At its meetings held on 16 and 22 October 2014, the Overview and Scrutiny Board considered the Notice of Call-in of the decision of the Mayor (taken at the Council meeting on 25 September 2014) on a proposed covenant protecting Churston Golf Course from development.  The Board resolved that the decision of the Mayor be referred to Council for consideration. 

The Council considered the submitted report on the findings of the Overview and Scrutiny Board regarding the Mayor’s decision on the proposed covenant and the report of the Senior Service Manager, Spatial Planning which set out further advice following the Local Plan Hearing.

It was proposed by Councillor Thomas (J) and seconded by Councillor Darling:

that the Mayor be requested to reconsider his previous decision on the covenant protecting Churston Golf Course from development, and take no further action on the petition in light of the findings of the Overview and Scrutiny Board in respect of the following:

(a)       legal implications of the decision;

(b)       financial implications of the decision;

(c)        implications for the Local Plan;

(d)        fairness of the decision on other wards in Torbay; and

(e)       potential damage to the economy.

In accordance with Standing Order A19.4, a recorded vote was taken on the motion.  The voting was taken by roll call as follows:  For:  Councillors Addis, Amil, Baldrey, Barnby, Bent, Brooksbank, Butt, Cowell, Darling, Davies, Doggett, Ellery, Excell, Hernandez, Hill, James, Kingscote, Lewis, Morey, Parrott, Pentney, Pountney, Scouler, Stocks, Stockman, Stringer, Thomas (D), Thomas (J) and Tyerman (29);  Against:  Councillors Hytche and Mills (2);  Abstain:  the Mayor (as decision-maker) and Councillor McPhail (2);  Absent:  Councillors Faulkner (A), Faulkner (J) and Pritchard (3);  Therefore the motion was declared carried.

At the invitation of the Chairwoman, the Mayor responded to the recommendation of the Council at the meeting and the record of his decision is attached to these minutes.