To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of the Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 16 November 2010 (copy to follow).

RESOLVED

that the Minutes of the meeting of the Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 16 November 2010 be confirmed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

To receive from Members any declarations and the nature thereof in relation to:-

(a)    personal interests in any agenda item;

(b)    personal and prejudicial interests in any agenda item;

(c)     any political whip in relation to any agenda item.

To receive any announcements from the Chairman and any matters of communication.

The Chairman did not have any announcements or communications.

To receive petitions from members of the public in accordance with the Public Participation Procedure as set out in Annex 2 of Part A4 of the Constitution.

In accordance with the Public Participation Procedure, as set out in Annex 2 of Part A4 of the Constitution, an ePetition was received by the Committee asking the Council to ensure that Sandy Leisure Centre remained open and accessible.  The Committee were informed that the petition had 400 signatories to date and additional signatures could be added until 19 January 2011.

In accordance with the Public Participation Procedure, as set out in paragraph 2 of Annex 1 of Part A4 of the Constitution, the Chairman of the Committee also invited a speaker who had registered to speak on this item to address the Committee.  This speaker was permitted three minutes and they outlined the impact of the closure of the leisure centre on its current users and residents.

In response to the speaker the Director of Sustainable Communities commented that the proposal to close Sandy Leisure Centre was one of several proposals pertaining to the Sustainable Communities Directorate.  The Committee was aware of the need to have regard to the content of the ePetition and the comments of the speaker during its deliberations on the proposals contained within the base budget build and supplementary savings proposals (minute SCOSC/10/60 refers).

RESOLVED

that the ePetition requesting that the Council ensure that Sandy Leisure Centre remained open and accessible be received and taken into consideration during discussion of item 12, the Base Budget Build and Supplementary Savings Proposals.

RECOMMENDED to the Executive

that the Executive receive the ePetition relating to Sandy Leisure Centre at its meeting at which the Council’s budget proposals for 2011/12 are considered.

To receive any questions, statements or deputations from members of the public in accordance with the Public Participation Procedure as set out in Annex 1 of Part A4 of the Constitution.

The meeting noted that a further six speakers had registered to speak at the meeting in accordance with the Public Participation Procedure as set out in Annex 1 to Section A4 of the Constitution.  The Chairman confirmed that one speaker would be invited to speak under this item and the other five registered speakers, who wished to ask questions in relation to item 9 would be invited to speak prior to consideration of that item.

A question was asked concerning the Gypsy and Traveller site consultation process for the northern part of Central Bedfordshire.  The speaker raised concerns regarding a letter that has been sent to residents regarding the Gypsy and Traveller Development Plan Document (DPD).  The speaker commented that the letter from the Head of Development Plans was misleading as it suggested that all 27 gypsy and traveller pitches for the northern part of Central Bedfordshire had been allocated.  This was not the case as there remained 4 pitches that were currently unallocated.

In response to questions the Head of Development Plans stated there had been no intention to be misleading in the letter regarding the Gypsy and Traveller DPD consultation for the north.  There were 4 pitches that remained unallocated in the document and once appropriate sites had been identified for these pitches a full consultation would be undertaken and letters sent to those who had previously responded to the Council’s consultation on the matter.  A statement was to be provided to the local media to this effect.

A further written statement was received by the Committee regarding the Gypsy and Traveller DPD for the northern part of Central Bedfordshire.  In response to questions raised in this letter the Chairman of the Committee commented that there would be no massive expenditure on gypsy and traveller sites as many of the allocations were being met on existing sites.  It was also commented that the abolition of the regional spatial strategy had dramatically reduced the numbers of gypsy and traveller pitches that were proposed to be allocated in the northern part of Central Bedfordshire.  The Committee requested that this correspondence be provided to the Head of Development Plans and that a written response be provided appropriately.

To consider any decision of the Executive referred to the Committee for review in accordance with Procedure Rule 10 of Part D2 of the Constitution.

No decisions of the Executive had been called-in to be reviewed in accordance with the Call-in Procedure as set out in Part D2 of the Constitution.

To consider any items referred to the Committee at the request of a Member under Procedure Rule 3.1 of Part D2 of the Constitution.

No items were referred to the Committee for consideration at the request of a Member under Procedure Rule 3.1 of Part D2 of the Constitution.

To receive a presentation on the outcome of public consultation on the Dunstable Town Centre Strategy and Masterplan and the final option prior to further consideration by the Executive.

In accordance with the Public Participation Procedure, as set out in paragraph 2 of Annex 1 of Part A4 of the Constitution, the Chairman of the Committee invited those members of the public who had registered to speak on this item to address the Committee.  Each speaker was allowed a maximum of three minutes.

Representations were received on behalf of members of the Dorchester Close Residents Action Group and residents of Dorchester Close.  These speakers raised issues in relation to the uncertainty and stress of their current position and the process for serving a compulsory purchase order.  It was commented that whilst residents did not want to leave their properties they were amenable to talking to the Council about a possible compromise although they would seek compensatory costs.  Residents also commented on the level of communication they received from the Council.  It was queried whether alternative locations had been considered for the proposed site of the multi-story car park.

Concerns were raised by a speaker on behalf of Dunstable Baptist Church in relation to the quantity and accessibility of car parking for visitors that was proposed in the masterplan in the vicinity of the church.

Two residents of Kingscroft Avenue also raised issues in relation to the proposed multi-storey car park and suggested this would result in blight to properties and increase anti-social behaviour and traffic in the area.  Several questions were also raised in relation to the current location of the Asda store and information that had been requested from the Council.

In response to questions the Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Development stated that the Asda store in Dunstable meets the standards set out in the Local Plan 1995.  The relocation of the Asda store was not considered as part of the masterplan exercise nor was there any case to substantiate a move of the store.  Funding for the masterplan exercise was through the growth area fund and as such there was no cost to the ratepayer.  Commercial partners would be sought by the Council in order to provide the funding to deliver aspects of the Masterplan, there would be minimum funding provided by the Council.  The Portfolio Holder further stated that compulsory purchase orders were a last resort and they were only considered if it was in the public’s interest.  The Council would seek negotiation before considering serving a compulsory purchase order.

The Chairman commented that once the Overview and Scrutiny Committee had considered the Masterplan its recommendations would be considered by the Executive which would consider whether the Masterplan should be adopted.  The Committee then received a presentation from Mr T Bridgman from the consultants AECOM regarding the Town Centre Strategy and Masterplan.  He  outlined the proposals, consultation responses and implications for the Masterplan.  It was also commented during the presentation that if proposals for a multi-story car park come forward as part of a planning application for redevelopment, any impact on adjoining properties would need to be carefully assessed, and this would be the subject of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 56.

To consider and respond to the Luton and Southern Bedfordshire Joint Core Strategy Pre Submission document.

(Note: the Chairman was absent during the consideration of this item only and the Vice-Chairman, Councillor Alan Bastable, took the Chair).

The Committee considered the report of the Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Communities, which sought the views of Members on the publication of the Pre Submission Joint Core Strategy for Luton and Southern Bedfordshire.  It was highlighted that since the preferred options report was endorsed by the Council the revocation of regional spatial strategies (RSS) had resulted in the return of decision making on housing and planning to local councils.  The Joint Core Strategy was presently under consultation and was considered to be robust.  Central Bedfordshire Council was a statutory consultee on the Joint Core Strategy.

The Head of the Joint Technical Unit then outlined the key policies contained in the Joint Core Strategy that included policies relating to timeliness of infrastructure and the A5-M1 link.  It was also highlighted that the Joint Core Strategy would set out the principles through which town centre masterplans would be developed and the nature of major urban expansion in the area.

The Committee discussed the implications of not approving the Joint Core Strategy and the recent judicial review by CALA Homes in which the previous RSS figures prevailed. The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government had stated that the previous RSS regime was gone and further guidance would be issued to local Councils within the next year to address any remaining concerns.  The Joint Core Strategy was determined on evidence of local need. 

In response to questions from Members it was stated that further analysis of the Leighton Linslade extension route would be carried out to assess whether or not there was an evidence of need.  It was also stated that if the Joint Core Strategy was approved it would provide Central Bedfordshire Council with a long term plan for development that could protect the Council against challenges such as that by CALA homes.

RESOLVED

that the Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee strongly supports the Luton and Southern Bedfordshire Joint Core Strategy Pre-Submission document, which is based on assessment of local need.

RECOMMENDED to the Executive

that the document be endorsed.

To consider a report outlining the background and current situation regarding Gypsy and Traveller and Travelling Showpeople pitch provision and the recommended scale of pitch requirement for the southern part of Central Bedfordshire.

The Committee considered the report of the Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Development relating to the scale of pitch provision for gypsies and travellers in the southern part of Central Bedfordshire.  The Committee discussed the report in light of the Government’s decision to abolish regional spatial strategies (RSS).  The Committee considered the implications of the abolition of the RSS and the need to consider an appropriate allocation of gypsy and traveller pitches in the southern part of Central Bedfordshire.  The Committee discussed the following issues:- 

·        There was currently no protection for the council to resolve matters relating to unauthorised gypsy and traveller encampments.  Endorsement of the scale of pitch provision for gypsy and traveller pitches in the southern part of Central Bedfordshire would provide this protection for the area.

·        The Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment (GTAA), 2007, was considered an appropriate means of defining the scale of pitch provision necessary in the southern part of Central Bedfordshire as it was based on evidence of need.

·        Whilst the GTAA proposed a range of between 34 and 40 pitches up to the end of 2010 for the south of Central Bedfordshire a figure of 34 was considered to be too low and likely to fail at examination.  Members agreed that 37 pitches was a robust figure that could be justified at examination.

·        The majority of allocations of additional gypsy and traveller pitches up to the end of 2010 could be met through the allocation of currently tolerated sites or those with temporary permissions.

·        The East of England Regional Assembly (EERA) had identified a compound growth rate for Central Bedfordshire of 3%.  This figure was considered to be an appropriate means of determining the number of pitches needed up to the end of 2015.

·        There would be no need to approve a development plan document for the south of Central Bedfordshire as many of the proposed allocations could be met through allocating currently tolerated pitches or those with temporary permissions.  Any gypsy and traveller sites proposed to be allocated would be presented through the planning process in the normal way.

RECOMMENDED to the Executive

1.                  that 37 gypsy and traveller pitches be allocated in the southern part of Central Bedfordshire to the end of 2010 and a further 18 pitches be allocated from the beginning of 2011 to the end of 2015 making a total of 55 pitches; 32 pitches having existing permissions leaving 23 pitches still to be provided;

2.                  that 5 pitches for travelling Showpeople be allocated in the southern part of Central Bedfordshire between 2006 and 2011 and a further 3 pitches between 2011 and 2021;

3.                  that the Council work with the established gypsy and traveller community to discuss the incorporation of transit pitches within existing or proposed sites.

To consider a report which outlines the actual financial performance for Quarter 2 and the full year forecast as at 30 September 2010.

The Committee considered a report by the Portfolio Holders for Safer Communities and Healthier Lifestyles, Economic Growth, Skills and Regeneration and Sustainable Development which outlined the actual financial performance and full year forecast as at 30 September 2010.  In addition to this report the Director commented that the Sustainable Communities Directorate was currently underspent by £78k. The report provided an accurate end year forecast for the directorate.

NOTED

1.                  the full year forecast under spend of £78k;

2.                  the actions undertaken by management to work within budget tolerance.

To consider a report on the outcome of the work to review the Sustainable Communities Directorate’s Base Budget, an outline of the Directorate’s activities and supplementary savings proposals for 2011/12.

The Committee considered a report by the Portfolio Holders for Safer Communities and Healthier Lifestyles, Economic Growth, Skills and Regeneration and Sustainable Development which set out the outcomes of the work to review the Sustainable Communities’ base budget, an outline of the Directorates activities and supplementary savings proposals for 2011/12.  The Committee made the following specific comments and recommendations regarding the Sustainable Communities Directorate in the order set out below:-

a)                 Merge the Community Involvement and Community Engagement Teams

The Committee queried the number of staff currently employed in the Community Involvement and Community Engagement teams and discussed the roles that these teams fulfilled.  It was noted that where the support provided by these teams was proposed to be removed the Town and Parish Councils could seek to continue that support as encouraged under the Community Engagement Strategy.

Following questions from the Committee it was clarified that this proposal was a cessation in service provision by the Sustainable Communities Directorate rather than a merger of two teams.

RECOMMENDED to the Executive

that the Executive adopt the proposal relating to the Community Involvement and Community Engagement Teams in order to achieve a full year saving of £300k.

b)                 EGRS4 Remodelling of the Library Service

The Committee noted that a full review of the operation of the library service was planned and would commence after 1 January 2011.  The Committee emphasised the importance of this review as a means of identifying further potential savings.

RECOMMENDED to the Executive

that the Executive adopt the proposal to remodel the Library Service in order to achieve a full year saving of £350k.

c)                  CSPPWL4 Closure of household waste recycling centres (2 days per week)

Members raised concerns regarding fly-tipping outside of household waste recycling centres (HWRCs) if hours were reduced.  Concerns were also raised that the publicity required to notify residents of the change in hours would outweigh the savings that could be achieved by implementing this proposal.  Members also requested that further advertising be made available at the HWRCs of furniture banks that promote the reuse and reallocation of household furniture.

RECOMMENDED to the Executive

that the Executive adopt the proposal to close the household waste recycling centres on 2 days per week in order to achieve a full year saving of £60k.

d)                 CSPPWL1 Remodelling of the Community Safety Team

RECOMMENDED to the Executive

that the Executive adopt the proposal to reconfigure the community safety team in order to achieve a full year saving of £30k.

e)         CSPPWL5 Remodelling of Waste Services teams

RECOMMENDED to the Executive

that the Executive adopt the proposal to remodel waste services teams in order to achieve a full year saving of £30k.

f)          CSPPWL6 Sports Development and Play Service

The Committee were informed that this proposal was complex as some of the funding for this team was received from external sources such as the NHS.

RECOMMENDED to the Executive

that the Executive adopt the proposal to delete the Sport Development and Play Service in order  ...  view the full minutes text for item 60.

To consider the Committee’s work programme and the latest Executive Forward Plan.

The Committee considered a report from the Director, which asked the meeting to consider the Committee’s current work programme for the 2010-2011 municipal year and beyond and sought any comments and amendments.  In addition Members were asked to consider the Executive Forward Plan and an indicative work programme for the Development Strategy Task Force for the same period.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance, Governance and People commented that an item on the review of fees and charges for 2011/12 was scheduled to be received by the Executive at its meeting on 11 January 2011.  It was proposed that as most of the fees and charges related to the Sustainable Communities Directorate it should be received by the Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on 18 January 2011.

RESOLVED

1.                  that the work programmes for both the Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the Development Strategy Task Force be approved subject to the addition of the report on fees and charges for 2011/12 being considered by the Committee on 18 January 2011;

2.                  that the Chairman discuss with the Overview and Scrutiny Coordination Panel an approach to the consideration of the Councils’ fees and charges report for 2011/12.

NOTED

the Executive Forward Plan.