Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

There were no declarations of interest.

There were no petitions or requests to address the meeting.

The Chairman welcomed Councillor Watkins, Leader of the Opposition, Labour Group and Councillor Creed, Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, to the meeting and invited them to indicate is they wished to speak on any item.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 3 February 2025.

The minutes of the meeting held on 3 February 2025 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To receive communications from the Chairman.

The Chairman reminded Members that an additional Executive meeting was scheduled for Wednesday 19 March.

** Please note, due to the size of the documents, to assist with downloading and access, the appendices to the report are published as a supplement to the agenda **

Report of Corporate Director Communities

Purpose of report

This report updates the Executive on the progress of ‘A Banbury for the Future’ project; the community engagement with residents, businesses and delivery partners and the emerging Banbury area action plan. 

‘A Banbury for the Future’ project was established in 2023 when the previous Executive approved the appointment of consultants to carry out an extensive vision engagement exercise on the future of the town centre and its environs.

Engagement on the vision for Banbury has been completed, with the vision engagement findings compiled into a draft report. The Council has engaged with partners over the last year in developing a draft action plan from the engagement findings.

On 4 November 2024 the Executive agreed to adopt an area-based approach with the objective to strengthen community and stakeholder engagement into major growth sites across the district in support of delivering more holistic and sustainably planned developments, aligned to Council priorities.

As part of this area-based approach a new Area Action Plan is currently under development bringing together several existing action plans into one new document, including the engagement findings from the consultants draft report. This new, updated Action Plan will form part of the Area Framework of documents which will be reviewed and prioritised by the new Area Oversight Group for Banbury.

This report seeks authority from the Executive to publish the draft engagement findings.

Recommendations

The Executive resolves:

1.1           To authorise the publication of the draft Banbury vision engagement report.

1.2           To engage further with the community and partners through the Banbury Area Oversight Group and subgroups, with a view to developing the new Banbury Area Action Plan.

Resolved

(1)          That the publication of the draft Banbury vision engagement report be authorised.

(2)          That officer be requested to engage further with the community and partners through the Banbury Area Oversight Group and subgroups, with a view to developing the new Banbury Area Action Plan.

The Corporate Director Communities submitted a report which updated the Executive on the progress of ‘A Banbury for the Future’ project; the community engagement with residents, businesses and delivery partners and the emerging Banbury area action plan and sought authority from the Executive to publish the draft engagement findings.

‘A Banbury for the Future’ project was established in 2023 when the previous Executive approved the appointment of consultants to carry out an extensive vision engagement exercise on the future of the town centre and its environs.

Engagement on the vision for Banbury has been completed, with the vision engagement findings compiled into a draft report. The Council has engaged with partners over the last year in developing a draft action plan from the engagement findings.

On 4 November 2024 the Executive agreed to adopt an area-based approach with the objective to strengthen community and stakeholder engagement into major growth sites across the district in support of delivering more holistic and sustainably planned developments, aligned to Council priorities.

As part of this area-based approach a new Area Action Plan was currently under development bringing together several existing action plans into one new document, including the engagement findings from the consultants draft report. This new, updated Action Plan would form part of the Area Framework of documents which would be reviewed and prioritised by the new Area Oversight Group for Banbury.

Resolved

(1)          That the publication of the draft Banbury vision engagement report be authorised.

(2)          That officer be requested to engage further with the community and partners through the Banbury Area Oversight Group and subgroups, with a view to developing the new Banbury Area Action Plan.

Reasons

The vision engagement exercise and the findings it has generated provide an understanding of how people view Banbury, the challenges it faces but also a desire for change, highlighting the opportunities and demonstrating its potential.

There is a clear desire to see Banbury town centre improve. Over 99% of survey respondents want see improvements to the town centre. The engagement process indicates that to deliver this change, Banbury needs a change of mindset. The report highlights some major issues the vision needs to address.

This report seeks the Executive’s approval to publish the draft Banbury vision engagement findings report. The reason for the recommendation is to progress the work on Banbury as set out in the report. It remains important to maintain the focus on continued community engagement; by publishing the draft vision engagement findings report, the Council is reaffirming its commitment to regeneration and growth in Banbury.

Alternative options

Option 1: Not publishing the vision engagement findings or delaying the publication may lead to a lack of momentum in delivering the new Banbury Area programme and may also make further community engagement more challenging as it may be perceived as a lack of commitment to the Banbury area.

Report of Head of Regulatory Services and Community Safety

Purpose of report

A consultation was recently undertaken on a proposal to introduce a new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for Banbury town centre. This report provides the Executive with the background to the proposal, a summary of the consultation undertaken and the feedback from stakeholders and the details of the potential scope of the Order. The report asks the Executive to decide whether to introduce a PSPO in Banbury town centre.

Recommendations

The Executive resolves:

1.1           To introduce a Public Spaces Protection Order for Banbury town centre taking into consideration the outcomes of the public consultation and the feedback received from stakeholders.

1.2           To agree the basis of the order will be items (a)-(e) as set out in the consultation in section 4.14 and the order will apply to the area set within the red border in appendix 1.

1.3           To agree the order can remain in place for up to 3 years.

Resolved

(1)          That it be agreed to introduce a Public Spaces Protection Order for Banbury town centre taking into consideration the outcomes of the public consultation and the feedback received from stakeholders.

(2)          That it be agreed that the basis of the order will be items below, which were included in the scope of the PSPO consulted on and the order will apply to the area set within the red border on the map as set out in the Annex to the Minutes (as set out in the Minute Book).

·         No begging within 10 metres of a cash or payment machine or begging in a manner which is aggressive or intimidating or is likely to cause someone to feel harassed, alarmed or distressed

·         No person shall consume alcohol in the restricted area (other than in residential premises or premises specified in Section 62(1) of the Act) in a manner which causes nuisance or annoyance to other persons in the locality.

·         No person shall continue to consume alcohol when directed by an officer to stop in the restricted area.

·         No person shall fail to surrender alcohol or a container for alcohol when requested to do so by an officer in the restricted area.

·         No person shall cause harassment, alarm or distress to any individual(s) by committing antisocial behaviour.  Examples may include the use of offensive or abusive language or acting in an aggressive manner.

(3)          That it be agreed the order can remain in place for up to 3 years.

The Head of Regulatory Services and Community Safety submitted a report which asked Executive to decide whether to introduce a PSPO in Banbury town centre. A consultation was recently undertaken on a proposal to introduce a new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for Banbury town centre. The report set out the background to the proposal, a summary of the consultation undertaken and the feedback from stakeholders and the details of the potential scope of the Order.

In considering the report, Executive members noted the support for the PSPO during the public consultation, commended and thanked the Community Wardens for the work they undertook and noted the importance of a joined-up approach.

Resolved

(1)          That it be agreed to introduce a Public Spaces Protection Order for Banbury town centre taking into consideration the outcomes of the public consultation and the feedback received from stakeholders.

(2)          That it be agreed that the basis of the order will be items below, which were included in the scope of the PSPO consulted on and the order will apply to the area set within the red border on the map as set out in the Annex to the Minutes (as set out in the Minute Book).

·         No begging within 10 metres of a cash or payment machine or begging in a manner which is aggressive or intimidating or is likely to cause someone to feel harassed, alarmed or distressed

·         No person shall consume alcohol in the restricted area (other than in residential premises or premises specified in Section 62(1) of the Act) in a manner which causes nuisance or annoyance to other persons in the locality.

·         No person shall continue to consume alcohol when directed by an officer to stop in the restricted area.

·         No person shall fail to surrender alcohol or a container for alcohol when requested to do so by an officer in the restricted area.

·         No person shall cause harassment, alarm or distress to any individual(s) by committing antisocial behaviour.  Examples may include the use of offensive or abusive language or acting in an aggressive manner.

(3)          That it be agreed the order can remain in place for up to 3 years.

Reasons

The results of the consultation show overwhelming support for the introduction of a PSPO in Banbury Town Centre from the public and stakeholder organisations. The responses support including all three prohibitions that were included in the consultation.

Crime and incident data from the Police evidence supports the conclusion that prevalent and persistent problem of anti-social behaviour in and around Banbury town centre and that the legal requirements for the introduction of a PSPO are met. Therefore, the Executive is recommended to approve the introduction of the PSPO for Banbury town centre.

Alternative options

Option 1: Not introduce a PSPO.

This option is not recommended. The information gathered to support the introduction of a PSPO for Banbury town centre demonstrates that there is a persistent problem with ASB occurring in and around Banbury town centre. The consultation outcomes show very  ...  view the full minutes text for item 107.

Report of Corporate Director Communities

Purpose of report

The concluding stages of the Oxfordshire Housing and Growth Deal require adjustments to the working arrangements of the Future Oxfordshire Partnership for 2025 and a change of name for the Future Oxfordshire Partnership. This report proposes corresponding amendments to the Terms of Reference and the Memorandum of Understanding between Cherwell District Council and the other five Oxfordshire councils party to the Partnership.

Recommendations

The Executive resolves:

1.1     To approve the revised Terms of Reference and Memorandum of Understanding. These will take effect following approval by each of the six Oxfordshire councils.

Resolved

(1)          That the revised Terms of Reference and Memorandum of Understanding be approved and it be noted that these will take effect following approval by each of the six Oxfordshire councils.

The Corporate Director Communities submitted a report detailing that the concluding stages of the Oxfordshire Housing and Growth Deal required adjustments to the working arrangements of the Future Oxfordshire Partnership (FOP) for 2025 and a change of name for the Future Oxfordshire Partnership. The report proposed corresponding amendments to the Terms of Reference (TOR) and the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Cherwell District Council and the other five Oxfordshire councils party to the Partnership.

In response to Executive comments regarding the scrutiny arrangements under the revised TOR and MOU, the Leader advised that at Cherwell, he would ensure meeting papers were forwarded to all councillors for their information and there was a mechanism for scrutiny. The Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee confirmed that she was happy to work with the Leader and Executive to ensure scrutiny of items if needed.

Resolved

(1)          That the revised Terms of Reference and Memorandum of Understanding be approved and it be noted that these will take effect following approval by each of the six Oxfordshire councils.

Reasons

The proposed changes to governance documents arise from the principles agreed by FOP members at its meeting on 26 November 2024. The changes have been discussed by the Oxfordshire Councils’ Monitoring Officers.

Alternative options

Option 1: Do not endorse the revised TOR or MOU

Not endorsing the new TOR or MOU will exclude Cherwell District Council from the Leaders Joint Committee and thereby disadvantage it from the collaborative joint working that it facilitates.

Report of Assistant Director Finance (S151 Officer)

Purpose of report

To report to the Executive the council’s forecast yearend financial position as at the end of the January 2025.

Recommendations

The Executive resolves:

1.1           To consider and note the contents of the council’s financial management report as at the end of January 2025.

1.2           To approve the reprofiling of capital projects beyond 2024/25 (section 4.2.3 and Appendix 1) and the subsequent update to the programme budget for this financial year 2024/25.

1.3           To approve the Use of Reserve and Grant Funding Requests in Appendix 5.

1.4           To approve the New Planning & Building Control fee proposal within Appendix 6.

1.5           To remove capital project (40315) S106 – Longford Park Sport Pitches £0.010m from the programme as it is not required as capital expenditure and agree for it to be transferred to revenue grant earmarked reserves to be used for ongoing maintenance.

Resolved

(1)          That the council’s financial management report as at the end of January 2025 be noted.

(2)          That the reprofiling of capital projects beyond 2024/25 (set out in section 4.2.3 and Appendix 1 of the report) and the subsequent update to the programme budget for this financial year 2024/25 be approved.

(3)          That the Use of Reserve and Grant Funding Requests (set out in Appendix 5 to the report) be approved.

(4)          That the New Planning & Building Control fee proposal (set out in Appendix 6 to the report) be approved.

(5)          That it be agreed to remove capital project (40315) S106 – Longford Park Sport Pitches £0.010m from the programme as it is not required as capital expenditure and it be agreed for it to be transferred to revenue grant earmarked reserves to be used for ongoing maintenance.

The Assistant Director Finance (S151 Officer) submitted a report to advise the Executive of the council’s forecast yearend financial position as at the end of the January 2025.

Resolved

(1)          That the council’s financial management report as at the end of January 2025 be noted.

(2)          That the reprofiling of capital projects beyond 2024/25 and the subsequent update to the programme budget for this financial year 2024/25 be approved.

(3)          That the Use of Reserve and Grant Funding Requests as set out in the Annex to the Minutes (as set out in the Minute Book) be approved.

(4)          That the New Planning & Building Control fee proposal as set out in the Annex to the Minutes (as set out in the Minute Book) be approved.

(5)          That it be agreed to remove capital project (40315) S106 – Longford Park Sport Pitches £0.010m from the programme as it is not required as capital expenditure and it be agreed for it to be transferred to revenue grant earmarked reserves to be used for ongoing maintenance.

Reasons

The report updates Executive on the projected year-end financial position of the council for 2024/25. Regular reporting is key to good governance and demonstrates that the council is actively managing its financial resources sustainably.

Alternative options

Option 1: This report summarises the council’s forecast financial position up to the end of March 2025, therefore there are no alternative options to consider.

The following report contains exempt information as defined in the following paragraph of Part 1, Schedule 12A of Local Government Act 1972.

3 – Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

Members are reminded that whilst the following item has been marked as exempt, it is for the meeting to decide whether or not to consider it in private or in public. In making the decision, members should balance the interests of individuals or the Council itself in having access to the information. In considering their discretion members should also be mindful of the advice of Council Officers.

No representations have been received from the public requesting that this item be considered in public.

Should Members decide not to make a decision in public, they are recommended to pass the following recommendation:

“That under Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972, the public and press be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the ground that, if the public and press were present, it would be likely that exempt information falling under the provisions of Schedule 12A, Part 1, Paragraph 3  would be disclosed to them, and that in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.”

That under Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972, the public and press be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the ground that, if the public and press were present, it would be likely that exempt information falling under the provisions of Schedule 12A, Part 1, Paragraph 3  would be disclosed to them, and that in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

Exempt report of Assistant Director Environmental Services and Corporate Director Communities

Resolved

(1)          As set out in the exempt decisions.

(2)          As set out in the exempt decisions.

The Assistant Director Environmental Services and Corporate Director Communities submitted an exempt report regarding dry recycling contracts.

Resolved

(1)          As set out in the exempt Minutes.

(2)          As set out in the exempt Minutes.

Reasons

As set out in the exempt Minutes.

Alternative options

As set out in the exempt Minutes.