1

To look at the Forward Plan to identify potential topics for review as agreed at the Scrutiny meeting on 25 July 2002 (Minute No. 13 refers).

2

Members are requested to bring to the meeting their copies of the papers for the Executive meeting held on 14 January 2003 as this contains the latest draft of the Forward Plan.

3

A verbal update will be given at the meeting, advising Members of amendments made to the Forward Plan as agreed by the Executive on 14 January 2003.  

RECOMMENDATION

To identify potential topics for review from the Forward Plan

Background Papers:  None

2

At the Scrutiny Committee held on 25 July 2002 (Minute 13) Members expressed an interest in organising a benchmark event to share experiences of

3

The intention is to invite the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the benchmark club members various scrutiny committees to Chiltern on 26 March. The format will be lunch followed by discussion. A draft agenda is included as Appendix 2.

4

Ahead of this a summary of the different arrangements as well as detailed reports and work programmes will be circulated. A questionnaire, structured around the discussion themes of the event will also be circulated

5

The response has been positive with all members of the benchmark club submitting information to be shared and only West Dorset District Council indicating they do not wish to attend the event in March.

6

A charge of £10 will be made for each guest to cover costs.

     RECOMMENDATION

     That Members approve the proposed agenda

Background Papers: Scrutiny Committee Minutes 25 July 2002

3

FOLLOW UP TO THE TRAINING WORKSHOP ‘IMPROVING SCRUTINY’S INFLUENCE’

1

To consider the follow up report to the training workshop ‘Improving Scrutiny’s Influence’.

2

At the meeting of the Scrutiny Committee held on 17 December 2002 (Minute No. 48 refers) a follow up report to the training workshop led by Andy Holder held on 19 November 2002 (Minute No. 39 refers) was circulated.

3

It was agreed by Members of the Scrutiny Committee that discussion on the training workshop should be deferred to the next meeting to give Members more time to read the papers circulated at the meeting. A copy of the follow up report is attached as Appendix 3.

RECOMMENDATION

     That the report be noted.

1

The notes and recommendations of the Scrutiny Working Group to Review Housing in the District.

3

The conclusion of the Working Group was that the efforts of Scrutiny should be focussed on scrutinising the proposed change to Policy H6.  To do this effectively the Director of Planning and the Environment was requested to produce a flow chart of the stages in the process where there was a role for Scrutiny, and to organise a Seminar on the planning aspects of housing provision to assist the Scrutiny Committee in understanding the issues involved in making an informed response to the Executive's proposals.  The flow chart is attached at Appendix 4.2.

     RECOMMENDATION

The Committee is requested to indicate whether they wish a Seminar to be arranged as suggested by the Scrutiny Working Group and to indicate a date.

5

PROPOSED ALTERATION TO THE ADOPTED CHILTERN DISTRICT LOCAL PLAN POLICY H6 – AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN THE BUILT-UP AREAS EXCLUDED FROM THE GREEN BELT

2

The Executive will consider an amendment to Policy H6 of the Chiltern District Local Plan at their meeting on 14 January 2003.  The report and their recommendation will then be formally referred to the Scrutiny Committee for comment, since an amendment to a Policy Framework document is proposed.

4

The Executive cannot consider Scrutiny's response until the six weeks has elapsed.  Holding the Seminar and considering the matter at the Scrutiny meeting of 18 February 2003, would not incur any additional delay.

5

Members are reminded to bring to the meeting the Executive papers for the meeting held on 14 January 2003.  

     RECOMMENDATION

That the Committee considers the proposed change to Policy H6 of the Chiltern District Local Plan and comments/makes recommendations to the Executive.