Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Clarke, Fox and Payne. In the absence of both the Leader and Deputy, Councillor Hollingsworth was elected as Chair for the meeting.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the above meeting, having been circulated, be approved as a correct record.

None

Report of the Community Investment Manager.

The Director for Health and Community Wellbeing introduced a report, which had been circulated prior to the meeting informing members of the receipt of an application to take on the running of Arnold Hill Community Centre.

RESOLVED to:

1)    Agree that Officers should enter into negotiations with the Eagle’s Nest Church with a view to effect community asset transfer of the Arnold Hill Community Centre by way of a 99 year, full repairing lease under a ‘peppercorn rent’ arrangement; and

2)    Note that any subsequent lease agreement would be subject to further Cabinet approval following the successful completion of necessary facilities, legal and financial investigations and the establishment of an agreed transition plan for the proposed Community Asset Transfer.

Report of the Planning Policy Manager.

The Planning Policy Manager introduced a report, which had been circulated prior to the meeting, setting out the Local Development Scheme to come into effect from 30th September 2016.

RESOLVED to:

1)    Approve the revised Local Development Scheme, as appended to the report; and

2)    Agree that the Scheme shall come into effect on 30th September 2016.

Report of the Planning Policy Manager.

The Planning Policy Manager introduced a report, which had been circulated prior to the meeting, recommending the introduction of a Health and Wellbeing Checklist to assess major planning developments.

Members’ attention was drawn to an additional criterion to be used in the final document which would address concerns around housing quality and design.

RESOLVED to:

1)    Support the use of the Health and Wellbeing Checklist to assess major developments (those of more than 10 dwellings or 500sqm of other floorspace); and

2)    Support the referral to Planning Committee Members for information purposes.

Report of the Digital Services Manager.

The Director for Organisational Development and Democratic Services introduced the report, which had been circulated prior to the meeting, presenting the Council’s digital strategy for approval.

RESOLVED to:

1)    Approve the Digital Strategy 2016-19 set out at Appendix 1 to the report; and

2)    Authorise Officers to progress arrangements to implement the proposals set out in the report.

Report of the Director of Organisational Development and Democratic Services and Deputy Chief Executive (Chief Financial Officer).

The Director for Organisational Development and Democratic Services Introduced a report, which had been circulated prior to the meeting, giving details of the Annual Local Government Ombudsman Review letter as well as general information about levels of service complaints

RESOLVED:

To note the report.

Report of the Service Manager Elections and Members’ Services.

Consideration was given to a report of the Service Manager, Elections and Members’ Services, which had been circulated prior to the meeting, detailing the Executive’s draft Forward Plan for the next four month period.

RESOLVED:

To note the report.

Councillor Peter Barnes (Environment)

·         Recently appeared before the Overview and Scrutiny Committee to discuss areas of interest in the Portfolio.

·         The children’s play area at Gedling Country Park was nearing completion and work was underway on the visitor’s centre.

Councillor Henry Wheeler (Housing, Health and Well-being)

·         A drop in centre for mental health issues has recently opened at Arnold Methodist Church.

·         National fitness day took place in September with events held at Gedling Leisure sites.

·         The “Stoptober” stop smoking campaign would take place in October.

·         Gedling Youth Council’s work programme included work on mental health issues.

·         It was hoped to soon bring forward a prosecution under empty homes legislation

·         Following the closure of the Willows Medical Centre a survey of residents in the affected area was being done and the Council would continue to offer support where it could.

Councillor David Ellis (Public Protection)

·         The Public Protection Service had recently purchased a mobile CCTV unit to record incidents of fly tipping. It was hoped that this would give a clear message that the Council is serious about fly tipping and will prosecute offenders.

·         Training for Taxi Drivers on safeguarding issues was continuing.

·         Discussions were taking place with neighbouring councils to enable licensing officers from other areas to enforce licensing policy outside of the Borough.

·         The number of food establishments rated as poor for hygiene was below the average for the country thanks to the hard work of the food safety team.

Councillor Jenny Hollingsworth (Growth and Regeneration)

·         A recent improvement in processing times for planning applications had been recorded thanks to the hard work of planning officers.

·         Discussions on the redevelopment of Arnold Market and Carlton Square were continuing.

·         Building on the former Blue note pub site was continuing on schedule.

·         A recent jobs fair in Arnold was very well attended and participants found it useful.

In response to a question from Councillor Collis about a specific empty property, Councillor Wheeler advised that he would reply outside of the meeting.

None.