Archived decisions
AT A MEETING of the ENVIRONMENT POLICY REVIEW COMMITTEE held on Wednesday 3 December 2003 at The Castle, Winchester.
PRESENT:
Councillors: P.R.C. Hutcheson (Chairman); C.R.H. Davidovitz; Mrs P.M. Devereux; Mrs K. Heron; R.J. Kimber; T.G. Knight; P. Luffman; R.H. Price; M.J. Roberts; Sir James J. Scott, J.D. Shaw; J.K. West
Also in attendance: Councillors A.G. Dowden (part) and Mrs E.M. Byrom
178. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Members were mindful that, where they believed they had a personal or personal prejudicial interest in any matter to be considered at the meeting, they should normally at the time of the debate declare their interest, and having regard to the circumstances described in paragraphs 9, 10, 11 and 12 of the County Council's Code of Conduct, consider whether to leave the meeting whilst the matter was discussed.
179. MINUTES
The Minutes of the meeting held on 29 October 2003 (Item 2 in the Minute Book) were confirmed by the Committee and signed by the Chairman.
Arising thereon:-
(i) Councillor Roberts requested an update in respect of decisions by Surrey County Council to reduce the subsidy paid towards some bus services covering the Hampshire/Surrey border. In response, it was confirmed that officers were in discussion with Stagecoach to investigate the support of some services in line with the County Council's criteria. All local Members would receive a letter in due course outlining the proposed way forward.
(ii) It was noted that two stakeholder workshops had been held by Entech on 2 December 2003 in respect of developing a Material Resources Strategy and a number of Hampshire County Council Members had attended. Councillor Roberts encouraged all Members to be involved in the engagement process for what was an important area of policy development.
180. CHAIRMAN'S COMMUNICATIONS
(i) The Chairman reported the death of Councillor John Coles and
extended the Committee's condolences to Councillor Coles family and
his colleagues.
(ii) The Chairman announced the forthcoming departure of David Tarrant,
Deputy Director for Environment who would be leaving the County Council on 31 January 2004 to take up the post of Director of Transport and Highways with a firm of consultants. The Chairman, on behalf of the Committee, extended congratulations to Mr Tarrant and thanked him for the excellent work he had done for the County Council during his 25 years of service.
181. MEMBERS' QUESTIONS
No formal questions had been received, however with the concurrence of the Chairman, Councillor Dowden asked for consideration to be given to funding a cycle route between North Baddesley and Rownhams from the draft Capital Programme for 2004/05, rather than in 2005/06. Councillor Dowden informed Members of his view that this cycle route, which would be off-road, would encourage more cyclists and make a positive contribution to the Safer Routes to School programme.
The Director of Environment reported that the draft Capital Programme for 2004/05 would be discussed by the Committee at its meeting on 21 January 2004, prior to the Executive Member for Environment making a decision on 23 January 2004. It was therefore agreed that consideration of Councillor Dowden's request would be given at the meeting on 21 January 2004 and thereafter the Committee's views submitted to the Executive Member for Environment.
182. DEPUTATIONS
No requests to make a deputation had been received.
183. THE EQUALITY STANDARD FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT
The Committee considered the report of the County Personnel and Training Officer (Item 6 in the Minute Book) outlining the role of Policy Review Committees in respect of compliance with the Equality Standard for Local Government and the Race Relations Amendment Act through the implementation of the Corporate Equality Plan and Race Scheme.
The County Personnel and Training Officer informed Members that a report had been considered by the Corporate Management Team earlier in the year and the Cabinet in July 2003. An overview of the Equality Standard was given which included the five levels of achievement, the role of Members, achievements in the Environment Department to date and priority actions for 2003/04. It was noted that the County Council was currently at Level 1 and was working towards achieving Level 2 of the Standard. Members expressed the view that a central budget should be identified for this important area of work. The County Personnel and Training Officer reported that an analysis of staff training needs was underway to identify the amount of funding required. In conclusion, Members discussed their statutory responsibility and the need to attend training courses.
RESOLVED:
(i) that Members be aware of the need to ensure that policy/decisions
clearly show how equality impact assessment has been undertaken; and
(ii) that Members attend training courses available in 2004.
184. REVENUE BUDGET MONITORING 2003/04
The Committee considered the report of the County Treasurer and the Director of Environment (Item 7 in the Minute Book) updating Members on the revenue budget monitoring position for 2003/04. The County Treasurer highlighted the key areas as detailed in paragraph 4 of the report and confirmed that the Environment Department was currently on track to meet its cash limit for 2003/04. The Director of Environment informed Members of a potential budget pressure in respect of significant costs arising out of three appeals against decisions of the Regulatory Committee, for which there was no budgetary provision.
During the ensuing discussion, Members raised several questions in respect of staffing and consultancy costs, the pressure on the bus subsidies budget, the effectiveness of weed control and gully cleansing. In regard to the latter Councillor J.K. West would receive a written response. In respect of weed control it was reported that environmentally friendly weed killers were used and for these to be effective it was important that they are applied at the right time and under the right conditions.
In conclusion, Members were pleased to hear that the overall budget position was satisfactory at this stage but noted that there were several areas of pressure which would continue to be carefully monitored.
RESOLVED:
That the report be noted.
185. THE PLANNING AND COMPULSORY PURCHASE BILL - UPDATE
The Committee considered the report of the Director of Environment (Item 8 in the Minute Book) updating Members on the latest developments in respect of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Bill, which had recommenced its passage through Parliament.
The Director of Environment amplified areas of the report and it was noted that the Government had published a series of consultation documents that were currently being evaluated. Comments on the draft guidance and regulations are required by 16 January 2004. It was also reported that the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) was considering some further adjustments to the Bill.
A full discussion ensued during which Members' questions were answered. In particular, Members expressed concern at the lack of integration between strategy preparation and implementation/delivery and emphasised the importance of the County Council having a statutory role in the new strategic planning arrangements. The Director of Environment confirmed that lobbying had been carried out via the Local Government Association and the County Council Network and the annual meeting scheduled for Friday 12 December 2003 with local MPs would provide further opportunities.
RESOLVED:
(i) that Members were in agreement with the comments of the Director of Environment, as detailed in paragraphs 4.1 to 4.14 of the report; and
(ii) that County Council officers should submit a further report in due course on the resource and timing implications arising from the new approach to planning matters and the proposed procedures put forward by the Government.
186. DRAFT PLANNING POLICY STATEMENT 7 - SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN RURAL AREAS
The Committee considered the report of the Director of Environment (Item 9 in the Minute Book) detailing a proposed response by the County Council to a consultation paper published by the Government entitled "Draft Planning Policy Statement (PPS) 7 on Sustainable Development in Rural Areas". The County Council's response proposed that many aspects of the draft PPS were to be welcomed but were concerned about certain omissions, the format of the document and specific areas of policy advice. Attention was drawn to the comments of the Director of Environment detailed in paragraphs 3.1 to 3.12 of the report.
A full discussion ensued and in response to Members' questions, it was confirmed that comments on the draft PPS were required by 12 December 2003. In regard to this deadline, the Executive Member for Spatial Strategy expressed concern that the Government was not allowing sufficient time for proper consultation on what was an important area of policy development.
RESOLVED:
(i) that the Executive Member for Environment be advised to endorse the comments in section 3 of the report as the County Council's response to the consultation document draft Planning Policy Statement 7, subject to the amendment proposed, seconded and carried in relation to paragraph 3.3 as detailed below;
(ii) that Members did not support the amendment to existing policy that large country houses will no longer be allowed as an exception to normal countryside policies; and
(iii) that officers noted a request from Members that the absence of any comment on climate change in the draft Planning Policy Statement should be highlighted to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.
187. DRAFT ADDENDUM TO STRUCTURE PLAN SUPPLEMENTARY PLANNING GUIDANCE `IMPLEMENTING POLICY H4'
The Committee considered the report of the Director of Environment (Item 10 in the Minute Book) in respect of a draft Addendum to the Structure Plan Supplementary Planning Guidance which had been prepared to amplify the process and factors for deciding where to trigger a release of the reserve housing provision, should a release be necessary.
Members' attention was drawn to paragraph 1.4 of the report's appendix which sought their views on particular issues in respect of the draft Addendum. In relation to 1.4 (ii), concern was expressed that there appeared to be no reference to house price inflation and how this factors into the release of reserve house provision. It was also noted that in respect of 3.1 (ii) and (iii), a view was expressed that affordability was a more important factor than buoyancy.
RESOLVED:
That officers received and noted the comments of the Committee on the draft Addendum to the Supplementary Planning Guidance `Implementing Policy H4'.
188. MINERALS AND WASTE PLANNING IN HAMPSHIRE: ANNUAL REPORT 2002/03
The Committee considered the report of the Director of Environment (Item 11 in the Minute Book) on the sixth annual report for Minerals and Waste Planning in Hampshire which included information on monitoring and enforcement of development, the determination of planning applications and progress on the monitoring and review of planning policy for minerals and waste. The report had also been considered by the Regulatory Committee at its meeting held on 26 November 2003. An Executive Summary of the Annual Report was appended and it was confirmed by the Director of Environment that a full copy was available in the Members' Rooms and was also on deposit at the Information Centre in Mottisfont Court, High Street, Winchester.
During the course of a full discussion, it was noted that the views of the Committee would be presented orally to the Executive Member for Spatial Strategy at his decision making meeting on Tuesday 9 December 2003. If approved for publication, the Annual Report would be distributed to Members, the minerals waste industry, environmental bodies, District Councils, Libraries and other relevant organisations.
RESOLVED:
That the Executive Member for Spatial Strategy be advised of the Committee's views on:
(i) the performance of the Minerals and Waste Planning Service as
identified in `Minerals and Waste Planning in Hampshire: Annual Report 2002/03'; and
(iv) the Action Plan for Service Improvements.
189. WASTE MANAGEMENT/PROJECT INTEGRA UPDATE
The Committee considered the report of the Director of Environment (Item 12 in the Minute Book) updating Members on current operational and strategic issues affecting both the County Council's waste management team and the wider Project Integra partnership. Councillor Knight declared a personal interest being a Deputy Member of Project Integra.
The Director of Environment amplified a number of areas of the report. In respect of recycling, Members were pleased to hear that performance in this area was steadily improving. However, they emphasised strongly the need for achievement of the Government's 40% recycling target rate, and moving beyond, in order to reduce the need for landfill. Officers reported that if Hampshire progressed to a 40% recycling target, together with the introduction of the Chineham Energy Recovery Facility (ERF) and the introduction of a further two ERF's at Marchwood and Portsmouth, the amount of landfill waste could be reduced from its current annual figure, although it was noted that there would always be a need to landfill some residual waste.
Looking to the future, officers reported that a bid had been submitted to DEFRA for £5 million and a response was due within the next few days. If successful, a further bid could then be submitted for ring-fenced funds of £6 million available from the Waste Recycling and Awareness Programme (WRAP). A positive result was hoped for which would allow a number of waste management improvements to be implemented. Members requested that they be informed of the outcome of the bid and it was agreed that the Director of Environment would write to all Members of the Committee in due course.
In addition, officers reported the introduction of a pilot project, to commence in the early part of 2004 at specific Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs), which would allow for a number of small businesses to take, and have accepted for a fee, commercial waste including house clearance materials. Officers were also currently in discussion with District Council's concerning trade waste. It was hoped that the introduction of a new Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) at Alton, planned for August/September 2004, would encourage use by the commercial sector.
In relation to paragraph 4.2 of the report, Members requested that a copy of the papers from the Material Resources Strategy workshops held on 2 December 2003, be made available to all Members. In relation to the Project Integra Best Value Review detailed in paragraph 4.5 of the report, it was noted that Members of both the Project Integra Board and its Scrutiny Panel were involved in the Review. Officers would approach the Director of Project Integra to check that there was active involvement by Members at each stage. Officers also noted a request from Members in respect of the Project Integra newsletter, that this publication be circulated to libraries and other public areas.
Lastly, it was agreed that items scheduled for consideration by the Committee at its meeting on Wednesday 3 March 2004, namely abandoned vehicles, waste electrical/electronic equipment and a progress report on natural resources (as detailed in Item 15 in the Minute Book) would be better dealt with by way of a seminar, if possible to be held in conjunction with the next scheduled meeting of the Committee on 21 January 2004. All Members of the County Council would be invited to attend the seminar.
RESOLVED:
That the current operational performance of, and the strategic issues affecting Project Integra, be noted.
190. CLIMATE CHANGE AND FLOODING
The Committee considered the report of the Director of Environment (Item 13 in the Minute Book) detailing the implications for Hampshire and the challenges that lay ahead for the County Council in regard to climate change and flooding. In addition, the report outlined some of the climate change projects currently in operation and others that were under consideration as detailed in the report's appendix. To amplify the report, Members received a short presentation during which it was reported that climate change was not all bad news and that there were some advantages to be gained.
During the ensuing discussion Members highlighted the need to give consideration to the effect that decreasing water supplies would have on the treatment of sewage. In response to a question on wind turbines, officers reported that national policy guidance would be issued on renewable energy in due course and also confirmed that the purchasing of more green energy, other than just street lighting, was being considered.
It was suggested that a scrutiny session be convened with representatives from the Environment Agency and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to discuss issues raised in the report. Officers noted this request.
RESOLVED:
That short presentations, including an internal seminar, be given to all Members and officers in order to highlight the significance of a changing climate on a number of operational areas of the County Council's activities and responsibilities, and to share information about the current and planned programme of work.
191. REQUESTS BY MEMBERS FOR ITEMS TO BE CONSIDERED AT A
FUTURE MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE
Two requests had been submitted by Councillor Roberts:-
(i) The regulation of licensed taxi and PHV services in the UK
(ii) The Barker Review on Housing Supply - Interim Report
It was noted that in respect of (ii), the interim report should be available on 10 December, but the full report was not due until later in 2004.
RESOLVED:
(i) that request (i) would be considered by the Taxi Strategy Sub-Group,
set up as detailed in the Minutes of the Committee's meeting held on 29 October 2003; and
(ii) that request (ii) would be included in any future, wider discussions on
sub-regional studies and Regional Spatial Strategy.
192. ENVIRONMENT POLICY REVIEW COMMITTEE - FORWARD
PLAN
The Committee considered the report of the Chief Executive and Director of Environment (Item 15 in the Minute Book) setting out issues for future consideration by the Committee.
RESOLVED:
(i) that the Draft Community Strategy for Hampshire be added to the list of items for consideration at 21 January 2004 meeting;
(ii) that, further to the discussion detailed in Minute 189, abandoned vehicles, waste electrical/electronic equipment, legislative changes on how hazardous waste, pesticides etc are handled, and the development of a Material Resources Strategy would be covered by a seminar, if possible to be held in conjunction with the Committee's meeting on 21 January 2004, exact timing to be confirmed, and would be open to all Members of the County Council.