inform a final report to this Committee on the viability of the programme;

 

b)    the commencement of the tendering process for a construction partner for the redevelopment of Brookfield Close and Courage Court.

 

A vote by show of hands was taken and it was RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

Members are requested to:

 

2.     Consider the options available for the redevelopment of Ingleton House and identify the preferred option for further delivery assessment.

 

A vote by show of hands was taken and it was RESOLVED to agree Option 1 (within the report) - Continued Inclusion in the Council’s Small Sites Programme of new affordable homes. 

 

Wards affected: (All Wards);