Agenda and minutes

The Mayor requested and it was agreed that consent be given to suspend Standing Order 21(g) to allow for filming to take place during the meeting.

To approve and sign as an accurate record the Minutes of the Annual Council Meeting held on 29 May 2013.

7pm – RESOLVED:

The minutes of the Annual Council Meeting held on 29 May 2013were confirmed and signed as an accurate record, subject to the inclusion of the following sentence at the beginning of the minutes;

“The Mayor requested and it was agreed that Standing Order 21(g) be suspended to allow filming to take place of the Mayor making part of the meeting.”

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Colin Aherne, Joe Carlebach, Alex Chalk, Iain Coleman, Ali De Lisle and Peter Tobias.  Apologies for lateness were received from Councillor Jane Law.

The Mayor provided some highlights from the engagements she had attended:

·        A Flag Raising Ceremony on 24 June at Hammersmith Town Hall to fly the flag for the Armed Forces.

·        The Mayor judged and awarded the prizes to La Villagio Restaurant, and La Petite Bretagne winners of the ‘I Love Lunch’ Competition which was organised by Hammersmith London.

·        The Mayor visited a number of borough schools;  Ark Bentworth to mark their first anniversary and to Greenside School to receive trees from Askew Road Library.

·        The Grand Final of the Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge was held where the most talented 15 regional winners had the opportunity to become the champion.

·        On Saturday 29 June, the Mayor launched the Celebrating Fulham festival which was an action packed week for residents, businesses and visitors.

If a Councillor has a disclosable pecuniary interest in a particular item, whether or not it is entered in the Authority’s register of interests, or any other significant interest which they consider should be declared in the public interest, they should declare the existence and, unless it is a sensitive interest as defined in the Member Code of Conduct, the nature of the interest at the commencement of the consideration of that item or as soon as it becomes apparent.

At meetings where members of the public are allowed to be in attendance and speak, any Councillor with a disclosable pecuniary interest or other significant interest may also make representations, give evidence or answer questions about the matter.  The Councillor must then withdraw immediately from the meeting before the matter is discussed and any vote taken.

Where Members of the public are not allowed to be in attendance and speak, then the Councillor with a disclosable pecuniary interest should withdraw from the meeting whilst the matter is under consideration. Councillors who have declared other significant interests should also withdraw from the meeting if they consider their continued participation in the matter would not be reasonable in the circumstances and may give rise to a perception of a conflict of interest.

Councillors are not obliged to withdraw from the meeting where a dispensation to that effect has been obtained from the Audit, Pensions and Standards Committee. 

There were no declarations of interest.

The Leader/relevant Cabinet Member to reply to questions submitted by members of the public:

Under Standing Order 15(e)(xii), Councillor Loveday moved the suspension of the 20 minutes time limit under Standing Order 12(g) to allow all of the public questions to be answered, which was agreed.

7.06pm - The Mayor called on Mrs Lina Voyantzis who had submitted a question to the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Residents Services (Councillor Greg Smith) to ask her question. The Deputy Leader responded.  Mrs Voyantzis asked a supplementary question which was also answered.

7.10pm - The Mayor called on Ms Dede Wilson who had submitted a question to the Cabinet Member for Community Care (Councillor Marcus Ginn) to ask her question. The Cabinet Member for Community Care responded.  Ms Wilson asked a supplementary question which was also answered.

7.17pm - The Mayor called on Ms Jasmine Pilgrim who had submitted a question to the Cabinet Member for Community Care (Councillor Marcus Ginn) to ask her question. The Cabinet Member for Community Care responded.  Ms Pilgrim asked a supplementary question which was also answered.

7.20pm - The Mayor called on Ms Vivienne Lukey who had submitted a question to the Cabinet Member for Community Care (Councillor Marcus Ginn) to ask her question. The Cabinet Member for Community Care responded.  Ms Lukey asked a supplementary question which was also answered.

7.23pm - The Mayor called on Ms Anne Drinkell who had submitted a question to the Cabinet Member for Community Care (Councillor Marcus Ginn) to ask her question. The Cabinet Member for Community Care responded.  Ms Drinkell asked a supplementary question which was also answered.

7.35pm - The Mayor called on Ms Julia Dickinson who had submitted a question to the Cabinet Member for Community Care (Councillor Marcus Ginn) to ask her question. The Cabinet Member for Community Care responded.  Ms Dickinson asked a supplementary question which was also answered.

7.40pm - The Mayor called on Ms Desiree Cranenburgh to ask the question on behalf of Mr Carlo Nero who had submitted a question to the Cabinet Member for Community Care (Councillor Marcus Ginn). The Cabinet Member for Community Care responded.  Ms Cranenburgh asked a supplementary question.

8.10pm – A further question had been submitted on time by Mr Graham Hodgin which had been circulated around the Chamber.  The Mayor called on Mr Hodgin who had submitted a question to the Leader (Councillor Nicholas Botterill) to ask his question. The Leader responded.  Mr Hodgin asked a supplementary question which was also answered.

(A copy of all the public questions submitted and the replies given are attached at Appendices 1 - 8 to these minutes).

This report seeks the adoption of the Council’s Development Management Local Plan (DM LP).  The report also seeks agreement to the revocation of the Unitary Development Plan (UDP), the remaining extant policies of which will expire upon the adoption of the DM LP.  It also seeks agreement to the revocation of supplementary planning guidance associated with the UDP.

8.21pm - The report and recommendations were formally moved for adoption by the Cabinet Member for Transport and Technical Services, Councillor Victoria Brocklebank-Fowler.

Speeches on the report were made by Councillors Nicholas Botterill, Victoria Brocklebank-Fowler, Lucy Ivimy, Mark Loveday and Andrew Johnson (for the Administration) and Councillors Wesley Harcourt, Andrew Jones, Stephen Cowan and PJ Murphy (for the Opposition).

The report and recommendations were put to the vote and a roll-call was requested:

FOR                                                                                   AGAINST

FOR                         26

AGAINST                13

NOT VOTING          0

The report and recommendations were declared CARRIED.

8.58pm RESOLVED:

(1)         That Council resolves to adopt the Development Management Local Plan (Appendix 1 of the report); and

(2)         That Council approves the revocation of the supplementary planning guidance identified in paragraph 5.6 of the report.

Due to the large size of the report, it has been necessary to print this report separately from the main agenda pack.  Please see the separate agenda pack for this agenda item.  Please bring both agenda packs to the meeting. 

This report seeks approval for the adoption of the Council’s Planning Guidance Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) which includes policies that supplement the Council’s Core Strategy and proposed Development Management Local Plan.  The SPD establishes more detailed guidance on the application of policies that are concerned with managing development proposals within the borough.

8.59pm - The report and recommendations were formally moved for adoption by the Cabinet Member for Transport and Technical Services, Councillor Victoria Brocklebank-Fowler.

Speeches on the report were made by Councillor Victoria Brocklebank-Fowler (for the Administration) and Councillor Wesley Harcourt (for the Opposition).

The report and recommendations were put to the vote:

FOR                         26

AGAINST                12

NOT VOTING          0

The report and recommendations were declared CARRIED.

9.06pm RESOLVED:

That  Council resolves to adopt the Planning Guidance Supplementary Planning Document (Appendix 1 of the report).

To appoint Councillors Joe Carlebach and Andrew Brown to the Wormwood Scrubs Charitable Trust Committee effective from the day after the Council meeting.

9.06pm - The report and recommendations were formally moved for adoption by the Leader of the Council, Councillor Nicholas Botterill.

The report and recommendations were put to the vote:

FOR                         Unanimous

AGAINST                0

NOT VOTING          0

The report and recommendations were declared CARRIED.

9.07pm RESOLVED:

That Councillors Andrew Brown and Joe Carlebach be appointed to the Wormwood Scrubs Charitable Trust Committee effective from the day after the Council meeting.

This report asks that Council, having consulted the Health and Wellbeing Board (HWB)  and having regard to the recommendation of the HWB,  directs that the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) representative and the local Healthwatch representative are entitled to vote, but that Council officers on the HWB are not entitled to vote.

9.08pm - The report and recommendation was formally moved for adoption by the Leader of the Council, Councillor Nicholas Botterill.

Speeches on the report were made by Councillors Rory Vaughan and Stephen Cowan (for the Opposition) and Councillor Marcus Ginn (for the Administration).

The report and recommendation was put to the vote:

FOR                         Unanimous

AGAINST                0

NOT VOTING          0

The report and recommendation was declared CARRIED.

9.14pm RESOLVED:

That Council, having consulted the Health and Wellbeing Board (HWB) and having regard to the recommendation of the HWB,  directs that the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) representative and the local Healthwatch representative are entitled to vote, but that Council officers on the HWB are not entitled to vote.

This report proposes some in year amendments to reflect changes to the Officer Schemes of Delegation as a result of changes in legislation, Tri – Borough working and revisions to officer titles and posts.

9.15pm - The report and recommendations were formally moved for adoption by the Leader of the Council, Councillor Nicholas Botterill.

The report and recommendations were put to the vote:

FOR                         Unanimous

AGAINST                0

NOT VOTING          0

The report and recommendations were declared CARRIED.

9.15pm RESOLVED:

That the changes and amendments made to the Council Constitution, as summarised in section 5 of the report, be noted.

To consider and determine any Special Motions:

9.16pm - Under Standing Order 15(e) (iii), Councillor Mark Loveday moved that Special Motion 4 - Panorama Expose of What Happens "Inside Hammersmith and Fulham Council's Traffic Department"take precedence on the agenda over Special Motions 2 and 3 and be considered after Special Motion 1.  The motion was unanimously agreed.

9.16pm – Councillor Helen Binmore moved, seconded by Councillor Mark Loveday, the special motion standing in their names:

“This Council:

1.         Notes that:

·           In the UK it is thought that 66,000 women have been affected by FGM and are living with the consequences, whilst over 20,000 girls under the age of 15 are currently at risk.

·           FGM is a deeply rooted tradition among specific communities and practised for a variety of complex reasons but often in the belief that it is beneficial for the girl or woman.

2.         Recognises that:

·           FGM is illegal and has been a criminal offence since 1985.

·           It has no health benefits and it is harmful to girls and women physically, psychologically and emotionally.

·           Consequences can be severe, both immediately and long term.

·           FGM is a form of child abuse and violence against women and girls.

·           An effective co-ordinated multi-agency response is required with appropriate stakeholder involvement.

3.         Resolves to:

·           Continue to develop a coherent strategy to raise public awareness and professional understanding, and;

·           End all forms of FGM in the borough.”

Speeches on the special motion were made by Councillors Helen Binmore, Mark Loveday, Nicholas Botterill and Andrew Brown (for the Administration) and Councillors Caroline Needham, Lisa Homan and Stephen Cowan (for the Opposition).

The motion was put to the vote and a roll-call was requested:

FOR               

FOR                            unanimous

AGAINST                   0

NOT VOTING0

The motion was declared CARRIED.

9.47pm – RESOLVED:

This Council:

1.       Notes that:

·           In the UK it is thought that 66,000 women have been affected by FGM and are living with the consequences, whilst over 20,000 girls under the age of 15 are currently at risk.

·           FGM is a deeply rooted tradition among specific communities and practised for a variety of complex reasons but often in the belief that it is beneficial for the girl or woman.

2.    Recognises that:

·           FGM is illegal and has been a criminal offence since 1985.

·           It has no health benefits and it is harmful to girls and women physically, psychologically and emotionally.

·           Consequences can be severe, both immediately and long term.

·           FGM is a form of child abuse and violence against women and girls.

·           An effective co-ordinated multi-agency response is required with appropriate stakeholder involvement.

3.    Resolves to:

·           Continue to develop a coherent strategy to raise public awareness and professional understanding, and;

·           End all forms of FGM in the borough.

9.48pm – Councillor Wesley Harcourt moved, seconded by Councillor Michael Cartwright, the special motion standing in their names:

“This council welcomes the Panorama exposé and determines not to use any measures to entrap innocent motorists.”

Speeches on the special motion were made by Councillors Wesley Harcourt and Michael Cartwright (for the Opposition).

Under Standing Order 15(e) (vi), Councillor Mark Loveday moved, seconded by Councillor Victoria Brocklebank-Fowler, an amendment to the motion as follows:

“In title of Special Motion, delete “Panorama Expose of What Happens ‘Inside”

In body of Special Motion, delete “welcomes the Panorama expose and”

The amendment was put to the vote:

FOR                            25

AGAINST                   12

NOT VOTING0

The amendment was declared CARRIED.

The substantive motion as amended was put to the vote:

FOR                            unanimous

AGAINST                   0

NOT VOTING0

The motion as amended was declared CARRIED.

10.04pm – RESOLVED:

Special Motion 4 - Hammersmith and Fulham Council's Traffic Department

This council determines not to use any measures to entrap innocent motorists.

This motion was withdrawn.

This motion was withdrawn.

10.05pm – Councillor Stephen Cowan moved, seconded by Councillor Lisa Homan, the special motion standing in their names:

“This Council notes the rough sleepers figures released on 20^th June 2013 by the Combined Homelessness and Information Network. Those detail how rough sleeping in London has risen by 62 per cent in two years. It further notes that 6,437 people slept on the streets of London last year which is a 13 per cent rise on the previous year.

The council recognises the unique physical and mental health issues that plague the vast majority of rough sleepers and agrees to review how it can better co-ordinate support between the health, police, NGOs and the council’s homeless support services.

Furthermore, the Council will work with the London Mayor and other agencies to do everything reasonably possible to support people out of the crisis that has led them to sleep on London’s streets and so to drastically reverse this trend.”

The motion was put to the vote:

FOR                            12

AGAINST                   25

NOT VOTING  0

The motion was declared LOST.

10.07pm – Councillor Max Schmid moved, seconded by Councillor Andrew Jones, the special motion standing in their names:

“This council regrets Hammersmith and Fulham’s self-confessed “careless” non-compliance with UK tax laws over a six year period and the resulting GBP 173,000 cost to tax payers in fines, interest payments and consultancy costs.”

The motion was put to the vote:

FOR                            12

AGAINST                   25

NOT VOTING0

The motion was declared LOST.

10.08pm – Councillor Wesley Harcourt moved, seconded by Councillor Lisa Homan, the special motion standing in their names:

“This council notes that the Government’s recent relaxation of permitted development rights within planning regulations but is concerned that they will curtail the rights of Hammersmith & Fulham residents to influence how their local communities are developed. 

We further note that this will be detrimental to the council’s ability to restrict the number of betting shops, fast food venues and payday lenders opening in the borough and calls upon the Government to reverse this legislation.

This council supports the introduction of an “umbrella use class” enabling communities and councils to respond to planning issues according to local circumstances and concerns.”

The motion was put to the vote:

FOR                            12

AGAINST                   26

NOT VOTING0

The motion was declared LOST.

The motion was withdrawn.

There are none.

There were no information reports to this meeting of the Council.

* * * * *   CONCLUSION OF BUSINESS    * * * * *