To receive any apologies for absence

There were no apologies received.

To receive any declarations of interest

No interests declared.

To consider the minutes of the meeting held on 4 February 2021.

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the minutes of the meeting held on 4 February 2021 were approved.

None

To consider the Forward Plan for the period March 2021 to June 2021.

Cabinet considered the contents of the Forward Plan for the next four months and noted the changes made since last published, including:

·         Standards and Quality of Education – removed from Forward Plan.

·         Provision of Legal Services – moved to April 2021.

·         Housing Strategy – moved to April 2021.

·         Affordable Housing Windsor – Added to April 2021.

·         Community Facilities Review – Added to April 2021.

·         Maidenhead Vision Charter – Added to April 2021.

·         Maidenhead Town Hall – Added to April 2021.

Cabinet considered the report regarding the adoption of the Interim Position Statement to be published as guidance and afforded weight as a material consideration in the planning process.

The Lead Member for  Climate Change, Sustainability, Parks and Countryside informed Cabinet that she was presenting this joint report with the Lead Member for Planning and Maidenhead.  A Sustainability Supplementary Planning Document is planned, however, the changes to national and local climate policy are material considerations which should be considered in the handling of planning applications.  To help meet the Climate Change Strategy it is considered prudent and necessary to adopt an interim position statement which would clarify the Council’s approach to these matters.

The National Planning Policy Framework was updated in February 2019. Paragraphs 7 and 8 set out that sustainability and measures to address climate change through mitigation, adaption and moving to a low carbon economy are at the heart of the planning system.

When the Royal Borough declared a climate emergency we said we would be carbon neutral by 2050.  When the Climate Strategy was adopted this set out how the Borough would address the Climate Emergency across four key themes: Circular Economy, Energy, Natural Environment and Transport. The Strategy sets a trajectory which seeks a 50% reduction in emissions by 2025.

The intention of the statement is not to introduce new policy but to clarify how the Borough will interpret existing policy and material considerations, as such it’s weight would be limited to that of a material consideration.  In due course there is an intention to prepare, consult on and adopt a detailed sustainability SPD which would sit alongside the emerging Borough Local Plan.  As this will take time it was considered prudent to propose this paper. 

The Lead Member for Planning, Environmental Services and Maidenhead said that at Council he mentioned that changing the black bin collection schedule was one of the first big steps towards achieving our climate change agenda.   As Lead Member for Planning he was delighted to see this paper being brought forward as it was another step forward and brought clarity for our developers in meeting carbon neutral.

The Lead Member for Finance and Ascot said that this was an important step to bringing the climate strategy forward.  Housing development can impact our carbon footprint so it was important to bring this down.  The spreadsheet provided developers a lot of information that they needed to focus on when putting plans forward.

The Deputy Chairman of Cabinet, Adult Social Care, Children’s Services, Health and Mental Health said that the merits of the paper for planning consideration had been mentioned.  He was pleased to see the council looking to make behaviour change.  He had been discussing with NHS colleagues who were supportive of the changes in bin collections and incentivising behaviour changes towards recycling and a more healthier approach to how we view the world.  When thinking about the environment we can also take a public health approach and he would continue to work with  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6c

Cabinet considered the report that sought approval for the adoption of the Datchet Design Guide, incorporating the recommended changes.

The Lead Member for Planning, Environmental Services and Maidenhead informed Cabinet that the borough had a history of helping residents and parish councils taking ownership of their neighbourhoods via neighbourhood plans and design guides.  This design guide had been developed by consultants working with the borough and the Datchet Design Group.  It would help secure high quality design within Datchet and not to restrict growth.  Following the consultation a number of changes had been made, none were substantial.  This showed what can be achieved and he looked forward to presenting their neighbourhood plan. 

The Lead Member for Public Protection and Parking said that this was a wonderful example what a community can do working with the parish council and borough.  It was a fantastic document that he recommended. 

Resolved unanimously: that Cabinet notes the report and:

(i)           Approves the adoption of the final Datchet Design Guide Supplementary Planning Document with recommended changes.

Cabinet considered the report regarding the proposed development of an RBWM Youth Council.

The Deputy Chairman of Cabinet, Adult Social Care, Children’s Services, Health and Mental Health informed Cabinet that we currently have a number of youth groups in the borough which engage on important issues for young people via a range of forums, we need to give these a say and more substance in representation to do with the council.  He said it was proposed that initially the council would be made up of the following existing forums:  the Girls Policy Forum, Kickback, Youth Ambassadors, the Esteem Project and the SEN Life Skills Group.  The Youth Council would give clear, transparent and meaningful engagement of young people across the Council, building on what already works.

There were currently  number of Youth Council’s across the UK and the LGA encourages their establishment.  The majority of surrounding boroughs have a youth council or parliament.  These give young people an opportunity to engage with national and local politics. 

The Lead Member referred Cabinet to paragraph 2.11 of the report that showed young people will learn personal development skills such as, learning new skill. confidence building. team working, to name just a few that were included.  These were important in development and starting a career. 

The Lead Member said that earlier today the link to the equalities impact assessment had been circulated.  This had been produced on time but misses from the report.  There was nothing but positive impacts for young people. 

He had worked with our Youth Ambassadors and read out a letter they had sent him that said they were excited that the paper was being considered, they think a youth council would be beneficial and help Cabinet to hear the voice of young people.  It will help engagement with young people, to see their views influencing decisions rather than decisions being made for them.  They want to make a difference and for their voices to be heard. 

The Lead Member thanked them for the letter and it showed why the paper should be approved.  He thanked officers for their support, especially Elaine Keating. 

The Lead Member for Housing, Communications and Youth Engagement  informed that he was once the chair of a previous youth council and it had been an enjoyable experience working with young people on this paper.    It was important that they have a work programme that they were interested in and can provide positive outcomes.  This needs to be driven by young people and be able to influence the council.  He reiterated the skills that can be gained by being part of any youth council. 

The Deputy Leader of the Council, Resident and Leisure Services, HR, IT, Legal, Performance Management and Windsor said that she endorsed the paper, the Girls Forum had been an excellent example.  This would help broaden democracy and hopefully we will see future councillors.

The Lead Member for Finance and Ascot said that he had invited students from Charters School to join the Ascot  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6b