Agenda item

To receive declarations of interests in respect of any item on the agenda.

A collective standing declaration of interest is noted in respect of Lincolnshire County Councillors Michael Brookes, Paul Skinner and Alison Austin who attended and participated in all items on the agenda

A collective standing declaration of interest is noted in respect of Councillors David Brown, Sue Ransome, Alison Austin, Michael Brookes, Colin Brotherton, Michael Cooper, Claire Rylott and Jonathan Noble in respect of their membership of the SELLP which is referenced within the meeting.

Prior to receiving notice by members of their declarations the Clerk confirmed that Lobbying Forms had been signed and lodged with the Council by all members of the committee, with the exception of Councillor Michael Brookes, in respect of planning application B 16 0141.

Further declarations noted:

Councillor Alison Austin declared that Parish Councillor Helen Staples speaking on planning application B 16 0141 was a good friend of theirs but that no discussion had taken place in respect of the planning application. 

Councillor Alison Austin further declared that she was extremely well acquainted with Mr Borritt who was speaking on planning application B 16 0463 but that no discussions had taken place in respect of the application.

Councillor Paul Skinner declared in respect of planning application B 16 0141 that when he was in attendance at Fishtoft Parish Council in his role as a Parish Councillor, he had exited the room when the planning application had been tabled and he had taken no part in any of the discussions.   Councillor Skinner further declared that whilst he had had nothing to do with Planning Application B 16 0436, he had tired to assist residents previously with a horticultural problem in the area.

Councillor Skinners final declaration in respect of Planning Application B 16 0456 noted that he had known the applicants but had not seen them for a number of years.

Councillor Stephen Woodliffe declared in respect of Planning Application B 16 0141 that Parish Councillor Helen Staples was known to him and he further declared in respect of Planning Application B 16 0436 that Mr Borritt was also known to him as a former colleague at Boston Grammar School.  Councillor Woodliffe stated that he had not taken part in any discussions with either Mrs Staples or Mr Borritt on their respective applications.

Councillor Barrie Pierpoint declared in respect of Planning Application B 16 0141 that he knew Parish Councillor Helen Staples purely socially through Council events. 

A point of information was then made by the Monitoring Officer:

Stating she was mindful of the large number of public in attendance and that perhaps not all of those attending were clear on why the members were declaring they knew people who were speaking at the meeting. The Monitoring Officer advised that when a Councillor stated they knew somebody in attendance who was registered to speak, if they then remained at the committee table, they did so having determined that their knowledge of that person or association, was not sufficient enough to cloud their judgement when taking part or impact on their impartiality of their decision making.

The reason for Councillors making declarations was for transparency:  it ensured that if a member of the public had knowledge that a Councillor sitting on the committee knew a member of the public who was taking part in the meeting, it was made clear to everyone in attendance.

Addressing the declarations in respect of Parish Councillor Mrs Helen Staples, the Monitoring Officer confirmed that by virtue of her role as a current Parish Councillor and historically as a Ward Councillor, most members of the committee were aware of who she was.  The Monitoring Officer advised that unless the acquaintance was in the realm of friendship or the member had discussed the application with Councillor Staples, members did not need to be too concerned about the declaration but confirmed that she would be happy to give advice on that matter.

A number of members referenced their respective roles as either a Lincolnshire County Councillor and/or a member of the SELLP.  Such items are noted as standing items.