Archived decisions
AT A MEETING of the ENVIRONMENT POLICY REVIEW COMMITTEE held on Wednesday 4 September 2002 at The Castle, Winchester.
PRESENT:
Councillors: J.K. Glen (Chairman); Mrs P.G. Banks; Mrs E.S.M. Barron; Mrs E.M. Byrom; J.E. Coles; C.R.H. Davidovitz; Mrs P.M. Devereux; Mrs P. Dickens; W.J. Filer; M.S. Geddes; Mrs K. Heron; K. House; R.J. Kimber; T.G. Knight; P. Luffman; R.C. McIntosh; M.J. Roberts; Sir James J. Scott; K.P.J., Searle; J.K. West & Miss J. Wride.
Also in attendance: Councillor K.B. Estlin
76. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Following legal advice the following Members declared an interest and left the meeting during the consideration of Items 9 and 14 on the agenda:-
Councillors: Mrs Byrom, Coles, Davidovitz, Geddes, Luffman, Roberts, JK West and Jenny Wride.
It was noted for the record that Councillor Mrs Devereux would not take part in the consideration of these items at such time that they appeared on the agenda for a meeting of the Regulatory Committee and therefore remained for the ensuing discussion by the Policy Review Committee.
It was agreed that a referral to the Monitoring Officer and/or the Standards Committee would be made on the general issue of whether Members of the Committee, who were also Members of the Regulatory Committee, had a personal/prejudicial interest under the Members Code of Conduct in relation to items which were likely to be considered by the Regulatory Committee in the future.
Councillor Mrs Dickens declared an interest in Item 11 in respect of her role as patron of the Cycling Tourist Club (CTC) - Winchester.
77. MINUTES
The Minutes of the meeting held on 15 July 2002 (Item 2 in the Minute Book) were confirmed by the Committee and signed by the Chairman subject to the following amendment:-
In respect of the deputation made by Mrs Anna Dale-Harris (Minute 73), it was noted that Councillor J.K. West supported the inclusion of Greatham village in the proposed South Downs National Park.
Arising thereon:-
(i) In respect of Minute 70 (ii), Councillor Roberts requested an update. The County Planning Officer confirmed that he had written to Councillor Roberts on 2 September 2002 confirming that the County Planning department was undertaking a study on affordable housing, in connection with the review of the County Structure Plan which would be reported to Members later in the year.
(ii) In respect of Minute 71 (vi), Councillor Mrs Dickens sought confirmation of a date for the meeting of the Project Connaught Working Group. The County Planning Officer reported that it had proved difficult to find a suitable date however, it was likely that the meeting would take place on Tuesday 1 October 2002 and the arrangements would be confirmed in due course.
(iii) In respect of Minute 74, Councillor Roberts requested an update. The County Planning Officer confirmed that the Cabinet had considered a report on 22 July 2002 detailing the suggested response by the County Council to the Countryside Agency following local authority consultation on the South Downs National Park and the recommendations contained within had been approved.
78. CHAIRMAN'S COMMUNICATIONS
None.
79. MEMBERS' QUESTIONS
Councillor Estlin answered a question from Councillor Roberts on the effects of `linking services' of Quality Bus Partnership routes.
80. DEPUTATIONS
None.
81. TEST VALLEY BOROUGH LOCAL PLAN - INITIAL DEPOSIT DRAFT PLAN - CONFORMITY WITH HAMPSHIRE COUNTY STRUCTURE PLAN (REVIEW)
The Committee considered the report of County Planning Officer and County Surveyor (Item 6 in the Minute Book) summarising the draft policies and proposals contained in the Test Valley Borough Local Plan. The County Planning Officer detailed the background to the report and drew attention to an amendment to paragraph 5.2; the baseline provision of housing in the Structure Plan is known as Policy H2 and not H4 as stated. It was noted that the Plan looked a little beyond 2011 and that Test Valley was unique in that it provides two housing figures to reflect the geography of the district.
RESOLVED:
That the Executive Member for Environment advised that Test Valley Borough Council should be informed that the Test Valley Borough Local Plan Initial Deposit Draft is not in general conformity with the Hampshire County Structure Plan 1996-2011 (Review), as it fails to identify sufficient reserve housing sites in Test Valley (South) to satisfy the requirements of Structure Plan Policy H4.
82. BASINGSTOKE AND DEANE BOROUGH LOCAL PLAN REVIEW FIRST DEPOSIT PLAN
The Committee considered the report of the County Planning Officer and County Surveyor (Item 7 in the Minute Book) summarising the draft policies and proposals contained in the Basingstoke and Deane Local Plan. The County Planning Officer detailed the background to the report and highlighted that the Plan looked beyond 2011 and was very robust in its longer term vision. Attention was drawn to paragraph 4.2 of the report which detailed that the Plan met the baseline and reserve housing figures laid down in the Hampshire County Structure Plan.
RESOLVED:
That the Executive Member for Environment be advised that:
(i) a statement be supplied under Section 46 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, stating that the Basingstoke and Deane Borough Local Plan Review - First Deposit Draft Plan 2001-2011 is in general conformity with the Hampshire County Structure Plan 1996-2011 (Review); and
(ii) the comments set out in paragraphs 4.9 to 4.12 be forwarded to the Borough Council for information.
83. STRATEGY FOR THE NEW FOREST: WORKING DRAFT FOR CONSULTATION
The Committee considered the report of the County Planning Officer (Item 8 in the Minute Book) on the Strategy for the New Forest: Draft for Consultation published by the New Forest Committee (`the revised Strategy'). The County Planning Officer highlighted that the Strategy was unusual in that it extended beyond the New Forest heritage area to include the proposed New Forest National Park boundary area. Support was noted in respect of paragraph 2.3 of the report, which was felt to be a very important point.
RESOLVED:
That the Executive Member for Environment be advised that:
(i) the New Forest Committee be thanked for the opportunity to comment on the draft New Forest Strategy; and
(ii) the draft New Forest Strategy be supported, subject to the amendments set out in Section 2 of this report.
84. HOUSEHOLD WASTE RECYCLING CENTRE SERVICE, WINCHESTER
Prior to consideration of this item, several Members left the room as detailed in Minute 76.
The Committee considered the report of the County Surveyor (Item 9 in the Minute Book) on the draft Development Framework for the proposed replacement Household Waste Recycling Centre at Winchester. The County Surveyor reported that the framework for the replacement of the existing recycling facility at Garnier Road was the most developed plan for a household waste recycling centre and a lot of effort had been put into the sustainability arena. This was a very important issue and would be a beacon development for Hampshire.
During the ensuing discussion, Members' questions were answered and a request was noted for a copy of the report to be sent to Councillor Mrs Peskett, local Member for Eastgate, Winchester.
RESOLVED:
That the Executive Member for Environment be advised that the Environment Policy Review Committee endorses the proposals for the development of the Bar End, Winchester site, including a new Household Waste Recycling Centre, as set out in this report and the attached Development Framework.
85. ALTON MATERIALS RECOVERY FACILITY
The Committee considered the report of the County Surveyor (Item 10 in the Minute Book) detailing the issues prior to the construction of a Materials Recovery Facility at Alton. The County Surveyor highlighted the need to protect the larger capacity for the future.
During the ensuing discussion, it was confirmed that this item was in the County Council's Forward Plan for the period September-December 2002, (Item 47), for decision by the Executive Member for Policy & Resources on 12 September 2002. In addition to the Environment Policy Review Committee, the principal consultees were the Executive Member for Environment, County Treasurer and the Chief Executive.
RESOLVED:
That the Executive Member for Environment be advised that this Committee endorses the following proposals that:
(i) subject to the approval of the Executive Member for Policy and Resources, the County Surveyor and County Treasurer be authorised to complete negotiations with Hampshire Waste Services Limited to provide a further 43,000 tonnes per annum of materials recovery facility capacity at Alton on the basis that the additional fixed costs can be offset by associated revenue savings and so that the County Council benefits from the marketing of any capacity not required by Project Integra; and
(ii) Portsmouth and Southampton City Councils be invited as joint clients in the contract with Hampshire Waste Services Limited to share in the investment outlined in (i) above, and potential benefits and risks associated with it.
86. REVIEW OF CYCLING POLICY AND STRATEGY
The Committee considered the report of the County Surveyor (Item 11 in the Minute Book) reviewing the progress made in the delivery of the County Council's cycling policies, strategies and programmes and to inform Members of the current position regarding the County Council's Recreational Cycling Strategy. The County Surveyor reported that, in principle, all district council's supported, and were committed to the Strategy, with some districts having made a contribution from their budget.
During the ensuing discussion, an amendment was agreed in respect of recommendation (ii) of the report, as well as two additional recommendations.
RESOLVED:
That the Executive Member for Environment be advised that this Committee:-
(i) supports the provision of a county-wide strategic cycle routes programme each year to support the completion of the strategic network of cycle routes, often in rural areas and with a high projected leisure usage;
(ii) supports continued partnership working with the Director of Recreation and Heritage, Hampshire District Councils, Hampshire Cycling and SUSTRANS in order to deliver a comprehensive network of all cycling facilities across Hampshire providing for a variety of users;
(iii) suggests that the County Council continues to promote responsible cycling particularly on shared use facilities with pedestrians and equestrians; and
(iv) suggests that due regard is given to the interface arrangements between cycling networks and other infrastructure and the SHRT project.
87. REVIEW OF LOCAL BUS SERVICE FUNDING
The Committee considered the report of the County Surveyor (Item 12 in the Minute Book) detailing the current budget position for local bus services for 2002/03 in addition to outlining plans for review of the funding situation for the autumn prior to the 2003/04 budget process. In preparation for the next meeting of the Committee on 16 October, at which a more in-depth discussion would take place, the County Surveyor drew Members attention to paragraph 4.3 and Section 5 of the report.
RESOLVED:
That the suggested arrangements for the meeting on 16 October 2002 be agreed.
88. A SERVICE STRATEGY HOUSEHOLD WASTE RECYCLING CENTRE SERVICE - INTERIM REPORT
The Committee considered the interim report of the County Surveyor (Item 13 in the Minute Book) detailing progress on the development of the strategy for the Household Waste Recycling Centre Service.
RESOLVED:
That the Executive Member for Environment be advised that:
(i) this Committee endorses the vision set out in Section 3 of this report and the outcomes of the workshops set out in Sections 4 and 5; and
(ii) officers continue to develop the household waste recycling centre strategy, including specific development options to improve the household waste recycling centre service and report back with costs, benefits and operations implications of improvement proposals.
89. HOUSEHOLD WASTE RECYCLING CENTRE - HAYLING ISLAND
Prior to consideration of this item, several Members left the room as detailed in Minute 76.
The Committee considered the report of the County Surveyor (Item 14 in the Minute Book) detailing work undertaken to identify a suitable replacement site for the household waste recycling centre at Fishery Lane, Hayling Island.
RESOLVED:
That officers be instructed to pursue the action plan outlined in paragraph 5.1 and report back to the Committee on the outcome.
90. REQUESTS BY MEMBERS FOR ITEMS TO BE CONSIDERED AT A FUTURE MEETING OF THE ENVIRONMENT POLICY REVIEW COMMITTEE
A request had been received from Councillor Roberts for the Future Development of Air Transport in the United Kingdom: South East/South West - A National Consultation to be included on the agenda for a forthcoming meeting of the Committee. The County Planning Officer confirmed that the item would be considered by the Committee at its next meeting on 16 October 2002.
91. ENVIRONMENT POLICY REVIEW COMMITTEE - FORWARD PLAN
The Committee considered the report of the Chief Executive, County Surveyor and County Planning Officer (Item 16 in the Minute Book) detailing issues which the Committee might wish to discuss at future meetings.
The County Planning Officer drew Members' attention to the item "Regional Ports Study", listed for consideration at the Committee's meeting on 4 December 2002. Due to the consultation period that had been set, the report would now be considered at the next meeting of the Committee on 16 October 2002.
RESOLVED:
That the report be noted.
8aM46902