To receive Motions on Notice under Council Procedure Rule 12.

Motion: Former Theddlethorpe Gas Terminal

This council notes the continuing public interest in the future proposals for the former gas terminal site in Theddlethorpe.

This council also notes the condition attached to the original planning permission that promised a return to agricultural use when the project ceased operation.

Furthermore this council notes that it is a requirement of any proposal to site a nuclear storage facility to have the backing of the community in which it is proposed to be based.

In order to gauge the initial mood of the community a poll of residents was undertaken in the village of Theddlethorpe. More recently, issues surrounding the site were a major factor across the search area in elections to parish and district councils in May.

In both of these, the public overwhelmingly stated their opposition to the proposal and therefore this council resolves to:

1. Make a public declaration noting the concerns raised by the community and share these with LCC, NWS, and our MPs.

2. Immediately collaborate with LCC to establish a definitive date for conducting the Test of Public Support within the “search area” as soon as possible before the end of July 2024.

3. Determine an electoral process that ensures inclusivity, transparency, and maximum participation from the local community in the Test of Public support, engaging with local stakeholders to ensure this process is fair, unbiased, and fully democratic.

4. Provide monthly updates and progress reports to the local community regarding the progress towards conducting the Test of Public support.

5. Promote and advertise the date and arrangements for holding the Test of Public Support to ensure maximum participation by voters.

Proposer: Cllr Claire Arnold

Seconder: Cllr Kate Marnoch

Motion: Ensuring Clarity and Progress on Hosting a Geological Disposal Facility (GDF)

We ask this council to support our residents, for whom the continuing uncertainty is having a negative effect on their quality of life and well-being, by

Working with Lincolnshire County Council to bring forward the Test of Public Support by referendum in Withern and Theddlethorpe and Mablethorpe wards, no later than July 2025.

July 2025 allows a four-year timeframe. It provides ample opportunity to effectively inform the community regarding the GDF and will provide confidence to residents, business and the tourist industry.

Proposed by:  Councillor Travis Hesketh

Seconded by: Councillor Robert Watson

The Chairman advised Members that legal advice had been received and further to discussions with the proposers, both motions on the agenda had been withdrawn.

The Leader of the Council apologised to Members of the public in attendance that the Motions would not be considered at the Meeting.  It was highlighted that legal advice had been sought so that any decisions taken on this important matter by the Council or the Executive were taken in the proper manner and would withstand any legal challenge.  It was advised that the Monitoring Officer would be working with the Monitoring Officer at Lincolnshire County Council to seek further legal advice on this matter to inform future decision making on the Test of Public Support.

As a Point of Order, Councillor Jill Makinson-Sanders queried why the legal opinion had only been received that afternoon.  In response, the Leader of the Council highlighted the significance of the subject and stated that it was a complicated issue.  It was highlighted that the matters were not specifically addressed in legislation and instead were contained in a policy document from Nuclear Waste Services which set out a new national process for dealing with these matters.  It was clarified that legal advice had been sought in the early days and since that time the Council had been seeking further legal advice.  The Council had to make an informed decision on the item, and following receiving further legal advice, although at a late stage it had been agreed to withdraw the motions.