To notify the Chairman of any items that appear in the agenda in which you may have an interest.

Councillor W. Waters reported that he would be declaring a personal and prejudicial interest in Item No 8 -Asset Management - Transfer of Land Assets to Town and Parish Councils as he was a member of Spennymoor Town Council.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 11^th September 2008.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 11^th September 2008 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

Report of the Director of Neighbourhood Services.

The Lead Member for Planning and Development presented a report regarding Spennymoor Town Centre Area Action Plan.  (For copy see file of Minutes).

It was explained that DTZ had been commissioned by the Council to assist in the preparation of an Area Action Plan for Spennymoor Town Centre.  The aim of the plan was to create a robust planning policy framework which would facilitate the creation of a vibrant and progressive town centre positioned to provide the facilities and services demanded by Spennymoor’s growing population.

Members’ attention was drawn to the main issues and options that had been identified in the Area Action Plan Public Participation Report.

It was pointed out that in order to meet the requirements of both Regulation 25 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Development)(England) Regulations 2004 and Regulation 25 of the draft Town and Country Planning (Local Development)(England) (Amendment) Regulations 2008, the Council needed to undertake early consultation and public participation with its community.  The publication of the Area Action Plan Public Participation Report would be the first step to meet the requirements of Regulation 25.

RESOLVED :            That the Town Centre Area Action Plan Public Participation Report be commended to Council as  the document requires Council authorisation in order to be published.

Minutes of the meeting held on 2^nd September 2008.

Consideration was given to the Minutes of the meeting held on 2^nd September 2008.  (For copy see file of Minutes).

RESOLVED :            That the Minutes be received.

Minutes of the meeting held on 1^st September 2008.

Consideration was given to the Minutes of the meeting held on 1^st September 2008.  (For copy see file of Minutes).

RESOLVED :            That the Minutes be received.

Minutes of the meeting held on 11^th September 2008.

Consideration was given to the Minutes of the meeting held on 11^th September 2008.  (For copy see file of Minutes).

RESOLVED :            That the Minutes be received.

RESOLVED:             That in accordance with Section 100(a)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it may involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 Schedule 12a of the Act.

Report of Director of Resources.

N.B.     In accordance with Section 81 of Local Government Act 2000 and the Members’ Code of Conduct, Councillor W. Waters declared a personal and prejudicial interest in the above item and left the meeting for the duration of discussion on the item.

Consideration was given to a report regarding requests received from various Town and Parish Councils to transfer land from the Council to their ownership.  (For copy see file of Minutes).

RESOLVED :            That the recommendation set out in Appendix 1 to the report be adopted.

Published on 25^th September 2008