Agenda item

Question 1 – From Cllr Ellwood to the Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Growth and Economy

“In view of the removal of hedgerows in March 2023 at the boundary of the Chase Farm Development on Arnold Lane opposite Stanhope Road (in contravention of Condition 4 of Planning Application 2021/ 1294); what actions have the Planning Department at the Borough Council taken to ensure that the removed hedgerows are replaced?

Question 2 – From Cllr Hughes to the Leader of the Council

“The Government published its Devolution White Paper in December, proposing that a system of Unitary Authorities be established across the whole of England.

Can the Leader let us know what stance the Council will adopt in response to the possible abolition of Gedling Borough Council if the top-down local government reorganisation outlined in the white paper is enacted?”

A question was asked of the Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Growth and Economy by Councillor Ellwood, as follows:

“In view of the removal of hedgerows in March 2023 at the boundary of the Chase Farm Development on Arnold Lane opposite Stanhope Road (in contravention of Condition 4 of Planning Application 2021/ 1294); what actions have the Planning Department at the Borough Council taken to ensure that the removed hedgerows are replaced?

Response from Councillor Hollingsworth

Thanks for the question, Councillor Ellwood.

I am very grateful to Planning Officers who visited the site to assess the extent of hedgerow removal, and ensured the removed sections correspond with the approved access points which serve the development. Condition 4 of reserved matters approval reference 2021/1294 does require the submission of approval of a scheme of landscaping and these details have been considered through a discharge of condition application (under reference 2022/1046DOC) which has been approved. The hedgerow removals were approved to facilitate development, and therefore no replacement planting is required.

Mr Deputy Mayor, if Councillor Ellwood would like further information, I know that officers would be very happy to provide that.

A question was asked of the Leader of the Council by Councillor Hughes, as follows:

“The Government published its Devolution White Paper in December, proposing that a system of Unitary Authorities be established across the whole of England.

Can the Leader let us know what stance the Council will adopt in response to the possible abolition of Gedling Borough Council if the top-down local government reorganisation outlined in the white paper is enacted?”

Response from Councillor Clarke

Thanks to Councillor Hughes for your question.

The Government’s White Paper on Devolution was published on 16 December 2024 - this invited all authorities in two-tier areas and small neighbouring unitary councils to work together to submit plans for reorganisation.

For most areas, this will mean creating councils with a population of 500,000 or more.

Interim plans must be submitted by March 2025, and these will include a number of options that will be worked upon further during the summer.

It is important to note that the Secretary of State has powers to determine a solution irrespective of whether any individual council objects to the White Paper proposals.

The approach by all Nottinghamshire Leaders is to discuss and agree core values and principles to guide how we work together. This means that over the next nine weeks to the end of March, all Leaders need to get “viable options” on the table which are not necessarily “preferred options”.

I will always stand up for Gedling Borough Council to remain as it currently is, and when consultation is launched, I would encourage all residents to respond and share their views.

However, if that is not possible under legislation, then I would rather be part of the solution as opposed to being forced to accept a new structure under Secretary of State powers.

Councillor Hughes asked a supplementary question to ask if the Leader would be committed to consulting opposition groups when formulating the council’s response. Councillor Clarke confirmed he be very happy to would do that and wanted the entire council working on it in partnership as it is such an important decision for the council.