The Motion, as printed in the Agenda was proposed by Councillor Duffin and seconded by Councillor Snell. The Motion read as follows:

Council requests that Standards and Audit Committee investigate bringing in guidance to Group Leaders, that once a Group Member has served one year on the Planning Committee, they only consider re-nominating the same Group Member to Planning Committee after a period of three years has expired, as this will bring a circulation of expertise, skills and objectivity from other Members of the Council that may contribute to the work of the Committee. At the same time Council also write to the government requesting they introduce legislation so that such a circulation of Members can be made mandatory.

Councillor Duffin introduced the Motion and stated that Planning Committees around the Country had a horrendous reputation with members of the public quoting unreasonable behaviour undertaken by such Planning Committee members. Whilst Councillor Duffin believed there was no such behaviour evident within Thurrock Council it was important that all should be vigilant and to do everything in our power to prevent such instances. Councillor Duffin hoped that all Members, united, would ensure that Thurrock Council remained transparent and be as open as possible especially those Members on the Planning Committee.

Councillor Kelly, as Chair of the Planning Committee, stated that he would not be supporting this Motion based mainly on the Monitoring Officer’s implications as set out in the agenda. Councillor Kelly stated he had no concerns, the committee was in a good strong position which had produced the right results even under appeal and Members were politically balanced and passionate about their role.

Councillor Spillman stated that in other authorities, Planning Committee Members were seen as corrupt and that every effort had to be made to prevent this happening in Thurrock.

Councillor Piccolo stated that Planning Committee Members were knowledgeable of the committees they sat on, with genuine interest that served the borough best. Changing Members each year would affect those applications which were deferred across municipal years due to lack of determination and could possibly be used by applicants as a loophole to get their applications reheard.

Councillor Hebb stated that the spirit of the Motion was to ensure that the intention and conduct of Members was absolute but the method of the Motion was flawed. Introducing a new system meant the Council would have to rewrite Council processes rather than holding an individual to account. The General Services Committee would shortly be reviewing the first proposal of the Member Accountability Paper which would arguably achieve the same desired outcome.

Councillor Halden believed Councillor Duffin was referring to “Term Limits” which would be enforced by the voters and give them the ultimate option of term limiting a member and was not sure what the Motion sought to do.

Councillor Coxshall stated that the Planning Committee was a quasi-judicial committee that required experience and training. The continued change in Membership would not work and that any allegations of corruption should be reported to the Monitoring Officer or the Police immediately.

Councillor J Kent stated that the Planning Committee had come a long way since an external review had been undertaken some 8 years ago. The Planning Committee had put in place all the recommendations of that review except for the live streaming of meetings. The Committee was conducted openly and honestly and corruption did not exist in Thurrock so therefore he would be voting against this Motion.

Councillor Wheeler felt that being Vice Chair of the Planning Committee he was now committed to that Committee and had developed relevant skills to be effective on the committee as a result.

Councillor B Little stated he had been involved with Planning over the last six years which had worked in a very uniformed and regimented function where parties had worked jointly together.

Councillor Snell stated that as a result of the work being undertaken by UKIP it was public perception that the Thurrock Planning Committee was corrupt and had been asked to do something to investigate, hence the Motion being presented tonight. Previous history of decisions made on the Planning Committee may still remain a concern with some residents. Councillor Snell suggested that a shadow team could undertake some form of training over a period of the year in readiness to become a member on the Planning Committee the following year.

Councillor Duffin thanked Members for their comments and hoped that future training could be made available for other Members in the future.

Councillor Duffin requested that a requisition vote be undertaken.

The Mayor called a requisition vote on Councillor Duffin’s Motion.

Upon being put to the vote the following members voted in favour: Councillors Aker, Allen, C Baker, James Baker, J Baker, Cherry, Duffin, Gamester, Jones, Potter, Sammons, Sheridan, Smith, Snell and Spillman (15)

The following members voted against: Councillors Baldwin, Churchman, Collins, Coxshall, Fish, Gerrish, Hague, Halden, Hebb, V Holloway, Huelin, Kelly, C Kent, J Kent, Kerin, Liddiard, B Little, S Little, Maney, MacPherson, Ojetola, Okunade, Piccolo, Pothecary, Redsell, B Rice, G Rice, Stone, Tolson and Watkins (30)

The following members voted to abstain: Councillors Hamilton and Wheeler (2)

The Mayor declared the Motion Lost.