Home > Meeting documentation

Meeting documents

Council
Monday, 5th December, 2016 6.30 pm

Council Minutes

Date:
Monday 5th December 2016
Time:
6.30 p.m.
Place:
Council Chamber, Town Hall, Katharine Street, Croydon, CR0 1NX
 

Attendance Details

Present:

Councillor H Ali, Councillor J Audsley, Councillor J Avis, Councillor S Bashford, Councillor K Bee, Councillor S Bennett, Councillor M Bird, Councillor C Bonner, Councillor S Brew, Councillor A Butler, Councillor J Buttinger, Councillor R Chatterjee, Councillor S Chowdhury, Councillor L Clancy, Councillor P Clouder, Councillor S Collins, Councillor M Creatura, Councillor J Cummings, Councillor M Fisher, Councillor S Fitzsimons, Councillor A Flemming, Councillor M Gatland, Councillor T Godfrey, Councillor L Hale, Councillor S Hall, Councillor P Hay-Justice, Councillor M Henson, Councillor S Hollands, Councillor Y Hopley, Councillor K Jewitt, Councillor H Kabir, Councillor B Khan, Councillor S Khan, Councillor S King, Councillor T Letts, Councillor O Lewis, Councillor S Mann, Councillor M Mansell, Councillor D Mead, Councillor M Mead, Councillor V Mohan, Councillor M Neal, Councillor T Newman, Councillor S O'Connell, Councillor A Pelling, Councillor J Perry, Councillor H Pollard, Councillor T Pollard, Councillor J Prince, Councillor B Quadir, Councillor A Rendle, Councillor P Ryan, Councillor P Scott, Councillor M Selva, Councillor M Shahul-Hameed, Councillor D Speakman, Councillor A Stranack, Councillor P Thomas, Councillor J Thompson, Councillor W Trakas-Lawlor, Councillor M Watson, Councillor J Wentworth, Councillor S Winborn, Councillor D Wood, Councillor L Woodley, Councillor C Wright, Councillor C Young

Item Item/Resolution
MINUTES - PART A
A73/16 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
A74/16 MINUTES

The following amendments were proposed for the minutes of the Council meeting held on 17 October 2016:

  • At the top line of pack page 10, to delete "whether".
  • To amend the last paragraph on pack page 14 to read, "Councillor Pelling asked whether, in light of a presentation to the council-run Croydon Disability Forum AGM by Network Rail urging lobbying government for the continuation of planned accessibility works at Selhurst and Coulsdon South rail stations, the Council would lobby for the delivery of these projects and similar accessibility programmes at South Croydon and Waddon stations".
  • At the top line of pack page 20, "£9 million" to read "£4 million.

With those amendments included, the Council RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the last meeting as a correct record.

 

 

The Council RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the Special Council meeting held on 17 October 2016 as a correct record.

A75/16 DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST

All Members of the Council confirmed that their interests as listed in their Declaration of Interest forms were accurate and up-to-date.

A76/16 URGENT BUSINESS (IF ANY)

There was no business under this item.

A77/16 ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Mayor announced the winner of the Christmas card competition and noted two other highly commended submissions. Council was also reminded that the Mayor's Christmas dinner was due to take place on Friday 9 December. The Mayor announced that during a recent visit to the Gingerbread Corner he had been presented with a mayoral gavel made of foam, and thanked the staff, board members and CEO of that organisation.
It was also announced that a fundraiser for the victims of the tram crash had been held and raised over £2,000. Finally, the Mayor reminded Council that a small Christmas reception for invited guests would be held at the conclusion of the meeting.
 

A78/16 AWARDING OF THE LONDON HOMELESSNESS AWARD

The Mayor congratulated the Council's Gateway Service team for the recently bestowed second prize for the Andy Ludlow London Homelessness Award. It was stated that Croydon was the first authority in five years to make it to the final six of the award.


The considerable impact of the service was noted, as was the recognition received from central government, with the parliamentary Work and Pensions Select Committee visit to the service in December 2015.

 

Mark Fowler, Director of Gateway and Welfare Services, was congratulated and presented the award by the Mayor.
 

A79/16 CROYDON QUESTION TIME

The item began with questions from residents in the public gallery.

 

  • Helen Redfern asked what the Council were doing about unreported fly-tipping. Councillor Collins responded that work had been undertaken to deal with the issue, including increasing the number of enforcement officers to 40, and creating three reporting methods for residents. On average 80% of fly-tips were dealt with in 48 hours of reporting and a dashboard had been configured to identify hotspots to concentrate resources.

 

  • Alex Arbisman asked a question on the designation of Shirley Oaks in the Local Plan, given the responses from local residents. Councillor Butler responded that the main modifications that had been made to the plan were contained within the Council agenda papers. Any representations made by residents would be passed to the independent planning inspector for consideration. The inspector will determine whether further changes to the plan are justified. The Councillor committed to continue dialogue between residents and officers to look for further areas of agreement.

 

  • Peter Collier asked whether the Council would give consideration to the Arnhem pictures being taken out of storage and put on public display in Bernard Weatherill House. Councillor Godfrey responded that the pictures had been professionally catalogued by the Council's Museum staff and discussions had been held to hold a small exhibition in an appropriate place. Assurances were given that the pictures would be used constructively.

 

  • Graham Bass asked what changes had been made in the Local Plan with regard to Purley. Councillor Butler responded that modifications were made as a result of the consultation prior to the publication of the final version for submission, and that the modifications could be found in the appendices of the report in agenda papers.

 

  • James Hogg asked whether the revised plans for Fairfield Halls would be published and what was being done to restore and protect the building's organ. Councillor Godfrey responded that the Council was following the advice of the Harrison & Harrison to protect the organ and would use a humidifying system throughout the period of the development work. The normal planning application procedure would be followed for the plans for Fairfield Halls.

 

  • Michael Swadling asked a question on the Local Plan proposals to build on green field land on the Fieldway estate. Councillor Butler responded that considerable consultation had taken place on this matter, including going to New Addington to consult directly with residents. The Council were committed to protecting open land and green space in the borough and would only build on these areas where it was absolutely necessary, such as for schools.

 

  • Oscar Dahling asked whether the confidential section of the Brick by Brick report that went to the June 2016 Cabinet meeting would be published. Councillor Newman responded that the Brick by Brick company had been transparent and been engaged in a lengthy scrutiny process and took the lead in providing affordable housing in Croydon.

 

  • Diane Tarran asked whether, given the many local objections, the proposed traveller site at Purley Oaks would be moved elsewhere. Councillor Butler responded that when the site was listed for residential development, no objections had been raised. Residential zones were appropriate for traveller sites and the site in question was the most deliverable. The Local Plan had to adhere to the national policy framework and it was proposed that this would be the site submitted on the draft plan.

 

  • Christine Gilbert asked whether, due to capacity issues, the Walcott apartment building in the Park Hill area could receive a weekly refuse collection. Councillor Collins stated that the issue of refuse collection was a financial one, but that officers would be sent to the location to consider whether there was a better solution than weekly collections. 

 

  • John Bowman asked that assurances be given that residents' objections to the Local Plan would be treated seriously. Councillor Butler assured that all submissions received would be passed to the independent inspectorate. 

 

  • John Broadfoot asked what the Council was doing to deal with pot-holes on the borough's roads and fly-tipping on the streets. Councillor King responded that the Council had recently supported proposals to Transport for London (TfL) for an ambitious five year plan for considerable investment across the borough for cycling on roads. Specific examples of issues were welcomed to be raised directly with the Councillor. Councillor Collins responded that the Take Pride campaign had won awards and other councils were seeking advice from the initiative. Over 100 people had been prosecuted for fly-tipping, and the new administration had done significantly more to tackle the issue. Ultimately what was needed was a national campaign - it was a problem across the country and required a central government solution. The key to success would be to create behavioural change amongst the population.

 

  • Chris Fulcher asked what steps residents' associations could take regarding opposition to the proposed traveller site at Purley Oaks. Councillor Butler responded that the submissions that had already been received would be sent to the independent inspectorate who would hold a public enquiry to consider the submissions and whether they were evidenced and justified.

 

  • Sonny Nair: asked whether submissions made by residents' associations in Shirley would be sent in full to the inspectorate. Councillor Butler responded that every submission to the proposed plan would be sent to the impendent inspectorate. The Greater London Authority (GLA) had already confirmed that the proposed plan fits with the London Plan, and there was confidence that it was also be found to adhere to the national planning policy framework.

 

The Mayor stated that, in the interests of openness and transparency, a pre-submitted public question from Sean Creighton had been ruled out as it named an officer, contrary to the Constitution as stated in Part 4A.

 

 

At the conclusion of public questions, Councillor Pollard moved a procedural motion to change the order of business, to allow for agenda item 10 to be heard as the next item of business. Councillor Newman seconded the motion.

 

The motion was put to the vote and carried unanimously.
 

 

 

At the conclusion of agenda item 10, the Croydon Question Time item resumed.

 

 

CROYDON QUESTION TIME: LEADER QUESTIONS

 

The Leader announced that the NHS transformation projects were wholly unsatisfactory and an undemocratic process. It was being done to hide the underfunding of health services, for example that one in four Clinical Commissioning Groups and 50% of hospital trusts would soon be in deficit. The administration was opposed to the process and would hold the opposition party to account locally.

 

  • Councillor Tim Pollard asked whether it was a good thing for residents to decorate their premises during the Christmas period. The Leader stated that residents should be supported to do this.

 

  • Councillor Tim Pollard asked a supplementary question as to why some residents in his Ward had been told by Council officers to take their decorations down. The Leader responded that as long as there were no health and safety issues, then residents should be able to decorate their premises.

 

  • Councillor Mansell asked whether recent central government tax changes would make it harder for businesses and increase homelessness. The Leader responded that George Osborne MP had stated that the cuts were necessary and the Prime Minister Teresa May had since back tracked on this. The Leader questioned how the Conservative party could justify the extent of the cuts if they were not necessary.

 

  • Councillor Stranack asked what the Council had been doing to support residents with disabilities. The Leader responded that the Council was working with organisations like the Greater London Authority (GLA) to improve access across the borough but that more work was needed. The Leader also stated that it was unacceptable that Norwood Junction was still inaccessible to wheelchair users.

 

  • Councillor Stranack asked a supplementary question as to whether it was a mistake for Boxpark to open without a lift. The Leader responded that the Council would have discussions with Boxpark around how to improve accessibility.

 

  • Councillor Chowdury asked whether, despite the Council attracting high tech businesses to Croydon, the growth of the sector would be under threat by a lack of strategy in this area from central government. The Leader responded that he welcomed the high tech businesses and investment in Croydon and the Mayor of London had proffered strong support to what the Council had done to attract businesses from the sector. The Council would continue to seek central government support in this endeavour.

 

  • Councillor Gatland asked what the Council was doing to protect children from sexual exploitation after the publication of the report from the Inspectorate of Constabulary that had been heavily critical of the police in this area. The Leader responded that this was a high priority and would be raised at the first meeting with the new borough commander in Croydon. Whilst the police had taken the outcomes of the report seriously, the Leader had not had the assurances he would have liked to see at that stage.

 

  • Councillor Gatland asked a supplementary question on whether the Council had ensured that Croydon police were aware of information on sexual offenders held by the Council. The Leader responded that the Council had and would continue to work on a cross-party basis with the new borough commander.

 

  • Councillor Pelling asked a question pertaining to the conclusion of the Skanska street lighting contract only four months behind schedule as opposed to the 18 month delay under the previous administration. The Leader responded that it was unacceptable that the previous administration had let the contract slip into such a delay, but paid tribute to the officers and Councillors who had worked hard to reduce the delay and had created brighter and safer streets.

 

  • Councillor Buttinger asked where the funding for the Ashburton Library re-development would come from. The Leader responded that politics was the language of priorities, and the current administration's priority was to bring the building back into use, and the priorities would be to continue investment in the New Addington swimming pool, the Fairfield Halls redevelopment, to combat fly-tipping and to do the upmost to protect front-line services.


CROYDON QUESTION TIME: CABINET MEMBER QUESTIONS

 

 

Councillor Collins announced that a new street in Croydon was to be named after former Councillor and former Mayor of Croydon Wally Garratt.

 

Councillor Hall announced that the Council's boundary submission had been submitted and would bring greater democracy and fairer representation to Croydon. Disappointment was expressed at the Autumn Statement which had failed to address continued pressures in local government such as adult social care.
 

  • Councillor Thomas asked why the Council was misleading residents on the 48 hour clearance figures for fly-tipping. Councillor Collins responded that the Veolia echo system recorded and measured fly-tipping collections and a dashboard to monitor this was publically available for residents.

 

  • Councillor Thomas asked a supplementary question with regard to when fly-tipping reports were undertaken after five o'clock on a Friday. The report would not be picked up until the following Monday but the weekend gap would not be factored into the measurement of time for collection. It was suggested that it was an outright lie to suggest that fly tips were cleared within 48 hours. Councillor Collins responded that there was not an epidemic of fly-tipping across whole borough, but certain hotspots. The reporting system for clearances was same as under the previous administration, and when compared the new administration had performed 28 times better.

Councillor Lewis made a point of order that Councillor Thomas had made unsavoury accusations against Councillor Collins.


Councillor Thomas apologised and withdrew his remark that Councillor Collins lied.

 

 

  • Councillor Wood asked what further improvement could be made to the reliability and technology of refuse collection vehicles. Councillor Collins responded that a series of measures would be introduced to improve the vehicle fleet which included street washing machines, vehicles with sweeping brooms, and vacuum cleaners for street cleaners.

 

  • Councillor Neal asked why the Council had not removed the £10 charge on the bulky waste collection service, as had been proposed by the Streets Commission. Councillor Collins responded that this would have been actioned if the Council could afford it. Due to the significant cuts since 2010, the service was not able to provide all services for free.

 

  • Councillor Neal asked a supplementary question on the delay in the Council response to matters such as overflowing bins and pathways littered with bottles and cans. Councillor Collins responded that generally reports of such issues were dealt with quickly. If there were specific instances of neglect this would be taken up with the contractor as a disciplinary matter and penalties may be issued.

 

  • Councillor Mann asked what the next steps were to make fly-tipping a national issue. Councillor Collins responded that the Council's own campaign had been high profile and he had been invited to speak at an all-party parliamentary group, where it would be submitted that money accrued from the landfill tax be used to fund a national campaign to make fly-tipping a social stigma. In Croydon education on fly-tipping had been extended to schools to help create behavioural change.

 

  • Councillor Mann asked a supplementary question on whether the government should reinstate the position of Minster of State for Resource. Councillor Collins responded that such a position would be of benefit and help save millions of pounds that was lost by incorrect recycling.

 

  • Councillor Hollands asked whether any litter bins in the borough had been sponsored by businesses, as per the recommendation of the Streets Commission. Councillor Collins responded that the Council had not gone down that route but had instead engaged traders in trade waste agreements and litter pledges.

 

  • Councillor Pelling asked what signage could be introduced to the south side entrance of East Croydon to direct residents and visitors to the temporary bus stops whilst the bus station development was in place. Councillor King responded that he would support a review of the signage in place around East Croydon station and would task officers to raise this with Transport for London (TfL).

 

  • Councillor Fisher asked whether weekly wheelie bin collections would be introduced as was proposed by the Streets Commission. Councillor Collins responded that due to the local government cuts since 2010, the Council could not afford to implement such a scheme.

 

  • Councillor Fisher asked a supplementary question on whether this was an example of a broken election promise by the administration. Councillor Collins responded that the election promise was a weekly collection in certain areas, not across the whole borough, and this had been implemented.

 

  • Councillor Wood asked a question on TfL's £180,000 proposed travel to school plan in Croydon and how the measures would be taken forward in consultation with schools and how the Council would deal with parking enforcement near schools during such times. Councillor King responded that parking near schools was a considerable issue and assured Council that targeted enforcement around problem areas would be undertaken as one of a range of measures to deal with dangerous parking around schools. Many schools were pro-active on this matter and four of Croydon's schools had been bestowed TfL star awards in recognition.

 

  • Councillor Clancy asked why the replacement of recycling boxes with wheelie bins had not been introduced, as was the recommendation from the Streets Commission. Councillor Collins responded that the contract with Veolia expired in 2018 and the South London Waste Partnership would negotiate into the new contract the requirement to replace at least one receptacle with a wheelie bin for each property. There were logistical issues around wheelie bins and so this issue would be looked at carefully.

 

  • Councillor Jewitt asked whether the new landlord licensing scheme would help tackle fly-tipping by rogue landlords. Councillor Collins responded that there was regular communication with landlords over issues such as bulky waste collections and that landlords failing in their duties could be issued with community protection notices.

 

  • Councillor Brew questioned whether the communication with landlords through this licensing scheme had been taking place. Councillor Collins responded that communication was done via email and if the Councillor had not received this he would look into it.

 

  • Councillor Lewis asked a question on the number of fly-tipping prosecutions there had been in New Addington and across Croydon. Councillor Collins responded that officers would be asked to get the specific numbers for New Addington.

 

  • Councillor Lewis asked a supplementary question on whether some opposition Members were making excuses for fly tippers. Councillor Collins responded that negative reporting was not enough and that positive suggestions should be made from the opposition.

 

  • Councillor Thompson asked whether street sweeping shift patterns had been altered to after recycling collections as per the recommendations from the Street Commission. Councillor Collins responded that 50-60% of street sweeping rounds had been changed and the outcome had been significant improvements in street cleanliness.

 

  • Councillor Flemming stated a vote of thanks to staff who had recently been nominated for a Local Government Chronicle award for the partnership approach taken towards domestic violence.

 

  • Councillor Woodley gave condolences to all those affected by the tram accident and passed on thanks to staff from social care, emergency services and hospitals.

 

  • Councillor Helen Pollard asked what provision there was to ensure that the new Fairfield Hall operator would provide for community events. Councillor Godfrey responded that the first stage of the tender process had been completed and such matters would be raised during the second phase. Community events would be expected of any successful operator and would enable the sourcing of funding from trusts and art councils.

 

  • Councillor Helen Pollard asked a supplementary question on the timing of the planning application which would take place before an operator had been selected. Councillor Godfrey responded that all operator bidders would be engaged at the right time, the planning documents were made public and interested parties had visited the site and were clear with regard to the expectations.

 

  • Councillor Wood asked for an update on the progress of the Youth Zone in Selhurst. Councillor Flemming responded that a successful launch was held in October 2016, and the young people unanimously decided to name the centre "Legacy". It was an example of the good work the Council was doing, along with other organisations, for young people in the borough.

 

  • Councillor Wood asked a supplementary question on whether a public meeting could be held in Selhurst in the New Year to update residents on the progress of the Youth Zone. Councillor Flemming responded that she would be happy to do so and took the opportunity to stress that the centre was for all young people in the borough.

 

  • Councillor Bashford asked whether arts trusts would be ruled out of the bidding process for the operator of Fairfield Halls. Councillor Godfrey responded that arts trusts would not be ruled out.

 

  • Councillor Rendle asked whether the comments made in Parliament by the MP for Croydon South, that residents in his constituency were travelling out of borough for good schools, were helpful. Councillor Flemming responded that nearly half of children in Croydon went to an Outstanding secondary school in the borough, which was more than double the national average, and the number of Croydon children gaining GCSEs of A*-C grades was also higher than the national average. An example of the outstanding education in the borough was Winterbourne primary school, which had recently named one of their houses after Malala Yousafzai.

 

  • Councillor Rendle asked a supplementary question on the expansion of Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision in secondary schools. Councillor Flemming responded that there had been success in expanding SEN places in Croydon.

 

  • Councillor Quadir asked how it could be justified to hand Fairfield Halls over to an operator when it had been funded by taxpayers' money. Councillor Godfrey responded that the tendering documents should be read as they made clear what outputs would be expected from the successful operator. The former Fairfield Halls had only ever had one service level agreement, which had been the previous financial year. This was not good practice and would not be repeated with future operators.

 

  • Councillor Pelling asked what was being done to address the high suicide rate among men, which was the largest killer of men aged between 20 to 49. Councillor Woodley responded that the Council had been working with the Croydon Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) to provide a more coordinated approach. There had also been a new mental health strategy, the outcomes of which were being measured. The availability of Improving Access to Psychological Therapy (IAPS) services had been expanded as well.

 

  • Councillor Pelling asked a supplementary question regarding what was being done to address the high levels of self-harming among young women. Councillor Woodley responded that a strategy was being created which aimed to tackle self-harm in young people. The Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAHMS) team had been going into schools and some schools had a named teacher as a lead on tackling the issue. It was hoped that it could be expanded into other schools.

 

  • Councillor Hollands asked whether the plan for additional seating in the Ashcroft Theatre negated the space for disabled seating and whether this planning oversite was an example of the lack of experience caused by the layoff of experienced staff at Fairfield Halls. Councillor Godfrey responded that there was scaremongering by the opposition, and that the Council had a first rate theatre consultant, with considerable experience in the industry, working on the Fairfield Halls project. The theatre would be state of the art and part of the regional tour circuit.

 

  • Councillor Hollands asked a supplementary question on whether there was regret at laying off the Fairfield Halls staff. Councillor Godfrey responded that the scheme was ambitious and that the venue had been declining for the past 15 years; evidenced by the operating company that collapsed after the lease was ended. The new venue would be considerably more accessible and the customer offer would be much improved and enhanced.

 

  • Councillor Henson asked what work the Council was doing to support the mental health of new mothers. Councillor Woodley responded that there had been recognition that antenatal depression was a specific health area, whereas in the past it had been pigeon-holed.

 

  • Councillor Clancy asked about the new plans for Fairfield Halls and whether there was provision for proper access to the stage. Councillor Godfrey responded that the Theatre Trust report dealt with the matter, for example £4 million would be saved from removing the wall at the back of the theatre. The theatre would receive ongoing maintenance over the following 50 years.

 

  • Councillor Audsley asked whether site visits to the Fairfield Halls site could be organised for Members. Councillor Godfrey responded that discussions were being held with officers, and that as soon as the asbestos had been removed from the site, dates would be proffered to Members.

 

  • Councillor Helen Pollard asked whether the plans for Fairfield Halls would not cater for large productions. Councillor Godfrey responded that the Council were working with the Theatre Trust review, project team and operator bidders, all of whom were inputting for the requirements of the theatre to make it a successful venue.

 


Councillor Butler announced that there had been a partial victory for housing in Croydon, with Gavin Barwell MP, Minister of State for Housing, Planning and London, agreeing to a number of recommendations made by the Council from the October debate motion that was adopted.

 

Councillor Ali announced that 16-days of activism highlighting violence against women had been organised. This activism would include promoting different messages through posters and social media. Across the country, one in four women would experience domestic violence and two women were killed every week by a partner or ex-partner. The issue affected all sectors of society and was estimated to cost employers £1.9 billion a year.

 

Councillor Watson announced that free Wi-Fi had now been established and was operational in Surrey Street.

 

  • Councillor Hale asked how much finance had been spent on Brick by Brick. Councillor Butler responded that Brick by Brick would receive loans from the Council at a commercial rate; this would allow for more housing in the borough and a return on the loans for the Council as well. Councillor Hall added that any such loans would come through the evolving investment fund.

 

  • Councillor Hale asked a supplementary question on the costs that would have occurred from the consultation work that Brick by Brick had undertaken. Councillor Butler responded that no extra funding would be paid for any consultation work that had to be repeated.

 

  • Councillor Chowdury asked a question on the land that had been identified by Brick by Brick. Councillor Butler responded that an asset strategy of all Council-owned property had been developed to identify suitable sites for Brick by Brick development.

 

  • Councillor Wright asked a question over concerns of potential Brick by Brick developments in Coulsdon East and whether planning applications would be forthcoming. If the consultation fell over the Christmas period it was requested that the consultation period was extended. Councillor Butler responded that the majority of the sites would have planning applications submitted in December and January and confirmed that any consultation that fell over Christmas would be extended.

 

  • Councillor Rendle asked for an update on the redevelopment of the old library at Ashburton Park. Councillor Butler responded that the previous weekend had seen a local artists' competition which included the artwork displayed across the site. Work on the site had commenced and a planning application was due to be submitted, and there had been a good response from potential operators of the site.

 

  • Councillor Brew asked a question related to letters received by residents from Kingsdown Avenue regarding potential Brick by Brick developments. Councillor Butler responded that the letters were not part of the planning application but were advising adjoining landowners of the company's intention to submit a planning application.

 

  • Councillor Brew asked a supplementary question stating that there had not been clarity on that matter. Councillor Butler responded that the letters sent would be reviewed to ensure that they were clear..

 

  • Councillor Pelling asked whether the Council would consider applying for a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) if sufficient evidence of anti-social behaviour on Imperial Way were accrued. Councillor Ali responded that the grant of the injunction on Imperial Way was welcome and new applications for orders would be welcome if the police believed it necessary to stop anti-social behaviour in the area.

 

  • Councillor Fisher asked when Brick by Brick proposals to develop in Shrublands would be announced. Councillor Butler responded that she had attended the AGM to discuss ideas for developing a new community centre and residential housing and that the Residents' Association had put forward proposals for where they thought suitable development could take place.

 

  • Councillor Fisher asked a supplementary question on whether the community centre in Shrublands would be relocated as part of these plans. Councillor Butler responded that the concerns raised by the residents were recognised; specifically that the preference was for the centre to stay on-site.

At this point in the meeting the Leader of the Council proposed, and Councillor Collins seconded, that the meeting move to the next item of business so as to allow all items to be transacted.

 


The motion was put to the vote and carried
 

A80/16 MEMBER PETITIONS

The Mayor invited Councillor Hopley to read out the title of the submitted Member petition which read:
 

"We the undersigned residents of the seventeen (17) residential properties located in Hill Barn, Sanderstead, South Croydon, Surrey CR2 0RU make a formal request of Croydon Council that:


a) the footway and carriageway of Hill Barn be cleared of dangerous loose grit, repaired and resurfaced.
b) the carriageway junction at the entry/exit corners to Hill Barn and Purley Downs Road be marked with double yellow line parking restrictions to introduce and improve the safety of motorists, pedestrians and cyclists entering from Hill Barn or egressing onto Purley Downs road, Sanderstead, South Croydon, Surrey by preventing the parking of vehicles at this point, impairing vision and carriageway positioning of moving vehicles.


These requests are made to urgently rectify and address existing unsafe conditions that have been allowed to develop by Croydon Council and to make safe movement by vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists entering or exiting this cul de sac road."

 

 

Councillor King responded that the waiting restrictions requested were not considered necessary due to the small number of vehicles parked in the area. Twice-yearly inspections were undertaken of the road however Highway inspectors would visit the area again and Councillor Hopley would be informed of developments.

 

 

The Mayor invited Councillor Rendle to read out the title of the submitted Member petition which read:


"We the undersigned would like the Council to make Mardell Road in Ashburton a one way street. We believe that it would be safer if vehicles can only travel in the direction of the Long Lane junction to the junction with The Glade."

 

 

Councillor King responded that the measures requested had been added to the list of future schemes to be included for funding in the work programme.

 

 

The Mayor invited Councillor Bashford to read out the title of the submitted Member petition which read:


"We, the residents of Ravenhead Close and Mapleleaf Close request the introduction of double yellow lines at the entrance to Ravenshead Close where this meets the junction with Old Farleigh Road, Selsdon."

 

 

Councillor King responded that the area in question would be added to the next list of sites for consideration for yellow lines.
 

A81/16 COUNCIL DEBATE MOTIONS

There were no debate motions to consider.

A82/16 RECOMMENDATIONS OF CABINET OR COMMITTEES REFERRED TO THE COUNCIL FOR DECISION

In moving the recommendations contained in the report, Councillor Newman stated that this would be one of the most important decisions that the Council would take, and would affect the borough for the next 20 years. There had been a huge consultation process, and it was important that the plan was submitted, otherwise there was a danger of central government imposing one on the Council. Croydon was London's largest borough, and was the highest growth borough, and therefore it was important that a robust plan was submitted. It would secure local job for local people and improve the quality of life for the current generation and the next. It created sustainable policies from transport to employment. It was vital that all residents in Croydon shared in the growth and development in the borough.

 

 

Councillor Butler seconded the recommendations.

 

 

Councillor Perry moved that the recommendations be deferred back to the Cabinet for further consideration. Councillor Fisher seconded the motion.

Speaking in favour of the motion for deferral, Councillor Perry stated that there had not been due scrutiny of the plan. Concern was raised that the Council had not listened to the people of Croydon on some key issues in the plan; this included areas of intensification, loss of protection of conservation areas, and the proposed site in Purley Oaks of a traveller site. The paperwork in the Council agenda papers failed to identify how many representations had been received. Despite the significant number of objections, the modifications were only minor with no fundamental changes. Why had it been that some modifications were made while others rejected? There had not been enough scrutiny on this issue and the consultation had been too little, too late.

 

 

Councillor Scott, speaking against the deferral motion, stated that the proposed plan was ambitious and dealt with the borough's rapidly growing population. The plan had been contributed to by both parties and dealt with the huge scale of challenges that faced Croydon, particularly the housing crisis and the need for school places. It protected green land and expanded the green belt. The plan contained a fair distribution of housing development across the borough, which included retaining the original Conservative proposal to build a tower in Purley and four storey developments in Shirley. The administration were committed to protect the character of local areas. The proposed location for the traveller site was above the flood risk and was already marked for residential housing. New homes would build stronger communities, local neighbourhoods would be strengthened and a new dynamic centre that would serve the borough rather than dominate it.

 

 

Councillor Fisher, speaking in favour of the deferral motion, questioned the purpose of the consultation if concerns raised by thousands of residents were not taken on board. That some areas were given protected status was welcomed, but then it did not explain why other areas were not given this same protection. If the plan promoted the quality of life of Croydon, what about the quality of life of the residents of Shirley Oaks village? This was an opportunity to say to the thousands of residents that objected that their concerns had been listened to.

 

 

Councillor Shahul-Hameed, speaking against the deferral motion, stated that the plan protects the character and open spaces of the borough. It provided the land, jobs and homes needed for the current and future generations of Croydon. The process had been open and transparent; concerns from communities and businesses had been listened to. The plan addressed the social needs of the borough, from healthcare facilities to schools. There was a stronger garden policy and new green spaces, as well as the protection of the character and distinctiveness of local areas. The plan protected local employment opportunities and tackled climate change and flooding dangers. It set out how Croydon would thrive and grow, and was ambitious.

 

 

Councillor Brew, speaking in favour of the deferral motion, stated that it was unfortunate that the administration would not look again at the proposed traveller site at Purley Oaks. The Council's own independent report in 2014 had stated that the site posed a flood risk. In addition the site was adjacent to a contaminated pond and the noisy Brighton mainline rail track. These factors made it inappropriate for residential housing. The site was also located behind the recycling centre which was in need of expansion. It was impossible to believe that there were no other areas in the borough that would be appropriate for a traveller site.

 

 

Councillor Butler, speaking against the deferral motion, stated that when the Purley Oaks depot site had originally been designated a residential site, no issues had been raised. The Council was listening to residents' concerns; following consultation 22 changes had been made in Shirley alone. The Local Plan must be justified and effective; where representations have been accepted they been included within the main modifications. All of the borough must play its part in the intensification in Croydon. The plan had prepared to adhere to both the national plan policy framework and the London plan. There had been ongoing discussions since Local Plan process began in 2013 under the previous administration, and the plan had been to the Council's scrutiny committee. The plan is sound and justified.

 

 

Councillor Creatura moved that the vote on the item be undertaken by a show of hands. The Mayor declined to exercise his discretion on the matter and moved to the vote by voices.

 

The motion to defer the recommendations to Cabinet for further consideration was put to the vote and was lost.

 

The motion to adopt the substantive recommendations, as contained in the report, was put to the vote and carried.
 

A83/16 CAMERA RESOLUTION
MINUTES - PART B
  None
The meeting finished at 9.59pm