Agenda and minutes

To consider apologies and reasons for absence.

Committee Members who are unable to attend the meeting should notify the Committee Clerk derek.mackenzie@witney-tc.gov.ukprior to the meeting, stating the reason for absence.

Standing Order 309a)(v) permits the appointment of substitute Councillors to a Committee whose role is to replace ordinary  ...  view the full agenda text for item P515

An apology for absence was received from Councillor O Collins.

An apology for absence was also received from Councillor J Robertshaw, Councillor J Treloar attended as a substitute.

Members are reminded to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests in any of the items under consideration at this meeting in accordance with the Town Council’s code of conduct.

There were no declarations of interest from members or officers.

The meeting will adjourn for this item.

Members of the public may speak for a maximum of five minutes each during the period of public participation, in line with Standing Order 42.  Matters raised shall relate to the following items on the agenda.

There was no public participation.

a) To adopt and sign as correct the minutes of the committee held on 25 July, 15 August and 5 September 2023.

b) Matters arising from the minutes of the above meetings.

The minutes of the Climate Biodiversity & Planning Committee meetings held on 25 July, 15 August & 5 September 2023 were received.

Resolved:

That, the minutes of Climate Biodiversity & Planning Committee meetings held on 25 July, 15 August & 5 September 2023 be approved as a correct record of the meeting and be  ...  view the full minutes text for item P518

To receive the report of the Responsible Financial Officer (RFO).

The Committee received and considered the report of the Responsible Financial Officer (RFO) which summarised the budgets under its remit, along with associated costs centres and codes.

Members were reminded of the importance of considering items to be included in the 2024/25 budget which would be discussed in the next  ...  view the full minutes text for item P519

1.      To receive and consider a schedule of Planning Applications from West Oxfordshire District Council.

2.      Members are also invited to note additional correspondence, dated 7 July relating to WODC Planning Reference 23/00179/FUL - The construction and operation of an anaerobic digestion facility, ancillary infrastructure and the construction of a  ...  view the full agenda text for item P520

The Committee received and considered a schedule of planning applications from West Oxfordshire District Council.

Members received and considered additional correspondence received regarding Planning Application 23/00179/FUL. Members did not wish to submit any additional comment to the existing objection submitted.

The Chair also advised that for  future meetings, members would  ...  view the full minutes text for item P520

To receive and consider a schedule of planning decisions from West Oxfordshire District Council.

The Committee received and considered a schedule of planning decisions received from West Oxfordshire District Council (WODC).

Members also received a verbal update from the Administrative Support Assistant for Stronger Communities & Planning who  relayed feedback taken from the Planning Officer’s Delegated Report. Members were pleased to hear that their observations  ...  view the full minutes text for item P521

To receive a survey of Witney Lake & Snipe Meadow, provided by Land & Mineral Management, for information only.

The Committee received a verbal update from the Biodiversity & Green Spaces Officer in respect of the Barometric survey carried out on the Country Park Lake.

Members were surprised to hear the details of the depth of the lake which ranged from 20cm to 5.2 meters however, were pleased this data  ...  view the full minutes text for item P522

To receive the report of the Biodiversity & Green Spaces Officer.

The Committee received the report of the Biodiversity & Green Spaces Officer which provided an update on the Management Plan that was being prepared.

Members raised some questions which the B&GSO was able to respond to in respect of the Water Quality of the lake, which remained very good; there  ...  view the full minutes text for item P523

To receive the report of the Biodiversity & Green Spaces Officer.

The Committee received and considered the report of the Biodiversity & Green Spaces Officer regarding cycling at the Country Park.

Councillor Bailey proposed, seconded by Councillor Simpson that the decision be delegated to Officers  for signage to be ordered and installed, as required around the lake area, to identify areas where  ...  view the full minutes text for item P524

With the express permission of the Chair, the Committee discussed an application for a new pavement licence for The Fleece Public House, Church Green, under the Business and Planning Act 2020, due to the short timescale of the consultation. Members had no concerns.

Resolved:

That, a ‘No Objection’ comment is  ...  view the full minutes text for item P525