Archived decisions
AT A MEETING of the ENVIRONMENT POLICY REVIEW COMMITTEE held on
5 May 2004 at The Castle, Winchester.
PRESENT:
Councillors: P.R.C. Hutcheson (Chairman); Mrs E.M. Byrom; C.R.H. Davidovitz; Mrs P.M. Devereux; L.T. Dunsdon; W.J. Filer; M.S. Geddes; B.T. Gurden; Mrs K. Heron; K. House; R.J. Kimber; T.G. Knight; P. Luffman; R.H. Price; M.J. Roberts; Sir James J. Scott, J.D. Shaw and J.K. West
Also in attendance: Councillor J.K. Glen
The Chairman welcomed Councillor Mrs Byrom back onto the Committee.
215. 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. On Item 9 (minute 224), Councillor House declared a personal interest as a member of the Regional Planning Committee.
216. MINUTES
The Minutes of the meeting held on 3 March 2004 (Item 2 in the Minute Book) were confirmed by the Committee and signed by the Chairman.
Arising thereon:-
(i) Minute 209: Review of the effects of climate change on the County Council's Coastal interests - the Director of Environment reported that the Executive Member for P&R had accepted the Committee's advice and agreed the recommendation. He had also requested a report to Cabinet to deal with the way the public was to be consulted as part of the process for reviewing Shoreline Management Plans.
(ii) Minute 214: Blackwater Valley Bus Service 1 Priority Route - Phase I, A325 Farnborough Road, Farnborough - it was noted that the Director of Environment had already sent to Councillor Roberts additional information requested in respect of this scheme. Councillor Kimber requested a copy of the same information.
217. CHAIRMAN'S COMMUNICATIONS
(i) Motion by Councillor Wall: Litter on Trunk Roads - would be
considered by the Committee on 30 June as part of the annual meeting with the Highways Agency;
(ii) Reported appointment of Keith Willcox as Head of Passenger Transport; Keith would be making a return to the County Council from Stagecoach;
(iii) Noted the outcome of the Dibden Bay Inquiry. There had not been any further announcements in respect of the New Forest National Park;
(ii) In order that Policy Review Committee meetings could be more closely aligned with Executive Member meetings to allow consideration of `key' decisions in the Forward Plan prior to an Executive Member taking a decision, the meeting on 27 October would be brought forward to Wednesday 6 October at 10.00am in the Conference Room, Ashburton Court East and an additional meeting would be held on Tuesday 2 November at 10.00am in the Council Chamber, Castle Avenue.
NB: Project Appraisals which were key decisions for financial reasons would be excluded from these arrangements and would continue to be considered by the Buildings, Land and Procurement Panel prior to decision by the Executive Member for Policy and Resources.
218. MEMBERS' QUESTIONS
No questions were submitted.
219. DEPUTATIONS
The Committee received a deputation from Mr R. Murchie representing the Hampshire Water Partnership on the water resources situation in Hampshire.
In order that Mr Murchie could hear the Committee's debate, the Chairman agreed to bring forward Item 11 on the agenda.
220. NATURAL RESOURCES UPDATE
The Committee considered a report of the Director of Environment (Item 11 in the Minute Book), the aim of which was to brief Members on the work carried out and the future direction of the Hampshire Natural Resources Initiative (HNRI). Particular attention was drawn to Appendix 1 of the report which detailed the key achievements for 2003/04 and to Appendix 2 which detailed an action plan for 2004/05.
During the course of the ensuing discussion it was reported that the recent Hampshire Water Festival had enjoyed a high level of attendance which was to be welcomed. The efficient use of water to avoid a deficit in the future is a key issue and it was therefore important that a clear message be given to all water users. Members were also mindful of the natural resource implications in respect of the design requirements to apply to future housing developments.
Members requested a copy of a report referred to by Mr Murchie when making his deputation and this would be forwarded in due course.
RESOLVED:
(i) That the activities planned in 2004/05 be supported.
(ii) That, in view of the dynamic nature of the function's corporate impact and the opportunities to provide a higher profile for existing strategies, a training event for all Members be held on 19 November 2004, arrangements to be confirmed in due course.
221. MEASURING PERFORMANCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT DEPARTMENT
(i) BENCHMARKING FOR BEST VALUE PERFORMANCE INDICATOR
TARGETS 2002/03 - COMPARISONS WITH OTHER COUNTY
COUNCILS
(ii) ANNUAL BEST VALUE PERFORMANCE PLAN TARGETS 2004 TO
2007
The Committee considered the report of the Director of Environment (Item 6 in the Minute Book) detailing a comparative analysis of: (i) the Environment Department's performance in 2002/03 with other County Councils, and (ii) annual Best Value Performance Plan targets for 2004-07. Members noted that further information, for the purpose of clarification, was awaited from the Audit Commission.
Information that was not available at the time papers were despatched to Members was reported as follows:-
· Highway Maintenance Public Service Agreement (PSA) target had been achieved (awaiting confirmation by relevant Government departments); and
· Road Casualty Best Value Performance Indicator (BVPI) target (40% reduction by 2010) - on target for all areas other than powered two wheelers.
RESOLVED:
(i) That the comparative Best Value Performance Indicator performance figures set out in Appendix 1, and the explanation for those performances below the best quartile, be noted.
(ii) That the Committee reflects on the lessons drawn from the analysis of performance, in particular the need to:
- establish priorities and maintain investment in those plans and strategies necessary to improve performance in those areas; and
- recognise the importance of plans and strategies when weighing up the balance of advantage and disadvantage of particular proposals.
(iii) The Committee notes the performance achieved during 2003/04 as measured by the national BVPIs and endorsed the proposed targets for the next three years as set out in Appendix 2.
222. REVENUE BUDGET MONITORING 2003/04
The Committee considered the report of the County Treasurer and Director of Environment providing a further update on the monitoring position for the Environment services for the 2003/04 financial year covering the revenue budgets for highways and transportation, planning and waste management. Members were pleased to note that the overall position for 2003/04, based on monitoring information available up to the end of February, was good; the final accounts would be available for consideration at the next meeting of the Committee.
The County Treasurer and Director of Environment amplified specific areas of the report, answered Members questions and noted individual requests for further information.
RESOLVED:
That the latest 2003/04 revenue budget monitoring position be noted.
223. 2003/04 TRANSPORT CAPITAL PROGRAMME PROGRESS AND
REVISIONS
The Committee considered the report of the Director of Environment and County Treasurer (Item 8 in the Minute Book) providing progress on the 2003/04 integrated transport programme. The Director of Environment confirmed that this was the first capital programme monitoring report submitted to the Committee, highlighted the main points and asked Members for comments on its presentation. As a result, it was noted that some cosmetic improvements would be helpful. Members attention was also drawn to the overall good performance on the delivery of projects since attention at the last meeting had focussed on two projects which had overspent by more than 10%.
During the course of the ensuing discussion, Members emphasised the need for regular updates, realistic project planning and improved communication, especially if schemes were running significantly behind schedule or over budget. In response, the Director of Environment confirmed that Members would be receiving quarterly monitoring reports, and a separate report on improvements to the project estimating process would be submitted to the next meeting of the Committee.
RESOLVED:
That the report be noted.
224. PLANNING FUTURE HOUSING PROVISION
The Committee considered the report of the Director of Environment (Item 9 in the Minute Book) providing Members with information on future housing provision and, by way of an appendix, detailing the key recommendations of a report produced for the Government by Kate Barker entitled `Review of Housing Supply'.
During the course of the ensuing discussion, the following points were noted:-
· the Government's response to the `Barker Review' would not be known for some time;
· the importance of infrastructure being in place for new housing developments;
· equally important to consider the type of property as well as the number of dwellings;
· in order to influence the trend of people living in houses larger than their need, some form of taxation might be required;
· the speed with which the regional agenda was moving forward which was causing some concern in terms of the ability of Members to engage with, and influence the debate;
· lack of apprenticeships for young people to learn skills in the building trade; and
· the mobility of the construction industry workforce which could react to an increased level of growth.
The Executive Member for Spatial Strategy confirmed that a seminar on the South East Plan would be held on Wednesday 26 May 2004 at 1.00pm in the Cinema at the Hampshire Record Office. Further reference to this Seminar is made in the report on Sub-Regional Studies in Hampshire (Item 10 on the agenda).
RESOLVED:
That the Committee recognises that the planning of future housing provision will be a key issue in preparation of the South East Plan, and that the Committee has a key role in scrutinising the emerging regional and sub-regional documentation to ensure that an appropriate balance is struck between the provision for housebuilding and other considerations as a key element for developing our vision for Hampshire.
225. SUB-REGIONAL STUDIES IN HAMPSHIRE
The Committee considered the report of the Director of Environment (Item 10 in the Minute Book) detailing the background to three sub-regional studies, which cover parts of Hampshire, namely: Western Corridor (broadly the Thames Valley but including Basingstoke, Fleet and Rushmoor Borough); Blackwater Valley; and Eastern Dorset, South Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. The studies had been carried out by local authorities and form part of the consultation undertaken by the South East England Regional Assembly of the new Regional Spatial Strategy - the `South East Plan'. All three studies had been completed and would be the focus for sub-regional stakeholder workshops to be held later in May as part of `Spring Debates'. In conclusion, Members attention was drawn to the next steps to be taken, as detailed in section 8 of the report. Members decided not to comment on the content of the report.
RESOLVED:
That the need for sub-regional strategies for the Western Corridor and South Hampshire be endorsed.
226. REQUESTS BY MEMBERS FOR ITEMS TO BE CONSIDERED AT A
FUTURE MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE
The Committee considered a request submitted by Councillor Roberts as follows:-
"To consider the outcome of the Dibden Bay Inquiry and what now, in investment terms, needs to occur."
RESOLVED:
That this matter should not be added to the list of items for future discussion.
227. ENVIRONMENT POLICY REVIEW COMMITTEE - FORWARD
PLAN
The Committee considered the report of the Chief Executive and Director of Environment (Item 13 in the Minute Book) setting out issues for future consideration by the Committee.
RESOLVED:
(i) That the report be noted with the following additions:-
8 September 2004 meeting - Local Transport Plan Annual Progress Report
For future meetings - dates to be confirmed:
Waste Futures (Material Resources Strategy) / Mineral and Waste Local
Development Scheme
Natural Resources Update
Planning Act
Traffic Management Bill
Highways Asset Management Plan
Regional Spatial Strategy/Sub-Regional Strategy - next phase
(October/November 2004)
The meeting adjourned at 1.00pm for lunch and reconvened at 2.00pm in the Council Chamber for consideration of Item 14 on the agenda.
228. TERRESTIAL TRUNKED RADIO (TETRA)
The Committee considered the report of the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services (Item 14 in the Minute Book) updating Members on the health and safety aspects of Terrestial Trunked Radio (TETRA) mobile telecommunications masts. Following a Notice of Motion from Councillor B. D. Dash, the County Council at its meeting on 25 February 2004 referred the matter to the Environment Policy Review Committee for consideration.
The Committee received the following presentations:-
(i) Mr Mark Cooper on behalf of Hampshire Policy Authority and Hampshire Constabulary who, in accordance with Home Office requirements, are being provided with a new communications system by Airwave mmO2;
(ii) Mr Alan Meyer on behalf of Mast Action UK, whose main objective is to ensure that masts for this and similar communication systems are appropriately sited having regard to people's concerns; and
(iii) Dr. Michael Clark representing the National Radiological Protection Board, which was set up by the Radiological Protection Act 1970 to advise Government and those with responsibilities for radiological protection.
Councillor B. D. Dash as mover of the Motion addressed the Committee and a number of local County Councillors aired their concerns and described local issues which had been brought to their attention by constituents.
During the course of the ensuing debate, the following points were noted:-
· the expected benefits the introduction of the TETRA system would bring to Hampshire Police in their provision of effective law enforcement services;
· the TETRA roll-out programme for Hampshire Police was expected to be completed during 2005;
· concern that in order for the service provider to keep to their roll-out schedule, the statutory planning process had been circumvented;
· regret that Government advice was that health issues should not be considered as part of the planning process as long as masts satisfied International Commission on Non Ionising Radiation Protection standards;
· noted the Court of Appeal judgements made to the contrary as reported by Mr Meyer;
· support for the thrust of the Private Member's Bill currently before Parliament which sought to impose more rigorous local scrutiny;
· acknowledged the advice given by Dr. Clark in relation to the implications of TETRA for people's health and welfare - at this stage there was no evidence of unacceptable risks in relation to the community at large but some people were susceptible to adverse effects where TETRA and other communication systems had been brought into operation;
· other systems, such as TETRAPOL were in use in other parts of Europe and not attracting similar concerns; and
· mindful of the precautionary approach on the siting of telecommunication base stations on County Council land and buildings, adopted by the Leader of the Council in 2002.
The Committee, having taken all the issues into account, will report to the County Council meeting on Thursday 20 May 2004 as follows:-
RESOLVED:
That this Council:
___ reiterates its precautionary approach to the siting of masts on its land and buildings with a general presumption against the siting of such masts as determined by the Leader of the County Council on 13 June 2002 and additionally a specific presumption against TETRA masts;
(ii) makes representations to the Local Government Association (LGA) and the County Councils Network (CCN) to press the Government to reassess its current policy so as to take the health concerns of the community into account more fully particularly in relation to the siting of masts at inappropriate locations having regard to population density and environmental impact and advises the LGA that it supports the thrust of the Town and Country Planning (Telecommunications Masts) Bill;
(iii) acknowledges that independent expert advice indicates that current knowledge suggests that TETRA does not pose a serious health hazard;
(iv) is mindful but regrets that current Government advice is that health issues should not be considered as part of the planning process so long as masts satisfy ICNIRP standards;
(v) understands the needs of Hampshire Police for a system to enable them to provide effective law enforcement services and the needs of other emergency services, but also notes that TETRA is not the only system capable of providing that service;
(vi) notes that it has no statutory planning responsibilities in relation to the siting of TETRA communication masts but is concerned at any attempts by telecommunications companies to circumvent the planning process in developing communications systems in Hampshire.
ENVPRC5.5.04/DV