Agenda and minutes

To receive declarations of personal or prejudicial interests, arising from business to be transacted at this meeting, from:

(a)               all Members of the Committee, Sub Committee, Panel or Forum;

(b)               all other Members present in any part of the room or chamber.

RESOLVED:  To note that there were no declarations of interests made by Members in relation to the business transacted at the meeting.

To consider whether any item on the agenda should be considered with the press and public excluded because it contains confidential information as defined in the Local Government Act 1972.

RESOLVED:  That (1) in accordance with the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985, the following item be admitted late to the agenda by virtue of the special circumstances and grounds for urgency detailed below:

(2)  all items be considered with the press and public present with the exception of the following item for the reasons set out below:

That the meeting held on 4 July 2008, having been circulated, be taken as read and signed as a correct record.

RESOLVED:  That the minutes of the meeting held on 4 July 2008, be taken as read and signed as a correct record.

To receive petitions (if any) submitted by members of the public/Councillors under the provisions of Executive Procedure Rule 15 (Part 4D of the Constitution).

RESOLVED:  To note that no petitions had been received.

To receive questions (if any) under the provisions of Executive Procedure Rule 16 (Part 4D of the Constitution).

(Note:  Paragraph 16 of the Executive Procedure Rules stipulates that questions will be asked in the order notice of them was received and that there be a time limit of 15 minutes).

RESOLVED:  To note that no public questions were put at the meeting under the provisions of Executive Procedure Rule 16.

In accordance with the provisions contained in Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rule 23 (Part 4F of the Constitution).

RESOLVED:  That no matters had been referred to the Executive Member for reconsideration in accordance with the provisions contained in the Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rule 22 (Part 4F of the Constitution).

(if any)

RESOLVED:  To note that no reports had been received.

Report of the Corporate Director of Community & Environment.

The Leader of the Council considered a confidential report of the Corporate Director of Community and Environment which sought approval for the construction of the Oxhey Lane flood defence works.  The report was urgent as approval to start the works was required in order to remain on programme.  Following questions from the Leader, officers explained why the work was necessary, clarified key financial details and confirmed that public consultation had been carried out.

RESOLVED:  That the Corporate Director of Community and Environment be authorised to approve the flood defence works at and adjoining Oxhey Lane Farm and, in consequence, to approve major variations to the agricultural tenancy of the farm, including the termination of the tenancy in relation to part of the premises and authorise service of a notice of entry to effect those works.

Reason for Decision:  The flood defence works set out in the report were regarded as essential in protecting properties in Hatch End and the scheme represented the most cost effective solution.