Agenda item
Announcements from the Chair, Leader or Chief Executive
To receive any announcements from the Chair of the Council, the Leader of the Council and the Chief Executive.
Minutes:
Chair’s announcements
The Chair advised councillors that a Cabinet meeting would follow shortly after the conclusion of Full Council.
The Chair reported attending several Remembrance events, including the ceremony in Cirencester and, alongside the Chief Executive, the delivery of a wreath to the Poppy Train travelling to Paddington. The Chair thanked councillors who had represented the Council at events across the District.
Condolences were expressed to former Councillor Maggie Heaven following the death of her husband, Frank, on 19 October. Councillor Fowles provided funeral details and conveyed Maggie’s thanks for the support she had received.
The Chair then invited Councillor Andrew Maclean to make an announcement. Councillor Andrew Maclean announced his resignation as a District Councillor due to a serious health condition. Councillor Maclean stated that it had been a privilege to represent the four villages of the Rissingtons over the past six years, highlighting the unique character and community spirit of Upper Rissington, Great Rissington, Little Rissington, and Wick Rissington. Councillor Maclean thanked colleagues and residents for their support, reflected on his commitment to sustainability, green issues, and the local community, and indicated that he wished to focus on his family and faith in light of his prognosis.
The Chair and councillors thanked Councillor Maclean for sharing his announcement and expressed their appreciation for his wisdom, passion, and humour during his time on the Council. They offered their support to him in the coming months and extended their best wishes.
Councillor Maclean left the Chamber.
Leaders announcements
The Leader acknowledged that Councillor Maclean had left the room but noted he could watch the proceedings later if he wished. The Leader paid tribute to Councillor Maclean’s six years of service, highlighting his achievement as the first Green Councillor elected to the Council. Councillors recognised him as approachable, collaborative, and constructive, particularly on climate change issues during both previous and current council terms. The Leader expressed that he would be greatly missed.
The Leader reflected on recent Remembrance events, attending the service in Fairford with the Mayor, Richard Harrison, and Councillor Vann, and parading through the town centre. Thanks were extended to those who attended the Council’s event, chaired by Councillor Mark Harris, which included representatives from 29th Regiment and the Royal British Legion. The Leader emphasised the importance of remembering both those who had lost their lives in conflicts and those who had sacrificed to secure freedoms.
An update was provided on the local plan consultation, which had been underway for just over a week. Over 100 comments had been submitted, with hundreds of additional visits via social media and the Council website. Two forums for Town and Parish Councils had been held, attended by over 150 councillors and clerks, and more than seventy questions had been addressed and circulated to district councillors and clerks.
The Leader and Councillor Layton, together with the Director of Communities and Place, and other officers, had attended public meetings organised by ward councillors and Town or Parish Councils, including in Ampney Crucis, Driffield, Kemble, and Willersley. Stakeholder meetings had been held in Moreton-in-Marsh, including a joint session with neighbouring parish councils. Further meetings were planned in Tetbury, Siddington, and Moreton-in-Marsh, with exhibitions commencing in Mickleton and continuing weekly in Moreton-in-Marsh and Fairford.
Social media engagement had reached approximately 20,000 residents, and emails had been sent to the Council’s 8,000-strong subscriber list. Technical issues for mobile users had been addressed, and hard copies were available in libraries, the Council offices, and the Moreton Area Centre. The Leader urged councillors to encourage their communities to participate in the consultation and noted that supporting materials had been circulated to all town and parish councils on 14 November.
Regarding housing targets, the Leader reported that a joint letter from Councillors Stowe, Turner, Ind, and himself had been sent to the Secretary of State requesting a meeting. A response offered discussions with civil servants but no direct ministerial meeting. It was confirmed that the offer of a meeting with civil servants would be taken up. The Leader expressed ongoing concern about preventing unsuitable piecemeal development during the Local Plan update and reassured councillors that all applications were being rigorously assessed.
It was noted that even the Council’s preferred option, delivering approximately 813 homes per year, 200 fewer than the government’s standard method target, would not meet the government’s expectation. The Leader stressed the importance of following the statutory process to demonstrate the limitations of the figures and confirmed continued lobbying of the government, working with local MPs, other councils in similar situations, and exploring potential legal challenges.
The Leader thanked councillors for supporting community engagement and reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to robust consultation and transparent decision-making. Councillor Layton was thanked for supporting engagement activities within local communities.
Chief Executive Officer’s announcements
There were no announcements from the Interim Chief Executive Officer.
The Chair invited Councillor Tom Stowe, Leader of the Conservative Group to speak. Councillor Stowe thanked the Chair and reflected on the news shared by Councillor Maclean and the extraordinary courage shown in delivering such devastating news. Councillor Stowe stated that Councillor Maclean’s insights and knowledge had always been greatly valued and that he commanded great respect within the Conservative group. He added that Councillor Maclean was a true gentleman who would be sorely missed in the chamber. The Conservative group sent their best wishes and strength to him and to his family.