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 11 March 2024

AGREED the minutes of the meeting held on 11 March 2024 be confirmed as a correct record.

To receive a progress update on the Scrutiny Review of Planning (Development Management) and Adoption of Open Space

Consideration was given to assessments of progress on the implementation of the recommendations from the Committee’s previously completed review of Planning (Development Management) and Adoption of Open Space. This was first update following the Committee’s agreement of the action plan in January 2023.  

Key issues highlighted and discussed were as follows:

• After consideration, it was agreed that charging for pre-application advice for major planning applications had limited financial return and may dissuade developers from taking up this service and having a dialogue with Planning Services.
• It was questioned if a paid for fast-track system for pre-application enquires would be beneficial, however the Planning Services Manager did not consider this to be necessary as the current 3-week response time was considered to be relatively quick. 
• The guidance note for Town and Parish Councils would be completed within 3 months.

                        AGREED that the Progress Update be noted and the assessments of progress be confirmed.

To receive an action plan for the agreed recommendation of the Scrutiny Review of Domestic Waste Collections, Kerbside Recycling and Green Waste Collections

The Committee considered an action plan in respect of its previously scrutiny review of Domestic Waste Collections, Kerbside recycling and Green Waste Collection. The action plan set out how the agreed recommendations would be implemented and target dates for completion.

                     It was noted that an appeal regarding the funding allocation for food waste collection had been submitted to the Government via DEFRA due to this being too low for the authority to meet the requirements.

                     Discussion took place regarding the different types of waste to be collected and Officers stated that they would take local, regional and national best practice into consideration in considering options as part of transformation work.

                     AGREED that the action plan be approved and a progress update be presented to the Select Committee in six months.

Consideration was given to the Work Programme.

The next meeting would be held on Monday 20 May 2024.

AGREED that the Work Programme be noted.