| 12 | None |
| 13 | That the minutes of the above meeting, having been circulated, be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman. |
| 14 | None |
| 15 | The Head of Planning and Environment presented a report on the Housing Provision Paper setting out why and how the review of the housing numbers draft Aligned Core Strategies was undertaken and its key findings.
Members were advised that it will be important to keep to the required timetable, particularly as the consultation period had been extended to allow for the summer break, and to allow Parish Councils time to respond.
The second part of the report dealt with the Council's Climate Change Policy which set some challenging targets as well as adopting some new ones, ie.the adoption of the ‘Merton Rule' before it becomes mandatory. The proposals will set a high standard for the Council going forward. |
| 16 | The Monitoring Officer introduced a report on the 2nd Annual Audit undertaken on the Council's use of Covert Surveillance.
Members were informed that the Council generally maintains a high standard in relation to its RIPA processes and control measures are in place where officers fall a little short.
The report also recommended the following 2 changes:-
(a) That the named officer responsible for the RIPA policy be changed from the Head of Democratic & Community Services to the Council's Senior Solicitor and Monitoring Officer
(b) That a quarterly report is submitted to the Portfolio Holder for Communications and Public Protection.
The Monitoring Officer explained that the future use of RIPA is uncertain due to legislative changes currently going through Parliament but at present our current policy and procedures are fit for purpose.
|
| 17 | Councillor P Hughes picked up on the issue of Chettles from the previous meeting to acknowledge the briefing previously circulated by the Public Protection Manager. He requested that the situation is regularly reviewed.
Councillor J Hollingsworth assured Members that complaints will be monitored and followed up as necessary and further reported that on the recent inspection visit lorries were securely sheeted and no odour detected.
Councillor P Feeney confirmed that a significant improvement has been observed since the issue was originally raised in the 1990's, when consideration was given to closure of the plant under European Safety Law.
He added that the Company has implemented a range of new technology to minimise pollution and maximise recycling. He reminded Members that the Plant is a good local employer of 70 personnel however we must continue to monitor the company and promote the use of new technologies as they emerge.
Councillor C Powell asked Councillor R Allan that after having listened to the report of the Head of Planning and Environment, particularly regarding the timetable for consultation whether the Portfolio Holder would consider an extension to the consultation period, as the Parish Councils only have one meeting in the current period
Councillor R Allan responded that any extension to the Consultation period would have significant implications upon the Council's development programme therefore we must retain the current schedule. He reiterated the point made by the Head of Planning and Environment that the period had already been extended by 2 weeks. |
| 18 | PROGRESS REPORTS FROM PORTFOLIO HOLDERS
The following progress reports on items within their remit were received from Portfolio Holders:
Environment and Sustainability
i. Electrical Goods Recycling Day
ii. Work with local schools on recycling projects
Economic and Strategic Development
i. Linby Conservation Area
ii. Shopmobility and Shopdoctor schemes
iii. Reformation of the Gedling Business Partnership and its new website
Leisure and Culture
i. Success of Arnold Carnival
ii. Patchings Farm Event, the Head of Leisure Services will circulate the Event flyer to Members
Health and Wellbeing
i. Attended Health and Social Wellbeing Board meeting
Community and Employee Relations
i. New arrangements to Members Pots
ii. Planned visits to Parish Councils
iii. St Marys is soon to be designated
as a priority area
iv. The Member Induction Programme has now completed, an evaluation session will be held on 13 July 2011
Communication and Public Protection
i. Warren Hill and Bonington will continue to be priority
ii. Lead theft from the Civic Centre
iii. Plans to make Contacts Magazine more of a community magazine
iv. Developments with the Gedling Partnership and plans to find new ways of working at a more strategic level
Finance and Performance
i. Financial position stating that a high bar had been set by the previous administration.
ii. Business Rates highlighting forthcoming changes which may affect our position.
iii. An apology to Councillor R F Spencer for not inviting him to second the Notice of Motion regarding the A453 at the Council meeting on 6 July 2011. |
| 19 | None |