Agenda item

During his report the Leader covered the following areas:

-  The new corporate plan, was for consideration by Council that evening.

-  The consultants draft report for the local plan had been received and stated a requirement for 15660 new homes, the Leader would have a teleconference with the report authors and request justification of these figures.

-  Dreamlands scenic railway was now open.

-  The car transporter at Ramsgate port was a sign that the Port is open and ready for business.

-  There had been a move from negotiations regarding Manston Airport, to an open and transparent report on the facts which was expected to come before Cabinet on 29 October 15.  This date was subject the availability of the Council’s legal consultant, who needed to be available to answer questions from Members.

Councillor Bayford as Leader of the Conservative Party responded with the following points:

-  UKIP had lost overall control of the Council.

-  The corporate plan should be based upon service plans.

-  The Council had a good record of bringing empty homes back in to use.  This should be factored into the local plan.

-  A healthy, growing economy must have new housing to support it.

-  It was good that the scenic railway was open however it was a shame that it took so long.  There were rumours about financial claims against the Council connected to the Dreamland project.

-  Activity at the Ramsgate Port was good, however consideration was needed about the future of the Port, if it becomes apparent that it would not be very successful.  It was a valuable asset which needed to be fully utilised.

-  It was surprising that RiverOak still wished to be involved in Manston Airport after such a delay.  If there were valid reasons not to pursue a CPO, then these reasons should be published.

The Leader replied to Councillor Bayford’s comments with the following points:

-  Service plans would be merged into the corporate plan in time for budget setting later this year.

-  There was a link between new jobs, inward migration and new housing.

-  It would not be acceptable to comment upon rumour in relation to Dreamland.

-  Propositions for the use of the Port were always welcome.

-  Information around Manston Airport would become clear in the report to be considered by Cabinet on 29 October.

Councillor Collins as Leader of the Democratic Independence Group made the following points:

-  The Democratic Independence Group pledged to hold the UKIP party to their election promises.

 The Leader replied to Councillor Collins’ comments with the following points:

-  The UKIP party were ready and willing to launch a CPO once a suitable indemnity partner was identified.

Councillor Johnston as Leader of the Labour Group made the following points:

-  It was important to keep election promises.

-  The new corporate plan appeared to be an amalgamation of the four priority commitments from the previous administrations corporate plan.

-  The enterprise zone expansion was to include Manston, however there appeared to be little progress on this.

-  It was good to see the scenic railway in action.

-  Pleased that funds had been put aside to for the dredging of Ramsgate Port to allow for car container ferries.

-  The local plan should have been in place from 2011.

The Leader replied to Councillor Johnston’s by thanking her for her comments.