Agenda and draft minutes

Please note that, in accordance with the Members' Code of Conduct, when declaring interests members must disclose the existence and nature of the interest, and whether it is a disclosable pecuniary interest (DPI) or personal and/or pecuniary.

In the interests of transparency, Councillor Hilton Spratt wished it be noted that he held the position of County Councillor.

You are asked to resolve that the press and public be excluded from the meeting during the consideration of the following items because it is likely that if members of the press or public were present, there would be disclosure to them of 'exempt information'.

RESOLVED that the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following items of business because it was likely that if members of the public were present there would be a disclosure to them of ‘exempt information’ as defined by Section 100l and Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972.

The Chair reported that a decision made by the Executive on 22 July 2024 entitled ‘Western Growth Corridor Scheme Delivery - Phase 1A & Phase 1B’ had been called in by Councillors Clare Smalley and Natasha Chapman, who had cited seven reasons for the call in, and had suggested two outcomes, which were laid out on pages 7 and 8 of the agenda pack. Specific details were set out in the exempt report and minute extract of the meeting held on 22 July 2024.

Councillor Clare Smalley, as lead signatory to the Call In, was invited by the Chair to address the Committee who explained the reasons for Call In.

She outlined the suggested recommendation she felt the Committee should make to the Executive.

The Chair invited members of the Committee to ask any questions in relation to the reasons for Call In. Relevant questions and responses were received.

The Chair invited Councillor Naomi Tweddle, Leader of the Council, to respond to the Call In request. Councillor Tweddle responded to each of the points set out and put forward her explanation as to why the Executive decision had been taken.

The Chair invited members of the Committee to ask any questions of the Leader relating to the decision. A number of questions were asked, with answers provided. Signatories to the Call In were also provided with an opportunity to ask questions of clarification.

The Chair asked the Committee to consider whether the request for Call In should be approved or refused.

It was RESOLVED that the request for Call In on the decision of the Executive on Western Growth Corridor Scheme Delivery - Phase 1A & Phase 1B be refused, for the following reasons:

(1)  That having regard to the nature of the decision, and the circumstances in which it was made, the decision had been taken on the basis of appropriate or sufficient consultation.

(2)  That the decision maker had given adequate reasons for the decision.

(3)  That the decision maker had taken relevant considerations into account and had come to a decision which a reasonable decision maker, taking everything properly into account, would have come to.

(4)  That the decision was not contrary to the policy framework.

(5)  That the decision was not contrary to and was wholly in accordance with the budget.

(6)  That the decision could be justified and was not open to challenge on the basis of the evidence considered.

(7)  That a viable alternative was considered.

(8)  That the risk was very low and the decision was proportionate and justified.

(Vote: Three in favour, two against)