Town Council Agenda

Town Clerk 17 June 2021 Mr E Reilly CMgr FCMI FSLCC

Council Offices, The Priory, St Neots, PE19 2BH Tel: 01480 388911 / Email: [email protected]/ www.stneots-tc.gov.uk

To: All Town Councillors

Copies: County Councillors - J Wisson, S Taylor, & D Wells District Councillors - N Johnson, D Wells, Dr P Gaskin, & K Prentice Local Press, Town Council website

NOTICE IS GIVEN that a TOWN COUNCIL MEETING will be held in the PRIORY CENTRE, The Priory, St Neots, PE19 2BH on WEDNESDAY 23 June 2021 at 7.15pm.

Members of the Council are HEREBY SUMMONED to attend to consider the following business: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION There will be a 10-minute public participation before the meeting to allow any resident to address the Council on any matter appearing on the agenda for this meeting.

A G E N D A

1. Apologies for Absence To receive Councillors’ apologies for absence.

2. Declarations of Interest To receive from Councillors’ declarations as to Disclosable Pecuniary Interests and/or Non Statutory Disclosable Interests along with the nature of those interests in relation to any agenda item.

3. Minutes To approve the minutes of the following Town Council meetings as a true and accurate Attachment 1 record. • 27th April 2021 • 4th May 2021 - ATCM • 5th May 2021 - ECM

4. Delegated Action (10 mins) Members to note the actions taken by Officers under delegated action. Attachment 2

5. Annual Internal Audit Report (10 mins) Members to note the Annual Internal Audit Report together with the Final Internal Attachment 3 Audit Report for 2020/2021

6. AGAR – Section 1 Annual Governance Statement – 2020/2021b (10 mins) Members to resolve to approve the Annual Governance Statement for 2020/2021 Attachment 4

7. AGAR – Section 2 Accounting Statements 2020/2021 (10 mins) Members to resolve to approve the Accounting Statements for 2020/2021 Attachment 5

8. Bedford Borough Dennybrook Garden Village Proposal (10 mins) Members to resolve to approve a response to the Bedford Borough Dennybrook Attachment 6 Garden Village Proposal

9. Standing Orders Members to review the current adopted Standing Orders for 2021/2022. Attachment 7

Page 1 of 2 Town Clerk 17 June 2021 Mr E Reilly CMgr FCMI FSLCC

Members to approve the amendments to Section 19 and to make the entire Standing Orders gender neutral as recommended by the Personnel committee.

10. Boundary Review (10 mins) Members to agree action following proposed boundary changes by the Boundary Commission for England.

11. Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) – Poets and Painters Estate (5 mins) To receive an update from the Clerk on the request to HDC for a CPO.

12. Hogarth Place (10 mins) Members to consider a proposal from Cllr D Giles that St Neots Town Council applies to Cambridgeshire County Council to reinstate the original play area located adjacent to the land at 9 Hogarth Place Eaton Ford.

13. St Johns Ambulance Building (5mins) Members to consider a proposal from Cllr D Giles that St Neots Town Council requests that The St John Ambulance organisation offers back the freehold of the site currently occupied by their temporary training portacabin known as Andrews House, Cemetery Road, St Neots at a price similar to that which the organisation paid St Neots Town Council in 1995.

H Broughton LOCUM TOWN CLERK

Page 2 of 2 ATTACHMENT 1 Council Offices, the Priory, St Neots, PE19 2BH Tel: 01480 388911 / Email: [email protected]/ www.stneots-tc.gov.uk

Minutes of the MEETING OF ST NEOTS TOWN COUNCIL Held REMOTELY on TUESDAY 27 APRIL 2021

Present: Cllrs Ferguson (Chairperson), Simonis (Deputy Chairperson), Chapman, D Giles, S Giles, Pitt, Davies, Banks, Johnson, Poodle, Maslen, Christine Green, Gregson, Speed, Presland, and Thorpe. In attendance: Deputy Town Clerk, Responsible Financial Officer, & Locum Clerk – J Gellatly PUBLIC PARTICIPATION There were three members of the public present. They did not wish to address the Council on any agenda items.

203 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE Apologies were received from Cllrs Collins and Cooper-Marsh with valid reasons. Cllrs Caroline Green and Terry were recorded as absent.

204 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST Clerk Note - Cllr Poodle joined the meeting at 7.19pm. There were none.

205 OUTSTANDING RESOLUTIONS Sue Jarrett Memorial It was proposed and seconded that this Council formally recognise the outstanding contribution made by Sue Jarrett as a teacher, historian, and community leader, and offer our sincere condolences to her family and investigate options for a permanent memorial for Sue Jarrett. RESOLVED to accept. Update 23/3/21 – Cllr Banks to co-ordinate memorial ideas and to liaise with St Neots Initiative about their plans for a memorial. Update 27/4/21 – there were no further updates. The Chairperson suggested that members should

Transforming Places Through Heritage It was proposed and seconded that this Council expresses an interest in purchasing the Oast House and/or working with other parties to bring it into public use, resolves to work with the existing owner to conduct a project viability study, to seek written confirmation from the Oast House owner, agreeing to feasibility work being carried out on the property, which would likely take 6 months to complete and to apply for grant funding to support this venture. RESOLVED to accept. Update 23/03/21 – communications are moving forward with the owners. Update 27/4/21 - agreement preparation in progress with building owners of The Maltings building to support the Council’s AHF grant application for £15k to carry out a feasibility study and giving first option to the Council to purchase the building.

Acre Report It was proposed and seconded that this Council forms a working party to review the recent ACRE report commissioned by the Council on it’s community centres and reports back with their recommendations to the next Full Council meeting. RESOLVED to accept. Update 23/03/21 – The working party will have a business plan ready for September 2021. Members of this working party are Cllrs Pitt, Cooper-Marsh, Chapman and Simonis.

HDC CIL Funding Grant HDC have voted to spend £5m of CIL funding in St Neots further details to be shared with members when they become available. Update 27/4/21 – no further updates available currently that aren’t already in the public domain.

St Neots Market Square Pedestrianisation Cambridgeshire County Council has confirmed a deed of agreement exists between CCC, HDC, the Rowley’s and Wendy Fair Markets, a copy of which has been shared with the Town Council. We have also been advised there are currently no plans to review the agreement. St Neots Town Council should therefore consider seeking legal advice to investigate opportunities to obtain the Market Charter rights in the future. Update 23/03/21 – DTC to contact G Beadsley at CCC to find out if the agreement were renewed after it is expiry in 2005 and that the Council would wish to be consulted as an interested party.

APPROVED – pending Page 1 of 4 Update 27/4/21 – no further update currently. It was noted that this is to acquire the tenancy of the market rights.

Youth Council It was proposed and seconded that the Youth Council immediately co-opt a “steering group” of 6-12 young people who will help to define the role of the Youth Council and to decide how it will elect its members (in a way that reflects the diverse nature of youth in this town). RESOLVED to accept. It was proposed and seconded that the Youth Council appoint a professional adult facilitator with relevant experience who will guide the Council in its decision making (a role that is similar to that of a town clerk) from the Youth Council budget, at an hourly rate. RESOLVED to accept Update 23/03/21 – The Youth Council elections will take place in May. Update 27/4/21 – The Youth Council’s first meeting will be held at the beginning of June and they will elect their own leadership committee.

Town Green Order It was proposed and seconded that this Council submits to Cambridgeshire County Council a letter of support for a Town / Village Green application (under section 15(2) of the Commons Act 2006 for the area known as Peppercorn fields off of Peppercorns Lane in Eaton Socon. The Chair to submit the letter on behalf of the Council. RESOLVED to accept. Update 23/02/21 – This item deferred until the time is appropriate for a letter to be issued. Update 23/03/21 – The application will go to public consultation on 25 March 2021. Update 27/4/21 – The Chairperson is waiting for information from Cllr Giles and Chapman to include in their letter. Cllr Giles confirmed that this would be provided.

Play Areas The Town Mayor to write to HDC recommending that they install the same communication boards in HDC play areas within the St Neots catchment area. Update 27/4/21 – Cllr Johnson to assist the Chairperson with this.

Eaton Community Centre - Solar Panels Members received an update from the Tender Board panel. The reason for installing solar panels is to reduce carbon emissions. It was proposed and seconded that this is reviewed by the Finance & Governance committee. RESOLVED to accept. Update 27/4/21 – to be included on the agenda for the next F&G committee meeting.

Hogarth Place Members to consider a motion from Cllr Derek Giles that St Neots Town Council requests that Cambridgeshire County Council replace the play equipment on the play area adjacent to 7 Hogarth Place Eaton Ford PE197RL or allocate this play area to St Neots Town Council for the purpose of a play area for children with a disability. This item was deferred until the next meeting.

Update 27/4/21 – no further update currently.

206 MINUTES It was proposed and seconded to accept the minutes of the Town Council meeting held on 23 March 2021 with the amendment that the missing figure is included in item 198. RESOLVED to accept.

207 COMMITTEE MINUTES Members noted the following committee minutes: • Finance & Governance committee – 9 March 2021 • Operations & Amenities committee – 16 March 2021 – members were requested by the Chairperson of Operations to start considering any LHI bids they may wish to submit. • Personnel Committee – 11 November 2020 – it was noted that an application had now been made to the government’s Kickstart Scheme. • Planning committee – 16 March and 6 April 2021 – it was noted that a resident had expressed their thanks to the Council for considering their concerns with a planning application for the St Neots Fire Station. • Strategy Committee - 1 December 2020

APPROVED – pending Page 2 of 4 208 REPORTS FROM HDC AND CCC COUNCILLORS Cllr Maslen reported that DMC over the last quarter had no items particularly relevant to St Neots. Cllr Chapman noted that there was an item on the previous Ops committee where it was asked that the Council request that HDC carryout a CPO. It was also noted that HDC would not be challenging the developments on the green open space located near Hogarth Place.

209 REPORTS FROM OUTSIDE BODIES Hunts Volunteer Forum – no updates currently Loves Farm Community Association – presentations on Wintringham and Loves Farm have been received. They are also looking initiatives for rebuilding communities after lockdown. Little Barford Power Station – no updates currently Eatons Community Association – no updates currently St Neots Initiative – no updates currently St Neots Museum – they have reported that the Museum is doing well since re opening and thanked the Council for their work on the Pigeon infestation. St Neots Common Rights – one meeting held, they have requested some extra waste bins. St Neots Aquatic and Leisure – no updates currently Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Steering Group – the FHSF funding has been approved by central government and HDC are about to enter to a period of public consultation.

210 ELECTRIC CHARGING POINTS Members discussed the report on the provision of electric charging points located at the Eaton Community Centre.

It was proposed and seconded that this item is deferred to the Finance & Governance committee to review and make a recommendation to Full Council. RESOLVED to accept.

211 FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT RISK ASSESSMENT It was proposed and seconded to approve the Financial Management Risk Assessment 2021 as recommended by the Finance & Governance committee. RESOLVED to accept.

212 FINANCIAL REGULATIONS It was proposed and seconded to approve the Financial Regulations 2021 as recommended by the Finance & Governance Committee. RESOLVED to accept.

213 INVESTMENT STRATEGY It was proposed and seconded to approve the Investment Strategy 2021 as recommended by the Finance & Governance Committee. RESOLVED to accept.

214 CENTRES WORKING PARTY Members discussed the report presented to them by the working party.

It was proposed and seconded that the Centres staff, Finance Manager and Clerk/Deputy Clerk produce a business plan for the Priory Centre Cafe demonstrating the viability of making a profit within 6 months of reopening (to cover all overheads but not capital expenditure) and including market research and competitor analysis. and recommend to full council. RESOLVED to accept.

It was proposed and seconded that on approval of the business plan by Full Council, the sum of up to £2k is allocated from the Priory Centre maintenance budget to support the implementation of the business plan. The Centres Manager is to implement the business plan and provide regular updates to the working group with progress. RESOLVED to accept.

215 WASTE BIN The Council had received a request from St Neots Rugby Club to provide additional waste bin at the Mill Lane entrance and to replace the bin located at the Queensway entrance. This is not Council owned land; responsibility would lie with the Common Rights Proprietors or the tenants.

APPROVED – pending Page 3 of 4 It was proposed and seconded that the Council’s waste bin in Queensway is replaced by the Operations Team and that Cllr Davies advises the Rugby Club that additional bins could be installed at their cost, and these would then be emptied by the Operations Team. RESOLVED to accept.

The meeting closed at 9.06pm

CHAIR

APPROVED – pending Page 4 of 4 Council Offices, the Priory, St Neots, PE19 2BH Tel: 01480 388911 / Email: [email protected]/ www.stneots-tc.gov.uk

Minutes of the MEETING OF ST NEOTS TOWN COUNCIL Held REMOTELY on TUESDAY 4 MAY 2021

Present: Cllrs Ferguson (Chairperson), Simonis (Deputy Chairperson), Chapman, Cooper-Marsh, Terry, D Giles, S Giles, Pitt, Davies, Banks, Johnson, Poodle, Maslen, Caroline Green, Christine Green, Gregson, Speed, Presland, and Thorpe. In attendance: Deputy Town Clerk, Responsible Financial Officer, & Locum Clerk – P Peacock PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Cllr Thorpe presented the Council with a Ceremonial Mace in memory of his wife Peggy who served as Mayoress for St Neots from 2009 – 2011. Local goldsmith, Paul Goldstraw said it was a privilege to work with Cllr Thorpe on the design and production of the Mace. The Town Mayor thanked Cllr Thorpe for this exquisite piece of craftmanship, it is a wonderful legacy both to Peggy and to Cllr Thorpe who has been an excellent councillor. Increasing our civic regalia is a good and this should be something that we have on display at our meetings when we can meet face to face again.

216 ELECTION OF A CHAIR Cllr Ferguson is the Chairperson/Town Mayor for the civic year 2021-2022.

217 ELECTION OF A DEPUTY CHAIR Cllr Simonis is the Deputy Chairperson/Deputy Town Mayor for the civic year 2021-2022.

218 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE Apologies were received from Cllr Collins with valid reasons.

219 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST There were none received.

220 APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEES It was proposed and seconded to accept the amended committee membership list as displayed on screen which is appended to these minutes. RESOLVED to accept.

221 APPOINTMENT OF REPRESENTATIVES TO OUTSIDE BODIES It was proposed and seconded to accept the appointed list of representatives for outside bodies 2021/2022 as amended. RESOLVED to accept.

222 CALENDAR OF MEETINGS 2021/2022 It was proposed and seconded to accept the calendar of meetings FOR 2021/2022 as amended. RESOLVED to accept.

223 GENERAL POWER OF COMPETENCE It was proposed and seconded to resolve that the Town Council continues to act under the General Power of Competence (GPC). RESOLVED to accept.

224 INSURED RISKS Members received confirmation from the Responsible Financial Officer of arrangements for insurance cover in respect of all insured risks.

225 STANDING ORDERS 2021/2022 It was proposed and seconded to adopt the current Standing Orders for the 2021/2022 civic year and that a review of these standing orders at the next council meeting. RESOLVED to accept.

226 FINANCIAL REGULATIONS 2021/2022 It was proposed and seconded to adopt the current Financial Regulations for the 2021/2022 civic year. RESOLVED to accept.

The meeting closed at 8.45pm. CHAIR

APPROVED – pending Page 1 of 1 Council Offices, the Priory, St Neots, PE19 2BH Tel: 01480 388911 / Email: [email protected]/ www.stneots-tc.gov.uk

Minutes of the MEETING OF ST NEOTS TOWN COUNCIL Held REMOTELY on WEDNESDAY 5 MAY 2021

Present: Cllrs Ferguson (Chairperson), Simonis (Deputy Chairperson), Chapman, Cooper-Marsh, D Giles, S Giles, Davies, Banks, Johnson, Poodle, Maslen, Caroline Green, Christine Green, Speed, Gregson, Presland, and Thorpe. In attendance: Deputy Town Clerk, Responsible Financial Officer, & Locum Clerk – P Peacock PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Residents addressed members on their concerns over the proposed EWR consultation and ask that the Council support the options further away from St Neots and condemn the use of non-electrified lines.

227 APOLOGIES Apologies were received from Cllrs Collins and Pitt. Cllr Terry was recorded as absent.

Clerks Note – Cllr Gregson joined the meeting at 7.30pm.

228 MEMBERS DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST There were none received.

229 DELEGATED POWERS The Government have not extended the temporary legislation for councils to hold their meetings remotely. Councils can now only meet face to face following the COVID 19 rules in place at the time. Delegated powers allow officers to carryout council decisions resolved by members, any new items would be raised with the Town Mayor, Deputy Town Mayor and two other councillors. Planning responses would be prepared by officers and circulated to all members for information.

Members were advised by the Locum Clerk that any decisions that are carried out under delegated powers would be presented to full council for retrospective ratification when they can next meet. The delegated powers are for the Town Clerk or Deputy Town Clerk, it would not be the Locum Clerk.

It was proposed and seconded to grant Powers of Delegation to the Town Clerk/Deputy Town Clerk until 31 October 2021. RESOLVED to accept.

230 FUTURE MEETINGS Cllr D Giles joined the meeting at 7.43pm and had no declarations of interest.

Locum Clerk provided members with an update on virtual meetings and options available to members. Virtual meetings for councils ceased on 6 May 2021 and members have the following options:

Option 1 - If you have a face-to-face meeting, need venue for social distancing, risk assessments and PPE with possible flow testing. The public will be allowed to attend, and they must be socially distanced. You are encouraged to have the option to join virtually for members of the public, members can join virtually but they would not be able to vote on any debate taking place.

Option 2 - Working party/advisory groups – these can meet virtually and can make decisions between themselves and make a recommendation to the Town Clerk/DTC. These groups need to take notes and those will be presented to full council for ratification

Option 3 - Or have no meetings until 22nd June and allow the Town clerk to take necessary action.

It was proposed and seconded to resolve the adoption of Advisory Groups to cover the period until full in person meetings are recommenced. RESOLVED to accept.

Cllr Presland left the meeting at 7.52pm.

APPROVED – pending Page 1 of 2 231 EAST WEST RAIL CONSULTATION Members discussed the East West Rail Consultation and expressed their concerns.

It was proposed and seconded that the Deputy Town Clerk sends a holding response expressing our concerns over:

• Erection of a 11 metre viaduct • To see some for of propulsion other diesel as we have promised our residents we will go carbon neutral by 2030 • Have insufficient information at this time to make a decision

And that the Council requests and require that EWR urgently attends a virtual meeting with the Council in sufficient time to enable the Council to be informed and make an appropriate response. RESOLVED to accept.

The meeting closed at 8.32pm.

CHAIR

APPROVED – pending Page 2 of 2 ATTACHMENT 2 t: 01480 388911 w: www.stneots-tc.gov.uk e: [email protected] a: The Priory, St Neots, PE19 2BH

DELEGATED ACTIONS

Members to ratify the actions carried out by the Town Clerk under delegated powers.

1. Planning responses submitted to HDC as consultees (see attached schedules) 2. Parklets for installation on the Market Square funded by the Masterplan Steering Group within ongoing maintenance undertaken by SNTC operations team (see attached) 3. EWR consultation response issued (see attached) 4. Terrace Café reopening – working party reviewed the business plan prepared by officers and agreed that the café could re-open on 26th June 2021 5. SNTC feedback on development of the waste land at Station Square, Loves Farm (see attached)

Page 1 of 1 SCHEDULE OF PLANNING APPLICATIONS –

No. Reference Development Location Applicant Response Due SNTC Notes Decision

1 21/00668/TREE Beech - Loppping overhanging 367 Great North Mrs Donna Approve Subject to approval of HDC Tree Officer branches by 3-4 metres. Road Eaton Ford Chamberlain St Neots PE19 7FP 2 21/00755/HHFUL Proposed Ground floor front and 17 Charles Street Mr & Mrs Approve Satisfactory proposal in terms of scale and rear extension. St Neots PE19 Marshall pattern of development. 1PA Improves the property. 3 21/00783/FUL Proposed erection of detached 278 Great North Mr B Clark Approve Makes efficient use of its site. dwelling. Road Eaton Ford Fits in with local street scene. St Neots PE19 7BJ 4 21/00791/HHFUL The installation of 3no. air 2 Chesterfield Mr B Noted conditioning units Way Eynesbury St Schlemmer Neots PE19 2JY 5 21/00880/HHFUL Construction of a detached double Otterbank Mr D Twigden Approve Will have no negative impact on the wider garage. Crosshall Road landscape character of the area Eaton Ford St Neots PE19 7GB 6 21/00905/HHFUL Proposed ground floor rear and 16 Nightingale Manugiewicz Approve In keeping with locality. front extensions and proposed new Way St Neots Improves the property drive and vehicular access. PE19 1UQ

7 21/00933/HHFUL Proposed single storey extension to 9 Radland Close Mr And Mrs Approve Improves the property. the rear/side. St Neots PE19 Dickerson Satisfactory proposal in terms of scale and 6BQ pattern of development. 8 21/00968/TREE Sole Pine Tree - remove and replace The Spinney 98A Mr Michael Approve Subject to approval of HDC Tree Officer with a Silver Birch. Great North Road Cullis Eaton Socon St Neots PE19 8EJ 9 21/00976/HHFUL First floor extension 2 Acacia Grove St Mike & Approve Improves the property. Neots PE19 1UA Lauren West Minimum impact on neighbours. 10 21/00989/HHFUL 2-storey front extension 5 Sundew Close Mr Ledwich Approve Satisfactory proposal in terms of scale and Eaton Ford St pattern of development. Neots PE19 7GN Makes efficient use of its site.

Planning application documents and comments can be viewed by visiting Huntingdonshire District Council's Public Access Planning Portal. https://publicaccess.huntingdonshire.gov.uk/online-applications Page 1 of 3 SCHEDULE OF PLANNING APPLICATIONS –

No. Reference Development Location Applicant Response Due SNTC Notes Decision

11 21/00991/TREE Rear Hedgerow - Reduce height to 8 Market Square Mrs Carly Approve Subject to approval of HDC Tree Officer approx 1m from ground level and St Neots PE19 Cozens trim side to neaten. 2AW Viburnum - Coppice to 1m Various self-set shrubs to be removed Large Yew Tree - Remove ivy from within the grown and remove any major deadwood to tidy up the tree. Ivy on boundary wall - Prune to boundary Remaining Shrubs - trim round to neaten Hawthorn x 2 on boundary remove any major deadwood.

12 21/00992/HHFUL Demolish existing rear extension 29 Buckley Road Mr & Mrs Approve Subject to the overall roof height of annex to and replace with a single storey Eynesbury St Hudson comply with planning regulations. extension, demolish existing Neots PE19 2TR Improves the property. outbuilding and replace with a brick- built annex/outbuilding

13 21/01030/HHFUL Garage conversion and changes to 81 Bargroves Mr Williams Approve Within permitted development the fenestration Avenue St Neots PE19 6BH 14 21/01035/HHFUL Addition of a single storey front 9 Howitts Lane Mr Jason Approve Improves the property. entrance extension/porch, and Eynesbury St Dunning Minimum impact on neighbours. replacement of a flat roof with a Neots PE19 2JA pitched roof on the existing rear single storey.

No. Reference Development Location Applicant Response Due SNTC Notes Decision

15 21/01054/TREE T2 - OAK - Reduce crown by 5m in 41 Manor Mr Andrew Approve Applicant is one of our councillors who is on height and 3m in width, remove Grove St Neots Poodle our planning committee. deadwood and thin remaining PE19 1PP crown by 25% T1 - HORSE Subject to approval of HDC Tree Officer CHESTNUT - Prune to remove epicormic growth from main stem and reduce overall crown by 2.5m, thin remaining crown by 25% Reasoning: Extremely large crowns dominating neighbouring gardens, branches growing close to properties - thin to allow better light penetration to gardens.

16 21/01075/HHFUL first floor side/rear extension 6 Orchid Close Mr & Mrs Approve Makes efficient use of its site. Eaton Ford St Ledwich Improves the property. Neots PE19 7GS 17 21/01092/TREE Corsican pine T10 009/89 Adjacent 157 Great Sue Bedford Comments already submitted by Cllr Thorpe to footpath Prune back lateral North Road – emailed HDC directly growth that overhangs Eaton Socon St neighbouring properties and Neots PE19 footpath by up to 2.5m to improve 8EQ ambient light conditions and reduce debris falling in neighbouring properties and footpath.

…………………………………….. Committee Chair

No. Reference Development Location Applicant SNTC Notes Decision

1 21/00631/HHFUL Two storey rear extension, changes to the 12 Church Mr Matthew Watts Refuse The two-storey extension will be less than seven metres from fenestration including repositioning the Meadows the boundary at the rear of the property. front door St Neots No scale drawing or details of the tree to be removed as PE19 1PR stated on the application form.

2 21/00640/HHFUL Demolition of existing garage / outbuildings 13 Cowper Court Mr Myers Approve Improves the property. and erection of new garage and electric Eaton Ford St Neots gates and extension to associated PE19 7LR driveway. 3 21/00690/HHFUL Convert existing porch to shower room 61 Wilkinson Close Jacky Rule Approve Improves the property. including relocating front door to side of Eaton Socon We consider that the proposal would assimilate itself to the porch from front St Neots existing part of the town. 4 21/00821/HHFUL Single storey front extension 7 Waterloo Drive Claire Isaacs Approve Fits in with local street scene. Eynesbury St Neots Improves the property. Minimum impact on neighbours. 5 21/00029/FUL Demolition of redundant structures and 1-3 Cromwell Road Mr S Newman Noted Amended plans noted. proposed Service Yard improvements Eynesbury (Sealed Air) including Lane Splitter, Security Barrier, Sprinkler Tank, Pump House, Workshop, Bunded Fuel Depot, additional Car Parking with Vehicle charging points and associated Lighting. Amended Plans Received 6 * 21/00761/HHFUL Single storey extensions to the rear and side 18 Castle Hill Close Mr & Mrs Cox Refuse Loss of light or overshadowing to 17 Castle Hill Close due to the of existing rear extension. Eaton Socon height of the pitched roof. St Neots 10 21/00621/HHFUL Garage extension to form store and home 18 Milton Avenue Mr and Mrs Di Approve Minimum impact on neighbours. office/gym Eaton Ford St Neots Marco Makes efficient use of its site. 11 21/00853/HHFUL Single storey rear extension 33 East Street St Mr & Mrs Gladwin Refuse Details of proposed tree removal are missing from the planning Neots PE19 1JU documents. This application is in a conservation area therefore additional information is requested for the tree, including its size and variety. 12 21/00396/HHFUL Rear canopy 3 Weavers Mews Mr Forster Approve Improves the property. Kym Road Eaton Makes efficient use of its site. Ford St Neots Will have no negative impact on the wider landscape PE19 7JW character of the area. 13 21/00294/HHFUL Front ground floor extension 98 Howitts Gdns Mr & Mrs Sargeant Refuse Not in keeping with local street scene. Eynesbury Scale of development. St Neots

14* 21/00893/FUL Two-storey extension to the side and 2 Chamberlain Way Mr Moyser Refuse Visual amenity. change of use of land from amenity to St Neots PE19 1RE Encroaches on land designated as amenity space. residential where extension encroaches on amenity land.

No. Reference Development Location Applicant SNTC Notes Decision

15 21/00619/FUL The installation of new and replacement St Neots Reservoir Wireless Noted antenna and ancillary radio equipment on Priory Hill St Neots Infrastructure existing monopole mast, upgrade to feeder Group cables and upgrades to cabinets and installation of ancillary radio equipment in existing compound and ancillary development thereto 16 21/00908/HHFUL Single and double storey side extension 4 Masefield Avenue Claire Donald Approve Makes efficient use of its site. and adding a pitched roof above the Eaton Ford St Neots Improves the property. utility/garage PE19 7LS In keeping with locality.

17 21/00894/HHFUL Partial Two Storey, Part Single Storey Rear 202 Great North Jason Barrett Approve Will have no negative impact on the wider landscape Extension with additional windows to the Road Eaton Socon character of the area. existing property St Neots Improves the property. Satisfactory proposal in terms of scale and pattern of development.

PROPOSED FOR DELIVERY J U N E 2 0 2 1 WHAT IS A PARKLET?

A Parklet is a community space within a street (usually a parking bay) and is open to everyone, providing amenities like seating, planting and bicycle parking. It is not a private extension of a business (which requires a permit (Highways Act 1980) or a private space. BACKGROUND

• The limited outdoor space available to many surrounding businesses has caused challenges due to the high increase in demand for outdoor seating due to Covid safety fears.

• The pedestrianisation of the Market Square has provided a unique opportunity to utilise public realm space, providing a pleasant, traffic free space to be enjoyed.

• Visitors to the town, businesses and market traders will all benefit from an enhancement to the space, enabling shoppers and visitors to sit and dwell.

• HDC & CCC are exploring parklets in other towns, but not St Neots due to funding already secured through the FHSF & Masterplan projects.

• A parklet inspired seating area in St Neots Market Square will enable SNTC and the MPSG to evidence demand and future proof the pedestrianisation and longer term interventions planned through the FHSF. • 3 x seating areas (2 x back to back, 1 x Cross seating style) each with a 3m x 3m footprint Design Proposal for Finished in fire retardant black paint with a thin gold stripe to match existing furniture St Neots Market • Painted marine ply for all external services except bench seats which will be Square made using sustainable red meranti hardwood, varnished planks.

• Planters will be plastic lined; planting to be carried out and maintained by St Neots Town Council.

• Each area comes with a 3m square, aluminium parasol. The fabric cover is Spuncrylic® UV and water resistant material.

• All exterior services to be painted with Fire retardant paints and varnishes to deliver BS Class 0 or EU Class B standards. Proposed Location of Seating & Planters

Permission has been sought from Wendy Fair & CCC to agree to this location. The positioning compliments both markets and does not affect the pavement licenced areas. Preferred Suppliers:

Mouse & Moon Design - a Lincolnshire based small business and award winning sculptor artist. Their specialism is centred around outdoor exhibition stand design and build for the RHS annual flower shows including Chelsea and Hampton Court, working with exterior wood designing seating, planting and outdoor sculptures.

Korten – a St Ives based firm who specialise in exhibition stands, camping pods & outdoor shelters have also been approached to provide a quote for the project, as the Masterplan Steering Group are keen to work with a local specialist where possible. Estimated Project Expenses:

Preferred Supplier Purchase/Hire Net Cost £

Mouse & Moon Purchase Cost (without Artwork) £ 8,915.00

Annual Maintenance & Re-Painting (estimated cost including labour & materials) £ 1,200.00

Compost & Planting £ 2,000.00

Day Column Planters £ 1,268.00

Amberol Planters x3 £ 1,048.00

£ 14,431.00 Capital expenses for this project are being re-claimed from the CPCA, as part of the Masterplan for Growth’s allocated street furniture improvements funding. Proposal for SNTC consideration: Following installation, St Neots Town Council is being asked to adopt the new street furniture. On-going responsibilities as a result will include watering, planting and annual maintenance/repair works such as re-painting wooden surfaces. If the furniture needs to be relocated at the end of the pedestrianised period (if CCC/HDC reinstate the car park) SNTC will own the furniture to re-use in an alternative location. Target Timeline:

Item Target Date

Final Supplier Agreed Tuesday 8 June

CCC Approval Tuesday 8 June

Production Commences Thursday 10 June

Installation Commences Friday 25 June

Planting Monday 28 June

Launch & Press Thursday 1 July St Neots Town Council is OPPOSED to viaducts in St Neots East.

St Neots East is a key strategic development in the East of England. In addition to the 1500 existing homes on Love’s Farm, planning consent exists to build an additional 3800 homes on the Wintringham and Love’s Farm East Developments.

EWR routes 1, 2, 9 would involve constructing two large viaducts that pass close to the eastern boundary of St Neots, close to these housing developments. In a Hunts Post article dated May 10th, an EWR spokesperson said: "Depending on which alignment option is selected following the current consultation, there may be two viaducts approximately 800m and 1 km respectively to the east of St Neots, one of which would be where the railway crosses the A428 road”.

According to EWR vertical alignment drawings, the maximum height of the viaduct will be 12 metres (39 feet), which occurs at the point of closest proximity to the aforementioned housing developments. The 800m and 1km distances quoted above refer to the distance between the track and existing housing developments and do not account for the planned construction inside that radius.

In our view, the trains that use these viaducts, the viaduct structures themselves and the construction of the viaducts will cause unacceptable levels of noise, particulate and visual pollution to the residents of St Neots East and the surrounding rural communities.

We are surprised that EWR has aligned its preferred routes in close proximity to one of the largest housing developments in the East of England. None of the five corridors considered in the first phase of the consultation included this land, and the late inclusion has come as a shock to residents, housing developers and St Neots Town Council.

St Neots Town Council is opposed to the construction of these viaducts and asks EWR to urgently reconsider plans to align these routes with the eastern edge of our town.

St Neots Town Council is OPPOSED to a diesel railway.

The consultation documents state an aim to deliver “a net-zero carbon railway” but fail to provide any binding commitment. Our preference is that the railway is conventionally electrified during its construction and emerging technological solutions are considered as they mature and become commercially viable. We are worried that, if technological advances don’t fit with the timing of commissioning, relying on the emergence of largely untested technologies such as hydrogen and battery-powered trains produces a significant risk of default to diesel-powered rolling stock, significantly increasing CO2 emissions and spreading NOx and particulate pollution across Cambridgeshire.

In April 2021, the Railway Industry Association launched a new report, ‘Why Rail Electrification’, which concludes that the electrification of existing railways is the only way the UK Government can achieve its 2050 net-zero carbon goals. The report further concludes that “electrification is a future-proof technology that gives electric trains greater range, efficiency and lower operating costs than self-powered traction”. Having resolved to declare a climate emergency in March 2019, St Neots Town Council is therefore opposed to the construction of a non-electrified railway that is designed to use diesel rolling stock. We urge EWR to make a legally binding commitment to deliver a net- zero railway and that the railway will be electrified from the outset.

St Neots Town Council NEEDS MORE EVIDENCE on economic benefits of EWR

The economic case for EWR is based on a passenger transportation model that may no longer be relevant in the post-pandemic world.

Since the advent of the pandemic in early 2020, the world has changed profoundly, and it is becoming clear that there is likely to be a long-term fundamental change in working and commuting patterns. The BBC recently published research suggesting that 43 of the UK’s biggest employers will not be bringing employees back to the office full time. YouGov data suggests that 57% of people wish to spend much of their week working from home offices. Almost everyone has become competent in using video conferencing as an alternative to face-to-face meeting. If the average regular commuter decided to work at home just two days a week, this could reduce weekday passenger traffic by around 40%.

It also seems likely that the rapid pace of development in autonomous electric vehicle technology will further reduce any economic benefit. The UK Government has recently announced that trials on self-driving vehicles will begin before the end of 2021, with self- driving electric buses already being trialled in Cambridge. It seems likely that the inevitable further development of these technologies will lead to a seismic shift in the provision of low- carbon personal public transport using existing road networks.

St Neots Town Council would like to see evidence demonstrating that the economic benefits of the railway will outweigh the considerable cost to tax-payers combined with the significant negative environmental and social impacts of the scheme. We would also like to see evidence that EWR modelling incorporates the inevitable shift to personal public transport over the next two decades.

St Neots Town Council REQUIRES MORE EVIDENCE on the impacts of the scheme.

The high-level nature of the consultation material does not provide any information about the railway’s environmental, social and economic impacts. However, it seems likely that the two preferred routes proposed by EWR will result in a significant increase in noise, inconvenience and pollution from the construction and operation of this railway. This is in addition to a permanent negative impact on the rural landscape to the east of St Neots and the potential ecological and environmental consequences of the project.

Significant further work is required to understand the localised impacts of this scheme on the residents of St Neots and the surrounding rural communities. St Neots Town Council REQUIRES MORE EVIDENCE on the utility of the scheme for St Neots Residents.

Although residents to the east of St Neots will likely experience significant negative impacts from the scheme, it is unclear how much benefit they will receive from the railway.

Although some of the proposed stations are named “St Neots South”, none are located in the town (or even within a reasonable walking distance) and the current road infrastructure connections are congested and not designed for heavy traffic, cyclists or pedestrians.

The proposed station locations in Little Barford and Tempsford mean that multiple journeys will be required to reach Cambridge, which is only 15 miles away and is a principal destination for employment, education and leisure for St Neots residents. It would be significantly easier and cost-effective to reach Cambridge using a bus along the upgraded A421 than to undertake a multipart train/train, car/train, bus/train journey using EWR.

The existing St Neots station, with its fast links to London and Peterborough is a key driver for the current expansion of the town. If EWR has an interchange station with the East Coast Mainline south of St Neots, this may result in longer journey times to London and might lead to a degradation of the commuter services from the existing station.

Conclusion

St Neots Town Council is firmly opposed to:

● The construction of railway viaducts near housing developments at the east of the town

● The commissioning of a non-electrified railway line during a climate emergency

The lack of information in the consultation documents about the economic benefits of the scheme or its ecological, environmental or social impact means that we are currently unable to support any of the proposed routes. 17/06/2021 Email - Karen Pollecutt - Outlook

Waste Land at Station Square

Helen Broughton Wed 02/06/2021 09:44 To: [email protected] Cc: Karen Pollecutt Dear Kelly,

Thank you for providing the opportunity for St Neots Town Council to give feedback to your client on development of the waste land at Station Square.

The Town Council will submit comments on this application following formal consultation from HDC however requests that the following are considered:

adequate lighting and CCTV provision for public transport (bus service and access to the railway station) use of porous or semi porous surface materials to construct the car park (such as paviours or greencrete rather than tarmac) to reduce risk of flooding and discharge into the River Ouse.

Kind regards,

Helen Broughton Locum Clerk to St Neots Town Council

https://outlook.office.com/mail/deeplink?popoutv2=1&version=20210607004.08 1/1 ATTACHMENT 3 St Neots Town Council

Internal Audit Report (Final Update) 2020-21

Stephen Christopher for Auditing Solutions Ltd 1 Background and Scope

All town and parish councils are required by statute to make arrangements for an independent internal audit examination of their accounting records and system of internal control, and for the conclusions to be reported each year in the Annual Governance & Accountability Return (AGAR). Auditing Solutions Ltd were appointed to undertake this function on behalf of St Neots Town Council for the 2020-21 financial year.

This report sets out the results of our final audit work in relation to 2020-21, which was undertaken in May/June 2021. It updates the report issued in March 2021, following the completion of our second interim audit. As with this year s interim audits, it has been necessary for us to undertake our work remotely, due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Once again, we wish to thank the Responsible Financial Officer (RFO) for providing the documentation required to enable us to complete the audit.

Internal Audit Approach

In carrying out our internal audit work, we have had regard to the materiality of transactions and their susceptibility to potential mis-recording or misrepresentation in the year-end Statement of Accounts/AGAR. We have employed a combination of selective sampling techniques (where appropriate) and 100% detailed checks in a number of key areas, in order al and regulatory systems and controls are appropriate and are fit for the purposes intended.

Our audit programme is designed to afford appropriate systems remain robust and operate in a manner to ensure effective probity of transactions and to afford a reasonable probability of identifying any material errors or possible abuse of the the national statutory regulatory framework. The programme is also s AGAR, which requires independent assurance over a number of internal control objectives.

Overall Conclusion

On the basis of the programme of audit work we have undertaken. we have concluded that the Council has continued to maintain an adequate and effective system of internal control. The records held in support of the accounting transactions were of a high standard and provided an effective audit trail, with clear cross-referencing of all relevant documentation. We have completed and in the 2020-21 AGAR, having concluded that the internal control objectives as set out in that report were being achieved throughout the financial year to a standard adequate to meet the needs of the Council.

In the sections below, we have explained the objectives of each area of our audit, summarising the work undertaken and our findings. We have followed up on the progress made to address the matters arising from our second interim report and confirmed that appropriate action has been taken or is in progress, as set out in this report. We are pleased to confirm that there are no additional matters arising from our final audit. We ask that Members consider the content of this report.

This report has been prepared for the sole use of St Neots Town Council. To the fullest extent permitted by law, no responsibility or liability is accepted by Auditing Solutions Ltd to any third party who purports to use or rely, for any reason whatsoever, on this report, its content or conclusions. 2 Detailed Report

Accounting records & Banking arrangements

Our objective is to confirm that the accounting records are accurate and up to date, with no anomalous entries in the cashbooks or financial ledgers, and that appropriate banking arrangements are in place.

The Council continues to maintain its accounting records using the RBS Omega software, which is generally acknowledged as a market leader at this tier of local government.

Barclays Bank is used for day-to-day business banking services. Three accounts are held: a current account and deposit account (instant access savings account) for the Council transactions, together with a separate Priory Centre current account. The two main Council bank accounts are combined into a single cashbook within Omega, in order to reduce the number of data entries and to reflect the fact that Barclays continues to operate an automatic daily transfer between the accounts to retain a balance of £100,000 in the current account. In addition to the Barclays deposit account, all other funds not required for immediate use are held in the Public Sector Deposit Fund of CCLA Investment Management Ltd.

As in previous years, two further accounts (current and savings account) are maintained to hold funds relating to the M Charity , which are set aside for charitable donations. These form part of the Counci all funds for accounting purposes.

In our audit work for the year, we have: Checked and agreed the opening trial balance on Omega for 2020-21 to the closing balances on the 2019-20 AGAR and detailed financial statements; Verified that the financial ledgers remained throughout the year; Confirmed that the accounting code structure remained appropriate budget reporting and control requirements; Checked the detail in the Omega cashbooks for the Council s current and deposit accounts and the Priory Centre current account for four sample months (April & September 2020, plus January & March 2021), by reference to the relevant bank statements; Checked the detail of all transactions on the other accounts for the year, again by reference to the relevant bank statements, Checked and agreed the detail on the bank reconciliations for all of the accounts as at 30th September 2020, 31st January 2021 and at 31st March 2021, confirming that there were no long-standing unpresented cheques or anomalous entries; Verified that the overall cash balance has been reported correctly in the draft AGAR (Section 2, Line 8), and Confirmed, by discussion, that appropriate procedures remain in place for backing up financial and other IT systems in use at the Council. In our second interim report, we recommended that a member of the Council, who is not a signatory for authorising payments, should be nominated to undertake a quarterly verification of the bank reconciliation performed by the RFO and should sign both the bank reconciliation document and the bank statements as evidence of that review, with the results reported to the Finance & Governance (F&G) Committee. At our final audit, we noted that the year-end bank

St Neots Town Council: 2020-21 (Final Update) 10th June 2021 Auditing Solutions Ltd 3 reconciliations have been independently reviewed by the Chair of the F&G Committee, albeit remotely, due to the Covid-19 restrictions, and confirmed by email.

Conclusion

There are no matters arising that require a formal comment or recommendation

Corporate governance

Our objective is to confirm that the Council has robust corporate governance arrangements in place and that, as far as we may reasonably be expected to ascertain (as we do not attend Council or Committee meetings), all meetings are conducted in accordance with the adopted Standing Orders and no actions of a potentially unlawful nature have been, or are being, considered for implementation.

During the course of our audits, we have confirmed the following:

Our review of the minutes of meetings of the Full Council and its standing committees for the year have not identified any issues that we consider may have an adverse effect, through litigation or other causes, on the Council future financial stability;

The Council has kept its Financial Regulations and Standing Orders under regular review, with the documents being reapproved at the Council meetings in April and May 2021, respectively;

At the Annual Town Council meeting on 5th May 2020, the Council resolved to continue to adopt the General Power of Competence, and

At the meeting of the F&G Committee on 13th October 2020, a formal timetable for the review of Policies and procedures was agreed.

At our final audit, we confirmed that action is currently being taken to address the recommendation from our second interim audit report that the policies, procedures and other key documents made available on the website should be reviewed to ensure that all relevant ones are listed and that they are up to date. We will review the progress made at next year s first interim audit.

Conclusion

There are no matters arising that require a formal comment or recommendation.

Expenditure

Our objective is to ensure that: The Council s resources are released in accordance with the approved procedures and budgets; Payments are appropriately supported, either in the form of an original trade invoice or other appropriate form of document confirming the payment as due and/or an acknowledgement of receipt, where no other form of invoice is available;

St Neots Town Council: 2020-21 (Final Update) 10th June 2021 Auditing Solutions Ltd 4 Any discounts due on goods and services supplied are identified and appropriate action taken to secure the discount; Purchase orders are raised on every occasion when one would be expected; The correct expense codes have been applied to invoices when processed; and VAT has been appropriately identified and coded to the control account for periodic recovery.

We have completed our review of the procedures in place in this area, selecting a further sample of non-pay related payments to check compliance with the above criteria. Our test sample included all individual payments in excess of £4,000, together with a random sample of every 45th payment as recorded in the payments cashbook listing for the year and a further sample of invoices relating to the Priory Centre. In total, we have examined 52 payments, plus the Business Rates payments made to the District Council. The overall value of expenditure in our sample totalled £342,285 and equated to 47% of non-pay expenditure in the year. There were no matters arising from our review.

The Council makes use of a Corporate Barclaycard, with statements settled in full each month. At present, four managers hold cards, each with an individual monthly spending limit of £1,500. The cards are mainly used for recurring subscriptions, paying for travel and subsistence for meetings and for online orders. We reviewed the Barclaycard statement for a sample month (December 2020) and confirmed that all payments made were of an appropriate nature and were supported by receipts.

Operations staff also make use of a fuel card when purchasing fuel for Council vehicles. We tested a sample fuel card payment made in January 2021 and confirmed that the card was being used in an appropriate manner, with adequate controls in place.

In accordance with the Financial Regulations, formal tenders are required for any proposed expenditure of over £25,000. Our audit programme requires us to consider any instances in the audit year where it has been necessary for the Council to apply its formal tendering procedures. During 2020-21, the only contract where formal tendering was required was for the installation of solar panels at the Eatons Centre. However, this contract had not been awarded by the year-end and we will consider the process followed at next year s first interim audit.

We confirmed that VAT Returns continue to be submitted quarterly in electronic format, as required by extant legislation, with detail being reconciled to the Omega financial ledger. We reviewed the detail of the reclaims submitted for the year, with no issues arising.

As part of our 2020-21 audit, the F&G Committee had asked for three additional areas to be considered within the scope of our expenditure testing. These matters and our response are set out below:

Area for consideration Audit response Legal contracts and procurement As noted above, where formal tendering is required (i.e., processes are there any checks contracts over £25,000) we do check to confirm that the with respect to how procurement tendering procedures have been followed. At present, we do is being done and the signing of not routinely examine the detailed procurement contracts? arrangements for contracts entered into below the tender threshold, but will consider these, on a sample basis, going forward.

St Neots Town Council: 2020-21 (Final Update) 10th June 2021 Auditing Solutions Ltd 5 Authorisation to place an order This is covered by our current audit approach. At the start of and payments against the detail this section, we refer to the need to ensure that resources are in the financial regulations. These include the expenditure authorisation procedures set out in the Financial Regulations and in the owchart.

Monitoring of payments for As noted above, our sample testing picks up all individual compound transactions in non-pay expenditure items above £4,000, whilst all other relation to sample selection payments have the possibility of being picked up by the random sample. We would not propose to change our sampling approach. However, we note the point regarding compound transactions and would consider the inclusion of additional testing should any specific concerns be drawn to our attention.

In our second interim report, we recommended that, as a further enhancement to the controls over expenditure, consideration should be given to the introduction of a register of the contracts that the Council has entered into, including details of the contract period and end date. This could be reported to the F&G Committee on an annual basis, to provide Members with details of the From our discussions with the RFO, we have confirmed that she will complete this exercise by 30th September 2021 and we will review progress as part of our first interim audit for 2021-22.

Conclusion

There are no matters arising that require a formal comment or recommendation.

Assessment and management of Risk

Our objective is to confirm that the Council has put in place appropriate arrangements to identify all potential areas of risk of both a financial and health and safety nature, whilst also ensuring that appropriate arrangements exist to monitor and manage those risks in order to minimise the opportunity for their coming to fruition.

There is a requirement for the Council to formally review and approve its risk management arrangements during each financial year. The Council s Risk Assessment was updated by the RFO early in 2020 and reviewed by the F&G Committee at its meeting on 10th March 2020. It was subsequently approved by the Full Council at its meeting on 13th May 2020. At the final audit, we confirmed that the Risk Assessment was reconsidered by the F&G Committee on 13th April 2021 and approved by the Full Council at its meeting in 27th April 2021.

In April 2020, the Council entered into a new a three-year agreement with Zurich Municipal for its insurance cover, which now runs until March 2023. We examined the policy schedule for 2020-21 and confirmed that this includes E Liability of £10m, Public Liability of £15m and Fidelity Guarantee of £2m. This level of cover appears adequate and level of annual Precept.

St Neots Town Council: 2020-21 (Final Update) 10th June 2021 Auditing Solutions Ltd 6 As in previous years, a range of health and safety reviews/inspections have been undertaken throughout 2020-21. These included the annual fire risk assessment for the Priory Centre (the Eatons Centre and Council Offices were not inspected in 2020-21 as they have been closed) and annual RoSPA reviews of the Council s play areas by PlaySafety Ltd.

We reviewed the reports issued following the inspections in April 2020 and noted that there were no high-risk recommendations. In December 2020, the Operations Manager provided the Operations and Amenities Committee with a schedule detailing the issues raised across the various play areas and the action that had been taken to address them.

Conclusion

There are no matters arising that require a formal comment or recommendation.

Budget Setting, Budgetary Control and Reserves

Our objective here is to confirm that the Council has robust processes in place for identifying and approving its future budgetary requirements and the level of Precept to be drawn down from Huntingdonshire District Council, and also that effective reporting and monitoring processes are in place. We also aim to confirm that the Council retains appropriate funds in general and earmarked reserves to finance its ongoing spending plans, whilst retaining appropriate sums to cover any unplanned expenditure that might arise.

At our first interim, we focused on the information provided to the Members on progress against the 2020-21 budget. We confirmed that the F&G Committee continues to receive reports on progress against the current year budget on a quarterly basis and also receives a regular update on the overall financial position and the use of funding received through the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).

In the course of our second interim, we reviewed the approach taken by the Council to setting its budget and Precept for 2021-22. We confirmed that the budget process involved detailed consideration by the various committees, in particular F&G, before the Precept was formally approved by the full Council at its meeting on 15th December 2020. The Precept was set at £1,807,579 (£1,806,000 in 2020-21), which is, in effect, a nil increase for Band D properties. We are satisfied that Members were provided with an appropriate level of information on which to base the budget decision, with comprehensive supporting documentation included in the budget pack produced by the RFO.

During the year, consideration has been given to the overall reserve requirements, with a Reserves Policy considered by the F&G Committee on 13th October 2020 and subsequently approved by the Council. The Policy confirms that Earmarked Reser n line with anticipated requirements, and that General Reserves equivalent to three months of the annual Precept will be retained.

As at 31st March 2021, the Council s overall reserves amounted to 1,562,407, compared to £740,537 at the previous year end. This difference was due, principally, to lower than anticipated expenditure on administrative and operational staff costs, resulting from a significant reduction in the employer s contribution rate to the Pension Scheme, and to the receipt of approximately £380,000 of developers contributions under the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).

Of the total reserves, £407,550 is retained as earmarked reserves (compared to £221,009 at the previous year end), with a further £484,749 (£134,384) of accumulated CIL receipts. The

St Neots Town Council: 2020-21 (Final Update) 10th June 2021 Auditing Solutions Ltd 7 remaining balance of £670,108 (£385,145) is held as a General Reserve. This equates to approximately 37% of the 2021-22 Precept. Whilst this is above the minimum level set out in the budget, it does not appear unreasonable.

Conclusion

There are no matters arising that require a formal comment or recommendation.

Income

In addition to its Precept and contributions from developers - through CIL - the Council receives income from a variety of sources. These include hall hire (Priory Centre and Eatons Centre), allotment rents and cemetery charges. The income from hall hire was significantly reduced in 2020-21. The Eatons Centre has been closed throughout the year due a requirement for major repairs to be carried out and the Priory Centre has only been available for hire for part of the year, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Our objective is to confirm that robust procedures are in place to ensure that all income due to the Council is identified and invoiced (where appropriate), with recovery effected within a reasonable time span. In the course of our interim audits, we have confirmed the following:

Review of fees and charges: We confirmed that the fees and charges for 2020-21 were considered at the F&G Committee meeting on 12th November 2019 and subsequently approved by the full Council. The only increase to the rates charged in 2019-20 were for allotment rents, where it was agreed these should be increased by £2.00 per full plot and £1.00 per half plot. The fees and charges for 2021-22 were considered by the F&G Committee at its meeting on 17th November 2020 and subsequently approved by the Council as part of the budget-setting process.

Cemeteries: We reviewed the interment applications and other cemetery related charges for two sample months (June and July 2020) and confirmed that the invoices subsequently raised were in order. There were no matters arising from our review.

Priory Centre Hall hire: We reviewed the booking diary for one sample week (w/e 30th September), confirming that invoices were raised for all of the bookings, at the agreed rates, and that were paid on a timely basis.

Allotments: The invoices for the 2020-21 rents were sent out at the start of October 2020. Due to a problem with the software reporting, we were not able to undertake the audit review planned for the year. The software problem was resolved after the year-end and we will undertake a review of allotment income in the course of our 1st interim audit for 2021-22. From our discussions with the RFO, we have confirmed that several rental payments relating to 2020-21 were still outstanding at 31st March 2021, but that these have all been actively chased, with reminder invoices sent in the new year.

Outstanding debtors: We reviewed the aged debtor position during the year and at 31st March 2021, confirming that effective control arrangements remain in place, with appropriate action being taken in relation to outstanding payments. At the end of January 2021 (reviewed at our second interim), the debtor position had been distorted by a delay in the receipt of two significant payments, one being a grant of £19,000 from the CPCA for street furniture and the other being a payment of £37,000 due from the District Council for the Priory Centre contribution. We subsequently confirmed that both were received by the year end, at which time there were no other significant issues.

St Neots Town Council: 2020-21 (Final Update) 10th June 2021 Auditing Solutions Ltd 8 Conclusion

There are no matters arising that require a formal comment or recommendation.

Petty Cash

We are required, wh ual Internal Audit Rep in the AGAR, to confirm that there are effective controls over any petty cash accounts operated by the Council. To meet that objective, we confirm that: Any petty cash accounts in operation are managed effectively and that all expenses incurred are appropriately supported by a trade invoice or relevant till receipt; Only low value expenditure is incurred from any petty cash account(s) in use; VAT is identified and coded accordingly to the VAT control account for periodic recovery from HMRC; and The physical cash held is periodically reconciled to the supporting records.

Two separate petty cash accounts are operated, one for the Council and one for the Priory Centre. During the course of our first interim audit, we reviewed the Priory Centre petty cash account for September 2020 and confirmed that this agreed to the underlying accounting records and had been independently reviewed.

Due to the very limited use of petty cash this year, we did not undertake any further work at our second interim. At the final audit, we confirmed that the petty cash records reconciled to the Omega cash books and had been included in the total cash and bank figure in Section 2, Box 8 of the AGAR.

Conclusion

There are no matters arising to date that require a formal comment or recommendation.

Salaries and Wages

, our objective is to confirm that extant employment legislation is being adhered to, that the requirements of HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) legislation are satisfied regarding the deduction and payment over of income tax and NI contributions and that the requirements of the local government pension scheme are met.

The majority of the Cou are paid on a monthly basis, although a few staff continue to be paid weekly. The Council has outsourced preparation of the payroll to a local payroll bureau, which provides all relevant documentation.

To meet the above objective, we undertook the following work:

Confirmed that the Council reviews and approves pay scales for staff annually;

Confirmed, that appropriate signed employment contracts are held for new members of staff;

St Neots Town Council: 2020-21 (Final Update) 10th June 2021 Auditing Solutions Ltd 9 Checked the detail of staff salaries and wages paid in October 2020 (monthly) and week 25 (weekly) respectively, by reference to the RFO s schedule of staff in post and a selection (not all) of staff personnel files, agreeing the gross salaries or hourly rates paid to the individual employment contracts; Checked to ensure that tax and NI deductions have been made applying the appropriate tax code and NI Table, also ensuring that appropriate amounts are paid over to HMRC regularly each month; Checked that the appropriate employee and employer contributions to the pension scheme have been determined and paid over to the C d Administrators; Checked that the appropriate employee and employer contributions to the pension scheme have been applied in accordance with the current arrangements; Reviewed timesheets, where relevant, to confirm the accurate payment of any enhanced hours due to employees; and certified for payment by their section head; and Examined the procedures in place for the release of staff salaries and wages by the payroll contractor to individual staff.

At the final audit, we confirmed that the staff costs had been reported correctly in section 2, Line 4 of the AGAR.

Conclusion

There are no matters arising that require a formal comment or recommendation.

Asset Register / Inventory

The reporting arrangements for assets in the AGAR require councils to report the value of each asset at purchase cost or at a suitable proxy where that value is not known, and for community assets to be valued at a nominal £1. The value of individual assets should not change from one year to another, with the only changes being the inclusion of new assets purchased or removal of assets disposed of.

The Council maintains a comprehensive asset register, with asset values recorded in accordance with the above requirements, which is updated at the end of each financial year. At our final audit, we confirmed that the asset register had been updated for acquisitions and disposals in the year and that the total asset value as at 31st March 2021, £4,514,966, has been recorded in Section 2, Line 9 of the draft AGAR.

Conclusion

There are no matters arising that require a formal comment or recommendation.

Investments and Loans

Our objective is to confirm that an appropriate investment strategy is in place, that any funds not required for immediate use, whether temporarily or on a longer-term basis are invested in line with that strategy and that interest earned is brought to account correctly and appropriately in the accounting records. We also confirm that any loan repayments due to or payable by the Council are transacted in accordance with the relevant loan agreements.

St Neots Town Council: 2020-21 (Final Update) 10th June 2021 Auditing Solutions Ltd 10 During the course of our interim audits, we confirmed that:

The Investment Strategy was reviewed by the F&G Committee in March 2021, in accordance with the timetable for policy reviews, and subsequently approved by the Council on 27th April 2021;

At present, the Council does not hold any long-term accounts. As noted earlier in this report, any surplus funds that are not retained in the main Barclays Deposit Account are held in the CCLA Public Sector Deposit Fund;

The two half-yearly instalment repayments (capital and interest) on the outstanding PWLB loan recorded in the cash book and financial ledger agreed to ma notices.

The total of the PWLB loan repayments for the year (£28,167) and the outstanding balance at the year-end (£277,500) have both been reported correctly in the 2020-21 AGAR Section 2 lines 5 and 10 respectively.

Conclusion

There are no matters arising that require a formal comment or recommendation.

Statement of Accounts and AGAR

We have examined the detailed accounting statements prepared by the RFO using the Omega software a counting Statements 2020-21 required to complete and approve (Section 2 of the AGAR). We have agreed the detail to the supporting accounting records and other related documentation.

Conclusions

There are no matters arising that require any formal comment or recommendation. We look forward to receiving a copy of the finalised AGAR (Sections 1 and 2), once the document has been approved by the Council.

On the basis of the work undertaken during the course of our audit review for the year, we have completed and signed the Annual Internal Audit Report in the AGAR, assigning positive assurances in all areas of internal control.

St Neots Town Council: 2020-21 (Final Update) 10th June 2021 Auditing Solutions Ltd ATTACHMENT 4

ATTACHMENT 5 Section 2 - Accounting Statements 2020121 far

sr.NE$Ts rO,wN,Co U,N.GI iii

Year ending Notes and guidance 31 lVlarch 31 March P/ease round all figures to nearest t1. Do not leave any ?020 2021 boxes blank and repoi t0 or Nil balances. All figures must t t agree to underlying financial records. 1. Balances brought Total balances and reserves at the beginning of the year fonruard .65.S, rr 740,537 as recorded in the financial records. Value must agree to Box 7 of previous year. 2. (+) Precept or Rates and Total amount of precept (or for lDBs rates and levies) Levies r:1,;.5 2,;,5=€.9' ':l;-806,000 received or receivable in the year. Exclude any grants received. 3. (+) Total other receipts Total income ar receipts as recorded in the cashbook less ,?t:'s 6.4.,:+-;ifi the precept or ratesllevies received (line 2). lnclude any grants received. 4. (-) Staff costs Total expenditure or payments made to and an behalf of all employees. lnclude gross salaries wages, 2,;477 g'52.,ffi0 and 1 employers Nl contributions, employers pension contrib utions, gratuities and severance payments. 5. (-) Loan interesUcapital Total expenditure ar payments of capital and interest repayments made during the year on the authority's barrowings (if any). =8,8511 =$-J.67 6. (-) All other payments Total expenditure ar payments as recarded in the cash- 7,sbii#,?,;1 6'.1 s37 book /ess siaffcosfs (line 4) and loan interest/capital repayments (line 5). 7. (=) Balances carried Total balances and reserves at the end ofthe year. Alust forward 7a0.537 equal (1+2+3) - (4+5+6). =

8. Total value of cash and The sum of all current and deposit bank accounts, cash short term investments 7,*ftr 8'5 1 holdings and short term investments held as at 31 Alarch - To agree with bank reconciliation.

9. Total fixed assets plus lt :':":: The value of all the property the autttority owns it is made -, "..-, 1 - long term investments #l#60,21'5 4;51.4,9661 up of all its fixed asse/s and long term investments as at and assets ,.r irilir,riii=I 31 lrrlarch. 10. Total borrowings The outstanding capital balance as at 31 lvlarch of all loans 292,50-0- ffil from third parties (including PWLB). 11. (For Local Councils Only) Disclosure note Yes No The Council, as a body corporate, acls as sole trustee for re Trust funds (including charitable) and is responsible for managing Trust funds or assets.

''t$ N.B. The figures in the accounting sfafemenfs above do not include any Trust transactians.

I certifu that for the year ended 31 March 2021 the Accounting I confirm that these Accounting Statements were Statements in this Annual Governance and Accountability approved by this authority on this date: Return have been prepared on either a receipts and payments or income and expenditure basis following the guidance in Governance and Accountability for Smaller Authorities - a Practitioners'Guide to Proper Practices and present fairly as recorded in minute reference: the financial position of this authority. Signed by Responsible Financial Officer before being presented to the authority for approval , i.t balnked out for gdpr Signed by Chairman of the meetlng where the Accounting Statements were approved

10t06t2021 n=l '.illli"Kst"l$ti1lt ,,='1=E€ 1, Date

Annual Governancd and Accountability Return 202A21 Parl3 Page 5 of 6 Local Councils, lnternal Drainage Boards and other SmallerAuthorities* Annual Internal Audit Report 2020/21

ST NEOTS TOWN COUNCIL

www.stneots-tc.gov.uk

During the financial year ended 31 March 2021, this authority's internal auditor acting independently and on the basis of an assessment of risk, carried out a selective assessment of compliance with the relevant procedures and controls in operation and obtained appropriate evidence from the authority. The internal audit for 2020/21 has been carried out in accordance with this authority's needs and planned coverage. On the basis of the findings in the areas examined, the internal audit conclusions are summarised in this table. Set out below are the objectives of internal control and alongside are the internal audit conclusions on whether, in all significant respects, the control objectives were being achieved throughout the financial year to a standard adequate to meet the needs of this authority. Internal control objective Not I Yes I No* I covered** A. Appropriate accounting records have been properly kept throughout the financial year. rrr- B. This authority complied with its financial regulations, payments were supported by invoices, all expenditure was approved and VAT was appropriately accounted for. F I C. This authority assessed the significant risks to achieving its objectives and reviewed the adequacy of arrangements to manage these. F D. The precept or rates requirement resulted from an adequate budgetary process; progress against the budget was regularly monitored; and reserves were appropriate. F E. Expected income was fully received, based on correct prices, properly recorded and promptly '7 banked; and VATwas appropriately accounted for. F I F. Petty cash payments were properly supported by receipts, all petty cash expenditure was approved Y' ii and VATappropriately accounted for. G. Salaries to employees and allowances to members were paid in accordance with this authority's approvals, and PAYE and NI requirements were properly applied. F I H. Asset and investments registers were complete and accurate and properly maintained. I. Periodic bank account reconciliations were properly carried out during the year. rrv' r- J. Accounting statements prepared during the year were prepared on the correct accounting basis (receipts and payments or income and expenditure), agreed to the cash book, supported by an adequate audit trail from underlying records and where appropriate debtors and creditors were properly recorded. � K. If the authority certified itself as exempt from a limited assurance review in 2019/20, it met the I exemption criteria and correctly declared itself exempt. (If the authority had a limited assurance review of its 2019/20 AGAR tick "not covered'') � L. If the authority has an annual turnover not exceeding £25,000, it publishes information on a website/ II webpage up to date at the time of the internal audit in accordance with the Transparency code for smaller authorities. � M. The authority, during the previous year {2019-20) correctly provided for the period for the exercise of I I public rights as required by the Accounts and Audit Regulations (evidenced by the notice published on the website and/or authority approved minutes confirming the dates set). � N. The authority has complied with the publication requirements for 2019/20 AGAR II (see AGAR Page 1 Guidance Notes). F I I 0. (For local councils only) Trust funds (including charitable) - The council met its responsibilities as a trustee.

For any other risk areas identified by this authority adequate controls existed (list any other risk areas on separate sheets if needed).

Date(s) internal audit undertaken Name of person who carried out the internal audit 19/11/2020 12/03/2021 10/06/2021 SF Christopher for Auditing Solutions ltd

Signature of person who 10/06/2021 carried outthe internal audit blanked out for gdpr Date

*If the response is 'no' please state the implications and action being taken to address any weakness in control identified (add separate sheets if needed). **Note: If the response is 'not covered' please state when the most recent internal audit work was done in this area and when it is next planned; or, if coverage is not required, the annual internal audit report must explainwhy not (add separate sheets if needed).

Annual Governance and Accountability Return 2020/21 Part 3 Page 3 of 6 Local Councils, Internal Drainage Boards and other Smaller Authorities ATTACHMENT 6 VISION DOCUMENT (LIVE DOCUMENT)

Dennybrook Garden Village May 2021 i

1.0 Opportunities and Constraints VISION STATMENT 1.1 Opportunities and Constraints 6

2.0 Development Proposals Denybrook Garden Village presents 2.1 Concept Masterplan 10 an exciting opportunity to create 2.1 Dennybrook Garden Village & the 10 Principles 12 a vibrant, well-integrated and 2.3 Landscape-Led Masterplan 18 sustainable new settlement, formed of five new neighbourhoods, 2.4 A Place to Live 30 connected by an extensive network 2.5 Vibrant Communities 31 of green infrastructure, which draws 2.6 Space to Play 32 upon the assessed landscape, 2.7 A Memorable Place 33 ecology and heritage opportunities. 2.8 Transport 34

3.0 Planning Context 3.1 Growth Arc 42 3.2 Planning White Paper 44 3.3 Garden City Principles 45 3.4 Local Planning Context 46

2 Vision Document_LIVE DOCUMENT ST NEOTS TRAIN STATION

ST NEOTS

A428

A1 DUAL CARRIAGEWAY

TEMPSFORD A421

NEW BLACK CAT ROUNDABOUT BEDFORD RD TO CAXTON GIBBET DUAL CARRIAGEWAY

EAST COAST MAINLINE GREAT (LONDON TO EDINBURGH BARDFORD BEDFORD POTENTIAL EAST/WEST RAILWAY ALIGNMENT

POTENTIAL NEW RAILWAY STATION

Dennybrook Garden Village - May 2021 3 i

4 Vision Document_LIVE DOCUMENT i 1.0 OPPORTUNITIES & CONSTRAINTS

Dennybrook Garden Village - May 2021 5 1.1 Opportunities and Constraints Red line boundary

Existing vegetation

Contours Following an appraisal of the site context and baseline • The location, near to the A1, A421 and A428 Black study the following opportunities and constraints should Cat roundabout provide access to regional and OPPORTUNITIES be considered in developing an appropriate vision for national highways. Least constrained area (for landscape and Dennybrook Garden Village. • Access to the A1 in both directions can be gained ecology) for residential areas Strategic opportunities and constraints that will inform through Chawston via Roxton Road providing access to the national highways network and on to Areas of some ecological sensitivity, with the production of a masterplan for the site include: potential for some for some lower density Peterborough and London. development • The site is bordered by existing villages to the east • Vehicular access within the site is limited so the Landscape and west with limited open space between. Any opportunity exists to propose new and sustainable masterplan brought forward will need to carefully transport routes as part of the proposals. Public open space to buffer to existing settlement consider the relationship between these villages • The site can be accessed by car from a series of and the proposed Garden Village. existing highways. The majority of these roads are Colmworth Brook green infrastructure corridor • The setting of a number of the heritage assets will currently B Roads and unsuitable for large traffic need to be considered. In particular the spire volumes without improvement. North south green infrastructure link of the Church of St. Denys is a prominent local feature. This view will need to be considered and Historic field boundaries respected in the layout of the proposed built form. Ecology • Open agricultural land stretches to the north and the south of the site and an appropriate Key areas for habitat creation addressing 10% relationship with this rural landscape needs to BNG be considered. Appropriate consideration of the Colmworth Brook corridor landscape and visual impact of any proposed masterplan would need to be considered within Secondary watercourse corridors this context. • The proximity of the site to ongoing nationally Potential ponds to be reintroduced important infrastructure projects provides opportunity for sustainable residential and commercial development in this location. CONSTRAINTS • A new vehicular access to the south of the site Main areas for of Iron Age /Romano-British Adjacent setting to a Listed Building/ could provide opportunity for direct access to a settlement (cropmarks) Scheduled Monument potential additional station to the south of St Neots along the route of the East West Rail Line. Areas of Medieval settlements/moats Local Wildlife Sites

Listed Buildings Public Rights of Way

Scheduled Monuments

6 Vision Document_LIVE DOCUMENT A1

DULOE BROOK

ST. NEOTS B660 CHURCH END HONEYDON BROOK

COLMWORTH BROOK

WYBOSTON

BEGWARY BROOK

CHANNEL’S END

CHAWSTON

DUCK’S CROSS

COLESDON

A1 SOUTH BROOK

Figure 1.1: Opportunities and constraints plan. Dennybrook Garden Village - May 2021 7 i

8 Vision Document_LIVE DOCUMENT i 2.0 DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS

Dennybrook Garden Village - May 2021 9 2.1 Concept Masterplan

The design principles have shaped a strong Existing Public Rights of and logical concept for the new settlement: Way a Garden Community formed by a series of Sustrans Route interconnected and vibrant villages focussed on NCN 51 ‘Varsity Way’ a green heart

The new villages will have their own identity and will be centred upon a Existing road network vibrant mix of community uses and facilities. Each village will have easy access to a range of open spaces which is critical to supporting a sense of Existing water bodies & ditches health and wellbeing from outdoor exercise.

Existing woodland blocks & hedgerows

Residential blocks ‘Villages’ & ‘Village Centres’

Connected open spaces & corridors

Figure 2.1: Concept Masterplan.

10 Vision Document_LIVE DOCUMENT River & 100m+ wide ecological corridors through the heart of the villages ‘VILLAGE ‘VILLAGE CENTRE’ CENTRES’ HONEYDON COLMWORTH Colmworth Brook

COUNTRY PARK

CENTRAL GREEN SPACE WYBOSTON & ST NEOTS AREA FOR ECOLOGICAL ENHANCEMENTS COUNTRY PARK Figure 2.1: Concept Masterplan.

LINEAR PARK Villages connected via a ‘VILLAGE network of green corridors, CENTRES’ public rights of way and cycle/recreational routes

Potential primary access EMPLOYMENT points HUB SOUTH TO A421

LOWER HIGHER DENISTY DENISTY Dennybrook Garden Village - May 2021 11 2.2 Dennybrook Garden Village & the 10 Principles

The National Design Guide provides a framework of design principles that new development should consider in order to achieve the NPPF aspiration for well-designed places. The ten characteristics that contribute to good-design are: • Context • Identity • Built Form • Movement • Nature • Public Spaces • Uses • Homes and Buildings • Resources and • Life span.

How each characteristic is applied in the vision for Dennybrooks Gardne Village is explained in the following text.

Figure 2.2: 10 Characteristics of a successful place 12 Vision Document_LIVE DOCUMENT Context The proposals for Dennybrook Garden Village reflect the local cultural heritage drawing upon the historical landscape and built form to develop a locally sensitive masterplan vision. Therefore, an appreciation of the existing network of waterbodies is pivotal, with their integration within the proposed built form as a reminder of the historical land use, whilst simultaneously enhancing a distinct landscape feature. The great potential of the Garden Village vision is that of connectivity with the landscape context through a positive balance between built form and green space. The proposal merges seamlessly into the existing landscape reinforcing distinctive features and embedded relationship, such as the visual connection between St Denys Church and the River Great Ouse. Ultimately, our vision integrates all aspects of its contextual environment: heritage and history, landscape and socio-economic. Therefore, the proposal for Dennybrook Garden Village shall respond to the Borough objective set out within the Bedford Borough Local Plan 2030 by providing a multifunctional environment for an inclusive community.

Photograph 1: Key heritage assets. Photograph 2: Historical landscape pattern. Dennybrook Garden Village - May 2021 13 Identity Dennybrook Garden Village - A diverse and dynamic • Village 3 - Coxfield: The Coxfield village is new place. envisaged as an established rural hub. With a ‘grown up’ village typology it will have its own The Dennybrook masterplan has been developed village centre providing village amenities and a around Garden Village principles which have been strong community feel. combined with the existing site characteristics to create a series of villages. The villages each have their • Village 4 - Upper Honeydon: The Upper Honeydon village is proposed as a rural village character, own identity, this allows the development to provide a lower density with a self contained feeling. It is diverse offering to suit people from all walks of life. separated from Coxfield by the Honeydon Brook Linear Park along the settlement’s main greenway. • Village 1 - Sudbury: Sudbury is the most south westerly developement of Dennybrook Garden • Village 5 - Heddings: The Heddings village is Village. Located between Colmworth Brook to the located between the proposed country park to north and Begwary Brook to the south. Towards the the east and the large central area of open space southern and western fringes the building density to the west. The village will contain some of the will reduce and will have a more rural edge feel. highest densities in the new Garden Village and Village 1 - Sudbury Densities across the neighborhood will vary as will become an important focal point with a new appropriate for it’s location within the Garden employment hub located in the south. Villages hierarchy. • The Employment Hub: Central to the appeal of Village 2 - Mill End • Village 2 - Mill End: Mill End is inspired by the ‘Ends’ Dennybrook Garden Village is the potential for a that are highlighted within the Local Landscape new science and technology hub to capitalise on Character Assessment area of Thurleigh. The the new nationally important infrastructure projects village is linear and extends along a stretch of the that will drive the Oxford - Cambridge Arc. The Village 3 - Coxfield shallow valley formed by Colmworth Brook. An proposed strategic employment area at the south irregular street pattern will reference the historic of Dennybrook Garden Village will have direct landscape patterns of the site and work with the access to the strategically important new and otherwise linear nature of this village to create improved infrastructure corridors to the south. Village 4 - Upper Honeydon an interesting relationships with the linear green spaces to the north and south.

Village 5 - Heddings

The Employment Hub

Figure 5.4: Dennybrook Garden Village plan. 14 Vision Document_LIVE DOCUMENT 4

3 5 2

Figure 5.4: Dennybrook Garden Village plan. Dennybrook Garden Village - May 2021 15 Delivery and Phasing A key objective of this Vision Document is to enable the delivery of a key development site within the Bedford Borough Local Plan. In order to achieve this objective, high level phasing has been considered at this early stage to demonstrate how the proposals for the site are deliverable and achievable. The Phasing Plans opposite, have been prepared to illustrate a high level approach to how the site will be delivered, demonstrating how the five villages, community facilities, green and blue infrastructure, and employment opportunities, along with access and AREA FOR ECOLOGICAL other infrastructure, could be bought forward. ENHANCEMENTS It is important to note that a strategic new settlement 5 of this size will be delivered over a number of years and, therefore, the following high level phasing strategy will need to be reviewed and updated in 1 the future as a consequence of any unforeseen circumstance. Any changes to the strategy would be agreed by Bedfordshire Borough Council. Ecological Enhancement Phasing The western part of the site is to be left free from Phase 1 development and used for ecological enhancements. There is the opportunity to deliver enhancements at • Aprx. 100ha of housing land including highways infrastructure. all stages of the phasing. Phase 1, Phase 2 and Phase • Aprx. 3,500 dwellings @ 35dph 3 could provide a third of the enhancements each, to • Village 1 - Sudbury and the village centre and half the houses associated with ensure the development is creating, enhancing and Village 5 - Heddings managing habitats at all stages of the implementation. • Aprx. 10ha Employment land The following bullet points provide an initial indication of the land uses, which could be provided in each • The southern third of the Country Park through the heart of the development. phase. Other green and blue infrastructure and public open space across the development. • Ecological enhancements in the west. • Access from the east, providing the principle approach into the development.

16 Vision Document_LIVE DOCUMENT 4 5 3 AREA FOR AREA FOR PHASE 2 ECOLOGICAL ECOLOGICAL ENHANCEMENTS 2 ENHANCEMENTS

PHASE 1 PHASE 1

Phase 2 Phase 3 • Aprx. 105ha of housing land including highways infrastructure. • Aprx. 103ha of housing land including highways infrastructure. • Aprx. 3,700 dwellings @ 35dph • Aprx. 3,600 dwellings @ 35dph • Village 2 - Mill End and the remained of Village 5 - Heddings • Village 3 - Coxfield and Village 4 - Upper Honeydon • The central part of the Country Park through the heart of the development. • The remaining northern part of the Country Park through the heart of the Other green and blue infrastructure and public open space across the development. Other green and blue infrastructure and public open space development. across the development. • Ecological enhancements in the west. • Ecological enhancements in the west. • Potential access point in the north.

Dennybrook Garden Village - May 2021 17 2.3 Landscape-led Masterplan

Dennybrook Garden Village is based upon the principles of overlapping landscapes of different function and character. These will combine to create a cohesive and multi-functional landscape delivering a wide range of biodiversity, landscape and recreational benefits.

G R E E N I N F R A S T R U C T U R E A S S E T S

Structural Landscaping Structural landscapes include trees, hedges, copses and woodland. New and existing structural landscaping will bring character to the Garden Village, soften built form and improve biodiversity. Areas of wildflower grassland will help Structural Structural

to mitigate impacts on farmland birds. Landscaping

Tree belts and Biodiversity Woodland and copses Wildflower Grassland Tree-lined streets hedgerows Blue Infrastructure Existing watercourses, such as Colmworth Brook, will be retained and enhanced to maximise their ecological

potential. A range of SuDS features will manage flood risk, Blue whilst maximising their landscape and biodiversity potential. Infrastructure

Watercourses and Ponds and basins Swales Infiltration Space to Grow wet meadows A range of open spaces within the Garden Village will be dedicated to the growing of local produce. Agroforestry will provide the new residents an opportunity to grow trees and agricultural/horticultural crops on the same piece of land, Grow whilst new community gardens will form an integral part of Space to local open spaces. Agroforestry Orchards Allotments Community Gardens Recreation and Play Dennybrook will provide a rich variety of interconnected

open spaces, including a new country park, village greens G R E N I F A S T U C O

and pocket parks. These spaces will contain walking and Recreation and Play cycling routes, sports pitches and children’s play spaces. Recreation

Country Park Central Park Village Greens and Pocket Parks Sports Pitches

Strategic Local

18 Vision Document_LIVE DOCUMENT A wildflower corridor will be created through the heart Existing woodland will be of the central green space Country parks will provide strengthened and enhanced utilising the easement of the green separation from the Wildlife and habitat corridors by areas of new woodland gas mains pipe. villages within Dennybrook will enhance the existing planting, and agroforestry, and the settlements of blue infrastructure network Wyboston and St Neots to across the Site. the east.

The high point of the Site will create an opportunity of a vast area for ecological habitat enhancement, which Colmworth will connect to the villages COLMWORTH Brook via green wildlife corridors.

COUNTRY PARK

Area for ecological enhancements CENTRAL GREEN SPACE Wildlife & ecological corridors AREA FOR ECOLOGICAL COUNTRY ENHANCEMENTS PARK Central connected open space WYBOSTON & ST NEOTS

Country/linear parks

Potential boundary woodland blocks and open space Villages centres would LINEAR include greens to PARK accommodate play Existing rivers & ditches areas, sports pitches and recreational routes connecting the green A green gateway could be Existing woodland blocks & infrastructure offering to the created at the main vehicular A linear park could create a hedgerows residential areas and other access area. This will create green link from Dennybrook villages. sense of a landscape-led SOUTH TO A421 to Wyboston and St Neots tot development from the outset he east Village greens & sports pitches and arrival into Dennybrook.

Dennybrook Garden Village - May 2021 19 Landscape-led Masterplan: Plentiful Open Space

“A Green Heart” Multi-functional open space located at the heart of Dennybrook Garden Village.

“Space to Grow” A range of food growing opportunities.

20 Vision Document_LIVE DOCUMENT “Accessible Green Space” A range of green spaces within easy reach of every homes.

“Valuing Existing Landscape” Using existing landscape features to shape the form of Dennybrook Garden Village.

Dennybrook Garden Village - May 2021 21 “A Green Heart”

One of the defining features of nearby Bedford and St Neots is how multi-functional green space runs through the heart of the settlements. Dennybrook Garden Village will draw inspiration from both towns to be centred upon a “green heart” catering for a range of activities to promote healthy lifestyles and a strong sense of wellbeing.

Children’s Pedestrian and play areas cycle paths

Cricket Pitch

The multi-functional characteristics of the “green heart” Football Pitches will provide an attractive, bustling focal point providing abundant space for sports, children’s play, food production, together with more informal activities such as walking and cycling. Dwellings to provide overlooking and Significant areas of amenity grassland will be provided attractive aspects along to encourage passive recreation. Areas of species rich the open spaces. wildflower meadow will also be created to provide seasonal interest and to increase species diversity and Allotments form an habitat cover. New and existing landscaping will be integral part of the open space. carefully incorporated to provide a legible framework to the green heart, while maximising ecological benefits.

22 Vision Document_LIVE DOCUMENT Dennybrook Garden Village - May 2021 23 “Space to Grow”

Food growing opportunities will be a key part of Dennybrook’s green infrastructure. Areas for agroforestry, allotments, orchards and community gardens will be weaved into the areas open space to provide residents an abundance of ways to grow and harvest local produce.

Orchards to provide Nearby homes provide Areas for agroforesty places to grow fruit in an overlooking of the for the growing of both environmentally sensitive allotments trees and crops manner

Allotments

LOCATION

One of the most exciting aspects of Dennybrook is the opportunity to provide agroforestry as an integral part of its green infrastructure. Agroforestry is the growing of both trees and crops on the same piece of land. It inherently creates a diversity of plant and trees species, providing important wildlife habitat and harbouring birds and beneficial insects which feed on crop pests. Smaller-scale The decomposition of tree litter can substantially community gardens contribute to the maintenance of soil fertility. located close to the Existing managed field residential areas hedgerows will be Elsewhere within Dennybrook, allotments, orchards and supplemented with new community gardens will provide further opportunities for landscaping to improve species diversity and residents to grow and harvest local produce. maximise wildlife value

24 Vision Document_LIVE DOCUMENT Dennybrook Garden Village - May 2021 25 “Accessible Green Space”

The design of Dennybrook will maximise accessibility to green space for its residents. Every home will be within walking distance of space for children’s play, nature and sport.

Open space corridors maintain wildlife connectivity through Dennybrook

Safe and direct pedestrian and cycle paths provide connections to the larger areas of open space

The principle of creating accessible green space will be achieved by creating a connected network of green infrastructure. This connected network of green space will define the overall structure of Dennybrook Smaller-scale green corridors connecting whereby a series of smaller-scale open space to larger areas of open corridors will provide direct, traffic-free connections space to larger areas of open space. The connected green spaces will be a focus for safe pedestrian and cycle movement between Dennybrook’s new homes and its employment, community and retails uses.

The connected green infrastructure will provide wildlife corridors between different habitats and reduce isolation of populations.

26 Vision Document_LIVE DOCUMENT Dennybrook Garden Village - May 2021 27 “Valuing Existing Landscape”

Dennybrook will use the intrinsic landscape positively in its design. The existing hedgerows, trees and woodland will help shape the open spaces and will provide an instant sense of maturity. Green corridors will be centred upon the existing watercourses, such as Colmworth Brook and Begwary Brook, where riparian improvements will deliver meaningful biodiversity improvements.

Green corridor Riparian improvements centred upon existing to benefit habitat for watercourse Restoration and creation New wet woodland Depressed River Mussels of ponds will provide through creation of new and European Otter habitat for Great Crested woodland along riparian Newts corridors

Valuing the existing landscape and context will help to create a cohesive open space structure within which open space quantity and quality standards can be met while making a positive contribution to the sense of place, both at a local level and a settlement- wide level. A good example of this is the opportunity to create visual links to the spire of the church at Colmworth to create view corridors in which open space uses and new landscaping can be located.

The incorporation of the existing watercourses within Children’s play areas to form an integral part of the Opportunity for lowland green corridors presents a wide range of opportunities Routes for walking and green infrastructure cycling meadows through creation to contribute to the aims of the Bedfordshire and Luton and restoration of species Biodiversity Action Plan (BAPs) by improving riprarian rich grassland habitat for Depressed River Mussels and European Otters.

28 Vision Document_LIVE DOCUMENT Dennybrook Garden Village - May 2021 29 2.4 A Place to Live

A range of homes to meet local community needs

Dennybrook will deliver a mix of housing types and tenures that suit the needs of the local community. This will include homes for first time buyers, family homes, homes for people wishing to downsize and homes for supported living.

The new settlement will maximise the opportunities offered by supported accommodation, placing these homes within the villages centres next to lively and vibrant uses such as shops, community facilities and pre-schools. This approach will provide social, physical and mental health benefits for older generations who will feel an integral part of the wider community.

The COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced the importance of private outdoor space. Recognising the importance for people’s mental health and wellbeing, every new home, including apartments and maisonettes, will have access to private outdoor space. For apartments and maisonettes such space could take the form of semi-private garden spaces, balconies and terraces for homes above ground floor.

30 Vision Document_LIVE DOCUMENT 2.5 Vibrant Communities

Easy access to social, leisure, work and recreational opportunities

Dennybrook will be supported by a vibrant mix of community facilities, such as shops, schools, workplaces, health facilities, parks, play spaces, cafés and other meeting places that respond to local community needs.

To support this key design principle, each community will be centred upon the provision of local shops, schools and workspaces to ensure they are within walking and cycling distance of the new homes. The easternmost village will provide Dennybrook’s principal centre and include a supermarket, co-working office space and a mobility hub. The mobility hub will facilitate a range of sustainable transport choices, including electric vehicle charge points, e-bikes, car clubs, community concierge parcel last mile delivery, together with being a focus for public transport.

The traditional approach of ‘living above the shop’ will be embraced at Dennybrook Garden Village. Homes will be located above shops and other community uses to ensure centres remain lively into the evening with a true mix of uses.

Given Dennybrook’s location in the heart of the Oxford-Cambridge Arc, the new settlement presents an exciting opportunity to include a new technology park catering for research and development, high- technology and scientific institutions and companies. Strong physical connections to the new East West Rail will maximise its sustainability credentials and ensure it has a strong synergy with the globally renowned universities and science and technology ecosystems within both Cambridge and Oxford.

Dennybrook Garden Village - May 2021 31 2.6 Space to Play

A wide range of recreational activities for all ages

Dennybrook’s green spaces will be designed to incorporate a range of recreational uses and activities. Drawing inspiration from RIverside Park in St Neots and Bedford Park, the new settlement’s larger open spaces will include children’s play areas, formal sports pitches, safe routes for walking and cycling and space for community events such as concerts and fêtes.

These green spaces will not be designed in isolation. Rather, careful consideration will be given to how the residents will use the spaces in their day-to-day lives. For example, ‘play on the way’ will make car-free trips more fun for children by locating play areas on key routes to primary schools, making children want to walk and cycle school.

Dennybrook’s quieter streets will designed as ‘healthy streets’. These healthy streets will improve people’s physical and mental health by encouraging walking, cycling, outdoor play and streets where it is safe for young children to cycle or scoot to school. This will create opportunities for social interaction and street life, bringing wider social benefits.

Dennybrook will also provide a new sports centre. which will include a large gym, space for group fitness classes, a sports hall and outdoor all-weather pitches.

32 Vision Document_LIVE DOCUMENT 2.7 A Memorable Place

A place with a locally inspired character

Dennybrook will draw upon the best aspects of local area for sources of inspiration. These local characteristics are more than simply archiectural style and details. For example, one of the defining characteristics of Bedford are its tree-lined streets, such as Rothsay Garden, De Parys Avenue and Park Avenue. Dennybrook’s principal streets will draw upon the tree-lined nature of these streets and the formal built character of the distinctive Victorian villas which overlook them.

A local materials palette will be used to connect the Garden Village with its context. For example, a predominance of gault and buff brick shades in the eastern villages will relate to strongly to the traditional characteristics of St Neots, whilst a greater use of red brick shades to the west will be more relfective of one of Bedford’s defining architectural characteristics.

However, this does not mean that Dennybrook’s will mimic traditional architectural detailing. Rather, it will reflect traditional characteristics in a contemporary manner recognising that the Garden Village is a 21st Century settlement.

Dennybrook’s character will also be defined through the social life of its public spaces. A permeable network of streets and traffic-free routes, multi-functional green spaces and easy to reach community facilities will create the physical conditions for activity to happen and bring the new settlement to life.

Dennybrook Garden Village - May 2021 33 2.8 Transport

Access Strategy Highways England (HE) is proposing to implement a new section of dual carriageway between the A1 / A421 (Black Cat) junction and the A428 / A1198 (Caxton Gibbet) junction as part of its nationwide road investment strategy programme (RIS). The new dual carriageway is proposed to open to traffic in 2025/26 and as part of those proposals, includes a series of local improvements to facilitate and delivery the objectives of the investment strategy proposals.

A new grade-separated interchange will be constructed at the Black Cat junction delivering free-flow traffic movements from the existing A421 to the new dual carriageway A428 and free-flow traffic movements north to south and vice versa along the A1. To support these proposals, the existing junction of the A1 and The Lane and the A1 and Chawston Road will be closed to all traffic movements.

To provide access to the existing Wyboston community to the west of the A1, new highway infrastructure is proposed in the form of a new section of local road that will link Roxton Road with Chawston Lane and The Lane, following a gently curved alignment to the west of the north to south alignment of the A1. The new highway infrastructure will include the provision of adjacent high quality pedestrian footways and cycle tracks, delivering connectivity by active travel modes.

A new roundabout junction will be developed on Roxton Road to form a junction with the new local road infrastructure.

The local road infrastructure proposals are shown opposite.

34 Vision Document_LIVE DOCUMENT St Neots Station B1428 A428

A428

B1428

A428

2 4 3 New Rail Station Potential Railway Alignment 7 A421 5 6 1

Potential Railway Alignment

TRANSPORTPLAN: INTERGRATION 1 OPPORTUNITIES KEY A421 A1 Bedford Rd 1 - Upgraded Black Cat Roundabout

2 - New Black Cat Roundabout to Caxton Gibbet Dual Carriageway

via Peterborough East Coast Mainline 3 - New local link road with Roundabout on Roxton Road

London King’s Cross to Edinborough A4280 4 - New service road to access Great North Road / PFS & neighbouring properties A4280 5 - New Station - St Neots / Sandy area

6 - Potential East / West Rail Line Alignment

A421 7 - Cycle Link to New Station

A603

Sandy Station

A603 A1 Rail Intergration Opportunities

Dennybrook Garden Village - May 2021 35 Vehicle Access The proposed infrastructure will facilitate vehicle connections to the redeveloped ‘Black Cat’ junction via the new Roxton Road roundabout and Barford Road enabling access to the local strategic highway network. It is considered that the new infrastructure, coupled with local highway measures will facilitate the early delivery of housing. Access to and from the development can be gained to the north along routes such as Bushmead Road and to the west along routes such as Colesden Road, this latter route providing for journeys in towards the western fringe of Bedford.

As development increases in scale local highway improvements will help to ensure that there is suitable highway capacity to accommodate the development, subject to suitable analysis.

Overtime, there may be opportunities to provide a direct, development access to the A421.

36 Vision Document_LIVE DOCUMENT            









      

  



 

     

 

                  Dennybrook Garden Village - May 2021 37 Accessibility Development at Dennybrook has a unique opportunity to link with the emerging transport proposals being development as part of the East /West Rail initiative. The corridor for the rail line runs in vbery close proximity to the development area and through the extensive network of public footpaths and Bridleways, active travel routes will be promoted to parallel footways and cycle ways adjacent to the rail corridor.

A new rail station to the south of St Neots will provide for east-west and north-south journeys deliverying a valuable connection to Cambridge and Bedford for existing residents of amongst other settlements, Wyboston and St Neots, but most specifically provide for multiple destinations for new residents. Such connections provide a genuine opportunity to promote a highly sustainable settlement, where trips not only begin, but where they might also end.

The existing public rights of way (PRoW) network is extensive and through local enhancement can facilitate journeys into the established employment areas at Eaton Socon to the east and the fringes of Bedford to the west, along the St Neots Road. The rights of way network will be integrated fully within the development forming part of the green and blue infrastructure plan for the area.

The existing highway network is suitable to accommodate the provision of new or enhanced bus services that can provide a regular, high quality service between St Neots and Bedford. Circular services linking the development to the shopping areas of St Neots the existing East Coast Main Line rail station,health and fitness facilities and the principle employment areas of Eaton Socon and St Neots are readily achievable. As the development matures, a town centre would include a high quality interchange which would be accessible on foot, by bicycle and might include remote working business hub type facilities to reduce the demand for travel.

38 Vision Document_LIVE DOCUMENT             

  

                        

              

 



 







                

  

 

                                    Dennybrook Garden Village - May 2021 39 i

40 Vision Document_LIVE DOCUMENT i 3.0 PLANNING CONTEXT

Dennybrook Garden Village - May 2021 41 3.1 Growth Arc

Figure 3.1: Alignment of the East-West Rail (EWR) Route, including strategic connections.

The Oxford-Cambridge Arc Research and Spatial transport capabilities across the arc. Figure 13. shows 2019). These elements need to be delivered in tandem Strategy, identifies the Growth Arc, located along the potential alignment of EWR is immediately to the alongside a commitment to embed natural capital the Cambridge, Milton Keynes, Oxford Corridor as south of Dennybrook Garden Village, with proximity and green infrastructure opportunities to realise the full a vital driver for the economic performance of the also to the proposed St Neot’s/Sandy area station potential of the corridor. UK, combining leading international universities which will connect with London Kings Cross and and science and technology companies where Edinburgh. Dennybrook Garden Village offers the opportunity opportunities abound. to aid in delivering this aspiration, with a strong local The improved strategic transport connections go hand landscape context which offers the opportunity Central to delivering on the opportunities of the Arc is in hand with increased housing delivery, with MHCLG to deliver meaningful natural capital and green East-West Rail (EWR). This sustainable transport link will establishing an aim to deliver one million new homes infrastructure benefits along side a sustainably sited, create quicker, easier east west access and improve across the arc by 2050 (The Oxford-Cambridge Arc, mixed use community.

42 Vision Document_LIVE DOCUMENT Five different Route Alignments, and six different A1 new station locations

Waterbeach A14 St Neots South Option A St Neots station (new) Cambourne North station (new)

Cambridge North St Neots South A428 Option B station (new)

Cambridge station A6 Cambourne South station (new) Cambridge South (proposed) Tempsford Option A421 A station (new) Tempsford Option B A603 station (new) Bedford station A1198 Shelford Bedford St Johns Sandy Shepreth Foxton Kempston Hardwick

Stewartby

Millbrook

Lidlington

Legend Route Alignment 1 - Route Alignment 6 Route Alignment 9 - Emerging preference St Neots South Option B Emerging preference St Neots South Option station to Cambourne Tempsford Option A A station to Cambourne South station station to Cambourne North station North station

Route Alignment 2 Route Alignment 8 Other area of Proposed A428 St Neots South Option Tempsford Option B East West Rail Alignment A station to Cambourne station to Cambourne South station South station

National Rail Station that may be Figure 3.2: Plan illustrating the five shortlisted routes for the alignment Station used by used by East West of the East West Rail. station East West Rail services Rail services

Dennybrook Garden Village - May 2021 43 3.2 Planning White Paper

‘Planning for the Future,’ a planning white paper was To achieve this, the paper proposes frameworks It is expected that these are fed into a local code, released by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and for quality, which set out the expectations for to ensure that these basics can be translated into Local Government in August 2020. The scope of this development which reflect local character and local examples to guide the expectations of good consultation set out a package of proposals for reform community preferences, whilst still ensuring they are design locally. In the absence of locally adopted of the planing system in England, seeking to ‘modernise fit for modern lifestyles and environmental standards. design guides, the National Design Guide sets out the planning process, improve outcomes on design To achieve this, a National Model Design Code is ten characteristics of a well designed place (please and sustainability, reform developer contributions and forthcoming, supplementing the National Design Guide refer to Figure 14. These principles are set out under ensure more land is available for development where it and revised Manual for Streets, setting out detailed three over arching themes of Climate, Character and is needed.’ parameters for development in different types of Community, and include: locations, and addressing issues vital to the success of The white paper set out a variety of proposals to forthcoming schemes. • Context address this overarching aim, which were set out within • Identity three pillars: • Built Form • Pillar One - Planning for Development; • Movement • Pillar Two - Planning for Beautiful and Sustainable Places; and • Nature • Pillar Three - Planning for Infrastructure and • Public Spaces Connected Places. • Uses As a document which will explore the emerging design • Homes and Buildings for Dennybrook Garden Village, this document will focus on the findings of Pillar Two, to ensure the ways in • Resources and which the proposed settlement can support the likely • Life span. concerns of the emerging planning agenda. These ten characteristics will be utilised in Section 5 to Pillar Two recognises that planning is ‘a powerful tool communicate the strengths and likely benefits of the for creating visions of how places can be, engaging Dennybrook Garden Village. communities in that process and fostering high quality development: not just beautiful buildings, but the gardens, parks and other green spaces in between, as well as the facilities which are essential for building a real sense of community.’

Figure 3.3: 10 Characteristics of a successful place 44 Vision Document_LIVE DOCUMENT 3.3 Garden City Principles

‘The Garden Cities movement was founded by Ebenezer Howard at the turn of the 20th Century to address the need for an expanding urban population whilst safeguarding the quality of the environment in which people live.

The Garden City Principles have found new life in recent years as the British Government has given its support to the delivery of Garden Villages in 2016, Garden Towns in 2017 and Garden Communities in 2018.

The Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA) describes a garden city as: ‘holistically planned new settlement which enhances the natural environment and offers high-quality affordable housing and locally accessible work in beautiful, healthy and sociable communities. The Garden City Principles are an indivisible and interlocking framework for their delivery, and include:

• Strong vision, leadership and community Photograph 3: Aerial photograph of Parkway in Welwyn Garden City. engagement.

• Community ownership of land and long-term gardens, combining the best of town and country • Strong cultural, recreational and shopping facilities in stewardship of assets. to create healthy communities, and including walkable, vibrant, sociable neighbourhoods. opportunities to grow food. • Mixed-tenure homes and housing types that are • Integrated and accessible transport systems, with genuinely affordable. • Development that enhances the natural walking, cycling and public transport designed to be • A wide range of local jobs in the Garden City within environment, providing a comprehensive green the most attractive forms of local transport. easy commuting distance of homes. infrastructure network and net biodiversity gains, and that uses zero-carbon and energy-positive • Beautifully and imaginatively designed homes with technology to ensure climate resilience.

Dennybrook Garden Village - May 2021 45 3.4 Local Planning Context

A review is currently being undertaken by Bedford projected scheme, delivering 7,500 to 10,000 homes Borough Council of it’s Local Plan 2030, adopted in would allow for a concentrated investment in transport January 2020. In accordance with Policy 1 of the Local infrastructure alongside a significant employment Plan 2030, Bedford Borough is reviewing the plan to opportunity. address the change in projected housing requirement for the authority following changes to the way housing Key to the proposal will be consideration of the Garden need is assessed as prescribed in the National Planning Village principles and the expectation set out in the Policy Framework (NPPF) 2019. NPPF that large numbers of homes, such as that which Bedford Borough Council will need to deliver through The revised NPPF was published shortly before the the Local Plan review, can be best achieved through Bedford Borough Local Plan 2030 and so the plan is set large scale development. For information on Garden in the context of the NPPF 2012. Village (CITY) Principles, please refer to section 3.3 earlier in this document. Land at Wyboston was one of four areas considered for a new garden village through the preparation of As well as building new homes, garden communities the now adopted Local Plan 2030. Previously, the site develop: has been promoted to deliver 4,000 homes. The current Extract 2: David Rudlin’s Wolfson Prize winning work on Uxcester Gar- • Job opportunities. den Citiy which inspired a resurgence of new towns in the UK. • Attractive green space and public realm areas. • Transport infrastructure, including roads, buses and Paragraph 72 of the NPPF, discusses the potential cycle routes. for large scale development and identifies the key considerations for making new settlements or large Community infrastructure, schools, community and • urban extensions sustainable. Considerations include: health centres. • A plan for long-term stewardship of community • The opportunities presented by existing or assets. planned infrastructure investment. • The scale of development and access to services and employment opportunities. • The quality of the development, including following Garden City principles.

Extract 1: The National Planning Policy Framework document 2019

46 Vision Document_LIVE DOCUMENT • Protect and enhance our natural resources including • Policy 72 - Additional Strategic employment air, soil minerals and water to minimise the impacts of development flooding, climate change and pollution. • Policy 75 - New employment development in the Policies within Bedford Borough Local Plan 2030 countryside relevant to the development proposals for land west of • Policy 91 - Access to the countryside Wyboston: Extract 3: Bedford Borough coat of arms. • Policy 92 - Flood risk • Policy 2S - Healthy Communities Looking first at the location of the site, as noted above, • Policy 93 - Sustainable drainage systems the site is in a key strategic location close to both the Policy 7S - Development in the countryside • Relevant local government and near governmental A421 and A1 where significant investment in enhanced • Policy 28S - Place Making publications and guidelines produced by or for Bedford infrastructure has either already taken place or is Borough: planned. It is also adjacent to the proposed east west • Policy 29 - Design quality and principles rail route and ideally situated to take advantage of the • Policy 30 - the impact of development - design Bedfordshire’s natural environment - its value to us all - improved connectivity that this route will offer. impacts produced by Bedford Local Nature Partnership (LNP), working with SEMLEP. Objectives in the Local Plan 2030 that can be • Policy 31 - The impact of development - access supported by development of Dennybrook Garden impacts South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership Village include: • Policy 35S - Green infrastructure (SEMLEP) Economic Plan • ‘Deliver high quality growth that will facilitate the • Policy 46S - Use of previously developed land and development of more sustainable and inclusive use of undeveloped land places...’ • Policy 51S - Climate change strategic approach Provide appropriate amounts and types of housing...’ • • Policy 53 Development layout and accessibility Support a stronger local economy delivering • • Policy 55 - Renewable energy - district heating economic growth...’ • Policy 57 - Renewable energy - general impact • Achieve a borough where everybody has access to high quality health and social care as well as • Policy 58S - Affordable housing everyday essential services and community facilities.’ • Policy 59S - Housing mix • Develop a strong and multi-functional urban and • Policy 60 Specialist housing rural green infrastructure network...’ • Policy 69S - Amount and distribution of employment • Support and create a high quality, inclusive and safe development built environment which values local landscape and settlement character...’ • Policy 70 - Key Employment sites Figure 3.4: Diagram from Bedfordshire’s natural environment - its value to all of us. Dennybrook Garden Village - May 2021 47

ATTACHMENT 7

St Neots Town Council Standing Orders Adopted by Full Council On 25 June 2019

1 INTRODUCTION ...... 3 1. RULES OF DEBATE AT MEETINGS...... 5 2. DISORDERLY CONDUCT AT MEETINGS ...... 7 3. MEETINGS GENERALLY ...... 7 4. COMMITTEES AND SUB-COMMITTEES ...... 10 5. ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETINGS ...... 11 6. EXTRAORDINARY MEETINGS OF THE COUNCIL, COMMITTEES AND SUB-COMMITTEES ...... 13 7. PREVIOUS RESOLUTIONS ...... 13 8. VOTING ON APPOINTMENTS ...... 14 9. MOTIONS FOR A MEETING THAT REQUIRE WRITTEN NOTICE TO BE GIVEN TO THE PROPER OFFICER ...... 14 10. MOTIONS AT A MEETING THAT DO NOT REQUIRE WRITTEN NOTICE...... 15 11. MANAGEMENT OF INFORMATION ...... 15 12. DRAFT MINUTES ...... 16 13. CODE OF CONDUCT AND DISPENSATIONS ...... 17 14. CODE OF CONDUCT COMPLAINTS ...... 18 15. PROPER OFFICER...... 18 16. RESPONSIBLE FINANCIAL OFFICER ...... 20 17. ACCOUNTS AND ACCOUNTING STATEMENTS ...... 20 18. FINANCIAL CONTROLS AND PROCUREMENT ...... 21 19. HANDLING STAFF MATTERS ...... 23 20. RESPONSIBILITIES TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ...... 24 21. RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER DATA PROTECTION LEGISLATION ...... 24 22. RELATIONS WITH THE PRESS/MEDIA ...... 25 23. EXECUTION AND SEALING OF LEGAL DEEDS ...... 25 24. COMMUNICATING WITH DISTRICT AND COUNTY OR UNITARY COUNCILLORS ...... 25 25. RESTRICTIONS ON COUNCILLOR ACTIVITIES ...... 26 26. STANDING ORDERS GENERALLY ...... 26

1. RULES OF DEBATE AT MEETINGS

a Motions on the agenda shall be considered in the order that they appear unless the order is changed at the discretion of the chairman of the meeting. b A motion (including an amendment) shall not be progressed unless it has been moved and seconded. c A motion on the agenda that is not moved by its proposer may be treated by the chairman of the meeting as withdrawn. d If a motion (including an amendment) has been seconded, it may be withdrawn by the proposer only with the consent of the seconder and the meeting. e An amendment is a proposal to remove or add words to a motion. It shall not negate the motion. f If an amendment to the original motion is carried, the original motion (as amended) becomes the substantive motion upon which further amendment(s) may be moved. g An amendment shall not be considered unless it is declared prior to voting at the meeting and, is expressed in writing to the chairperson.

A councillor may move an amendment to his own motion if agreed by the h meeting. If a motion has already been seconded, the amendment shall be with the consent of the seconder and the meeting.

If there is more than one amendment to an original or substantive motion, the i amendments shall be moved in the order directed by the chairman of the meeting.

Subject to standing order 1(k), only one amendment shall be moved and j debated at a time, the order of which shall be directed by the chairman of the meeting.

One or more amendments may be discussed together if the chairman of the k meeting considers this expedient but each amendment shall be voted upon separately.

l A councillor may not move more than one amendment to an original or substantive motion.

m The mover of an amendment has no right of reply at the end of debate on it.

n Where a series of amendments to an original motion are carried, the mover of the original motion shall have a right of reply either at the end of debate on the first amendment or at the very end of debate on the final substantive motion immediately before it is put to the vote. 3 o Unless permitted by the chairman of the meeting, a councillor may speak once in the debate on a motion except:

i. to speak on an amendment moved by another councillor;

ii. to move or speak on another amendment if the motion has been amended since he last spoke;

iii. to make a point of order;

iv. to give a personal explanation; or

v. to exercise a right of reply. p During the debate on a motion, a councillor may interrupt only on a point of order or a personal explanation and the councillor who was interrupted shall stop speaking. A councillor raising a point of order shall identify the standing order which he considers has been breached or specify the other irregularity in the proceedings of the meeting he is concerned by. q A point of order shall be decided by the chairman of the meeting and his decision shall be final. r When a motion is under debate, no other motion shall be moved except:

i. to amend the motion;

ii. to proceed to the next business;

iii. to adjourn the debate;

iv. to put the motion to a vote;

v. to ask a person to be no longer heard or to leave the meeting;

vi. to refer a motion to a committee or sub-committee for consideration;

vii. to exclude the public and press;

viii. to adjourn the meeting; or

ix. to suspend particular standing order(s) excepting those which reflect mandatory statutory or legal requirements. s Before an original or substantive motion is put to the vote, the chairman of the meeting shall be satisfied that the motion has been sufficiently debated and that the mover of the motion under debate has exercised or waived his right of reply. t Excluding motions moved under standing order 1(r), the contributions or speeches by a councillor shall relate only to the motion under discussion and shall not exceed three minutes without the consent of the chairman of the meeting.

4 2. DISORDERLY CONDUCT AT MEETINGS

a No person shall obstruct the transaction of business at a meeting or behave offensively or improperly. If this standing order is ignored, the chairman of the meeting shall request such person(s) to moderate or improve their conduct.

b If person(s) disregard the request of the chairman of the meeting to moderate or improve their conduct, any councillor or the chairman of the meeting may move that the person be no longer heard or be excluded from the meeting. The motion, if seconded, shall be put to the vote without discussion.

c If a resolution made under standing order 2(b) is ignored, the chairman of the meeting may take further reasonable steps to restore order or to progress the meeting. This may include temporarily suspending or closing the meeting.

3. MEETINGS GENERALLY

Full Council meetings ● Committee meetings ● Sub-committee meetings ●

● a Meetings shall not take place in premises which at the time of the meeting are used for the supply of alcohol, unless no other premises are available free of charge or at a reasonable cost.

● b The minimum three clear days for notice of a meeting does not include the day on which notice was issued, the day of the meeting, a Sunday, a day of the Christmas break, a day of the Easter break or of a bank holiday or a day appointed for public thanksgiving or mourning.

● c The minimum three clear days’ public notice for a meeting does not include the day on which the notice was issued or the day of the meeting unless the meeting is convened at shorter notice OR [The minimum three clear days’ public notice of a meeting does not include the day on which the notice was issued or the day of the meeting].

● d Meetings shall be open to the public unless their presence is prejudicial ● to the public interest by reason of the confidential nature of the business to be transacted or for other special reasons. Personnel Committee meetings will always be held without the public present. Otherwise the public’s exclusion from part or all of a meeting shall be by a resolution which shall give reasons for the exclusion.

Members of the public may make representations, answer questions and give e evidence at a meeting which they are entitled to attend in respect of the

5 business on the agenda.

f The period of time designated for public participation at a meeting in accordance with standing order 3(e) shall not exceed ten minutes unless directed by the chairman of the meeting.

g Subject to standing order 3(f), a member of the public shall not speak for more than three minutes.

h In accordance with standing order 3(e), a question shall not require a response at the meeting nor start a debate on the question. The chairman of the meeting may direct that a written or oral response be given.

i A person shall raise his hand when requesting to speak and stand when speaking (except when a person has a disability or is likely to suffer discomfort)]. The chairman of the meeting may at any time permit a person to be seated when speaking.

A person who speaks at a meeting shall direct his comments to the chairman of the meeting. j Only one person is permitted to speak at a time. If more than one person wants to speak, the chairman of the meeting shall direct the order of speaking. k

● l Subject to standing order 3(m), a person who attends a meeting is ● permitted to report on the meeting whilst the meeting is open to the public. To “report” means to film, photograph, make an audio recording of meeting proceedings, use any other means for enabling persons not present to see or hear the meeting as it takes place or later or to report or to provide oral or written commentary about the meeting so that the report or commentary is available as the meeting takes place or later to persons not present.

● m A person present at a meeting may not provide an oral report or oral ● commentary about a meeting as it takes place without permission.

● n The press shall be provided with reasonable facilities for the taking of ● their report of all or part of a meeting at which they are entitled to be present.

● o Subject to standing orders which indicate otherwise, anything authorised or required to be done by, to or before the Chairman of the Council may in his absence be done by, to or before the Vice-Chairman of the Council (if there is one).

● p The Chairman of the Council, if present, shall preside at a meeting. If the Chairman is absent from a meeting, the Vice-Chairman of the Council (if there is one) if present, shall preside. If both the Chairman and the Vice- Chairman are absent from a meeting, a councillor as chosen by the

6 councillors present at the meeting shall preside at the meeting.

● q Subject to a meeting being quorate, all questions at a meeting shall be ● decided by a majority of the councillors and non-councillors with voting ● rights present and voting.

● r The chairman of a meeting may give an original vote on any matter put to ● the vote, and in the case of an equality of votes may exercise his casting ● vote whether or not he gave an original vote.

See standing orders 5(h) and (i) for the different rules that apply in the election of the Chairman of the Council at the annual meeting of the Council.

● s Unless standing orders provide otherwise, voting on a question shall be by a show of hands. At the request of a councillor, the voting on any question shall be recorded so as to show whether each councillor present and voting gave his vote for or against that question. Such a request shall be made before moving on to the next item of business on the agenda.

t The minutes of a meeting shall include an accurate record of the following:

i. the time and place of the meeting;

ii. the names of councillors who are present and the names of councillors who are absent;

iii. interests that have been declared by councillors and non-councillors with voting rights;

iv. the grant of dispensations (if any) to councillors and non-councillors with voting rights;

v. whether a councillor or non-councillor with voting rights left the meeting when matters that they held interests in were being considered;

vi. if there was a public participation session; and

vii. the resolutions made.

● u A councillor or a non-councillor with voting rights who has a disclosable ● pecuniary interest or another interest as set out in the Council’s code of ● conduct in a matter being considered at a meeting is subject to statutory limitations or restrictions under the code on his right to participate and vote on that matter.

● v No business may be transacted at a meeting unless at least one-third of the whole number of members of the Council are present and in no case shall the quorum of a meeting be less than three.

See standing order 4d(viii) for the quorum of a committee or sub-committee meeting.

7 ● w If a meeting is or becomes inquorate no business shall be transacted and ● the meeting shall be closed. The business on the agenda for the meeting shall ● be adjourned to another meeting.

x A meeting shall not exceed a period of two hours.

4. COMMITTEES AND SUB-COMMITTEES

a Unless the Council determines otherwise, a committee may appoint a sub-committee whose terms of reference and members shall be determined by the committee.

b The members of a committee may include non-councillors unless it is a committee which regulates and controls the finances of the Council.

c Unless the Council determines otherwise, all the members of an advisory committee and a sub-committee of the advisory committee may be non- councillors.

d The Council may appoint standing committees or other committees as may be necessary, and:

i. shall determine their terms of reference;

ii. shall determine the number and time of the ordinary meetings of a standing committee up until the date of the next annual meeting of the Council;

iii. shall permit a committee, other than in respect of the ordinary meetings of a committee, to determine the number and time of its meetings;

iv. shall, subject to standing orders 4(b) and (c), appoint and determine the terms of office of members of such a committee;

v. may, subject to standing orders 4(b) and (c), appoint and determine the terms of office of the substitute members to a committee whose role is to replace the ordinary members at a meeting of a committee if the ordinary members of the committee confirm to the Proper Officer at least twenty four hours before the meeting that they are unable to attend;

vi. shall, after it has appointed the members of a standing committee, appoint the chairman of the standing committee;

vii. shall permit a committee other than a standing committee, to appoint its own chairman at the first meeting of the committee;

viii. shall determine the place, notice requirements and quorum for a meeting of a committee and a sub-committee which, in both cases, shall be no less than three;

8 ix. shall determine if the public may participate at a meeting of a committee;

x. shall determine if the public and press are permitted to attend the meetings of a sub-committee and also the advance public notice requirements, if any, required for the meetings of a sub-committee;

xi. shall determine if the public may participate at a meeting of a sub- committee that they are permitted to attend; and

xii. may dissolve a committee or a sub-committee.

5. ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETINGS

a In an election year, the annual meeting of the Council shall be held on or within 14 days following the day on which the councillors elected take office. b In a year which is not an election year, the annual meeting of the Council shall be held on such day in May as the Council decides. c If no other time is fixed, the annual meeting of the Council shall take place at 6pm. d In addition to the annual meeting of the Council, at least three other ordinary meetings shall be held in each year on such dates and times as the Council decides. e The first business conducted at the annual meeting of the Council shall be the election of the Chairman and Vice-Chairman (if there is one) of the Council. f The Chairman of the Council, unless he has resigned or becomes disqualified, shall continue in office and preside at the annual meeting until his successor is elected at the next annual meeting of the Council. g The Vice-Chairman of the Council, if there is one, unless he resigns or becomes disqualified, shall hold office until immediately after the election of the Chairman of the Council at the next annual meeting of the Council. h In an election year, if the current Chairman of the Council has not been re-elected as a member of the Council, he shall preside at the annual meeting until a successor Chairman of the Council has been elected. The current Chairman of the Council shall not have an original vote in respect of the election of the new Chairman of the Council but shall give a casting vote in the case of an equality of votes. i In an election year, if the current Chairman of the Council has been re- elected as a member of the Council, he shall preside at the annual meeting until a new Chairman of the Council has been elected. He may

9 exercise an original vote in respect of the election of the new Chairman of the Council and shall give a casting vote in the case of an equality of votes. j Following the election of the Chairman of the Council and Vice-Chairman (if there is one) of the Council at the annual meeting, the business shall include:

i. In an election year, delivery by the Chairman of the Council and councillors of their acceptance of office forms unless the Council resolves for this to be done at a later date. In a year which is not an election year, delivery by the Chairman of the Council of his acceptance of office form unless the Council resolves for this to be done at a later date;

ii. Confirmation of the accuracy of the minutes of the last meeting of the Council;

iii. Receipt of the minutes of the last meeting of a committee;

iv. Consideration of the recommendations made by a committee;

v. Review of delegation arrangements to committees, sub-committees, staff and other local authorities;

vi. Review of the terms of reference for committees;

vii. Appointment of members to existing committees;

viii. Appointment of any new committees in accordance with standing order 4;

ix. Review and adoption of appropriate standing orders and financial regulations;

x. Review of arrangements (including legal agreements) with other local authorities, not-for-profit bodies and businesses.

xi. Review of representation on or work with external bodies and arrangements for reporting back;

xii. In an election year, to make arrangements with a view to the Council becoming eligible to exercise the general power of competence in the future;

xiii. Review of inventory of land and other assets including buildings and office equipment;

xiv. Confirmation of arrangements for insurance cover in respect of all insurable risks;

xv. Review of the Council’s and/or staff subscriptions to other bodies;

xvi. Review of the Council’s complaints procedure;

10 xvii. Review of the Council’s policies, procedures and practices in respect of its obligations under freedom of information and data protection legislation (see also standing orders 11, 20 and 21);

xviii. Review of the Council’s policy for dealing with the press/media;

xix. Review of the Council’s employment policies and procedures;

xx. Review of the Council’s expenditure incurred under s.137 of the Local Government Act 1972 or the general power of competence.

xxi. Determining the time and place of ordinary meetings of the Council up to and including the next annual meeting of the Council.

6. EXTRAORDINARY MEETINGS OF THE COUNCIL, COMMITTEES AND SUB-COMMITTEES

a The Chairman of the Council may convene an extraordinary meeting of the Council at any time. b If the Chairman of the Council does not call an extraordinary meeting of the Council within seven days of having been requested in writing to do so by two councillors, any two councillors may convene an extraordinary meeting of the Council. The public notice giving the time, place and agenda for such a meeting shall be signed by the two councillors. c The chairman of a committee [or a sub-committee] may convene an extraordinary meeting of the committee [or the sub-committee] at any time. d If the chairman of a committee [or a sub-committee] does not call an extraordinary meeting within seven days of having been requested to do so by three members of the committee [or the sub-committee], any three members of the committee [or the sub-committee] may convene an extraordinary meeting of the committee [or a sub-committee].

7. PREVIOUS RESOLUTIONS

a A resolution shall not be reversed within six months except either by a special motion, which requires written notice by at least seven councillors to be given to the Proper Officer in accordance with standing order 9, or by a motion moved in pursuance of the recommendation of a committee or a sub- committee. b When a motion moved pursuant to standing order 7(a) has been disposed of, no similar motion may be moved for a further six months.

11 8. VOTING ON APPOINTMENTS

a Where more than two persons have been nominated for a position to be filled by the Council and none of those persons has received an absolute majority of votes in their favour, the name of the person having the least number of votes shall be struck off the list and a fresh vote taken. This process shall continue until a majority of votes is given in favour of one person. A tie in votes may be settled by the casting vote exercisable by the chairman of the meeting.

9. MOTIONS FOR A MEETING THAT REQUIRE WRITTEN NOTICE TO BE GIVEN TO THE PROPER OFFICER

a A motion shall relate to the responsibilities of the meeting for which it is tabled and in any event shall relate to the performance of the Council’s statutory functions, powers and obligations or an issue which specifically affects the Council’s area or its residents.

b No motion may be moved at a meeting unless it is on the agenda and the mover has given written notice of its wording to the Proper Officer at least three clear days before the meeting subject to standing order 10a. Clear days do not include the day of the notice or the day of the meeting. c The Proper Officer may, before including a motion on the agenda received in accordance with standing order 9(b), correct obvious grammatical or typographical errors in the wording of the motion. d If the Proper Officer considers the wording of a motion received in accordance with standing order 9(b) is not clear in meaning, the motion shall be rejected until the mover of the motion resubmits it, so that it can be understood, in writing, to the Proper Officer at least three clear days before the meeting. e If the wording or subject of a proposed motion is considered improper, the Proper Officer shall consult with the chairman of the forthcoming meeting or, as the case may be, the councillors who have convened the meeting, to consider whether the motion shall be included in the agenda or rejected. f The decision of the Proper Officer as to whether or not to include the motion on the agenda shall be final. g Motions received shall be recorded and numbered in the order that they are received. h Motions rejected shall be recorded with an explanation by the Proper Officer of the reason for rejection.

12 10. MOTIONS AT A MEETING THAT DO NOT REQUIRE WRITTEN NOTICE

a The following motions may be moved at a meeting without written notice to the Proper Officer:

i. to correct an inaccuracy in the draft minutes of a meeting;

ii. to move to a vote;

iii. to defer consideration of a motion;

iv. to refer a motion to a particular committee or sub-committee;

v. to appoint a person to preside at a meeting;

vi. to change the order of business on the agenda;

vii. to proceed to the next business on the agenda;

viii. to require a written report;

ix. to appoint a committee or sub-committee and their members;

x. to extend the time limits for speaking;

xi. to exclude the press and public from a meeting in respect of confidential or other information which is prejudicial to the public interest;

xii. to not hear further from a councillor or a member of the public;

xiii. to exclude a councillor or member of the public for disorderly conduct;

xiv. to temporarily suspend the meeting;

xv. to suspend a particular standing order (unless it reflects mandatory statutory or legal requirements);

xvi. to adjourn the meeting; or

xvii. to close the meeting.

11. MANAGEMENT OF INFORMATION