The subject of the decision:

The report sought approval for the policies contained in the Hambleton Local Plan to be used as a material consideration during the process of determining planning applications.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

There were potential legal implications relating to planning application appeals.  If the recommendation was not approved and therefore the weight to be afforded to policies in the decision making process was not clearly defined, this could lead to more planning appeals.

The Decision:

(1)       That Cabinet approves and recommends to Council that the policies contained in the Hambleton Local Plan be used as a material consideration, subject to appropriate weight, during the process of determining planning applications.

(2)       That the Council’s Interim Policy Guidance remains a material planning consideration pending adoption of the emerging Hambleton Local Plan.

The subject of the decision:

Hambleton District Council currently acted as the host authority for Rural Housing Enabler Programme on behalf of the York, North Yorkshire and East Riding Housing Partnership.  The current 5-year term was due to expire on 31 March 2020.  This report sought a decision as to whether to continue this role for another 5 years.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

Cabinet was satisfied that the Council’s continued participation as the host authority for the York, North Yorkshire and East Riding Housing Partnership would continue to help support the provision of providing local homes for local people.

The Decision:

That Cabinet will agree that the Council will act as the host authority for the Rural Housing Enabler Programme for a term of 5 years from 1 April 2020 and utilises commuted sum reserves (ring-fenced for affordable housing) to pay for the Council’s annual contributions from 2020/21.

The subject of the decision:

This report sought approval in principle for the development of a Construction Skills Village in Hambleton and to work up a project in partnership with a skills provider with the aim of establishing a Skills Village as soon as practical.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

Cabinet was satisfied that the development of a Skills Village would support the Council’s priority of Driving Economic Vitality; specifically creating opportunities for young people to develop vital employment skills and contribute to reducing the skills gap in the construction sector.

The Decision:

That Cabinet approves:-

(1)     in principle, the development of a Skills Village partnership in the district,

(2)     the initial start-up costs of £125k will be funded through the Economic Development Fund; and

(3)     that Council procures a partner to deliver the Skills Village.

The subject of the decision:

In February 2020, the Financial Strategy 2021/22 to 2029/30 report was approved by Cabinet where £125,000 was allocated from the one-off fund to support the Council’s 2020/21 ‘Making a Difference’ grants scheme.  This report sought consideration of the recommendations from each of the five decision making panels made up of Elected Members from each of the sub-areas.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

Cabinet was satisfied that the recommendations from the panels supported the Council’s priorities and adhered to the principles of the grants programme which would make a difference to the quality of life for the residents of Hambleton.

The Decision:

That the grants proposed in Annex A of the report be approved.