NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL
ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC PROTECTION COMMITTEE
15 March 2001
PRESENT:- Councillor P Kirk (vice-chair).
Councillors Appleyard, Berry, Clark, J Ellis, England, Fordham, M Kirk, Long, Mrs Metcalfe, T Muir, Rocks, Sherwood, Smith, Swift, Todd, Waldron, Wardle and Wood.
Councillor Whiteley attended the meeting under the provisions of Standing Order 40(b).
The committee met at Pittwood House, Scunthorpe.
391 COUNCILLOR B REGAN AND COUNCILLOR MRS J BROMBY - The chair informed the committee that the above members were currently in hospital.
Resolved - That the best wishes of all members of this committee be sent to Councillor Regan and Councillor Mrs Bromby.
392 DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY OR NON-PECUNIARY INTERESTS - Councillors Appleyard, Berry, Clark, England, Long, T Muir, Sherwood, Wardle and Wood declared a non-pecuniary interest in respect of minute 426 (North Lincolnshire Local Plan Review Deposit Draft - Development Control Decisions).
393 PETITIONS - In accordance with Standing Order 38, it was reported that three petitions had been received as follows:-
(274) REQUEST FOR RESIDENTS PARKING PERMITS, QUEEN STREET, BRIGG - Further to minute 320, a further petition was submitted by residents requesting the council to grant parking permits to exempt residents from displayed parking restrictions in Queen Street (the original request) or to de-regulate the present parking restrictions in Queen Street, Brigg in their entirety or to de-regulate one side or the equivalent of one half of the present parking restrictions in Queen Street, Brigg.
Representatives of the petitioners attended the meeting and one addressed the committee on the subject matter of and background to the petition.
The Director of Environment and Public Protection referred to minute 320, and submitted a corresponding report which provided further background information on the petition and outlined the history and reasons for the parking restrictions on Queen Street, Brigg. He explained that Queen Street provided some twenty one spaces (twelve on the east side and nine on the west). Evidence supported the view that these spaces were popular with high turnover of short duration parking. Since the introduction of car parking charges in Brigg the need for Traffic Regulation Orders to provide and control on street parking spaces was more important, as they permitted higher turnover of the available space.
The removal of the Traffic Regulation Orders in Queen Street would remove valuable high turnover parking near to the town centre, and it was anticipated that the area would quickly fill with long term commuter parking. The Traffic Regulation Order which restricted parking to one hour, with no return within one hour, was used in many other areas where there was similar parking demand. If this specific order was revoked it could result in many requests for action elsewhere.
A letter from Brigg Town Council on this matter was also circulated at the meeting.
Moved by Councillor Rocks and seconded by Councillor M Kirk -
(a) That the petition be received; (b) that with regards to the petitioners request for the council to grant parking permits to exempt residents from the displayed parking restrictions in Queen Street, the petitioners be reminded of the decision taken by the committee at its January 2001 meeting (minute 320 refers); (c) that in the light of the information provided in the report of the Director of Environment and Public Protection the petitioners further requests be refused; (d) that the Director of Environment and Public Protection continue to monitor the council's policy on parking permits and in the future if resources are available take the opportunity to address the type of problems experienced in Queen Street, Brigg and in many other areas of North Lincolnshire, and (e) that representatives of the petitioners be invited to meet with the Director of Environment and Public Protection to discuss the matter.
Moved by Councillor Sherwood and seconded by Councillor Berry as an amendment -
(a) That the petition be received and noted, and (b) that car parking restrictions along one side of Queen Street, Brigg be removed for a six month trial period.
Amendment Lost
Motion Carried
At the request of members and in accordance with Standing Order 18(b) the names of members voting for and against the motion are as follows:-
FOR: Ellis, Fordham, M Kirk, P Kirk, Mrs Metcalfe, Rocks, Smith, Swift, Todd and Waldron.
AGAINST: Appleyard, Berry, Clark, England, Long, T Muir, Sherwood, Wardle and Wood.
394 (275) TRAFFIC PROBLEMS, EXETER ROAD, SCUNTHORPE - This petition was submitted by residents of Exeter Road, Scunthorpe requesting that the council take action on indiscriminate parking creating access and egress problems from driveways. They also highlighted increased flows of traffic and perceived risks to children and elderly pedestrians following additional use of the local post office due to the closure of another post office.
Representatives of the petitioners attended the meeting and one addressed the committee on the subject matter of and background to the petition.
The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a corresponding report which presented further background information on the petition and explained that officers were investigating the matter and would be arranging a meeting with residents to discuss their concerns.
Resolved - (a) That the petition be received; (b) that the request for action on current traffic problems in Exeter Road, Scunthorpe be referred to the Director of Environment and Public Protection in consultation with the appropriate cabinet member, and (c) that the above meeting with residents be arranged.
395 (276) REQUEST FOR CLOSURE OF FOOTPATH BETWEEN OLD BRUMBY STREET AND RIVELIN PLACE, SCUNTHORPE - This petition was submitted by local residents requesting the closure of a connecting footpath between Old Brumby Street and Rivelin Place, Scunthorpe as a means of preventing the re-occurrence of trespass caused by youths congregating in Rivelin Place during the hours of darkness, drinking, creating undue noise, causing damage to property and frightening residents.
Representatives of the petitioners attended the meeting and one addressed the committee on the subject matter of and background to the petition.
The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a corresponding report which provided further background information on the petition and explained the footpath was a highway maintainable at public expense and therefore any closure would require an Order to be made under the Highways Act 1980 to extinguish the public rights of way over it.
Such an Order could only be made under the 1980 Act if the footpath could be diverted to make it nearer or more commodious to the public or was unnecessary. The first ground was impracticable, as it would require a replacement to be provided. As regards the second ground, observation of the footpath has shown that it was used by the public for passage. Accordingly as there was public usage of it for legitimate purposes the council could not view the footpath as unnecessary nor be in a position to convince the Magistrates Court (which usually undertakes a site visit itself) to make an Order closing it.
Resolved Unanimously - (a) That the petition be received; (b) that the request for the closure of the footpath between Old Brumby Street and Rivelin Place, Scunthorpe, be rejected, and (c) that the Community Safety Partnership consider action to reduce the nuisance caused by youths congregating in Rivelin Place.
396 (277) HUMBERSIDE POLICE ACTIVITIES UPDATE - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report concerning a number of highways and transportation activities currently being undertaken by Humberside Police, together with relevant enforcement and casualty statistics.
A representative of Humberside Police attended the meeting and gave an oral update on the activities.
Resolved - (a) That this report, and the oral update given by the police representative be received; (b) that the Director of Environment and Public Protection be authorised to continue to provide support for joint initiatives and accident prevention campaigns.
397 (278) SPEED MANAGEMENT STRATEGY UPDATE - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report reminding members that the committee had previously supported an annual contribution towards the cost of funding an administrative assistant post within the Humberside Police Ticket Office to process speeding penalty tickets within the six 'priority one' towns and villages in North Lincolnshire. The report sought approval for this course of action until April 2002.
Starting in mid June 1999 regular camera enforcement had been carried out by Humberside Police in Scunthorpe/Bottesford, Barton, Belton, Crowle, Messingham and Wrawby and during the seventeen months of enforcement over 7,000 speeders were caught within the six communities, compared with under 2,000 by non-camera enforcement elsewhere in North Lincolnshire.
The report also gave details of accident monitoring reductions for the last fifteen months.
The Director informed members that hypothecation changed the rules to permit a percentage of fines income to be used to fund extra local enforcement activity. In order for this to be approved however a business case had to be made based upon casualty reduction savings. Officers from the unitary councils and the Magistrates Office were working closely with Humberside Police to monitor the existing strategy and develop a case for hypothecation but Humberside Police had decided to delay this for at least another year and had indicated its desire to continue the camera enforcement at priority one locations until 2002.
Resolved - (a) That approval be given for this council's continuing support towards the funding of a post of Administrative Assistant within the Central Ticket Office, Humberside Police, until April 2002, and (b) that a further report be submitted when the effect of hypothecation has been evaluated.
398 MINUTES - Resolved - That the minutes of the proceedings of the committee of 11 January, 2001 having been printed and circulated amongst the members, be taken as read and correctly recorded and be signed by the chair.
SUB-COMMITTEE PROCEEDINGS - The minutes of the proceedings of the following sub-committees were received and, where necessary, approved and adopted.
Sub-Committee
399 Planning Sub-Committee of 5 January and 2 February 2001.
400 Licensing Sub-Committee of 12 January and 23 February (Special Meeting).
401 (279) LAND RECLAMATION PROJECTS MANAGEMENT TEAM - Resolved - That the minutes of the above Management Team held on 1 February, 2001 be received, and where necessary approved and adopted.
402 (280) HUMBERSIDE FIRE AUTHORITY - Resolved - That the minutes of the meeting of the authority held on 29 January, 2001 be received.
403 (281) OUTSTANDING ITEMS - The Director of Corporate Affairs and the Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a joint report which identified outstanding items of business from this committee with an indication of when they were to be addressed.
Resolved - (a) That the report be noted, and (b) that minute 233 as detailed in the report be dealt with as quickly as possible.
404 (282) ITEM REFERRED FROM THE MEETING OF THE CABINET COMMITTEE HELD ON 1 FEBRUARY, 2001 - MINUTE 158 - PLAYING PITCH AND CHILDREN'S PLAY SPACE STRATEGY FOR NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE - The Director of Corporate Affairs submitted the above minute and corresponding joint report of the Director of Education and Personal Development and the Director of Environment and Public Protection which had been referred to this committee for its consideration.
Resolved - That the above minute and corresponding joint report of the Director of Education and Personal Development be noted.
405 (283) REVIEW OF COUNCIL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report proposing amendments to the council's Environmental Policy which had been approved and adopted in February 1998.
The report explained that the Directorate of Environment and Public Protection had an environmental management system in place as the first stage of the council achieving accreditation under the Local Authority Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (LA-EMAS) scheme. As a staging post towards LA-EMAS, accreditation to ISO 14001 (the international quality standard for environmental management) was being sought.
External assessors had carried out the pre-assessment visit and their comments had revealed the need for minor amendment to the policy. In addition to their comments other aspects which were in need of it have been reviewed.
The main changes were an explicit (new) reference to continuous improvement in the opening paragraph and rewording of commitment (v) relating to built environment. Other minor wording changes had been incorporated. The full revised policy was appended to the report showing the previous wording in brackets.
Recommended to Council - That the revised Environmental Policy be approved and adopted and progress be reported annually through the Environmental Stewardship Action Plan.
406 (284) CAPITAL AND REVENUE ESTIMATES 2001-2002 - The Director of Environment and Public Protection and the Director of Corporate Affairs submitted a joint report seeking approval of the capital and revenue estimates for this service committee within the totals set by the council for 2000/2001 financial year.
The report explained that the council at its meeting on 15 February 2001 (minute 539 refers) set for this committee a capital budget of £12.49m and a revenue budget of £16.47m including £139,000 of development funds. Details of the capital and revenue budgets were set out in the report and supporting appendices.
The Director of Environment and Public Protection updated members at the meeting on specific detail within the report.
Resolved - (a) That the revenue and capital budgets and development proposals as set by Council for this committee be noted; (b) that the detailed capital budgets for 2000-2002 as set out in appendix 1 of the joint report be approved, and (c) that the detailed revenue budgets for 2001-2002 as set out in appendix 2 of the report be approved.
(Councillors Appleyard, Berry, Clark, England, Long, T Muir, Sherwood, Wardle and Wood wished to be recorded as dissenting from the £222,000 Highways and Transportation Net Service Prioritisation in the Revenue Budget Reductions detailed in paragraph 3.2 of the joint report (minute 406 refers)).
407 (285) FEES AND CHARGES 2000/2001 - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report concerning the annual review of fees and charges of services which were the responsibility of this committee. Details of the proposed fees and charges for the financial year 2000/2001 were set out in a schedule appended to the report.
Resolved - That the fees and charges set out in the schedule appended to the report be approved and adopted.
(Councillors Appleyard, Berry, Clark, England, Long, T Muir, Sherwood, Wardle and Wood wished to be recorded as dissenting from all car parking charges in Brigg as set out in the fees and charges appendix of the report (minute 407 refers)).
408 (286) HACKNEY CARRIAGE/PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLES - FEES AND CHARGES - Further to minute 334, the Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report proposing fees and charges for Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle licensing for the period 2001/2002. The proposed scale of fees and charges as appended to the report had been the subject of Public Notice and objections received were outlined and addressed in the report.
Resolved - That the proposed fees and charges as set out in appendix 1 of the report be approved and come into effect on 1 April, 2001.
409 (287) HACKNEY CARRIAGE TARIFFS - Further to minute 334 the Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report informing the committee of proposed changes to the maximum tariffs for hackney carriages at the request of North Lincolnshire Taxi and Private Hire Association to take account of inflationary increases to their trading overheads.
The council was statutorily required to consult on proposed tariff increases and this process had been concluded with representations attached at appendix 1 for information. A table of the comparative costs in respect of each tariff was attached at appendix 2 also for information.
Resolved - That the proposed tariffs as set out in appendix 1 of the report be approved and implemented as of the 1 April, 2001.
410 (288) TAXI ENFORCEMENT EXERCISE AND RESULTS - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report advising the committee of a multi-agency enforcement exercise undertaken by the Licensing Unit in response to a request from the North Lincolnshire Taxi and Private Hire Association.
The report explained that due to increasing concerns regarding allegations of illegally operating vehicles and drivers a high profile enforcement exercise was carried out using officers from the Licensing Unit, three police officers and a mechanic from Fleet Management Services on Saturday 9 December, 2000 from 8.00 pm until 1.00 am the following morning. A vehicle stop check point was set up in the car park at Pittwood House with 'taxis' being directed off Ashby Road by the Police. The vehicles were subsequently checked for mechanical fitness and compliance with licence conditions.
As a consequence of this enforcement exercise thirty seven vehicles and drivers were checked. Of the vehicles checked twenty four required further rechecks after rectification of minor faults or non compliance with conditions. The number of satisfactory vehicles on the night was only twenty three, sixty two percent of those checked. The licence in respect of one vehicle was suspended on the night with a further vehicle licence being suspended due to unsatisfactory rechecks.
Resolved - (a) That the report be noted, and (b) that future initiatives of this nature be supported by members.
411 (289) FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report informing the committee of action taken by responsible agencies in North Lincolnshire as a consequence of the outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease (FMd) nationally. The agencies responsible for disease control were the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food (MAFF), the State Veterinary Service (SVS), part of MAFF, Local Authority Animal Health Officers (Trading Standards in North Lincolnshire) and the Meat Hygiene Service in abattoirs.
Resolved - (a) That the report be noted; (b) that decisions being taken to combat the disease as outlined in the report be supported, and (c) that the efforts being made by officers of this authority in response to the crisis is recognised, and the thanks of this committee be passed on to them.
412 (290) COUNCIL ENTRY TO ROSPA OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY AWARDS SCHEME (ROSPA) - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report advising the committee of the council's entry to the ROSPA Merit award scheme for high standards of achievement in health and safety. The scheme provides an opportunity for the authority to be measured against a respected benchmark for excellence in the field of health and safety.
The report explained that ROSPA annually invited companies of all sizes from all sectors of industrial and commercial organisations, local authorities, educational and service organisations from all over the world to enter their occupational Health and Safety awards scheme. The closing date for entries this year was 5 March, with the awards to be presented in May.
The awards were seen as helping to -
(a) Motivate staff and raise awareness of health and safety.
(b) Gain recognition from stakeholders and peer organisations.
(c) Provide a benchmark for health and safety performance.
Entrants for these awards must firstly provide evidence of a good safety management system and secondly demonstrate a consistently good or continuously improving accident/injury performance over the entry period. Winners of these awards received a special certificate. They were also entitled to use the award emblem on their letter heading and fly the award flag.
Resolved - That entry into the ROSPA award scheme be noted and approved.
413 (291) FOOD STANDARDS AGENCY - FOOD SERVICE PLAN FOR 2001/2002 - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report seeking approval for the council's Food Service Plan for 2001/2002 prior to its submission to the Food Standards Agency.
Under the Food Standards Act 1999, each food authority was required to submit a service plan to the Food Standards Agency setting out its proposed activities for the administrative year from 1 April, 2001 to 31 March, 2002.
As a unitary authority the council was responsible for the enforcement of both food safety and Food Standards (Consumer Protection) legislation. It was also responsible for work under various statutes dealing with the composition and safety of Animal Feeding Stuff which was now regarded as an important contributor to the ultimate safety of the human food chain.
The Plan, copies of which were available in the political group offices, dealt with the council's proposed activities for the forthcoming year in all these areas of work.
The council was required to report to the agency on the fulfilment of the activities proposed under the plan at the end of March 2002.
Resolved - That the Food Service Plan be approved for submission to the Food Standards Agency.
414 (292) "JUST BIN IT" COMPETITION - Members considered a report of the Director of Environment and Public Protection informing them of a recent change in the title of the Tidy Britain Group campaign from National Spring Clean to 'Just Bin It', and advising on areas re-focussed on by the change.
The report gave details of the council's involvement with the Tidy Britain Group over the past decade and explained why the Group had decided to change its name to 'Just Bin It' and refocus its emphasis on not dropping litter in the first place.
Resolved - That the council's involvement with the Tidy Britain Group campaign 'Just Bin It' be supported.
415 (293) "IRRESPONSIBLE DOG OWNERSHIP" PILOT SCHEME - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report on a proposed project for the council for work in partnership with town and parish councils regarding dog fouling on land in open spaces within areas under town and parish council control. The report also sought to clarify the position/responsibilities of town and parish councils and the public with regard to fouling, by dogs, of public open spaces and sought members support to adopt a proposed strategy, details of which were set out in the report.
The director informed members that the North Lincolnshire Prevention of Dog Fouling on Highway and Footpaths Order 1997 came into force on 1 July, 1997. Two full time equivalent dog wardens were employed by the council whose principal function was the capture of stray dogs, the investigation of complaints of nuisance from dogs barking and to provide advice on responsible dog ownership.
The report also discussed procedures for enforcing the legislation and the wish to work in partnership with town and parish councils, initially on a year long trial scheme with three or four volunteer town or parish councils, by designating areas of land which are open to public access and under town or parish control, under the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996.
Resolved - (a) That town and parish councils be consulted about the pilot proposals for the future designation of land within individual parishes and that three pilot partnerships with town and parish councils be undertaken with a joint approach to enforcement of the Act on such land; (b) that the Director of Environment and Public Protection, in consultation with the appropriate cabinet member, select three volunteer town and parish councils to participate in a year long pilot scheme, and (c) that further initiatives for the prosecution of dog fouling on land already designated by the authority be undertaken in 2001 and that police assistance in such initiatives be sought.
416 (294) REVIEW OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NOISE ACT 1996 - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report informing members of a review of the Noise Act 1996 and seeking authority to make a formal response to the consultation initiated by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR).
The DETR, in October 1999, commissioned the University of Birmingham to undertake a review of the take up and workings of the Noise Act 1996, details of which were available on the DETR website.
The Night-time Noise Offence was intended to provide a swift remedy to problems of disturbance caused by noise from dwellings at night. However whilst the review found that 90% of local authorities participating in the review operated some form of out of hours service (compared with only 52% in 1994) only 13 authorities had formally adopted the Night Noise Offence.
The government's stated wish was to ensure that local authorities had access to adequate powers to take effective action to tackle noise nuisance, and that these met authorities' needs. The DETR had identified three options to meet this end, details of which were outlined in the report, and had asked local authorities views on these options and any other changes that they may consider helpful to achieve the aims of the Noise Act by 31 March 2001.
The director informed members why the council had not adopted the Night Noise offence and outlined a suggested response to the DETR.
Resolved - That the Director of Environment and Public Protection, in consultation with the relevant cabinet member, respond to the invitation to comment on the final report of the Review of the Noise Act 1996.
417 (295) YOUNG CONSUMERS OF THE YEAR COMPETITION - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report informing the committee of the Young Consumers Competition, organised by the Trading Standards Institute and now in its fifteenth year and outlining Trading Standards willingness to participate in the event.
Details of the competition and eligibility criteria were set out in the report.
Resolved - That officers of the directorate approach schools and other organisations with a view to launching the competition in North Lincolnshire in 2002.
418 (296) OBJECTION TO PROPOSED SPEED LIMIT A161 - The Director of Environment and Public Protection referred to minute 179 approving the proposed introduction of a 40 mph speed limit on the A161 between Epworth and Belton and submitted a report giving details on an objection which had been received in connection with the proposed Order.
Resolved - (a) That in view of the anticipated savings and reduction of speed related incidents, the objection to the proposed speed limit on the A161 be overruled and the Order be implemented, and (b) that the objector be informed of the outcome.
419 (297) SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL - PROPOSALS FOR "GIANT FOOTSTEPS" CROSBY AREA, SCUNTHORPE - The Director of Environment and Public Protection informed members that within the Local Transport Plan a programme of works had been identified aimed at improving walking and cycling routes to and from school and submitted a report informing the committee of the proposed introduction of an innovative series of markings to highlight safe pedestrian routes around the Crosby Primary and Scunthorpe CE Primary Schools, in support of Safe Route to School initiatives.
The Crosby area of Scunthorpe had already benefited from extensive works carried out under Single Regeneration Budget (SRB) funding and these works had included the introduction of the first 20 mph zone in North Lincolnshire.
It was proposed to undertake a scheme of work which would highlight safe crossing locations and routes by the use of "giant footprints" marked on footpaths and crossing points to attract children to follow the correct route and use crossing points well away from parked vehicles and positioned to give maximum visibility of any traffic etc.
Details of the locations of the routes and footprints were shown on a plan displayed at the meeting.
Resolved - That approval be given for the introduction of the "giant footprints" as shown in the scheme drawings displayed at the meeting.
420 (298) PROPOSED REMOVAL OF DOCTOR'S PARKING PLACE, FRODINGHAM ROAD, SCUNTHORPE - The Director of Environment and Public Protection referred to minute 1448 of the former Highways and Transportation Sub-Committee approving a request for a designated doctor's parking place outside a surgery at 262 Frodingham Road, Scunthorpe, and submitted a report stating that the property had recently ceased to be used as a doctor's surgery and was up for sale. The parking place designated for use by the doctors was no longer required.
Resolved - That the revocation of The North Lincolnshire Council (The Parking Places, Scunthorpe) (Amendment) Order 1998, which refers solely to the doctors' designated parking place in Frodingham Road, Scunthorpe be advertised and the parking place subsequently removed.
421 (299) PUBLIC TRANSPORT : CONCESSIONARY FARE SCHEME - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report asking members to determine and approve changes to the council's Concessionary Fare Scheme statement to ensure that it complied with the requirements of the national minimum scheme.
The Transport Act 2000 required local authorities to provide concessionary fares for elderly people and people with disabilities with effect from 1 June, 2001.
Details of the council's existing scheme and proposed amendments were set out in an appendix to the report.
Resolved - (a) That the North Lincolnshire Council Concessionary Fare Scheme Statement be revised to comply with the national minimum scheme; (b) that the revised scheme take effect from 1 June, 2001, and (c) that formal notification be given to participating transport operators accordingly.
422 (300) PUBLIC TRANSPORT : RURAL BUS CHALLENGE 2000 AWARD AND INCREASED RURAL BUS SUBSIDY GRANT 2001/02 TO 2003/04 - The Director of Environment and Public Protection referred to minute 257 and submitted a report informing members of the outcome of the bid made for the 2000 Rural Bus Challenge competition, and of an announcement on increased funding via the Rural Bus Grant.
Details of the original bid for the Rural Challenge, and the outcome announced by the DETR on 19 February 2001 were identified in the report. As the award represented only 25% of the original bid it was necessary to reconsider the schemes proposed in the original bid and scale them down to the level of funding allocated.
At the same time that the challenge awards were notified, the government also announced that Rural Bus Grant would be increasing. The allocation for this council for 2001/02 was now £328,744 with indicative totals for 2002/03 and 2003/04 of £376, 273 and £384,195 respectively.
Changes in the Rural Bus Grant rules from 1 April 2001 would enable the council to spend 20% of the total grant on increased costs of existing services.
Resolved - (a) That the outcome of the bid made to the DETR in the Rural Bus Challenge Competition be noted and the Director of Environment and Public Protection be authorised to commence detailed consultation on the most suitable sites for improvement along the route 350 corridor between Barton upon Humber and Scunthorpe; (b) that proposals for the works be the subject of a further report; (c) that the Director of Environment and Public Protection be authorised to investigate and approve additional support for rural services, in the light of the additional funding, and (d) that the revenue and capital issues resulting from the award and additional grant be referred to the Community, Commercial and Corporate Affairs Committee.
423 (301) PROPOSAL TO SUSPEND PAY AND DISPLAY PARKING CHARGES FOR THE BRIGG HORSE FAIR, 4 AUGUST 2001 - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report on a request to suspend the charging for car parks in Brigg on Saturday 4 August 2001, for the duration of the Brigg Horse Fair.
The Brigg Horse Fair was an annual event, attended by in excess of 20,000 visitors each year, the largest attendance for an event in North Lincolnshire.
In July 2000 pay and display car parking charges were introduced in Brigg on the Old Courts Road Car Park and at The Angel Car Park.
It was estimated that suspending the charges for the day of the Horse Fair would result in a loss of income of approximately £450 to £500. It may also be necessary to provide staff to control entry and exit to the sites due to the high levels of use of the car parks.
Moved by the chair and seconded by Councillor M Kirk -
That the proposals to suspend pay and display parking charges in Brigg for one day only, on Saturday 4 August 2001, for the duration of the Horse Fair, be rejected.
Moved by Councillor Sherwood and seconded by Councillor Berry as an amendment -
That the request from the organisers of the Brigg Horse Fair to suspend charging for car parking in Brigg on Saturday 4 August, 2001 for the duration of the fair be approved and action taken accordingly.
Amendment Lost
Motion Carried
424 (302) PROPOSED CREATION BY AGREEMENT OF A PUBLIC FOOTPATH IN EPWORTH PARISH - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report on reasons for seeking approval to the making of a public footpath creation agreement, under Section 25 of the Highways Act 1970, between the southernmost end of Fishings Lane, Epworth and the northern bank of the River Torne, alongside the north eastern boundary of Fishings Lane.
Resolved - (a) That, subject to the provisos in paragraph 3.4 of the report, approval be given to the making of a public footpath creation agreement under Section 25 of the Highways Act 1980 between the southernmost end of Fishings Lane, Epworth and the northern bank of the River Torne along the north east boundary of Fishings Lane, as shown on the appendix to the report, and (b) that the Director of Environment and Public Protection be authorised to make the Modification Order under Section 53 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to add this route to the Definitive Map and Statement.
425 (303) DEDICATION OF PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY, BARTON UPON HUMBER - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report seeking approval to dedicate three new routes in Barton as Public Rights of Way, details of which were described in the report and shown on an appendix accompanying the report.
The need for the council to make more Public Rights of Way accessible for the less abled was highlighted in a recent consultation exercise undertaken by the Environment Team as part of its equal opportunities planning. The identification of
improvements for the less abled would become increasingly important when Section 60/61 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 were enacted requiring local authorities to not only manage their Rights of Way but to publish and consult on detailed improvement plans.
Resolved - (a) That approval be given to dedicate the three routes outlined in the report, and shown on the accompanying appendix, which were in the ownership of the Education and Personal Development directorate as Public Rights of Way, and (b) that the routes be added to the definitive map at the earliest opportunity.
Further to minute 392 in relation to non-pecuniary interests, Councillors Appleyard, Berry, Clark, England, Long, T Muir, Sherwood, Wardle and Wood left the room for consideration of the following item (minute 426 refers).
426 (304) NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE LOCAL PLAN REVISED DEPOSIT DRAFT - DEVELOPMENT CONTROL DECISIONS - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report inviting the committee to consider procedures for determining planning applications in the light of progress in approving the Revised Deposit Draft of the North Lincolnshire Local Plan.
He reminded members of the various stages of public consultation to date, culminating in the Local Plan Inquiry to consider outstanding objections to the Plan in Autumn 2001.
Legislation required that local planning authorities determine planning applications in accordance with the development plan and any other material considerations. It was therefore important that development plans were up to date and conformed with government guidance.
The report indicated that in North Lincolnshire this had been difficult to achieve in the past as the council inherited many outdated local plans that did not conform to the recent national government guidance. Many decisions, as a result, reflected outdated planning policies rather than government objectives to achieve sustainable patterns of development.
The Director reminded members of the protocol approved by the committee to guide development control decision making on housing proposals in minimum growth settlements, villages and rural hamlets in the countryside which allowed greater weight to be given to specific policies in the Deposit Draft.
The Director also stated that the emerging Local Plan had now advanced a further stage to the Revised Draft Deposit and that the point reached by the Plan was now considered sufficient for it to outweigh most of the outdated policies contained within existing local plans. Indeed the Plan had now progressed beyond the stage the draft East Glanford Local Plan reached and it was proposed that this local plan be formally rescinded in order to improve the clarity of decision making in this part of the authority and in order to simplify the planning searches process.
It was also proposed that policies in the Revised Draft North Lincolnshire Local Plan be used for all development control purposes.
Moved by the chair and seconded by Councillor Ellis -
(a) That the policies and proposals in the North Lincolnshire Local Plan Revised Deposit Draft be afforded considerable weight in development control decision making; (b) that the East Glanford Local Plan - Adoption Draft 1992 be formally rescinded; (c) that the report be referred to the Planning Sub-Committee for information, and (d) that this policy comes into effect for new planning applications received from 1 April, 2001.
At the request of members and in accordance with Standing Order 18(b) the names of members voting for and against the motion are as follows -
FOR: Councillors Ellis, Fordham, M Kirk, P Kirk, Mrs Metcalfe, Rocks, Smith, Swift, Todd and Waldron.
AGAINST: None
Motion Carried Unanimously
427 (305) PLANNING USERS' CONCORDAT - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report informing members of the above Concordat, launched in mid-2000 and recommending its adoption by the council.
The Concordat was an agreement between the Local Government Association (LGA) and over 50 groups from the voluntary and business sectors and detailed best practice in areas such as Local Plans, Development Control and planning obligations. All local planning authorities were being urged to sign up to the Concordat at a local level.
The Concordat was built on the Planning Concordat agreed by the DETR and the LGA. It included recommended best practice principles for each stage of the planning process on the basis that adhering to this best practice allowed the delivery of the six principles which were involved in balancing and integrating competing demands between economic, commerce, social and environmental considerations in order to achieve sustainable development.
A summary of the Planning Users' Concordat was appended to the report and full copies were available in the political group offices.
Resolved - That the council agrees to adopt the protocol and to include references to its provision in future publicity, leaflets and information.
428 (306) PRODUCTION OF A DEFINITIVE MAP AND STATEMENT FOR SCUNTHORPE - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report seeking members approval to produce a Definitive Map and Statement for the previously excluded area of Scunthorpe.
The council was required, by legislation, to prepare a Definitive Map and Statement for Scunthorpe. Initially the base map would show only one footpath, a modification orders for which was made and confirmed by the former Humberside County Council in 1996. Public rights of way would be added to the map and statement by modification order made by the authority under Section 53 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1989. As soon as the first order was made, and if necessary, confirmed, the map and statement would become definitive.
The council was currently aware of three other footpaths that were required to be added to a Definitive Map for Scunthorpe.
Resolved - That approval be given for the production of a Definitive Map and Statement for the previously excluded area of Scunthorpe.
429 (307) EVENTS 2001 - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report giving details of a proposed events programme attached as an appendix to the report for Scunthorpe and the market towns of Barton upon Humber, Brigg and Epworth.
The programme aimed to develop the tourism potential of Barton upon Humber, Brigg, Epworth and Scunthorpe by increasing visitor numbers through business support measures. The council's Community Tourism and External Funding Team and local tourism partnerships recognised the potential of events and were keen to generate additional income for the North Lincolnshire economy.
Resolved - That the provisional programme of events 2001/2002, as appended to the report, be approved.
430 (308) SEASONAL MARKETS IN CHURCH SQUARE, SCUNTHORPE - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report informing members of the success of the inaugural Christmas Market held in Church Square, Scunthorpe on 16 December, 2000 and seeking support for further markets to be held in Church Square on 23/24 June and 15/16 December 2001.
The aims of the market were set out in the report. Traders reported that it had been the busiest trading day of the year.
Following the success of the market, funding of £18,000 had been secured for two further markets, details of which were set out in the report.
Resolved - That the report be noted and approval be given to the proposed markets to be held on 23/24 June and 15/16 December 2001.
431 (309) URBAN AND RURAL WHITE PAPERS - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report seeking approval to support regeneration activity which had been identified in Urban and Rural White Papers launched in late 2000.
The report reminded members of current regeneration activity in North Lincolnshire and commented in detail on the two White Papers, the visions of which reinforced themes set out in the Regional Economic Strategy, the strategic objectives of Single Regeneration Budget (SRB) funding programmes, and the council's own regeneration strategy.
Resolved - (a) That the principles of the Urban and Rural White Papers be embraced and incorporated into the council's future policies and strategies; (b) that a council contribution of £3,300 be made towards the development of an Action Plan for the Brigg Market Towns Initiative and that North Lincolnshire Council agrees to take the role of accountable body, and (c) that a contribution of up to £10,000 be made from committed Environment and Public Protection funds to enable Voluntary Action North Lincolnshire to develop their capacity to lead community-based projects.
432 (310) SINGLE REGENERATION BUDGET ROUND 7 - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report giving details of the council's involvement in current single Regeneration Budget (SRB) programmes and updating the committee on the potential for future regeneration programmes from the SRB.
The Regional Development Agency (Yorkshire Forward) had confirmed that there would be no national SRB Round 7 programme and that a return to a formal bidding arrangement was likely in 2002.
No bids were formally invited and resources would be allocated according to need and priorities as identified in the Regional Economic Strategy (RES) and Sub Regional Action Plan (SRAP).
Approximately £50m had been provisionally allocated to Yorkshire Forward for SRB 7 and these funds would be for projects that met gaps in the RES and SRAP. There was no indication what proportion, if any, of the £50m was likely to be attracted to the Humber and any focus in the Humber was likely to be related to the Humber Trade Zone.
A brief outline was sent to Yorkshire Forward in advance of its meeting on 20 February 2001, when it decided upon the allocation of the £50m. The outline emphasised -
- gaps in the current SRB programmes in meeting RES and SRAP
- need
- outputs
and identified key projects relating to the Humber Trade Zone including both capital investment and job creation measures. A decision from Yorkshire Forward was imminent.
Resolved - That projects to secure further funding be developed if commissioned by Yorkshire Forward.
433 (311) JOINT TOURISM MARKETING FOR NORTHERN LINCOLNSHIRE - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report informing the committee of an opportunity for a new marketing initiative to promote North and North East Lincolnshire as tourism destinations.
Both this council and North East Lincolnshire Council currently subscribed to Lincolnshire Tourism and were also members of the Yorkshire Tourist Board.
In preparation for best value reviews both councils had independently assessed the benefits derived from membership of outside bodies and concluded that membership of Lincolnshire Tourism brought few benefits in comparison with membership of the Yorkshire Tourist Board.
Initial discussions with tourism officers in North East Lincolnshire Council had established that both districts had a significant history of tourism development and investment and had complementary products to promote.
It was proposed that the budget allocation currently used to subscribe to Lincolnshire Tourism be used to develop more effective joint marketing initiatives with North East Lincolnshire Council.
Resolved - That the council withdraws from membership of Lincolnshire Tourism and approves the development of a joint tourism marketing initiative for North and North East Lincolnshire.
(Councillors Appleyard, Berry, Clark, England, Long, T Muir, Sherwood, Wardle and Wood, wished to be recorded as dissenting from the above decision, minute 433 refers).
434 (312) TRAFFIC ISLAND SPONSORSHIP SCHEME - Members considered a report of the Director of Environment and Public Protection giving details of an opportunity to gain private sector sponsorship to maintain and enhance traffic islands in North Lincolnshire.
The council had been approached on a number of occasions in the past by local businesses wishing to place promotional signs on traffic islands and a previous report to the former Highways and Transportation Sub-Committee, minute 239 refers, agreed in principle to the sponsorship of landscape work on the highway. Members had also expressed an interest in using sponsorship to enhance and maintain traffic islands in North Lincolnshire.
Following consultation with the private sector a revised Sponsorship Proposal Document had been developed, a copy of which had been placed in the political group offices. This document outlined the criteria for sponsoring the enhancement and maintenance of traffic islands, the size and design of signage and provided three levels of sponsorship, enhancement and maintenance.
Moved by the chair and seconded by Councillor M Kirk -
(a) That the traffic island sponsorship scheme as detailed in the Sponsorship Proposal Document be approved, and (b) that sponsorship applications be approved by the Director of Environment and Public Protection in consultation with the appropriate Cabinet member.
Moved by Councillor Sherwood and seconded by Councillor Long as an amendment -
(a) That the report be noted, and (b) that with regard to the Gold Standard Islands identified in the Sponsorship Proposal Document a minimum of £2,500 be accepted as the reserve price and that tenders be invited as appropriate.
Amendment Lost
Motion Carried
435 (313) COMMUNITY SAFETY UPDATE - Further to minute 267 the Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report updating the committee on the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, Section 17 developments within the council, and seeking approval for proposed interventions by The Community Safety Team.
Section 17 of the Act stated that "without prejudice to any other obligation imposed upon it, it shall be the duty of each local authority to exercise its various functions with due regard to the likely effect of the exercise of those functions on, and the need to do all that it reasonably can to prevent crime and disorder in its area". Home Office guidance stated that "each local authority should take account of the community safety dimension in all of its work".
The director indicated that Section 17 was the most radical section within the Act as it now made community safety a legal obligation of the local authority, which could not be ignored.
In order to ensure that the council was fulfilling its Section 17 obligations, the Community Safety Team was proposing to take a number of steps, details of which were expanded upon in the report.
Resolved - That the steps proposed to help the council in meeting the requirements set out in Section 17 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 as set out in paragraphs 3.4 - 3.7 of the report be approved.
436 (314) REGENERATION STRATEGY 2001/2002 - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report seeking approval of the council's Regeneration Strategy 2001/2002, details of which were set out in an appendix to the report. A copy of the full version of the Regeneration Strategy had been placed in the political group offices.
Even though the legal requirement to produce an Economic Development Plan no longer existed the council was continuing the practice of producing a separate Regeneration Strategy document and a Directorate Development Plan.
The concept of the strategy was to show what the council wished to achieve in the following year in each relevant service area, and consider direction into the medium and longer term future. The strategy showed how these aspirations would be achieved, the resources needed to achieve them, and how it linked directly to the council's priorities.
The report also gave details of the consultation process adopted by the council, and of a joint meeting held on 8 February 2001 dealing with the business ratepayers consultation to present the draft proposals for the Regeneration Strategy 2001/2002.
Resolved - That the Regeneration Strategy 2001/2002, as now submitted, be approved and adopted.
437 COUNCILLOR BARKWORTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC PROTECTION COMMITTEE - Councillor Barkworth who was unable to attend the meeting requested that a letter to the chair and members of the committee be read out by the Director of Corporate Affairs representative because this was likely to be the last meeting of the committee as the council was working towards implementing its new constitution under the Local Government Act, 2000 in the 2001/2002 municipal year.
Councillor Barkworth expressed his appreciation to each and every member of the committee as well as to the officers who had ably advised and assisted all concerned over the past six years of this council's existence. He also explained that the minutes of this meeting should contain reference to everyone involved whose decisions ensured the needs of the residents of North Lincolnshire were dealt with in a sensitive and dignified manner, and then wished the council's new constitution well for the future.
Resolved - That this committee welcomes and reiterates the comments made by Councillor Barkworth in his letter.
438 EXCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC - Resolved - That the public be excluded from the meeting for consideration of the following items (minutes 315 to 317 refer) on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 7, 8, 9 and 10 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act, 1972.
439 (315) WASTE DISPOSAL SERVICE CONTRACT 2004 - RENEWAL ARRANGEMENTS - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report inviting the committee to agree the process for the procurement of a Waste Disposal Services Contract beyond the expiry date of the current contract, and giving details of the anticipated timetable for the procurement of the service.
The existing Waste Disposal Service Contract was let in December 1999 for a period up to and including 31 March 2004 after which it could be extended at the sole direction of the council and with the agreement of the contractor.
Details of the estimated value of the Waste Disposal Services Contract 2004, assuming it was let for 25 years, were set out in the report, together with procurement details and an anticipated timetable for the procurement of the service.
Resolved - (a) That the form of, and commencement of the procurement process be approved, and (b) that the anticipated timetable, detailed in appendix 1 to the report be noted.
440 (316) COMMERCIAL PROPERTY PORTFOLIO - REVIEW AND DISPOSAL STRATEGY - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report informing the committee of the need to review its industrial/commercial property portfolio and formulating a review and disposal strategy for its industrial/commercial buildings. Details of the existing portfolio were set out in the report.
The council's Regeneration Strategy involved the setting up of a Property Trading Account as an appropriate mechanism to manage its commercial property which would, over time, continue to generate funds to enable the council to act pro actively in dealing with market failures in the area, but also to invest in schemes or proposals designed to retain, replace or increase the asset value of its portfolio.
As part of its overall property strategy, which has a ten year life span, with three yearly reviews, the Commercial Property Team propose in addition, on an annual basis, to review the performance of each of its properties which did not satisfy set criteria. Realised funds could then be considered for use within alternative investment/development schemes designed to fill market gaps and improve the quality of the council's buildings.
Attached to the report as appendix 1 was a set of criteria against which all properties in the portfolio would be measured. Appendix 2 provided details of the review on a property by property basis together with appropriate recommendations.
Resolved - (a) That the intention of the council to review the performance of its industrial/commercial property on an annual basis and in accordance with the criteria contained in the report be noted, and (b) that the recommendations contained in appendix 2 be adopted and actioned over the next twelve months.
441 (317) HIGHWAY CONTRACTS AWARDED - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report informing the committee of highway contracts awarded since the last meeting of this committee, minute 357 refers.
Resolved - That the report be noted.
This schedule does not form part of the Minutes
FOR MEMBERS’ INFORMATION - SCHEDULE OF DECISIONS MADE SINCE THE LAST MEETING BY THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE/DIRECTORS, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE CHAIR OR VICE-CHAIR, IN MATTERS OF URGENCY AND UNDER DELEGATED POWERS
Decision Record Reference - Subject and Decision
EPP/57/00 Approval to name three new roads on the development off Cornwall Street, Kirton in Lindsey.
EPP/58/00 Approval to serve a precautionary 12 weeks notice of termination of employment on five members of the Humber Authorities Scientific Service.
EPP/59/00 Approval to accept the lowest tender for the Bottesford Beck Outfall Bridge, East Butterwick Contract.
EPP/60/00 Approval to name two new roads on the development off Peach Tree Close, Scunthorpe.
EPP/61/00 Approval to an increase to the original contract price to include new design and construction criteria to the Eigg Box project building and thereby satisfy the requirements of funding and operator partners.
EPP/62/00 Approval to grant a Licence to Brigg and District Civic Society under Sections 115C and E of the Highways Act 1980 for the erection of a Bandstand in the Market Place, Brigg.
EPP/63/00 Approval to extend a fixed term contract of Social Inclusion Officer within the Directorate of Environment & Public Protection.
EPP/64/00 Approval for additional section of Littleworth Lane, Goxhill to be accepted as highway maintainable at public expense and added to the North Lincolnshire Council’s Draft List of Streets (minute 189 of the Environment & Public Protection Committee).
EPP/65/00 Approval for Scawby Parish Council to site a seat at the junction of Vicarage Lane/Messingham Lane.
EPP/66/00 Approval to accept the lowest tender for the Normanby Enterprise Park – Improvements Contract.
EPP/67/00 Approval to name new roads on developments off Almond Grove, Brigg and off Mapletree Way, Scunthorpe.
EPP/68/00 Approval to introduce charges for the supply of Street Naming and Numbering to the privatised statutory undertakers and other commercial companies.
EPP/69/00 Approval to accept the lowest tender for the Traffic Signal Refurbishment, Howdens Hill, Scunthorpe Contract.
EPP/70/00 Approval to accept the lowest tender for the Howdens Hill, Scunthorpe Contract.
EPP/71/00 Approval to accept the lowest tender for the Waters’ Edge, Barton – Fencing & Minor Works Contract.
EPP/72/00 Approval for Winterton Town Council to site planters on the highway at A1077 (village entry south and north) Northlands Road, North Street and B1207.
EPP/73/00 Approval to award Public Transport Contracts RTF 01/1216, Brigg – Broughton – Scunthorpe - Normanby Enterprise Park and NL 01/1217, Scunthorpe Bus Station – Normanby Enterprise Park.
EPP/74/00 Approval that North Lincolnshire Local Plan Revised Deposit Draft is in general conformity with the Humberside Structure Plan and to adopt minutes JSPC8, JSPC9, JSPC10, JSPC11, JSPC12 and JSPC13 of the Joint Structure Plan Committee.
EPP/75/00 Approval of a select list of tenderers for the Normanby Enterprise Park Phase II Infrastructure Scheme.