Agenda

To sign as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 31 July 2024 (copy enclosed). 

(Where a Councillor has a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest the Councillor must declare the interest to the meeting and leave the room without participating in any discussion or making a statement on the item, except where a Councillor is permitted to remain as a result of a grant of dispensation.)

To receive the minutes of the following Committees and Panels:-

a)    Policy Development Panel - 25 June 2024

b)    Governance and Audit Committee - 18 July 2024

c)     Performance Monitoring Panel - 23 July 2024

d)    Planning Committee - 4 September 2024

e)    Special Policy Development Panel - 9 September 2024

f)      Licensing Committee - 10 September 2024

g)    Committee of the Licensing Authority - 10 September 2024

To consider the recommendations of the Cabinet in respect of:

·       2024/25 Quarter One Finance update (Cabinet minute 28) (Cabinet agenda item 9)

The following motion has been received under Standing Order 8:

Motion: Preservation of Fenland Landscape and Recognition of South Holland as a Critical Food Producing Area

This Council notes:

1)    The unique and valuable characteristics of the Fenland landscape within the District of South Holland, which not only provides a distinct natural heritage, but also contributes significantly to local biodiversity and the identity of our area.

2)    The critical role that South Holland plays as a key food-producing area, supporting both local and national food security, and contributing significantly to the agricultural economy.

3)    The potential impacts of national significant infrastructure projects planned for our area, specifically those related to energy generation and distribution at significant scale, which threaten to disrupt and alter our valuable landscape.

This Council believes:

1)    That it is essential to preserve the Fenland landscape to maintain its ecological balance, scenic beauty, and historical significance.

2)    That protecting our agricultural lands is vital for the continued prosperity of local farmers and the broader agricultural industry, ensuring ongoing food production capacity and the nationally significant role that our area plays in feeding the country.

3)    That any development or infrastructure project within our district must be carefully planned and executed to minimize adverse impacts on our landscape and agricultural productivity.

This Council:

1)    Urges the relevant national authorities and infrastructure project planners to recognize the importance of the Fenland landscape and South Holland’s role as a food-producing area.

2)    Advocates for the implementation of mitigation strategies to minimize the visual and ecological impact of infrastructure developments, including the consideration of alternative technologies and routing options.

3)    Encourages local stakeholders and residents, to engage in consultation processes to ensure their voices are heard and their concerns addressed in the planning and development processes.

4)    Recognises initiatives that promote the sustainable development of energy infrastructure while balancing the need to preserve our natural and agricultural heritage.

5)    Supports collaboration with other local authorities, including our partners within the South and East Lincolnshire Council’s Partnership, to present a united front in the protection of our landscapes and agricultural interests.

By passing this motion, we reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding the Fenland landscape and ensuring the sustainability and productivity of South Holland as a vital food-producing area for the benefit of current and future generations.

Proposer: Councillor Laura Eldridge

Six monthly update on Partnership performance (report of the Assistant Director – Corporate enclosed).

To receive the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2023/24 (report of the Assistant Director – Governance (Monitoring Officer) enclosed).

To receive the Governance and Audit Annual Report 2023/24 (report of the Assistant Director – Governance (Monitoring Officer) enclosed).

To receive, from political groups, nominations for any changes to Committees and other seats and to consider any proposed changes to the Constitution.

To sign as a correct record the restricted minute for the meeting of Council held on 31 July 2024 (copy enclosed).