Agenda and draft minutes

To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 15 October 2024.

The minutes of the Ordinary meeting of the Council held on 15 October 2024 were moved by the Lord Mayor, taken as read, approved and signed as correct following clarification from the Leader that in Minute No. 59 in response to Question 3, new plans would follow the planning process.

The Leader made the following statement:

“Lord Mayor and colleagues; It has been now 14 months since the war in Gaza commenced, this council called for a ceasefire, sadly nothing by way of a permanent ceasefire has come about. The continued loss of life throughout the region is I am sure something that we all find profoundly sad and simply unacceptable. We all hope and trust that all world leaders are working towards a peaceful resolution in the middle east, allowing for a settlement to be determined by the people of that region.

Our thoughts also continue to be with all those who are suffering because of the ongoing conflict in Palestine and Israel, and the further conflicts now in the Lebanon and the political uncertainty in Syria. There are many people in our city with connections to these areas and also those without any connection who continue watch the situation with horror and distress.

Our city is - and must continue to be - a safe, welcoming, and diverse community of

residents, visitors, students, and workers. People of many different nationalities,

faiths and beliefs as well as none, have made their home here. Many of these have come over the decades from war torn countries. They have grown up alongside Exeter-born residents and indeed now have families of their own, born in our wonderful city.   

As a council, we continue to be proud and celebrate the diversity of our city. Indeed, it is the pride that we all feel in being part of this great city that forms the glue that binds us together. We therefore will always welcome people of all nationalities, faith, no faith and all diverse backgrounds.

As Councillors, we are elected representatives for our ward communities and for

the city. As such, we will continue to support individuals, families, and all communities wherever we can and I know we remain committed to continue to keep Exeter a place for everyone to feel safe and supported and part of a community.

It is important to recognise that many people including ourselves, will be wanting to

express their feelings but must do this without causing harm or distress to others.

These continue to be challenging times, and we continue to be deeply affected by the brutality and suffering that we are witnessing in the middle East and other conflicts throughout the world.

I am sure you will agree that it is vital we continue to stand together, to treat each other with respect and care, and keep our city and community a safe and welcoming place for all whilst hoping and perhaps praying for a fast and peaceful end to all conflicts”.

In response to a question the Leader reassured Members that he was committed to ensuring that pension funds would not benefit from organisations which invested in the sale of arms and that there was ongoing work to this end.

To receive the Lord Mayor’s communications.

The Lord Mayor advised that he had attended the following:

·         Sweepers Lunch;

·         Enthronement of the 72^nd Bishop of Exeter;

·         Remembrance Services including City service, Football and Rugby and Royal British Legion and the Deputy Lord Mayor attended the County service;

·         307 Squadron Polish Flag-raising Ceremony;

·         Carol Services

·         Graduation Ceremonies

·         Business events including Unity 5’s new offices, Go Outdoors and The Entertainer stores;

·         South Street Baptist Church and Brampford Speke Anniversary Service; and

·         Cultural and Faith events including Nigerian Community Celebration, Diwali, International café.

The Lord Mayor conveyed news of the death of former Councillors Saxon Spence and Jill Palmer and a one-minute silence was observed.

The Leader expressed great shock at the death of Saxon Spence who had given wise counsel and had a great role in shaping education within the city and that Jill Palmer had been a formidable councillor. The Leader hoped that both families could see how well respected they were and conveyed condolences on behalf of the Council.

Councillors Vizard, Atkinson and the Lord Mayor spoke of their great personal respect for former Councillor Saxon Spence.

Details of questions should be notified to Democratic Services at least three working days prior to the meeting - by 10am on Thursday 12 December 2024.

Details about speaking at Council to be found here: Public Speaking at Meetings.

The Lord Mayor reported the receipt of two questions from members of the public.

1. Question from FW

Please explain why NHCIL can be used for Wellbeing Exeter and not for Citizens Advice Exeter and why Citizens Advice Exeter will not be included as an option when consulting the public on the use of the NHCIL going forward?

Councillor Vizard, Portfolio Holder for Climate, Ecological Change and Communities gave the following response:

“When deciding on how to spend the neighbourhood portion of the CIL, the Council must do so within the statutory provisions of the CIL Regulations 2010 and its underpinning Planning Practice Guidance (PPG). The neighbourhood portion of CIL must be spent in accordance with the statutory criteria set out in Regulation 59F and Paragraph 73 of the PPG as summarized below. 

Regulation 59F of the CIL Regulations states: “…the charging authority (i.e. Exeter City Council) may use the CIL…to support the development of the relevant area by funding-

(a)  the provision, improvement, replacement, operation or maintenance of infrastructure; or

(b)  anything else that is concerned with addressing the demands that development places on an area.”

Providing core funding for Citizens Advice Exeter does not meet these criteria.

The consultation proposed for next year on how the Council proposes to spend the neighbourhood portion of the CIL has not yet been planned in detail but all residents and other stakeholders, particularly from the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise Sector will be encouraged to participate.”

In a supplementary question FW asked why Citizen’s Advice didn’t meet the criteria and why the Council is prioritising Wellbeing Exeter over Citizen’s Advice? The Portfolio Holder stated that the criteria was bound by strict, specific regulation and Citizen’s Advice did not qualify but Wellbeing Exeter showed positive impact on community activity.

2. Question from Mr N

Without some core funding from the Council, Citizen’s Advice is likely to close. Residents, assuming entitlement to free advice, will approach councillors. Where will councillors send 6000 people annually expecting advice on issues including employment, immigration, neighbour disputes, family, health, tax and energy, as well as debt, benefits and housing?

Councillor Vizard, Portfolio Holder for Climate, Ecological Change and Communities gave the following response:

“The Council has not been a core funder of Citizens Advice Exeter for some years. The contract for Independent Information, Advice and Advocacy Services awarded to Citizens Advice Exeter through an open tendering process has come to an end and the council is no longer contracting for this type of service. Full details are contained in the committee report pack considered by Council in January 2024.

Alongside the services provided by Citizens Advice Exeter there are a wide range of online and in person advice services available locally and nationally.

Citizens Advice Exeter have reported to Customer Focus Scrutiny that, although this is difficult work, they have a fund-raising strategy and are in the process of applying for funding from a wide range of organisations. I hope they will be successful.  The process will  ...  view the full minutes text for item 77.

The minutes of the Planning Committee held on 7 October 2024 were presented by the Chair, Councillor Knott, and taken as read.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Planning Committee 7 October 2024 be received.

The minutes of the Customer Focus Scrutiny Committee held on 3 October 2024 were presented by the Deputy Chair, Councillor Rees who had chaired the meeting, and were taken as read.

In respect of Minute No. 33 Box Shifting Practice, Business Rates and Empty Property Relief Councillor Read asked if the Portfolio Holder believed this practice was appropriate. The Leader responded stating that a recommendation had not been made to the Executive and he would discuss with officers.

In respect of Minute No. 34 Scrutiny Work Plan and Proposals Received Councillor Mitchell thanked the committee and the Chair for how the proposal he put forward had been handled which demonstrated how urgent items could be dealt with and asked whether the Chair agreed. Councillor Rees confirmed that she agreed.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Customer Focus Scrutiny Committee 3 October be received.

The minutes of the Strategic Scrutiny Committee held on 14 November 2024 were presented by the Chair, Councillor Pole and taken as read.

Councillor Moore asked for clarification of the term ‘zero carbon ready’.  The Leader agreed to respond once he had spoken to the relevant Director.

In respect of Minute No. 43 Exeter Plan Publication Process Councillor Read asked what action the Council could take with regard to the statement that more allotments would be needed, proportional to additional demand. The Leader responded stating that the Allotments Department were doing a good job and that the Plan would go before the Inspector.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Strategic Scrutiny Committee 14 November 2024 be received.

The minutes of the Audit and Governance Committee held on 27 November were presented by the Chair, Councillor Wardle, and taken as read.

Councillor Moore asked how the Chair would ensure that issues raised by the auditor were actioned. The Leader responded stating that the Chair would work on the agenda with officers and that detailed work would not be the role of committee.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Audit and Governance Committee 27 November 2024 be received.

The minutes of the Executive of 5 November 2024 were presented by the Leader, Councillor Bialyk, and taken as read.

In respect of Minute No. 116 Housing Residents’ Vulnerabilities Policy the Leader moved, Councillor Wright seconded the recommendation and following a vote was CARRIED.

In respect of Minute No. 117 Housing Domestic Abuse Policy the Leader moved and Councillor Wright seconded the recommendation and following a vote was CARRIED.

In respect of Minute No. 118 Exeter City Council Housing Services Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Strategy and Policy the Leader moved and Councillor Wright seconded the recommendation and following a vote was CARRIED.

In respect of Minute No. 119 Community Grants Programme 2025/26 Councillor Mitchell moved and was seconded by Councillor Fullam an amendment to recommendation (6) in the following terms:

(6) and grant delegated authority to the Portfolio Holder and the Strategic Director to carry out a public consultation with residents on the use of the Neighbourhood Portion of the CIL beyond 2026/27 including funding Wellbeing Exeter and the Community Grants Programme.

The Leader accepted the amendment.

Councillor Jobson moved and was seconded by Councillor Sheridan an amendment that there be an additional recommendation in the following terms:

When allocating the Neighbourhood portion of CIL that sufficient resources should be made available to Citizen’s Advice to enable them to continue to provide their service.

The Leader did not accept the amendment and following a vote it was NOT CARRIED.

Councillor Vizard spoke in support of the original recommendation as amended making the following points:

·         Wellbeing Exeter would go forward and consultation would be wide-ranging;

·         there would be a two-stage process including feedback from Councillors followed by formal consultation;

·         Neighbourhood CIL came from development in the city;

·         £50,000 city grants were highly valued; and

·         timing for consultation could be towards the middle of 2025 but clarity would be given in due course.

In summing up the Leader asked Members to be mindful of the achievements since the Community Grants Programme had been introduced and that it continued when other authorities had withdrawn funding.

The Leader moved and Councillor Wright seconded the recommendations as amended and following a vote were CARRIED.

In respect of Minute No.120 The Final Report of the Devon Housing Commission, Councillor Moore asked what the Leader might be doing to promote community land trust and prioritising more affordable homes within the housing group or just the building of homes. Councillor Mitchell asked when a report could be expected with regards to the implementation of the recommendations to district councils held within the report. The Leader responded making the following points

:

·         he had met with stakeholders and a report on what the housing commission would mean for the Council would come forward;

·         the Housing Advisory Group would take a strategic view across the county; and

·         social and affordable housing would be prioritised.

The Leader moved and Councillor Wright seconded the recommendation which following a vote was CARRIED.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Executive 5 November 2024 be received.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 82.

The minutes of the Executive of 3 December 2024 were presented by the Leader, Councillor Bialyk, and taken as read.

In respect of Minute No. 124 Members’ Allowances 2025/26 the Chair of the Independent Remuneration Panel stated that a review would go ahead next year although devolution may impact this. 

Councillor Moore moved and Councillor Mitchell seconded, a recommendation in the following terms:

‘That any underspend from Members’ Allowances be given as a one-off grant to Citizen’s Advice to support their transition.’

During debate the Leader, Councillors Vizard, Wood and Wright spoke in opposition of the motion making the following points:

·         that budgets were reviewed monthly, some had over- and others under-spend;

·         there were other budgetary considerations to be given thought;

·         there were many pressures on budgets;

·         this recommendation would not solve the issue Citizen’s Advice faced; and

·         budget setting was not what was being discussed here.

Councillor Mitchell as seconder spoke in support of the motion stating that other authorities contribute to Citizen’s Advice, that it had been clear at the beginning of the year that all allowances would not be spent and that this could be a creative solution.

Councillor Moore summed up stating that throughout the year amendments to budgets were requested and reliance on underspends was not good.

Following a vote the recommendation was NOT CARRIED.

The Leader moved and Councillor Wright seconded the recommendations which following a vote were CARRIED.

In respect of Minute No. 125 Review of Polling Districts and Polling Places within the Exeter City Council Area, the Leader moved and Councillor Wright seconded the recommendations and following a vote, were CARRIED unanimously.

In respect of Minute No. 127 Overview of General Fund revenue Budget 2024/25 – Quarter 2, the Leader moved and Councillor Wright seconded the recommendations which following a vote were CARRIED.

In respect of Minute No. 128 2024/25 General Fund Capital Monitoring Statement – Quarter 2, Councillor Read asked if there was enough money set aside for all urgent repairs to the city wall.  The Leader responded that a new Director had been appointed and would begin their role in the near future and that money wasn’t the only issue but also identifying and engaging appropriate specialists.

The Leader moved and Councillor Wright seconded the recommendations which following a vote were CARRIED.

In respect of Minute No. 129 2024/25 HRA Budget Monitoring Report – Quarter 2, Councillor Moore asked for an update on the state of the budget for housing repairs.  Councillor Asvachin, Portfolio Holder for Housing, Homelessness Prevention and Customer Services, responded stating that a response would be provided outside the meeting.

The Leader moved and Councillor Wright seconded the recommendations and following a vote were CARRIED.

In respect of Minute No. 130 Treasury Management 2024/25 Half Year Update, Councillor Read moved an amendment which the Leader accepted, to the recommendations in the following terms:

(2) and make provision for policy revision bi-annually.

Councillor Read asked the Leader to ensure that the Council’s account  ...  view the full minutes text for item 83.

School Streets Motion - Exeter City Council Meeting, December 17th, 2024

Proposed by: Councillor Rees

Seconded by: Councillor Banyard

School Streets are car-free areas outside schools. Roads are closed to vehicles (or they have severely restricted access) for a short period at the start and end of the school day. School streets put children first. They provide space for children to talk, scoot, play or pause on the way to school. These schemes are overwhelmingly popular with parents, teachers and pupils.

The Labour Government has brought in stronger guidance for School Streets which will make them effective, as now they must be supported by enforcement and monitoring. The guidance gives the benefits of School Streets as follows:

“School Streets can improve the experiences and safety of schools’ pupils, staff, visitors, and neighbours at peak school arrival and departure times. Schemes can support the delivery of a range of benefits at the individual, school, neighbourhood and broader local authority level, including:

·         removal of congestion and reduction in emissions outside schools;

·         reduced instances of dangerous driving, parking and turning outside schools at times of day when many children and families are present;

·         fewer road safety issues and improved perceptions of road safety;

·         increased levels of walking, wheeling and cycling to school;

·         enhanced opportunities for social interaction;

·         improved physical and mental health amongst pupils;

·         increased pupil independence; and

·         developing early active travel habits which can be carried into later life.

The Council notes that:

1.    Many schools in Exeter have significant problems with cars and road safety issues at school run time.

2.    Creating more School Streets will help to deliver on City Council policies of Net Zero, reduced air pollution and increased active travel.

3.    The City and County Councils are both committed to increasing active travel.  The Live and Move Everyday Active Strategy 2022  has a practical focus on active travel to and from schools in Exeter and Cranbrook.

4.    The Devon & Torbay Draft Transport Plans includes School Streets as a new measure.

5.    The Child Health Initiative  underlines the impacts of transportation and urban planning policies on the health and basic rights of children. It highlights the serious and costly health impacts of unsafe roads and air pollution on young people.

The Council resolves to:

1.    Call on Devon County Council to work with schools and communities to increase the number of School Streets in Exeter, where schools are willing to explore this option.

2.    To provide a progress report on this activity to the ECC Transport Member Working Group in six months’ time.

Live-and-Move-Everyday-Active-Strategy-2022.pdf (liveandmove.co.uk)

https://www.devon.gov.uk/roads-and-transport/traffic-information/transport-planning/devon-local-transport-plan-4-2025-2040/

https://www.childhealthinitiative.org/

Councillor Rees moved and was seconded by Councillor Banyard, a Notice of Motion in the following terms:

“School Streets are car-free areas outside schools. Roads are closed to vehicles (or they have severely restricted access) for a short period at the start and end of the school day. School streets put children first. They provide space for children to talk, scoot, play or pause on the way to school. These schemes are overwhelmingly popular with parents, teachers and pupils.

The Labour Government has brought in stronger guidance for School Streets which will make them effective, as now they must be supported by enforcement and monitoring. The guidance gives the benefits of School Streets as follows:

“School Streets can improve the experiences and safety of schools’ pupils, staff, visitors, and neighbours at peak school arrival and departure times. Schemes can support the delivery of a range of benefits at the individual, school, neighbourhood and broader local authority level, including:

?     removal of congestion and reduction in emissions outside schools

?     reduced instances of dangerous driving, parking and turning outside schools at times of day when many children and families are present

?     fewer road safety issues and improved perceptions of road safety

?     increased levels of walking, wheeling and cycling to school

?     enhanced opportunities for social interaction

?     improved physical and mental health amongst pupils

?     increased pupil independence

?     developing early active travel habits which can be carried into later life.”

The Council notes that:

1.    Many schools in Exeter have significant problems with cars and road safety issues at school run time.

2.    Creating more School Streets will help to deliver on City Council policies of Net Zero, reduced air pollution and increased active travel.

3.    The City and County Councils are both committed to increasing active travel.  The Live and Move Everyday Active Strategy 2022 has a practical focus on active travel to and from schools in Exeter and Cranbrook.

4.    The Devon & Torbay Draft Transport Plans includes School Streets as a new measure.

5.    The Child Health Initiative underlines the impacts of transportation and urban planning policies on the health and basic rights of children. It highlights the serious and costly health impacts of unsafe roads and air pollution on young people.

The Council resolves to:

1.    Call on Devon County Council to work with schools and communities to increase the number of School Streets in Exeter, where schools are willing to explore this option.

2.    Provide a progress report on this activity to the ECC Transport Member Working Group in six months’ time.”

In presenting the motion Councillor Rees made the following points:

·         Cleaner, safer streets for all and reduced air pollution was wanted by all;

·         The motion focusses on children and families but does not ignore other vulnerable groups;

·         Having been a Headteacher she was aware that working in isolation would not work;

·         Transport was a county responsibility but the Council had a voice regarding active travel, net zero and clean air; and

·         Government new School Streets could help achieve the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 84.

Climate and Nature Bill 2024

Proposed by: Councillor Tess Read

Seconded by: Councillor Diana Moore 

The purpose of this motion is to ask Exeter’s two MPs, Steve Race and David Reed, to support the Climate and Nature Bill currently progressing through Parliament. The Bill aims to:

·         require the United Kingdom to achieve climate and nature targets; 

·         give the Secretary of State a duty to implement a strategy to achieve those targets; 

·         establish a Climate and Nature Assembly to advise the Secretary of State in creating that strategy; and

·         give duties to the Committee on Climate Change and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee regarding strategy, targets, and connected purposes.

The second reading of the Bill will take place in the House of Commons on 24th January 2025.[1]

This Council notes that:

• Exeter City Council declared a Climate Emergency in 2019 and passed a further motion declaring a Climate and Ecological Emergency on 27th April 2021 resulting in the Council declaring an “Ecological Emergency to supplement and strengthen the Climate Change Emergency declaration of July 2019 by this Council”.[2]
• Exeter City Council also resolved to “continue to work with partners, both locally and regionally, including DCC, to achieve net zero carbon objectives, and to conserve and support the recovery of the natural environment. To support community consultation with respect to identifying solutions to address both climate and ecological emergencies. To request that our two MPs support the Climate and Ecological Emergency Bill.”
• On 21st March 2024 the Climate and Ecology Bill (CE Bill) was renamed the Climate and Nature Bill (CAN Bill). [3]

Therefore this Council resolves to 

• Write to Exeter’s two MPs, Steve Race and David Reed, to ask them to support the Climate and Nature Bill [4] as it progresses through Parliament, in particular at its second reading in the House of Commons on 24 January 2025.

Councillor Read moved and was seconded by Councillor Moore, a Notice of Motion in the following terms:

“The purpose of this motion is to ask Exeter’s two MPs, Steve Race and David Reed, to support the Climate and Nature Bill currently progressing through Parliament. The Bill aims to:

·         require the United Kingdom to achieve climate and nature targets; 

·         give the Secretary of State a duty to implement a strategy to achieve those targets; 

·         establish a Climate and Nature Assembly to advise the Secretary of State in creating that strategy; 

·         give duties to the Committee on Climate Change and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee regarding strategy, targets and connected purposes.

The second reading of the Bill will take place in the House of Commons on 24th January 2025.

This Council notes that:

·         Exeter City Council declared a Climate Emergency in 2019 and passed a further motion declaring a Climate and Ecological Emergency on 27th April 2021 resulting in the Council declaring an “Ecological Emergency to supplement and strengthen the Climate Change Emergency declaration of July 2019 by this Council”.

·         Exeter City Council also resolved to “continue to work with partners, both locally and regionally, including DCC, to achieve net zero carbon objectives, and to conserve and support the recovery of the natural environment. To support community consultation with respect to identifying solutions to address both climate and ecological emergencies. To request that our two MPs support the Climate and Ecological Emergency Bill.”

·         On 21st March 2024 the Climate and Ecology Bill (CE Bill) was renamed the Climate and Nature Bill (CAN Bill).

Therefore this Council resolves to:

• Write to Exeter’s two MPs, Steve Race and David Reed, to ask them to support the Climate and Nature Bill  as it progresses through Parliament, in particular at its second reading in the House of Commons on 24 January 2025.”

Councillor Vizard, as Portfolio Holder for Climate, Ecological Change and Communities welcomed debate on the climate emergency making the following points:

·        there was not yet a published Bill;

·        the Private Members Bill contained no detail;

·        he was committed to urgent action but wouldn’t be supporting as the Government had actions in place including the Water Special Measures Bill and a new public company for power; and

·        he had confidence in the Exeter MP.

Councillor Moore as seconder spoke in support of the motion making the following points:

·        she hoped that private members bills would come forward;

·        MPs would inform the detail of the Bills during the second reading;

·        The Environment Act would require the UK to achieve climate and nature targets;

·        a CAN assembly would be created, informed by evidence; and

·        policies and targets would be brought forward as a result.

In summing up Councillor Read stated that policies and strategies did not yet have detail but there appeared to be consensus but not on asking MPs to support the Bill and that 100 MPs were needed to support and 80, mostly Labour were already showing support.

Following a vote the motion was NOT  ...  view the full minutes text for item 85.

To consider the report of the Chief Executive.

The Leader presented the report making the following points:

·         The committee sat alongside the constituent members; and

·         Devon Districts group had put him forward for the role.

In response to questions from Member the Leader made the following points:

·         that he did not believe in postponing democracy;

·         as consultees it was not clear if the committee would have a say in the Terms of Reference;

·         Council would be involved in decisions;

·         the aim would be to protect Exeter;

·         that Monitoring Officers had discussed the Terms of Reference; and

·         the first meeting would be on the 8 January 2025.

The Monitoring Officer clarified that he had received the Terms of Reference but no meeting of Monitoring Officers had taken place and the Committee would review these.

The Leader moved and Councillor Wright seconded the recommendations which following a vote were CARRIED unanimously.

To receive questions from Members on any matter for which the Council has powers, duties or affects the City.

In accordance with Standing Order No. 8, the following question was put by Councillor Moore to the Leader:</AI14>

“The Council opened the Junction night shelter in 2018, funded as part of a £481,600 (1) grant to provide support to people living on the streets and help them back into accommodation. The Shelter has since closed and I have twice been told that plans to reopen it in some way are being looked into.

How much is the council paying for the lease and when will it be opened in some form to offer much needed accommodation for people currently sleeping rough?”

The Leader asked Councillor Asvachin as Portfolio Holder for Housing, Homelessness and Customer Services to respond. In responding Councillor Asvachin stated that Officers were looking at future options for the property which included potentially subletting to other agencies or terminating the lease early. Once an options appraisal had been completed discussions would take place with SMB and the relevant Portfolio Holder. The current annual rental for the property was £22,500.

In a supplementary question Councillor Moore asked what viable options there would be for those on the streets given that this facility was unlikely to re-open. In response Councillor Asvachin stated that one pod was unoccupied but work was being done to ensure that others had somewhere over Christmas and that this facility would only be closed for one week.

In accordance with Standing Order No. 8, the following question was put by Councillor Moore to the Leader:-

“What coordinated action is Exeter City Council as Local Planning Authority doing to proactively work with Devon County Council as Transport Authority, all the interested developer parties and community to agree a plan to manage the access to the Water Lane SPD development sites through the existing Haven Banks area for both construction logistics and long term use once built out.

With its very constrained access/egress point to the area a lack of action at this stage will bake in unacceptable long term negative impacts on the area in terms of road safety, excessive traffic, air pollution and inappropriate use of residential roads for through traffic.”

The Leader requested that Councillor Asvachin as Portfolio Holder respond and in doing so she stated that the Liveable Water Lane SPD (2024) set out a long-term access strategy for the area, developed in collaboration with Devon County Council as the local highway authority. The strategy prioritised sustainable access  including:

·         Minimising car traffic and encouraging active travel (walking, cycling, and micromobility).

·         Designating Haven Banks Road as a priority route for pedestrians and cyclists.

Haven Road itself was not suitable for general vehicle access for new developments, as confirmed in Code A03 of the SPD. Relevant planning applications reflect this approach:

·         Application 22/1145/FUL (Haven Banks Retail Park) included servicing via Haven Road but removes the existing car park access, relocating all parking to Water Lane.

·         Application 23/1007/OUT did not include any vehicular access to Haven Road.

Further discussions would take place with  ...  view the full minutes text for item 87.