Agenda and minutes

Prior to the commencement of the meeting the Council held a minute’s silence in memory of Private Josh Kennington from Glossop of the Mercian Regiment and former Mayor of Glossop, Ian Highton.

There were no declarations made.

It was moved by Councillor Anthony McKeown and seconded by Councillor Greenhalgh that the minutes of the ordinary and annual meetings held on 5 May 2022 be approved as a correct record.

The motion was carried and the Mayor was authorised to sign the minutes.

The Mayor took the opportunity the thank people across the High Peak for selflessly giving their time, effort and skills to help others to support local communities and meet the fresh challenges raised by the cost of living.  This included elected members, council officers, volunteer and community groups, local charities, churches and businesses.

1.    Question received from Cllr Nigel Gourlay for the Leader of the Council

“What progress has been made by the Council to resolve the issues around 9 High Street, Chapel-en-le-Frith, which for almost two years have blighted the centre of this historic market town.”

Response from the Leader of the Council:

“The Council has exercised its powers under the Building Acts to deal with the immediate issue of the dangerous structure. The powers under that Act only allow us to take the minimum steps to remove the danger to the public. The propping and traffic lights achieve this, albeit that they create another problem in terms of the appearance and traffic issues. However, powers under the Building Act do not permit us to take action to undertake a permeant repair. The costs of the traffic lights and propping are being pursued with the owner.

Initially we had some very positive dialogue with the owner in terms of commissioning a structural survey and determining the cause of the problem and the necessary steps to remedy it.  Unfortunately, however, the owner has failed to commission the necessary building works to date and is no longer engaging with the Council.

The Council initially reviewed an approach under the relevant conservation legislation, taking into account the building’s location on the edge of the Conservation area, however, upon taking advice from legal counsel, the Council is currently considering an alternative approach under other legislation which may be more appropriate to require a permanent repair to be undertaken. However, the powers available to the Council are limited and there are of course risks and costs involved. We have been discussing with our legal team the most appropriate powers to use and we believe that we now have a way forward and have taken initial steps which involve informal approaches to the owner.

If these approaches do not result in a positive response we will progress to more formal action.  

An Individual Executive Decision report is currently being prepared for Members to update them on the current position and authorise officers to take any necessary further action.”

In response to a supplementary question the Leader of the Council stated that options would be explored with officers with regards to support for businesses /parish councils affected in the area.   

2.    Question received from Mr Mark Wilson for the Leader of the Council

“I would like to know what progress, if any, has been made by the Council in resolving the issue of the playpark at South Head Drive, Chapel-en-le-Frith?”

Response from the Leader of the Council:

“The condition of the land has been a cause of concern for some time.

The Council has taken part in a range of discussions with the current owners of the land (Barratts Homes), to try and reach a point where the Council would be willing to take on the future ownership and management of the land in line with the terms of the Section 106 agreement. 

These discussions have also included a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 23/13

It was moved by Councillor Thrane and seconded by Councillor Cross that the  External Audit Plan be noted.

When put to the meeting it was RESOLVED accordingly.

It was moved by Councillor Thrane and seconded by Councillor Cross that the Annual Treasury Management Report 2021/22 be approved.

When put to the meeting it was RESOLVED accordingly.

It was moved by Councillor Thrane and seconded by Councillor Cross that the treasury management updates be noted.  Councillor Thrane explained that as the September meeting of the Audit and Regulatory meeting was cancelled the report for this meeting was circulated to members but was not able to be formally moved.

When put to the meeting it was RESOLVED accordingly.

It was moved by Councillor Sloman and seconded by Councillor Baker that the revised Policy be approved as detailed in the report subject to the following amendments:

Vehicle Emissions/Air Quality

·           At first application – Vehicles must meet or exceed Euro 6 (Diesel) Euro 4 (Petrol)  emissions standards from 2025.

·           At renewal – From 01/04/2027 vehicle licences will not be renewed in respect of any licensed vehicle that does not meet or exceed Euro 6 emissions standards (Diesel) Euro 4 (Petrol) emissions standards.

Vehicle Livery

·           That the Policy be revised to allow vehicles to be grey or silver in overall colour.

When put to the meeting it was RESOLVED accordingly.

It was moved by Councillor Gardner and seconded by Councillor Roberts that the proposed revised Code of Conduct be adopted.

When put to the meeting it was RESOLVED accordingly.