Decision details
Moreton-in-Marsh Working Group Membership
Decision Maker: Council
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Is Key decision?: Yes
Is subject to call in?: No
Purpose:
To decide the composition of the
Moreton-in-Marsh Working Group and to approve an updated Terms of
Reference for the Moreton-in-Marsh Working Group.
Decisions:
The purpose of the report was to confirm membership of the Moreton-in-Marsh Working Group and to approve an updated Working Group Terms of Reference.
The Leader of the Council, Councillor Joe Harris, introduced the item and apologised for the delay in forming the working group but emphasised that the group was now ready to proceed. The purpose of the group was to gather feedback from local stakeholders and influence development proposals, while fostering better communication between parties.
The frustration in Moreton regarding the previous consultation was acknowledged and hope was expressed that the new group would help improve relations and dialogue.
It was noted that similar groups might be set up for other Cotswold settlements in the future.
Councillors Jenkinson and Corps were thanked for their input on membership and mentioned the upcoming recommendations for including 20 members. The working group would represent a range of views from residents, businesses, community groups, and the town council, and substitutes would be included if needed.
In response to a comment from Councillor Neill, Councillor Harris agreed to look into including residents of Stow in the discussions as onlookers and said that the working group’s approach would be further refined. A commitment to biodiversity and nature was also noted, confirming that experts could be brought in as necessary.
Council discussed the report and councillors made the following points:
- The Chair of the Working Group, attendees, and officers were thanked for their efforts in managing a complex and evolving situation.
- The appointment of the Leader as Chair of the Working Group was welcomed as a recognition of the significance of the proposed Moreton development.
- A company which had been included in the Working Group’s membership was internationally recognised for its expertise in meadow and grass seeds, as well as its contributions to education.
Councillor Jenkinson proposed modifying the working group's membership by replacing the Morton Agricultural Show with the Morton Business Association, arguing that the latter better represented local businesses. They clarified that the business association, despite past difficulties, was now operational again.
Councillor Corps responded by reiterating appreciation for the officers’ work and engagement with Moreton. He questioned the necessity of replacing the long-established charity that organised the agricultural show, emphasising its year-round charitable efforts. Instead, he suggested adding an extra member rather than removing the agricultural show.
Councillor Harris then proposed a five-minute adjournment to allow discussions between key members before proceeding. This proposal was seconded and agreed by Council.
Following a 5 minute adjournment, Councillor Corps proposed adding Morton Business Association to the membership of the working group without removing any other member. This proposal was seconded by Councillor Angus Jenkinson, was put to the vote and agreed by Council.
Council then returned to the substantive recommendations (incorporating the amendment). The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Joe Harris, seconded by Councillor Daryl Corps, put to the vote and approved by Council.
Report author: Matthew Britton
Publication date: 10/02/2025
Date of decision: 22/01/2025
Decided at meeting: 22/01/2025 - Council
Accompanying Documents:
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