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 30(d)(v) permits the appointment of substitute Councillors to a Committee whose role is to replace ordinary  ...  view the full agenda text for item P51

An apology for absence was received from Councillor D Temple, Councillor G Doughty 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.

Councillor J Robertshaw declared a Pecuniary interest in Planning Application 23/03208/FUL as he was one of the applicants.

Councillors J Aitman and O Collins declared personal, non-prejudicial interests in the Licensing Application for The Venue, Green Room Studios, Avenue Three, Witney by virtue of knowing the applicant.

There were  ...  view the full minutes text for item P52

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.

The Committee adjourned for this item.

The Committee received representation from a resident of Riverside Gardens concerning Agenda Item 15.

Further representation was made by the spokesperson for the Witney Flood Group also concerning Agenda Item 15.

The Committee reconvened.

To receive and consider the report of the Operations Manager.

During Public Participation the Committee heard from the resident of Riverside Garden who expressed the concerns of residents of Riverside Gardens if action was not taken to help improve the flow of the river; she expressed her thanks to the Council, and in particular the Works Team who had provided  ...  view the full minutes text for item P54

All four members of the public, Operations Manager and the

Biodiversity & Green Spaces Officer left at 7:45pm

To receive and consider the report of the Operations Manager.

The Committee received and considered the report of the Operations Manager along with a verbal update explaining the historical reasons for the cameras purchase.

Members were very keen to ensure that the camera was used and for the scheme to be free to access with one Member remarking that, “by  ...  view the full minutes text for item P55

a) To adopt and sign as correct the minutes of the committee held on 28 November 2023, 19 December 2023 and 9 January 2024.

b) Matters arising from the minutes of the committee held on 28 November 2023, 19 December 2023 and 9 January 2024.

The minutes of the Climate, Biodiversity & Planning Committee meetings held on 18 November 2023, 19 December 2023 and 9 January 2024 were received.

Resolved:

That, the minutes of the Climate, Biodiversity & Planning Committee meetings held on 18 November 2023, 19 December 2023 and 9 January 2024 be approved as a  ...  view the full minutes text for item P56

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

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

Cllr Robershaw left the meeting room from 7:38pm to 7:46pm whilst application 23/03208/FUL was considered due to his declared Pecuniary interest.

Resolved:

That, the comments, as per the attached schedule be forwarded to West Oxfordshire  ...  view the full minutes text for item P57

Councillor J Robertshaw left the meeting at 7:48pm

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).

Resolved:

That, the list circulated advising of WODC planning decisions be noted.

To receive and consider the report of the Responsible Financial Officer.

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.

Resolved:

That, the report be noted.

To receive and consider the minutes of the Witney Traffic Advisory Committee meeting held on 16 January 2024.

The Committee received the minutes of the Witney Traffic Advisory Committee (WTAC) meeting held on 16 January 2024.

Councillor Aitman attended the meeting and asked that the attendees be updated to reflect this.

Resolved:

1.      That, the minutes of the WTAC meeting held on 16 January 2024 be noted and,  ...  view the full minutes text for item P60

To receive appeal decision notification APP/D3125/D/23/3320768 – 180 Farmers Close, Witney.

The Committee received and considered correspondence concerning the appeal decision APP/D3125/D/23/3320768 for 180 Farmers Close, Witney.

Resolved:

That, the appeal decision be noted.

To consider an application for a Premises Licence for The Venue, Green Room Studios, Avenue Three, Witney under the Licensing Act 2003.

The Committee received and considered the application for a Premises Licence for The Venue, Green Room Studios, Avenue Three, Witney under the Licensing Act 2003.

Members welcomed the application and the support it would bring to the night-time economy of Witney.

Resolved:

That, a no objection response be forwarded to  ...  view the full minutes text for item P62

To consider an application for a Minor Variation of Premises Licence for Sainsburys Supermarket, Witan Way, Witney, OX28 4FF, under the Licensing Act 2003.

The Committee noted the Application for Minor Variation from Sainsburys Supermarket, Witan Way, Witney under the Licencing Act 2003.

Members acknowledged that the amendments were minor and only related to the layout of the store and there was no change to the licencing hours.

Resolved:

That, a no objection response  ...  view the full minutes text for item P63

To receive and consider an application for Street Trading Consent for Witney Food & Drink Festival.

The Committee received and considered the application for a Street Trading Consent for Witney High Street and Market Square from West Oxfordshire District Councils (WODC) Licencing Team

Members were supportive of this event and acknowledged the benefits of this event to the town. However, Members raised concerns including:

·        Access to  ...  view the full minutes text for item P64

To receive notice of a parking order concerning long-stay car-parking at the Woolgate Car Park, Witney.

The Committee received and considered the correspondence received from West Oxfordshire District Council Parking Services team.

Members welcomed the proposal to amend the parking conditions which would benefit individuals who worked in the town.

Resolved:

That, the correspondence be noted.

To receive correspondence from Mr R Courts MP concerning Thames Water and to discuss a formal response if appropriate.

The Committee received and considered the correspondence from the office of Robert Courts, Member of Parliament.

Members welcomed the chance to discuss the actions of Thames Water with their local MP. It was mentioned that he had previously offered to attend a meeting of the Council during parliamentary recess. Members  ...  view the full minutes text for item P66