Agenda and minutes

The Committee noted the evacuation and housekeeping procedure.

There were no declarations of interest.

To approve the minutes of the last meeting held on 27 February 2023

AGREED the minutes of the meeting held on 27 February 2023 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

The Select Committee considered a progress update including assessments of progress following implementation of the recommendations from the Residents Parking Zones review. The overall aim of the review had been to inform the objectives / components of a revised policy on Resident Parking Zones (RPZs) to be contained within the revised Car Parking Policy for the Borough This was the first time the update had been presented to the Committee. There were nine outstanding recommendations.

AGREED that:

1) the Progress Update be noted, and the assessments of progress be confirmed.

2) Officers to arrange post May 2023 election Members Briefing Sessions, as outlined in recommendation 4.

The Planning Services Manager presented an action plan setting out how the agreed recommendations from the Scrutiny Review of Planning (Development Management) and Adoption of Open Space would be implemented and target dates for completion. The overall aim of the review had been to examine the work of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s (SBC) Planning Service, namely pre-application advice, the effectiveness of the Council’s planning support service (resources / performance) and planning enforcement. In addition, the review focussed on the issues surrounding the maintenance and adoption of open space land on new residential developments Actions were focused on the need to review current planning conditions and enforcement powers. Timescales to implement actions ranged from July 2023 to January 2024.

Key issues highlighted and discussed were as follows:

Officers explained the decision behind the timescales for several actions and how this related to current staffing changes. It was acknowledged that some actions required cross-directorate working which required longer timescales for completion.

AGREED that the Action Plan be approved, and the further information be provided as requested.

Members were presented with the Scrutiny End of Term Report 2019-2023. Officers introduced the report and highlighted the achievements across the Scrutiny Committees during this term.

The following points were raised by the Committee:

The Chair and Vice-Chair thanked fellow Committee members and officers for their contributions during this term.

It was requested that three photographs be replaced to provide more up to date photographic evidence.

AGREED that the report be noted.

The Chair updated the Committee on the progression of land acquisition as part of the Scrutiny Review of Burial Provision and reassured Members that Council officers were regularly working on this project. Members were content with the update provided.

Consideration was given to the Work Programme.

The next meeting would be held following the May 2023 elections. 

AGREED that the Work Programme and Chair’s update be noted.