NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL
ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC PROTECTION COMMITTEE
8 June 2000
PRESENT:- Councillor Gosling in the chair.
Councillor P Kirk (vice-chair), Appleyard, Barkworth, Berry, Billam, Mrs Bromby, Ellis, England, Fordham, M Kirk, Long, Mrs Metcalfe, Regan, Rocks, Sherwood, Swift, Wardle and Wood.
Councillor Whiteley attended the meeting under the provisions of Standing Order 40(b).
The committee met at Pittwood House, Scunthorpe.
24 DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY OR NON-PECUNIARY INTERESTS -
(i) Councillor P Kirk declared a pecuniary interest in respect of minute 44 (Illegal Sales of Cigarettes to Children) and minute 45 (Modernisation of Licensing Laws).
(ii) Councillor Mrs Metcalfe declared a non-pecuniary interest in respect of minute 54 (Single Regeneration Programme (SRB) 6).
(iii) Councillor M Kirk declared a non-pecuniary interest in respect of minute 51 (KIMO UK Business Meeting).
(iv) Councillors England, Long, Rocks and Wood declared a non-pecuniary interest in respect of minute 43 (The North Lincolnshire Flytipping Stakeholder Forum).
PETITIONS - In accordance with Standing Order 38, it was reported that two petitions had been received as follows:-
25 (12) GREEN LANE FOOTPATH, BARTON-UPON-HUMBER - This petition had been submitted by local residents of Barton-upon-Humber, together with supporting letters, requesting various works to be carried out on Green Lane, Barton-upon-Humber. 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 commented upon the concerns and requests of petitioners.
Resolved - (a) That the petition be received; (b) that kerbing and additional drainage be provided at the junction of Green Lane with Barrow Road this summer; (c) that a proposed specified maintenance scheme to repair the footway that runs along the west side of Green Lane be raised and assessed against the council's approved prioritisation criteria for possible inclusion in a future programme of works, and (d) that the petitioners be advised and thanked for bringing these matters to the attention of the committee.
26 (13) VARIOUS MATTERS, MILL CROFT, SCUNTHORPE - This petition had been submitted by local residents of Mill Croft, Scunthorpe requesting assistance to address a number of access and environmental health problems currently being experienced. 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 emphasised the need for officers to research this matter further as the date of receipt of the petition had been too close to this meeting for a full investigation.
Resolved - (a) That the petition be received, and (b) that officers investigate what action, if any, can be taken to remedy the problems being experienced by the petitioners.
27 (14) HUMBERSIDE POLICE ACTIVITIES UPDATE - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report informing the committee of 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 - That this report, and the oral update given by the Police representative at the meeting be received, and that the Director of Environment and Public Protection be authorised to continue to provide support for joint initiatives and accident prevention campaigns.
28 (15) TOMORROW'S ROADS - SAFER FOR EVERYONE, THE NEW NATIONAL ROAD SAFETY STRATEGY AND CASUALTY REDUCTION TARGETS FOR NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report informing the committee of the launch of the new National Road Safety Strategy, by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions in March this year which aimed to improve road safety and set casualty reduction targets for the year 2010.
The report identified the national casualty reduction targets set against the baseline casualty average of 1994/98 and proposed new targets set for North Lincolnshire involving Road Traffic Casualty Reduction measures which would require future programmes of work to be submitted to this committee for approval.
The director also stated that the future policy of which casualty reduction approach or combination of approaches to use would be determined by continued analysis of accident statistics. Information was already available which demonstrated the areas and user groups at greatest risk. Details were shown in appendix one to this report.
Future programmes of work and casualty initiatives would be detailed in reports to be submitted to the committee for approval, as they arise.
Resolved - (a) That the new casualty reduction targets for North Lincolnshire be noted; (b) that approval for the continued development of programmes of work and initiatives to address these targets be approved, and (c) that further reports be submitted to the committee detailing proposals and progress towards these targets.
29 (16) TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT - (i) Proposed Changes to Traffic Regulation Orders, Ashby High Street, Scunthorpe (ii) Proposed Changes to Speed Limit (B1392) Luddington - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report seeking approval to make changes to the existing traffic regulation orders on Ashby High Street, Scunthorpe in order to accommodate necessary alterations to traffic management features for the new junction at Parkers' Lane, and to extend the existing 30 mph speed limit on the B1392 Luddington to Eastoft Road. Appendices to the report identified existing and proposed traffic management features, traffic regulation orders and layout details.
Resolved - (a) That with regard to Ashby High Street, approval be given for the necessary order and changes to existing orders to be made and subject to no objections being received and the order be implemented, and (b) that with regard to the B1392 Luddington approval be given for the extension of the existing 30 mph limit, and for the necessary order to be made, together with changes to the existing order, and that subject to no objections being received, that these be implemented.
30 MINUTES - Resolved - (a) That the minutes of the proceedings of this committee of 11 May, 2000 and of the former Development and Environment Committee of 28 March 2000, the former Health and Public Protection Committee of 21 March 2000, the former Highways and Transportation Sub-Committee of 6 March 2000, the former Environment and Local Agenda 21 Sub-Committee of 24 February 2000, having been printed and circulated amongst the members, be taken as read and correctly recorded and be signed by the chairs, and (b) that, with reference to minute 2 of this committee 'Date and Time of Future Meetings', future meetings of this committee now be held at 2.00 p.m. on the dates shown.
SUB-COMMITTEE PROCEEDINGS - The minutes of the proceedings of the following sub-committee were received and, where necessary, approved and adopted.
Sub-Committee
31 Planning Sub-Committee of 21 March, 28 April and 19 May, 2000.
32 (17) 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 the former Development and Environment Committee, Health and Public Protection Committee, Highways and Transportation Sub-Committee, and the Environment and Local Agenda 21 Sub-Committee, with an indication of when they were likely to be addressed by this committee.
Resolved - That the report be noted.
33 LAND RECLAMATION PROJECTS MANAGEMENT TEAM - APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS - Resolved - That the membership of this Management Team comprise three Labour members and one Conservative member, with nominated substitutes, (names to be notified to the Director of Corporate Affairs).
34 ENVIRONMENT WORKING GROUP - APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS - Resolved - That the membership of this Management Team comprise four Labour members and one Conservative member, with nominated substitutes, (names to be notified to the Director of Corporate Affairs).
35 HUMBERSIDE FIRE AUTHORITY - Resolved - That the minutes of the meeting of the Authority held on 27 March be received.
36 (18) REVENUE AND CAPITAL OUTTURN 1999/2000 - The Director of Environment and Public Protection and the Director of Corporate Affairs submitted a joint report informing the committee of the revenue and capital outturn position for this service committee for 1999/2000 financial year.
The report compared the budgeted position with the actual outturn position for the year, indicating major variances and explaining the reasons for those variances.
Resolved - (a) That the report be noted, and (b) that the Director of Environment and Public Protection in consultation with appropriate Cabinet Members and the Chair be authorised to apportion the carry-forward of £158k identified in paragraph 3.1 of the report.
37 (19) SERVICE PLANS - REVIEW OF 1999/2000 AND PLANNING FOR 2000/2001 - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report reviewing the 1999/2000 service plans for his directorate under the terms of reference of this committee, and sought approval of the twenty service plans for the 2000/2001 financial year.
The report explained that the proposed service plans for 2000/2001 reflected the overall strategy set out in the directorate's document 'Making Things Better' (minute 2859 refers) and the progress made in ensuring that the services provided matched up to the Government's Best Value agenda.
Resolved - That the service plans for 2000/2001 as appended to the report be approved.
38 (20) DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL - E BUSINESS - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report informing the committee of details of a proposed development initiative entitled 'E-Business' and sought endorsement of associated action taken to date.
The report explained that development funding had allowed the creation of a post of E-Business Development Officer on a one year fixed term contract to be based in the Environment and Public Protection IT Support Team. This post would be expected to work closely with all service unit managers in the directorate and with the Corporate Affairs IT Team. The post would carry out tasks as outlined in the job description attached as an appendix to the report.
The director stated that the intention was to select a small number of key service areas (two or three) which lent themselves to electronic service delivery and to work with the service managers to analyse their current business operations, redesign the processes so that they could be delivered electronically and implement technical solutions. The experiences gained from these pilots would help to provide a blueprint for dealing with other services whether in his directorate or across the council. The project would be managed by a Project Board involving managers from both the Environment and Public Protection and the Corporate Affairs directorates.
Associated resource implications were also outlined in the report.
Resolved -That the above development project and associated action taken to date be endorsed.
39 (21) CONFERENCE ATTENDANCE 2000/2001 - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report seeking approval of the attendance of member representatives of this committee and accompanying officers at core conferences during the 2000/2001 municipal year, in order to comply with council guidelines on member and officer attendance.
Moved by Councillor Regan and seconded by Councillor Rocks -
That the conferences set out in paragraph 3.1 of the report be the core conferences to be attended by member representatives of this committee and accompanying officers during the 2000/2001 municipal year, subject to available finance and staffing resources.
Moved by Councillor Long and seconded by Councillor Sherwood as an amendment -
The motion with the addition of (b) that attendance be limited to two people, two members and/or an officer, as appropriate.
Amendment Lost
Motion Carried
40 (22) CORPORATE COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE - PROGRESS REPORT - Further to minute 216 of the former Policy Committee, the Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report informing the committee of the number of formal complaints received and resolved by his directorate during the 1999/00 financial year.
The report explained that twenty six formal complaints were made against the service, nine in the first six months (1 April to 30 September 1999) and seventeen in the second six months (1 October 1998 to 31 March, 1999), and identified how the complaints were dealt with through the stages of corporate complaints procedure.
Resolved - That the report be noted.
41 (23) CLEAN STREETS INITIATIVE - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report seeking approval to launch a North Lincolnshire Cleaner Streets Campaign specifically targeting litter, smoking related litter and dog fouling. Within the campaign it was proposed to designate by order the Authorities Parks and Recreation areas under the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996.
The report explained that the designation of land under the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 made it an offence if a dog defecated at any time on designated land and a person who was in charge of the dog at that time failed to remove the faeces from the land forthwith. The current designating of land in North Lincolnshire for only footpaths and highways sent the wrong message to the public, in that within parks and recreation facilities it was not an offence to allow dogs to foul unless covered by a specific byelaw. The inclusion of all such land under a single designation would reinforce the authority's stance in relation to the proposed Street Cleanliness initiative. Consequently, discussions had been held with representatives of the Directorate of Education and Personal Development to determine which of the council's parks and other open spaces may be appropriate for designation.
Similarly, smoking related litter consistently featured in the Tidy Britain Group's annual report and was a key litter type that was preventing the authority from increasing its score on the cleanliness index when compared to other authorities.
The targeting of offences for littering and fouling streets combined with highlighting the large quantities of smoking related litter would allow the authority to use the full impact of these forms of anti-social behaviour to persuade and educate the public of the responsibility of the individual. It was proposed to launch the campaign in Autumn 2000.
Resolved - (a) That preparations for the designation of further land under the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 be undertaken and a detailed report be prepared for the next meeting of this committee; (b) that the launch of the Cleaner Street Campaign be agreed for Autumn 2000 and that officers endeavour to synchronise the launch with the installation of new litter bins, and (c) that the Director of Environment and Public Protection circulate to all members details of 'zoning' arrangements for street cleaning in North Lincolnshire.
42 (24) KERBSIDE COLLECTION OF WASTE PAPER - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report informing the committee of the establishment of a paper bulking facility within the re-development of Cottage Beck Road Recycling and Household Waste Site.
The report explained that the kerbside collection of waste paper was undertaken in North Lincolnshire by Cheshire Recycling Ltd and their agents Cutts Bros. Ltd (Doncaster). The charge for this service in 2000/2001 was set at £23 per tonne. When compared to refuse collection and disposal at approximately £30 tonne for collection and £35 tonne for disposal the environmental and economic case for the authority to maximise the provision of this service was very strong.
Similarly, in March 1999 the kerbside collection of paper was expanded into Messingham, Brigg, Broughton and Scawby and had achieved a 25% increase in the amount of paper recycled to 1500 tonnes per annum. Regrettably due to an underestimated quantity of paper being placed out for collection in these communities and logistical problems, the collection has been unable to maintain the high quality of service demanded.
The director in his report stated that the refurbishment of Cottage Beck Recycling and Household Waste Site was a feature of the recently commenced waste disposal contract together with an option for the provision of a paper bulking facility should this be required. The provision of a paper bulking facility at Cottage Beck Road would allow Cheshire Recycling Ltd to increase the efficiency of the service as the waste paper collection vehicle currently had to be taken to Doncaster when full and the collections for the day in question cease and permit a possible expansion of the 'Blue Bag Scheme' to a further 6000 households.
Due to a disparity in quantity of paper placed for collection by various communities, Cheshire Recycling Limited had also asked the authority to give consideration to place those areas producing least paper onto a monthly collection cycle rather than the current fortnightly regime.
Associated resource implications of the above proposals were also outlined in the report.
Resolved - (a) That the benefits of providing a localised bulking facility be acknowledged and that Cheshire Recycling Ltd be encouraged to maximise these benefits by improving service quality; (b) that the Director of Environment and Public Protection continue negotiations with Cheshire Recycling Ltd to utilise the new facility and undertake a wholesale expansion of the scheme to the maximum number of communities able to participate; (c) that the move to monthly collections for those areas where this level of service is most appropriate relative to existing participation rates be approved, and (d) that a re-launch of the blue bag service when all measures for improvement are in place be approved.
43 (25) THE NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE FLYTIPPING STAKEHOLDER FORUM - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report informing the committee of and seeking their views on concerns and priorities raised at the Flytipping Stakeholders Forum, held at Normanby Hall on 30 March, 2000. Forty-five delegates representing Landowners, Statutory Bodies and Non-Governmental Organisations attended the Forum which was chaired by Councillor Barkworth and facilitated by officers of the Environment Agency and the Directorate of Environment and Public Protection.
The director in his report addressed specific issues raised identifying action points and a subsequent proposal enabling Internal Drainage Boards to use North Lincolnshire Recycling and Household Waste Sites for the disposal of flytipped household waste.
Moved by Councillor Barkworth and seconded by Councillor Rocks -
(a) That Internal Drainage Boards be allowed permits to access North Lincolnshire recycling and Household Waste Sites for the disposal of flytipped household waste on condition that usage is monitored; (b) that production of a pocket Best Practice Guide be undertaken and distributed to all landowners and organisations that may fall victim to the crime, and (c) that the Director of Environment and Public Protection give consideration to additional items raised at the Flytipping Stakeholders Forum and implement practical initiatives in consultation with the chair and appropriate cabinet member.
Moved by Councillor Sherwood and seconded by Councillor Billam as an amendment -
The motion with the substitution of 'Internal Drainage Boards' in (a) above with 'businesses in North Lincolnshire'.
Amendment Lost
Motion Carried
44 (26) ILLEGAL SALES OF CIGARETTES TO CHILDREN - The Director of Environment and Public Protection referred to minute 920 of the former Health and Public Protection Committee, and submitted a report which proposed options to enable the committee to determine an enforcement strategy for the relevant provisions of the Children and Young Persons (Protection from Tobacco) Act 1991, designed to prevent illegal sales of cigarettes to children. The Act placed a duty on local authorities to consider, at least once a year, the extent to which it was appropriate to carry out a programme of action to enforce the provisions of the legislation within their jurisdiction to safeguard the health of young children.
The report identified the enforcement strategy adopted last year and its success and also set out those options available in order to comply with the above Act.
Resolved - (a) That option (a) as identified in paragraph 3.4.1 of the report be approved and adopted as the enforcement strategy for 2000/2001, and (b) that this committee supports the launch of the 'Under Age' packs for retailers as identified in the report.
45 (27) MODERNISATION OF LICENSING LAWS - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report summarising the content of the Government's White Paper 'Time for Reform : Proposals for the Modernisation of Our Licensing Laws' which set out proposals for modernising and integrating the Alcohol, Public Entertainment, Theatres, Cinema and Late Night Refreshment House Licensing system in England and Wales. All local councils were being consulted by and responses sought from the Home Office.
The report advised the committee of the White Paper's implications for local authorities regarding a premises licence and a personal licence in particular, and commented upon the proposals which would be used within a response to the Home Office.
Moved by Councillor Rocks and seconded by Councillor Barkworth -
(a) That the Director of Environment and Public Protection after consultation with the appropriate Cabinet Member and Chair, forward a response to the Home Office outlining this committee's concerns relating to the White Paper, and (b) that a further report be submitted to this committee when the proposals have been finalised.
Moved by Councillor Long and seconded by Councillor Sherwood as an amendment -
The motion with the addition of 'and a member of the Conservative Group' in (a) above.
Amendment Lost
Motion Carried
46 (28) REVIEW OF TAXI LICENCE CONDITIONS - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report advising the committee of the review of licence conditions attached to Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Vehicle Drivers, Hackney Carriages, Private Hire Vehicles and Private Hire Vehicle Operators licences, and sought approval to implement the revised conditions.
The report explained that due to changes in related legislation, implementation of the byelaws and developments in the motor industry, a review of the conditions was considered to be appropriate at this time. The main content and principles of the conditions remain unchanged. Duplications between the byelaws and conditions had been removed, certain anomalies resolved and items added to reflect developments in the motor industry.
The conditions had been subject to a two phase consultation process with appropriate organisations and reviewed against all comments received, and consultees were advised where it was not appropriate to implement their suggested revisions. An A5 booklet of the revised conditions was available in political group offices and from the Director of Environment and Public Protection.
Resolved - (a) That the revised conditions as detailed in the A5 booklet and referred to above be approved and implemented forthwith, and (b) that a member of the Conservative Group be invited to sit on the Ad Hoc/Taxi Licensing Panel with two Labour Group members.
47 (29) THE FIRST FULL LOCAL TRANSPORT PLAN FOR NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE - Further to minute 2772 of the former Development and Environment Committee, the Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report informing the committee of progress on the development of the
first full Local Transport Plan (LTP), and sought delegated authority to approve the plan's contents prior to submission to the Government Office by 31 July, 2000.
The report explained that the LTP was being developed by an officers group from all areas of the Directorate of Environment and Public Protection. The members of this group each had expertise in one or more of the major areas of the LTP development and were responsible for producing the sections, funding bids and scheme priorities which related to their areas.
The LTP was developed from six general objectives - Integration, Accessibility, Economic Development, Environmental Sustainability, Safety and Efficiency. These would drive the policy and strategies contained within the document which would be achieved by the delivery of seven themes of measures - Pedestrian facilities, Cycling facilities, Public Transport improvements, Safer Routes to School, Traffic management, Demand management and Maintenance of the existing highway.
The director reminded the committee that although the LTP was the mechanism by which all the authority's government capital funding for transport was awarded, the production of the plan was not yet mandatory. The only statutory element of the plan was the Traffic Report required under the Road Traffic Reduction Act.
Resolved - (a) That the progress on the development of the LTP be noted, and (b) that the Director of Environment and Public Protection be authorised in consultation with the Chair, Vice-chair, Lead member, relevant appropriate Cabinet member and representative of the Conservative Group (names to be notified, where applicable), to approve and submit the first full Local Transport Plan for North Lincolnshire to the Government Office for Yorkshire and the Humber in accordance with the agreed timetable.
48 (30) PLANNING POLICY GUIDANCE NOTE 3 - Further to minute 2571 of the former Development and Environment Committee, the Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report informing the committee of the changes set out in the above guidance note published in March, 2000 and assessed its implications for the Revised Deposit Draft of the North Lincolnshire Local Plan.
Resolved - (a) That the new policy guidance set out in PPG3 be taken into account in the drafting of the Revised Deposit version of the North Lincolnshire Local Plan; (b) that the report be referred to the Planning Sub-Committee for information, and (c) that a further report be submitted to this committee considering the programme of work for the Urban Housing Capacity Study as outlined in the report.
49 (31) NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE LOCAL PLAN : PREPARATIONS FOR LOCAL PLAN INQUIRY - Further to minute 2401 of the former Development and Environment Committee, the Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report seeking approval for the temporary appointment of a Local Plan Programme Officer and administrative support to ensure that the preparations for the Local Plan Inquiry were well organised. The Programme Officer and the administrative support must not be members of the "Planning Department" and must work directly to the government appointed inspector. The role of the Programme Officer and associated resource implications of the proposal were identified in the report.
The report explained that as the Revised Deposit of the North Lincolnshire Local Plan was due to be placed on deposit in September this year arrangements now needed to be made to advertise and recruit suitable staff to the Programme Officer and administrative support posts. The appointments may not need to be full time in the early stages of the process.
Resolved - (a) That the temporary appointment of a Local Plan Programme Officer and administrative support as outlined in the report be approved, and (b) that this report be referred to the Community, Commercial and Corporate Affairs Committee for their consideration.
50 (32) SOUTH HUMBER STRUCTURE PLAN - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report updating the committee on progress of the South Humber Structure Plan and requested the nomination of four members to represent the council on the forthcoming Joint Structure Plan Committee meeting to discuss with representatives of North East Lincolnshire Council issues affecting the development of the Plan.
Previously this authority's representation on the formal Joint Committee comprised three Labour Group members and one Conservative Group member and it was appropriate that this proportionality should still continue.
Recommended to Council - (a) That four members of North Lincolnshire Council (three Labour Group and one Conservative Group, names to be notified) be nominated as representatives of this authority on the Joint Structure Plan Committee, and (b) that a meeting of the Joint Structure Plan Committee be arranged.
51 (33) KIMO UK BUSINESS MEETING - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report on the content and outcome of the UK Business meeting of KIMO held on 4 May, 2000 which was hosted by Aberdeenshire Council.
The report also proposed that North Lincolnshire Council hosted the next UK Business meeting of KIMO in September, 2000.
Resolved - (a) That the work of KIMO as outlined in the report be noted, and (b) that North Lincolnshire Council host the next UK Business meeting of KIMO to be held in September 2000.
52 (34) STREET NAMING IN NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report inviting the sub-committee to adopt names for new roads in locations in North Lincolnshire as follows:-
Belton (development off High Street).
Resolved - That the name "Millers Brook" be approved and adopted.
Barton-upon-Humber (development off Ferriby Road)
Resolved - That the names "Riverbank Rise", "Feyzin Drive", "Furness Court" and "Wilderspin Heights" be approved and adopted.
53 (35) ENVIRONMENT GRANT APPLICATION - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report detailing two applications for funding under the council's Environment Grant Scheme.
Resolved - That a grant of £300 each be awarded to Althorpe and Keadby History Group, and Epworth and District Agricultural Society.
54 (36) SINGLE REGENERATION BUDGET (SRB) 6 PROGRAMME - The Director of Environment and Public Protection referred to minute 3128 of the former Policy Committee and submitted a report seeking approval for the SRB Round 6 bid and for the four project proposals submitted in the bid with implications for his directorate.
The bid called Resurgo North Lincolnshire had three priority themes; Enterprise, Learning and Community. The bid covered the whole of North Lincolnshire and sought £7.9m SRB over a six year programme period. North Lincolnshire Council would be the accountable body, receiving grant on behalf of the North Lincolnshire Strategic Partnership. Copies of the bid were available in political group offices. The Bid was submitted to Yorkshire Forward on 19 May, 2000 and a decision was expected in late July, 2000.
The report explained and identified the strategic priorities, projects and activities proposed in the bid and summarised the four project ideas submitted by the Regeneration and Community Safety Team under the headings -
(i) Credit Union.
(ii) Growing Active Communities.
(iii) Isle of Axholme Regeneration Project
(iv) Community and Personnel Development Outreach Project.
A full list of assessed projects within the SRB6 programme was appended to the report.
Recommended to Council - (a) That the Resurgo North Lincolnshire bid be approved as a partner and as the accountable body, and (b) that the proposed projects outlined in the report with implications for this committee's budgets be approved.
55 (37) TRANSITIONAL AREAS FUNDING - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report informing the committee of recent developments in the new European Structural Fund Programmes for 2000/2006 within Yorkshire and the Humber region, and sought approval for associated lobby actions to benefit North Lincolnshire.
The report explained that, the European Commission had agreed the United Kingdom map for the new European Structural Funds Programmes for 2000/2006. North Lincolnshire had two (pre 1996) wards - Humber and Abbey, eligible for the new Objective 2 Structural Funds and all remaining wards were eligible for Objective 2 under the Transitional Areas arrangements.
Each region must prepare detailed delivery plans or Programming Documents, to be approved by the Commission, which presented a detailed review of local conditions, identified the priorities for action and describe how Structural Funds would be allocated. Government Office for Yorkshire and the Humber (GOYH), were charged with drawing up the Single Programming Document (SPD) for this region.
The director in his report also identified six priorities to allocate Objective 2 funds through following wide consultation and agreement between local authority European Officers and the Government Office for Yorkshire and the Humber. He also commented upon the need for the specific Priority for Transitional Areas which would require further negotiation between the Commission, local authority representatives and GOYH.
Resolved - (a) That the report be noted, and (b) that the attendance of an officer of North Lincolnshire Council at negotiations on Transitional Areas funding with the European Commission be approved.
56 (38) WOLDS AND WATERWAYS RESEARCH STUDY - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report informing the committee of an opportunity to maximise the potential of the new European Structural Fund Programmes 2000/2006 for North Lincolnshire and emphasised the need for exit or forward strategies for successful projects already undertaken.
The report identified potential new projects to develop with local communities especially improvements to facilitate boating, walking and other recreational activities along the Ancholme Valley; a network of cycle routes linking to Sustrans 1; the recently opened art and craft centre at Barton's Ropewalk and the reclamation and development of the Waters' Edge site at Barton.
Consequently, in order to maximise the potential for major investment in the area from regional and national bodies and to further develop and link the existing projects, it was proposed that a comprehensive study be undertaken which would result in a detailed plan to be used to support a bid for external funding to complete activities undertaken to date. Associated resource implications were also outlined in the report.
Resolved - That the commissioning of a research study to identify the potential for major investment in the area and the opportunities that the combined development and marketing of the Wolds and Waterways projects would have on the local economy be approved.
57 (39) BUSINESS BIRTH-RATE STRATEGY FOR YORKSHIRE AND THE HUMBER - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report seeking approval of a response to the consultation document published by Yorkshire Forward entitled 'Getting down to Business - Consultation on a Business Birth-rate Strategy for Yorkshire and Humber' which formed one of six key areas of work within its Regional Economic Strategy concerned with the creation of a more enterprising culture within the region.
The report explained that within one consultation document were five sections identifying areas of work to be undertaken, these being -
- Creating a long term culture change
- Improving the Business Support structure
- Developing Entrepreneurial Skills
- Improving access to finance
- Generating and Promoting high growth businesses
and outlined a proposed response to document in paragraph 3.4. A copy of the full consultation document was available in political group offices and from the Director of Environment and Public Protection upon request.
Resolved - (a) That the Director of Environment and Public Protection (Business Team) be authorised to respond to the above consultation document along the lines identified in paragraph 3.4 of the report, and (b) that the Business Team contribute to future activity with Yorkshire Forward to implement the agreed final strategy for the benefit of North Lincolnshire.
58 (40) RURAL DEVELOPMENT UPDATE - Further to minute 2864 of the former Development and Environment Committee, the Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report informing the committee of the development of a Public House Development Scheme for North Lincolnshire and sought approval to develop an initiative to work with rural sub-Post Offices to encourage their development and reduce the risk of their closure.
Resolved - (a) That the continuing work to develop a Public House Development Scheme for North Lincolnshire be noted, and (b) that the development work to investigate initiatives to encourage the survival of rural post offices as outlined in the report be approved.
59 EXCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC - Resolved - That the public be excluded from the meeting for consideration of the following items (minute 60 to 61 refer) on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 7, 8, 9 and 12 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act, 1972.
60 (41) SECTION 56 NOTICE, BONNEYHALE ROAD, CROWLE - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report informing the committee of the outcome of the recent Crown Court case to consider the status of Bonneyhale Road in Ealand, Crowle and associated subsequent matters which would need to be addressed regarding recovery of costs.
Resolved - (a) That steps are taken to recover from the appellant the costs of the proceedings (including further court applications as required), and (b) that a costs drafts persons be engaged in relation to North Lincolnshire Councils cost claim.
61 (42) MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS - COMPANY JOINT VENTURE - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report seeking approval for an innovative property joint venture negotiated between his directorate's Regeneration Division and a prominent local company.
Associated resource implications were also outlined in the report.
Resolved - That the innovative joint venture to assist the local company as identified and detailed in paragraph 3.4 of the report be approved, subject to confirmation of the powers available and to satisfactory terms being agreed.
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
Development & Environment Committee
DEV/49/99 Approval to accept the lowest tender for the Waters’ Edge, Pond B Tip Works Contract.
DEV/50/99 Approval to grant a six month Licence to O H Boyd Ltd to occupy part of the Old Boat House at Barton upon Humber.
DEV/51/99 Approval of grant aid for the Scawby and Normanby Village Design Statements.
DEV/52/99 Approval for Kirton in Lindsey Town Council to site 2 No. public seats in the Market Square.
DEV/53/99 Approval to changes to the establishment of the administrative support staff within the Development Control Team.
DEV/54/99 Approval to name development off Burnham Road, Epworth "St. Nicholas Park".
DEV/55/99 Approval for a member of the Business Regeneration Team to attend a British Trade International Business Forum in Austria 14 to 16 May 2000.
DEV/56/99 Approval for an Order to be made under Section 257 of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990 to divert Public Footpath No 195 Bottesford.
Health & Public Protection Committee
HPP/06/99 Approval to extend the Contract of Employment of the Home Safety Officer (HHF027) for a period of two months.
HPP/07/99 Approval to refuse an application for an occasional public entertainment licence in respect of the Bridge House Hotel, Scunthorpe.
HPP/08/99 Approval to establish a post of Licensing Assistant within the Directorate of Environment & Public Protection.
Highways & Transportation Sub-Committee
DEV/HT/13/99 Approval to reimburse costs to a resident of Brumby House in recognition of maintenance works carried out to Brumby House Drive.
DEV/HT/14/99 Approval for the provision of a Pelican Crossing and temporary Traffic Regulation Order for a 30 mph speed limit on part of Eastfield Road, South Killingholme from 15 May to 7 July 2000.
DEV/HT/15/99 Approval to name development at Westwoodside "Crackle Hill".
DEV/HT/16/99 Approval for Flixborough Parish Council to erect decorative street nameplates at various locations.
DEV/HT/17/99 Approval for Scawby Parish Council to site a decorative planter on the highway.
Environment & Public Protection Committee
EPP/01/00 Approval for an Order to be made under Section 257 of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990 to divert Public Footpath No 195 Bottesford.
EPP/02/00 Approval to accept the lowest tender for the establishment of a Waste Paper Bulking & Transfer Facility.
EPP/03/00 Approval to accept the lowest tender for the refurbishment of the Cottage Beck Road Recycling and Household Waste Site.
EPP/04/00 Approval to an amendment to the current and proposed pay and display car parking charges in Brigg and Ashby.