Rutland County Council

Rutland County Council2024-01-03T15:23:42+00:00

Rosemary Powell (Independent) is the Rutland Ward Councillor for Whissendine. Rosemary can be contacted by Email or by telephone on 474257. To read news items by the Ward Councillor and for notifications of forthcoming meetings hosted by the Ward Councillor, click here.

Whissendine is a ward within the Rutland County Counil and is represented by one councillor out of the 27 councillors, representing 15 wards in the county.

Rutland County Council has an interesting history as it became a unitary council in 1889 but then in 1974, it became a district under Leicestershire County Council. However, this decision was reversed on 1 April 1997, and it became a proundly independent unitary authority again.

As a unitary authority, the council is responsible for running local services in Rutland, with the exception of the LEICESTERSHIRE FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE and LEICESTERSHIRE CONSTABULARY which are run by joint boards with LEICESTERSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL and LEICESTER CITY COUNCIL. So schools, roads, planning, refuse collection are among the important services provided to the residents of Whissendine. Street lighting is a strange service that is divided between the County Council and the Parish Council depending upon the street.


County Councillor Update – January 2024

From your County Councillor
Wishing all residents, a Happy and healthy New Year.

Warmer Homes Grants

If your home is not very energy efficient and lacks gas central heating, you can apply for this programme for free improvements to be installed which will save money on your energy bills. These upgrades include things like better insulation, air source heat pumps, and solar panels.

To check if you are eligible and to apply visit the Warmer Homes website www.warmerhomes.org.uk/apply or call the freephone number on 0800 038 5757.

Local Plan

The consultation remains open until 8th January. The easiest way to comment is via the online form www.rutland.gov.uk/localplan but you can email localplan@rutland.gov.uk or call the Council’s customer services team on 01572 722 577 who will arrange for a member of the Local Plan team to contact you.

Budget

The start of the new year is budget setting time at Rutland County Council when the annual budget for 2024/5 is drawn up and Councillors vote in February on the rate of council tax and the level of fees and charges for council services for next year. You will have seen from the news that many councils are in financial crisis with many expected to fail or having already declared themselves bankrupt. Rutland is not in this position but there is extreme pressure on council finances and the council is therefore carrying out a large and detailed review of all its operations so that it can make sure future budgets can be balanced.

Planning

The reserved matters application for 66 houses off Stapleford Road was approved at the planning committee on 12th December. This means that the detailed layout of the site is agreed, along with a number of planning conditions. Any diversion to the public footpath will need to be separately approved. Whilst both the Parish Council and I unsuccessfully argued for a reduction in number of houses, due to our efforts the developers have now created more green space at the south of the development, replaced some 4 bed houses with 3 beds, and increased biodiversity and hedgerows, which is good news.  20 homes are ‘affordable’ which includes 13 for social housing. For full details of the planning meeting and to see all the documents and conditions, do look at the council website and search planning applications reference 2023/0271/RES.

My next session at the White Lion will be on Wednesday 21 February from 6pm until 8pm

Rosemary Powell
County Councillor
Whissendine Ward
474257
rpowell@rutland.gov.uk
www.rutland.gov.uk


Ward Councillor Update – November 2023

Rosemary Powell, County Councillor for Whissendine Ward writes:

There are 2 large planning applications currently in progress in Whissendine. Despite statements from the developer that these are Phases 1 and 2, these applications are separate and are at different stages in the planning process. All the information and documents relating to these applications are on the council website. Search for planning applications.

2023/0271/RES: 66 houses off Stapleford Road. Outline permission for this development was approved in May 2022 despite opposition from residents, the parish council and me as Ward Councillor. This site will therefore be developed.

The application was approved (having previously been refused) because at the time, Rutland did not have a 5-year housing supply. It now stands at 7.4 years.

The application for the reserved matters, which relate to the details of layout, scale, landscaping, and appearance came to the Planning Committee on 19 September. Both Cynthia Moss from the Parish Council, and I spoke strongly against the proposed layout, arguing that it took no account of the requirements of the Neighbourhood Plan and that more green space should be provided. The application was not approved but deferred. We have subsequently met with the developers who have modified their design, which will be presented at a future committee. In the meantime, Mulberry Homes can work on clearing the site, but to proceed further they need to have approval of the reserved matters and must comply with the planning conditions at each stage of development.

2022/1461/MAO: Outline application for 73 houses off Stapleford Road. No decision has been made on this application. It is still in progress and has not yet come before the Planning Committee.

Local Plan to 2041

Every planning authority must have an up-to-date Local Plan that sets out what can be built and where building should take place. Local Plans also hold important policies to support environmental protection, jobs, and the economy. They also help to decide where we need infrastructure for services such as roads, schools, and health.

As portfolio holder for planning for the Council from May 2022 to May 2023, we have made good progress on the new local plan, which I believe gives Rutland a much stronger position than the previous withdrawn local plan. Policies and evidence have been brought up to date, and there are 2 key changes

·         Rutland now has the allocation of 650 houses from the Quarry Farm development. It was previously included in South Kesteven’s allocation.

·         We have not accepted the Government grant and its associated risks for the development of St Georges Barracks. The army is still occupying this site and any proposals will come forward as a separate development plan document.

Public consultation on the next stage of the new Local Plan will start in November. Details on how to participate will be publicised. There are no proposed site allocations for housing in Whissendine in this draft plan.

Whissendine Neighbourhood Plan

I started the process of developing the Neighbourhood Plan in December 2020, and it is pleasing that, thanks to the hard work of the volunteers on the Steering Group, it is now in its final stages.

Following the public consultation, the independent examiner will consider all the comments and recommend whether the neighbourhood plan should be put to a community referendum.

And finally, do get in touch with me by email or by phone or come and see me at the White Lion on Wednesday 15th November between 6pm and 8pm

Rosemary Powell
County Councillor
Whissendine Ward
01664 474257
rpowell@rutland.gov.uk

Cllr Rosemary Powell|Independent Member for Whissendine Ward
Rutland County Council, Catmose, Oakham, Rutland. LE15 6HP

t: 01664 474257 |
e: rpowell@rutland.gov.uk
www.rutland.gov.uk

 


Ward Councillor Update – August 2023

Rosemary Powell, County Councillor for Whissendine Ward writes:

Whilst outline planning permission has been given for 66 houses off Stapleford Road, the application for the reserved matters, which relates to the density and the layout of the site, will come back to the planning committee for a decision as to whether this is acceptable. At the time of writing, there is no date set for this committee, nor for the decision on the additional 73 houses.

 July Council approved the award of a new contract for grounds maintenance for 5 years from 1 January 2024. A new contractor will take over these responsibilities for the county after a comprehensive tender process, which takes more account of biodiversity. The main change to the contract will be 6 cuts per growing season for ‘urban’ areas, i.e those within the 30mph signs. This is in line with many other councils and was previously 10 cuts per season. Highways rural verge cutting will remain at 3 cuts per season and Highways weed spraying twice a year in April and August. Any issues with grass cutting please report on Fix My Street or on MyAccount on the council website.

Rutland County Council also will re-open a reception facility at Catmose for a trial period for 1 year.

If you do have any problems contacting the Council, or any concerns I can help with, please get in touch with me by email or by phone. I will resume my regular surgeries at the White Lion in the autumn.

Rosemary Powell
County Councillor
Whissendine Ward
474257
rpowell@rutland.gov.uk


Ward Councillor Update – May 2023

Rosemary Powell, County Councillor for Whissendine Ward writes:

I am delighted to be able to continue to represent Whissendine and Teigh on Rutland County Council for the next four years. Whilst I cannot thank those who voted for me, as it was an uncontested ward, I would like to thank all residents for their continued support.

The Annual Meeting of Rutland County council was held on 22 May and councillors voted for the Leader of the Council, along with Chair and Committee positions, but the results of these elections are not available at the time of going to print. The Leader is responsible for the county’s direction and priorities, appoints cabinet members and makes executive decisions.

Like many councils, Rutland now has no overall control and while the Liberal Democrats have the most seats with 11, residents elected 7 independent councillors, 6 conservatives, 2 labour and 1 green, showing a spread of affiliations. As an independent councillor, I believe that in a unitary authority the size of Rutland, there is no place for party politics and the message from voters confirmed support for individuals who will do a good job for Rutland, rather than be divided along party lines. The electorate did not vote for a continuation of an entrenched party political agenda and national politics getting in the way of what is best for our county.

My election leaflet set out my background and my pledges to the community and I will continue to work hard to fulfil them and to make a difference at the Council. Do get in touch by phone or email if I can help with any particular issues.

Rosemary Powell
County Councillor
Whissendine Ward
474257
rpowell@rutland.gov.uk


Ward Councillor Update – November 2022

Rosemary Powell, County Councillor for Whissendine Ward writes:

Dear Residents

Looking back over 2022, it has certainly been a year of change in national politics. This has also been the case at Rutland County Council, where a new leader of the Council, Lucy Stephenson, was elected in May 2022 and a new Cabinet appointed, as the conservatives had lost control of the Council. As an Independent I am proud to now be serving on the Cabinet, with responsibility for Planning, Highways and Transport and believe that working constructively with other councillors is the best way to secure Rutland’s future. In the current economic climate, there are plenty of challenges and difficult decisions ahead but we are making good progress in putting in place the foundations for the future, to ensure that RCC delivers effective services for its residents and supports the most vulnerable in our county.

In these challenging times, RCC has put together a booklet of support available for residents. This can be found on the website, or in a booklet available from libraries, Citizens Advice and the foodbank.  Or ask me for a copy.

I have enjoyed meeting with residents in the pub and will advertise further sessions in 2023. But do contact by email or telephone at any time.

With very best wishes for Christmas and the New Year
Rosemary

Rosemary Powell
County Councillor
Whissendine Ward
474257
rpowell@rutland.gov.uk


Ward Councillor Update – August 2022

Please take part in the first stage of consultation on Rutland’s new Local Plan, and have your say on planning issues and the future development of our county. This Issues and Options consultation runs until 4pm on Friday 16 September 2022 and is the first of three consultations that will take place before the Local Plan goes to the government’s planning inspectorate for independent examination in 2024.

The Local Plan will set out the strategy for the amount, location and design of new development. At the same time, the Plan is an opportunity for us to progress ambitions around climate change, meeting affordable housing needs, supporting jobs and promoting biodiversity.

Complete online at www.rutland.gov.uk (search for Issues and Options). Or email localplan@rutland.gov.uk or call 01572 722 577 to get a paper copy. There will also be information at libraries and events during the summer.

I hope we will have lots of feedback from Whissendine. Even if you answer just one question!

I will also be at the White Lion on Wednesday evenings 31st August and 7th September between 6pm and 8pm to answer any queries about the Local Plan, completing the survey or just to talk about any matters of concern to you as Whissendine and Teigh residents.

Do call in and see me there.

Rosemary Powell
County Councillor
Whissendine Ward
01664 474257
rpowell@rutland.gov.uk


£150 Government Council Tax Energy Rebate

Some information below on the rebates which will be paid by the Council in April.

Who is eligible? 

Households in Council Tax bands A to D will receive the £150 rebate. You can find your band on your Council Tax bill or on the Government website. You must be the Council Tax bill payer on 1 April 2022. Second homes and empty properties will not benefit. 

How will my household get its £150 rebate? 

If you pay your Council Tax by Direct Debit, the rebate will go directly into your bank account after your first Direct Debit instalment is paid in April 2022. You can expect the payment to arrive in your bank account about a week later.

If you don’t pay by Direct Debit, RCC will not have your bank details to make a payment. You will therefore get a letter after 4 April 2022 and will then be able to complete a short application form online. There will also be a phone number for those who are unable to go online. You will be asked whether you want payment made straight to your bank account, in which case your bank account details will need to be verified, or via cheque or a credit to your Council Tax account.

If you are struggling with food costs, energy and water bills and other essentials, contact Citizens Advice Rutland Tel: 01572 723494 www.rutlandcab.org.uk 


Ward Councillor Update – January 2022

The start of the new year is budget setting time at Rutland County Council when the annual budget for 2022/23 is drawn up and Councillors will vote (on 28th February) on the rate of council tax and the level of fees and charges for council services for next year. The draft budget has been published and Cabinet is proposing a council tax increase of 4.99% in order to achieve a break-even position. The public consultation on the budget runs from 19th January to 9th February. Further information, including frequently asked questions, is on www.rutland.gov.uk. Search on Annual Budget 22/23.

You will not be surprised to learn that, as a chartered accountant, I review the budget in detail each year and submit a comprehensive list of questions. Local Authority finances are complex but in-depth challenge is required to ensure that all areas of spending are examined.  My priorities, through my role as Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee, member of the group reviewing the Council’s constitution and involvement with the Cross-Party working group on the new Local plan, are to focus on the things that will make a difference to services to residents, whether it is through improvements to the system for recording highways incidents, speeding up the responses to residents’ queries, or to ensuring transparency in the process of creating a new Local Plan.

No council wants to increase council tax by more than is necessary, especially at the current time of increasing prices and squeeze on household finances. Rutland gets significantly less government funding per household than other similar authorities and relies heavily on council tax to fund services with just over 80% of funding coming from council tax compared to a national average of 60%. The spend for next year is budgeted at £42.3m.  Whilst considerable savings have already been made a £2.2 million gap is still predicted for 23/24. Rutland currently has a healthy level of reserves but it is not sustainable in the long term to continue to dip into them. I will be actively involved in the difficult decisions that will have to be made about any future savings or changes to service.

A hardship fund is available for people on low incomes struggling to pay their council tax. Please contact RCC for further details, or me, in strictest confidence.

Do contact me if you have any questions and do participate in the public consultation

Councillor Rosemary Powell


Ward Councillor Update – October 2021

It is always interesting to walk around the village with a visitor and this is what a couple of members of the Neighbourhood Plan group did in October, with Hannah our newly appointed consultant. We had much to show her including the places at risks from flooding, the congestion at school drop- off time and the development sites that had been included in Rutland’s last Local Plan. Rutland County Council has now commenced the production of a new Local Plan. A cross party Project Board will oversee the process, and as an independent I will work to ensure that we develop a Plan that is fit for Rutland’s future. There will be a new ‘call for sites’ for development, and as you will have seen in Oakham, the county is under severe pressure from developers. This makes it all the more important that we get our neighbourhood plan in place. It is up to everyone to get involved. Please see the article in this magazine and I look forward to seeing you on Saturday 13th November at the village hall.

A special thanks to all the volunteer groups and individuals who look after and maintain our village. The Banks and Play area, in particular, which are managed by the Parish Council, is a great asset. And don’t forget you can report any issues that are Rutland County Council’s responsibility on FixmyStreet or through MyAccount on www.rutland.gov.uk

I am working on a number of road safety issues and Leicestershire Police are currently running a ‘Share the Road’ campaign. If you are walking, cycling, running or riding as the days and evenings grow darker, please wear fluorescent clothing so that you can be seen by drivers

Councillor Rosemary Powell

Ward Councillor Update – May 2021

Many of you will be aware that Rutland Councillors recently voted by a narrow margin to reject the terms of a Government (HIF) grant of £29.4m for infrastructure to enable the re-development of St George’s Barracks at North Luffenham with 2,215 new homes in a so-called ‘garden village’.

As your independent councillor, I was elected both to represent the interests of Whissendine ward on the council but also to make decisions and set policy for the county as a whole. I am not bound by any party affiliations and after careful review of the information, extensive briefings by officers and the county’s legal adviser I voted against the proposal as I considered that the potential liabilities and risks of accepting the funding from Homes England were too great for Rutland Council and on balance, outweighed any benefits. It was disappointing that the debate on the grant was held in private but I am happy to provide any residents with further details of the underlying reasons for my vote.

The full impacts of this decision are now being worked through and it is too early to say what the eventual outcome for St Georges Barracks will be, but one immediate consequence is that the Local Plan 2018-2036, which was previously approved by Council last year (I voted against) and was awaiting independent Inspection, is now on hold. This Plan included the development at St Georges, on the basis that it was viable with the HIF grant. We expect to have a further report to Council later in May with options on the way forward.

Naturally this has raised questions and concerns amongst Rutland residents on the impact this might have for alternative developments across the County. And indeed raises questions as to how the majority Conservative Council could have submitted a Local Plan which included such a major development, before the terms of the funding to make it possible were finally agreed and also how 650 houses on Rutland land at Stamford North was included in South Kesteven’s allocation.

Every Council must have a Local Plan that, amongst other things, identifies future sites that may be suitable for residential development. A new homes target is set via Central Government and it is the responsibility of each Council to identify, evaluate and prioritise sites and consult with the local community. Sites deemed potentially suitable are then included into a draft Local Plan. Councils also need to demonstrate that they have a five-year housing supply.

Two sites in Whissendine are currently included in the 2018-36 draft Local Plan and the inclusion of any additional sites will depend on the extent to which this Local Plan needs to be revisited and amended following the HIF decision on St Georges Barracks and whether the final Local Plan is then approved by the Inspector and agreed by Council.  I will keep you updated!

The first thing to stress, is that because a site has been included does not mean it will or has to be developed. New and alternative sites also tend to become available and it is not unusual for sites to disappear from future iterations of Local Plans. Even if an identified site is acquired by a developer, any planning application will need to go under intense scrutiny that will amongst other factors consider the number and type of dwellings proposed and the impact on local infrastructure and amenities. In the absence or deferral of development at St George’s Barracks then almost certainly, developers will have a heightened interest in the alternatives but equally even if St George’s is developed that would not take other sites out of the reckoning.

Should it come, there will of course be a balance to strike between any negative impacts of development on the village infrastructure and any positive contributions of an increased local population in supporting our shop, pub and community groups. Along the way we will all have our own views about what that balance should look like and that is why I have been instrumental in setting up the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group, which is working on a plan for our community. Do get involved in the consultations. It is a real opportunity to have your say about how our village and the surrounding area will develop in the coming years.

Councillor Rosemary Powell

Ward Councillor Update – March 2021

Many residents of Whissendine and Teigh have now received their first COVID-19 vaccination. Feedback I have received is that the centre at Catmose is working very efficiently to administer the vaccine and I would like to thank everyone who has volunteered to help in this effort. In the next few months people should be starting to receive their second doses and many more residents will have been vaccinated. Good news indeed! Please do not forget that you are not fully protected until you have had both vaccinations.

A big thank you too to volunteers who are litter picking around the village. Sadly, there seems to be quite a lot of litter in our roadside hedgerows and verges which seems to have been thrown out of vehicles. So do consider picking up some litter when you are out for daily exercise, as long as you can do this in a COVID safe way and do not put yourself in any danger from traffic. We shouldn’t have to do this but it does really improve our environment.

Councillor Rosemary Powell

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