Agenda and minutes

Apologies for non-attendance were received from Councillors Valerie Anslow and Steven North.  Councillor Anne Lee was in attendance as substitute.

The Chair invited those who wished to do so to declare any interests in respect of items on the agenda.

RESOLVED:

The minutes of the meeting held on 24 March 2022 were approved as a correct record and signed.

The Panel considered a report of the Senior Development Officer (Planning Policy), which informed the Panel of the content of the Ise Valley Strategic Plan (IVSP) and outlined the benefits of working in partnership to deliver the Plan.

The River Ise Partnership came together in October 2019 and sought to provide a coordinated approach to project development and delivery aimed at improving access to and the quality of the Ise Valley.  The vision of the Partnership was to ensure that the Ise Valley played a central role in North Northamptonshire’s sustainable and economic prosperity.  Through the Strategic Plan, the Partnership sought to develop a large-scale and ambitious programme that would enhance the quality of the Valley’s natural environment for people and wildlife, create socioeconomic benefits through tourism opportunities, provide for natural flood management and mitigate against climate change.  

During discussion, the following principal points were noted:

i.     The Chair wished to thank the team and partners for putting together a very strong document.

ii.    A part time Senior Project Officer had been funded to assist with the delivery of the IVSP up to 2023.  Additional resources were being sought to continue funding this post.

iii.   One of the benefits of partnership working was that our partners had the ability to access other forms of funding which we were not able to.

iv.   Councillor Mike Tebbutt was a member of the Board to provide political guidance and input.  This was from his time as a member of Kettering Borough Council and we may want to formalise our membership.

v.    The River Nene Regional Park had good links with the local farming community, including the Boughton Estate, to open up opportunities for land use to enhance access and connectivity and for environmental enhancements.

vi.   With regard to biodiversity net gain, NNC was keen to generate its own environment banks which may have the potential to generate income for the Council.  It may be possible to use this income for environmental enhancements set out in the Local Nature Strategies or towards the Nature Recovery Network to ensure a net gain for biodiversity.  However, guidance on how local authorities could use income generated from environment banks had yet to be issued by the government.

vii.  It was concerning that due to the risk of flooding, there was no dedicated flood team in NNC and only one officer in West Northamptonshire.  In response, the Assistant Director clarified that NNC was fulfilling its role as the Lead Local Flood Authority and was working with WNC, the Environment Agency and external contractors.  The Growth and Regeneration Service was currently being reviewed; however, this was a particularly difficult area to recruit to.

RESOLVED:

(i)      To note the contents of the Ise Valley Strategic Plan and acknowledge it has been prepared by the River Nene Regional Park on behalf of, and with input from, the River Ise Partnership, of which the Council is an actively participating member.

(ii)     To endorse the content of the Ise Valley  ...  view the full minutes text for item 69.

The Panel considered a report of the Senior Planning Officer (Local Plans), which updated the Panel on the progress of the investigation into Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and outlined the process for undertaking public consultation to capture the views and experiences of local people and other interested parties regarding HMOs. 

Significant progress had been made gathering evidence to improve the understanding of the HMOs situation in North Northamptonshire and their impact. The evidence revealed information on the quantity and spatial distribution of HMOs in North Northamptonshire, including the identification of six wards as ‘hotspots’ with the highest number and concentration of HMOs.

The next stage for the investigation was to conduct an online consultation survey for a period of six weeks, including questions to tenants, landlords, residents and local community groups. The survey would address gaps or missing data and help to develop the local area profiles. The questions outlined in the draft consultation survey, had been developed to help in understanding the impact on the community and local environment, as well as the condition of the HMOs.

During discussion, the following principal points were noted:

i.        The definition of an HMO varied for different regulatory regimes and were not consistent, but we needed to work to the legislative definitions.  It was accepted that it would be helpful to work to one definition if it could be done legislatively.

ii.       Coordination between Council departments was important, and we were looking at how to share information better across the organisation.

iii.      It would be helpful to include the town and parish councils in the consultation.

iv.      The scope and issues consultation for the North Northamptonshire Strategic Plan also included a specific question around HMOs.

RESOLVED:

To note the progress made with the investigation into HMOs and the proposed survey questions.

The Executive Forward Plan for May to August 2022 was noted.

It was noted that the consultation on the Kettering General Hospital Local Development Order had closed last week and would be brought to a future meeting.

A paper on the Kettering Station Quarter would also be brought to a future meeting.

The Chair thanked Members and officers for their attendance and closed the meeting.  As this was the last meeting of this municipal year, he wished to thank all members and officers for their input and contributions over the past year.

The meeting closed at 10.58am.