Scrutiny Standing Panel Agenda
Environmental and Planning Services Standing Scrutiny Panel Wednesday, 5th September, 2007
Place: Committee Room 1, Civic Offices, High Street, Epping
Time: 7.30 pm
Democratic Services Z Folley - Research and Democratic Services Officer: Tel: 01992 564532 Email: [email protected]
Members:
Councillors Mrs P Smith (Chairman), D Bateman (Vice-Chairman), Mrs A Cooper, R Bassett, R Frankel, P House, J Knapman, Mrs P Richardson, H Ulkun, Mrs L Wagland and M Woollard
1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
2. SUBSTITUTE MEMBERS (COUNCIL MINUTE 39 - 23.7.02)
(Head of Research and Democratic Services) To report the appointment of any substitute members for the meeting.
3. DECLARATION OF INTERESTS
(Head of Research and Democratic Services). To declare interests in any items on the agenda.
In considering whether to declare a personal or a prejudicial interest under the Code of Conduct, Overview & Scrutiny members are asked pay particular attention to paragraph 11 of the Code in addition to the more familiar requirements.
This requires the declaration of a personal and prejudicial interest in any matter before an OS Committee which relates to a decision of or action by another Committee or Sub Committee of the Council, a Joint Committee or Joint Sub Committee in which the Council is involved and of which the Councillor is also a member.
Paragraph 11 does not refer to Cabinet decisions or attendance at an OS meeting purely for the purpose of answering questions or providing information on such a matter.
1 Environmental and Planning Services Standing Scrutiny PanelWednesday, 5 September 2007
4. NOTES OF THE LAST MEETING HELD ON 26 JUNE 2007 (Pages 5 - 8)
To consider the notes of the last meeting (attached)
5. TERMS OF REFERENCE / WORK PROGRAMME (Pages 9 - 10)
(Chairman/Lead Officer) The Overview and Scrutiny Committee has agreed the Terms of Reference of this Panel and associated Work Programme. This is attached. The Panel are asked at each meeting to review both documents.
6. NAZEING FOCUS DAY - FINAL REPORT AND ACTION PLAN (Pages 11 - 12)
(Head of Planning and Economic Development). To consider the attached report.
7. CLIMATE CHANGE (Pages 13 - 16)
(Head of Environmental Services). To consider the attached report.
8. PARKING IN RESIDENTIAL AREA/REVIEW OF LOCAL AREA AGREEMENT (Pages 17 - 44)
(Head of Environmental Services). To consider the attached report.
9. CLEAN NEIGHBOURHOODS AND ENVIRONMENT ACT 2005 - SUB - GROUP
Recommendation:
To consider whether to set up a Sub-Group on the above matters and if supported determine the membership and remit of the work for consideration by the OSC.
The Panel will recall that at the 26 April 2007 meeting, it was proposed that a Sub – Group of Members be set up to consider the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 and the Rogers Review of Enforcement Priorities.
The aim was to consider the matters relevant to the Council and make recommendations on how they could be pursued. Officers will be in attendance to elucidate this.
Since that time, an item was circulated in the Council Bulletin seeking Members for this Sub – Group. In response, Councillors Mrs J H Whitehouse and K Angold – Stephens put themselves forward.
The Panel now need to decide on whether there is sufficient interest in this approach and, if so, identify the remit of the review, a reporting deadline and the membership of the Sub-Group . They should also consider the support this may require and submit proposals to the OSC on all of these matters for endorsement.
Otherwise the Panel will need to identify an alternative course of action for this work.
2 Environmental and Planning Services Standing Scrutiny PanelWednesday, 5 September 2007
10. WEST AREA JOINT WASTE COMMITTEE MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING ON 15 AUGUST 2007 (Pages 45 - 50)
To consider the minutes of last meeting of the Joint Committee held on 15 August 2007 (Attached).
11. REPORTS TO BE MADE TO THE NEXT MEETING OF THE OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE
To consider which reports are ready to be submitted to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee at its next meeting.
12. FUTURE MEETINGS
To Panel is next due to meet on 29 October at 7.30 in Committee Room 1 and then on 20 December 2007, 28 February 2008 and 23 April 2008.
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EPPING FOREST DISTRICT COUNCIL NOTES OF A MEETING OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND PLANNING SERVICES STANDING SCRUTINY PANEL HELD ON TUESDAY, 26 JUNE 2007 IN COMMITTEE ROOM 1, CIVIC OFFICES, HIGH STREET, EPPING AT 7.30 - 8.25 PM
Members Mrs P Smith (Chairman), D Bateman (Vice-Chairman), Mrs A Cooper, Present: R Bassett, R Frankel, P House, Mrs P Richardson, H Ulkun and Mrs L Wagland
Other members Councillor Mrs D Borton, K Chana, Mrs A Grigg, Mrs M Sartin and present: J M Whitehouse
Apologies for J Knapman (Vice Chairman of Council) and M Woollard Absence:
Officers Present P Sutton (Asst Head of Planning Services (Forward Planning & Environment)) and Z Folley (Democratic Services Assistant)
12. DECLARATION OF INTERESTS
Pursuant to the Council’s Code of Member Conduct, Councillors R Bassett and Mrs A Cooper declared a personal interest in agenda item 5 (Nazeing Focus Day). The Councillors determined that their interest was non prejudicial.
13. SUBSTITUTE MEMBERS (COUNCIL MINUTE 39 - 23.7.02)
None reported.
14. NOTES OF THE LAST MEETING - 26 APRIL 2007
Noted.
The Local Service Agreement was being rewritten and since the last meeting new information on this had become available. The Chairman of the Panel, Councillor Mrs P Smith, had attended a meeting with the Leader of the Council and the new County Portfolio Holder Councillor R Hume on such issues. She referred to his intention to consult the District on this during the late summer with a view to finalising a new agreement in Autumn 2007.
15. TERMS OF REFERENCE / WORK PROGRAMME
(a) Essex County Joint Waste Procurement Process
County presentation to be given to this weeks Council meeting on the County Wide Waste Strategy. Members encouraged to attend.
(b) East of England Plan
Go – East had indicated that the East of England Plan would now not be published before the Autumn 2007 at the earliest. The Panel stressed the need for EFDC input into the preparation stage before it was published. An item had been placed in a recent Council Bulletin on this.
Page 15 Environmental and Planning Services Standing Scrutiny Panel Tuesday, 26 June 2007
(c) Ongoing Traveller Issues
A minded to direct letter had been received from central government in relation to Gypsy and Traveller needs. As a result, the Local Development Framework (LDF) and the East of England Plan had been held back for approval. A report on these issues would be submitted to the Cabinet on 16 July 2007.
It was requested that consideration be given to progress with the action concerning the Payne’s Lane Site, Nazeing. Clarification was sought on whether this was a separate work plan item or whether it fell under the existing Traveller provisions item. Democratic Services to check this.
(d) Planning Enforcement Performance - Statistics
It was noted that Performance Enforcement Statistics for action taken so far for the year 2007/08 were circulated with last weeks bulletin. The Panel were happy with the format.
(e) Climate Change – Report to 5 September meeting
It was expected that Jim Nolan and Lisa Ingram would lead on the above item.
16. FOCUS DAY 10 MARCH 2007 - REPORT OF FACLITATOR
The Panel received the draft report prepared by the facilitator together with a revised version of Appendix A listing the agreed proposals and suggested owners of the actions (tabled). The Panel considered each one of the tabled actions in turn and made the following comments:
Agreed that the names in the footnotes be put in brackets next to the relevant footnote number in the text for elucidation.
Agreed that the actions in the ‘suggested owner’ column be ascribed to the organisation involved not individuals.
Paragraph 15 – Subsection on Enforcement – A Member questioned the accuracy of some of the facts concerning Dobbs Weir Road. Attention was drawn to the role of the Police in addressing the problems. It was suggested that this issue should be raised in action point 5 of the tabled Appendix A. Stressed that the Police be sent a copy of report.
Agreed that County Councillor A Jackson should receive a copy of the final report of the study when produced in view of his Chairmanship of the Epping Police and Community Consultative Group.
Paragraph 8.9 Essex County Council Freight Study – the County was in the process of trying to come up with a strategy to regulate movement of goods, HGV activity across the county. This might be launched this Summer 2007. Clarification was sought on the timetable for the consultation period. There was a need to establish whether the study was still at preparation stage or whether it was out for consultation. It questioned whether there were in fact two studies in production - one on Freight and a separate second one for Traffic. Action P Sutton to make available timetable for the study.
Page 26 Environmental and Planning Services Standing Scrutiny Panel Tuesday, 26 June 2007
Councillor R Bassett reported that the West Essex Highways Office had filmed a number of set points in the area to gather information on the problems. They were happy to share their findings. He would be attending a meeting on this. The Nazeing Action Group had been asked to carryout a further traffic study of the area.
A Member claimed that some of the actions specified for the plan had been omitted from the report and referred to an e-mail sent to officers detailing his points.
It was noted that the facilitator would circulate the final version of the report to members. The draft might be subject to change in view of the need to take on board the findings of local studies. County Councillor A Jackson should be consulted on the draft to ascertain his views.
The Panel agreed to hold the task of monitoring the actions in abeyance until after receipt of the outstanding information and the final version of the action plan/full report.
The Panel agreed that a small group of members (say 3-4) should met to consider the final version once received and report back to the next full meeting of the Panel on 5 September 2007. Councillors Mrs P Smith, R Bassett, Mrs A Cooper and the Portfolio Holder Mrs A Grigg expressed an interest in partaking in this informal meeting.
ACTION:
Democratic Services to arrange date for sub-group meeting.
Final report to be submitted to next meeting of the Panel on 5 September 2007.
17. REPORTS TO BE MADE TO THE NEXT MEETING OF THE OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE
Reports for next OSC – Chairman’s briefing on tonight’s discussion.
18. ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING
Noted that the following issues were due to be considered at the next meeting on 5 September 2007:
(a) Nazeing Focus Group – Final report
(b) Position report on Highway issues as requested at last meeting on 26 April 2007
(c) Clean Neighbourhoods/Rogers Review
(d) Climate Change – Council motion 24 April 2007.
(e) Minutes of last meeting of Joint Waste Committee.
19. FUTURE MEETINGS
5 September 2007
Page 37 Environmental and Planning Services Standing Scrutiny Panel Tuesday, 26 June 2007
29 October, 20 December 2007, 28 February, 2008 23 April 2008
Page 48 Environmental and Planning Services Standing Panel Report Deadline / Programme of Item Progress / Comments Priority Future Meetings (1) Essex County Joint Waste Ongoing Procurement Process 29 October, (2) New Local Development Scheme Ongoing Awaiting Final Version of East of England Plan 20 December, 28 February, 2008 (3) Re use of buildings in the Green Ongoing Underway – Nazeing Focus Day Final report 23 April 2008 Belt/Traffic Issues in the Roydon and considered by sub – group on 14 August 2007. Nazeing Areas. Outcome be reported back to this mtg. (4) East of England Plan – EFDC Underway: Response to Final Version
Page 9 (5) Clean Neighbourhoods and Underway: Proposed that sub group of Members be Environment Act 2005 – established to investigate. To be considered at this Implementation of provisions meeting. (6) Ongoing Traveller Issues Ongoing Report to be submitted to future meeting including follow up action for Paynes Lane, Nazeing (7) Planning Performance – monitoring Ongoing Statistics to be reported on a regular basis in of enforcement figures/outcomes Members Bulletin and reviewed by the Panel following six month trial. (8) Parking on Grass Verges/ Parking Position statement to be reported to this meeting. Agenda Item5 in Residential Area
To monitor the recommendations of the 2005/06 Task and Finish Panel on Parking in Residential Areas and, if necessary, identify any follow action required. (9) Climate Change Report submitted to this meeting
Page 10 Agenda Item 6 Report
Date of meeting: 5 September 2007
Subject: Nazeing Focus Day – Revised Action Plan
Officer contact for further information: Amanda Wintle / Ian White
Committee Secretary: Zoe Folley
Recommendations:
(1) To consider and endorse the attached Action Plan for the Nazeing Focus Day held on 10 March 2007 (to follow);
(2) To authorise the Head of Planning and Economic Development to make subsequent changes, which would be reported in the Council Bulletin, and to the next Panel meeting;
(3) To identify arrangements for the monitoring the actions;
(4) To organise a follow-up meeting, provisionally in March 2008, to review the issues
Background:
1. A Focus Day to discuss traffic issues in the Nazeing and Roydon areas was held on 10 March 2007. The day was chaired by an independent facilitator, and the resultant report with recommendations has been circulated to all those that attended the day. The action plan within the original report identified the key recommendations arising from the day, but these actions were not in a format that could be easily actioned and measured.
2. A sub-group to determine the changes that should be made to the action plan was established following the Panel meeting on 26 June 2007. As a result, changes have been made to the action plan.
In summary, the changes comprise:
(i) re-ordering of the action plan to group together issues of a similar nature; (ii) timetables have been attached to actions where possible. (iii) the suggested “owners” of the actions have been changed to show the title of the responsible officer and relevant organisation.
3. Responses are still awaited from a number of bodies with responsibility for delivering the actions. These will be circulated for the meeting. The completed action plan will follow.
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Page 12 Agenda Item 7 Report to Environmental and Planning Services Standing Scrutiny Panel
Date of meeting: 5th September 2007
Portfolio: Environmental Protection
Subject: Nottingham Declaration
Officer contact for further information: Jim Nolan ext 4083/Lisa Ingwall ext 4357
Committee Secretary: Zoe Folley 4532
Recommendations:
(1) To consider the Nottingham Declaration as requested by the Council on 24 April 2007; and
(2) To recommend to the Cabinet that the Council becomes a signatory to the Declaration;
(3) That initial consideration be given to the actions to be taken by the Council to address Climate change including:
(a) the issues raised in paragraph 5 of the report; (b) the development of a community – wide strategy/action plan/ prioritising one or two significant service areas in the first instance; (c) adaptation and mitigation measures (d) any other issues raised by this review
(4) To agree that further reports be submitted to future meetings and the work plan be adjusted to accommodate this review.
Report:
1. (Head of Environmental Services). This report originates from the following Council resolution:
“That this Council:
(a) acknowledges:
- evidence shows climate change is occurring;
- climate change will have far-reaching effects on the UK’s people and places, economy, society and environment;
(b) welcomes:
- the social, economic and environmental benefits which come from combating climate change;
- the emissions targets agreed by Central Government and the programme for
Page3 13 delivering change, as set out in the UK climate change programme;
- the opportunity for local government to lead the response at a local level, encouraging and helping residents, local businesses and other organisations to reduce their energy costs, reduce congestion, adapt the impacts of climate change, improve the local environment, and deal with fuel poverty;
- the endorsement of this declaration by Central Government, the Local Government Association and other Councils across the country;
(c) commits itself:
- to work with Central Government to contribute, at a local level, to the delivery of the UK climate change programme, the Kyoto Protocol and the target for carbon dioxide reduction by 2010;
- to participate in local and regional networks for support;
- to develop plans with our partners and local communities to address the causes and impacts of climate change, according to local priorities and securing maximum benefits for our communities;
- to achieving a significant reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from our own operations, especially energy sourcing and use, travel and transport, waste production and disposal and the purchasing of goods and services;
- to assess the risks associated with climate change and the implications for our services and our communities of climate change impacts and adapt accordingly;
- to encourage our local community to adapt to the impacts of climate change, to reduce their own greenhouse emissions and make public their commitment to take action;
- to monitor the progress of our plans against the actions needed and publish the results;
(d) acknowledges the increasing impact that climate change will have on our community during the 21st century and commits to tackling the causes and effects of a changing climate on our district; and
(e) recommends that these issues be looked at by the Environmental and Planning Services Standing Panel and that consideration be given to the signing of the Nottingham Declaration.
Summary
2. Climate Change is the most important issue facing this country and a lot of the action required to mitigate and adapt to that change is expected to be lead by Local Authorities. By signing the Nottingham Declaration the Council shows a commitment to the management of climate change .
3. Action to cut energy use is also likely to lead to significant cost savings for the Council, while action to adapt to climate change can help protect our residents against the risk of climate change, including that associated with extreme weather events, such as flooding. It should also be noted that some climate changes are likely to offer opportunities to the local community.
Page4 14 Background
4. Nottinghamshire County Council first published the Nottingham Declaration in 2000. It is designed specifically for Local Authorities to enable them to show their commitment to this issue and set in place the following actions:
• to work with Central Government to contribute locally to the UK Climate Change Programme, the Kyoto protocol and the 2010 Carbon dioxide reduction target; • to participate in local and regional support networks; • develop plans with partners and local communities to address the causes and impacts of climate change, tailored to local priorities and community benefits; • to publicly declare within appropriate plans and strategies, the commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the Council’s own activities; • assess the risks of climate change and the implications for Council services and communities and adapt accordingly; • to encourage all sectors in the local community to adapt to the climate change impacts • to monitor progress and publish results.
So far, over 150 local authorities have already signed the declaration.
What action can we take to address Climate Change?
5. Councils can act in three main ways to reduce their emissions of Green House Gases and help their community adapt to the impacts of climate change. These related to:
• councils as estate managers - Local Authorities are large employers and major consumers of energy and other resources. Through better management of transport and buildings, Councils can cut emissions and save money. We can also consider how our assets can be better adapted to the changing climate;
• councils as service providers - for all the services we provide, we can ensure that the impact of climate change is properly taken into account and emissions are cut as far as possible;
• councils as community leaders - we can work with other public and private agencies and the wider community to help cut the overall emissions of our area and develop an integrated response to climate change adaptation. Councils can also form direct partnerships with others in the community to address climate change
6. At the outset of the process the Council needs to decide whether it wishes initially to develop a community-wide strategy or to focus on our estate, services, or just one or two important service areas. We also need to decide whether we wish to develop an integrated mitigation and adaptation strategy or to concentrate on one or the other in the first instance.
7. The advantage of developing a Community-Wide Action Plan is that we can encourage other organisations and individual citizens to take action, maximising the impact of what we do and fulfilling the community leadership role that Government has set for Local Authorities. The advantage of focusing on our own estate and services is that we will have more direct control over all the actions that are agreed and outcomes can be easier to determine.
8. With regard to whether we opt to include both adaptation and mitigation measures, there are many advantages to preparing an integrated Action Plan. By preparing a plan that addresses both adaptation and mitigation we will develop a coherent and integrated response to this agenda.
Page5 15
9. The Panel is asked to investigate these issues and report to Cabinet. The Panel will need to consider how much time they will need for this work and adjust their work plan accordingly. Officers will be attending this meeting to explain the options in more detail.
Reason for decision: Signing the Nottingham Declaration shows the Councils commitment to mitigating the effects of climate change.
Options considered and rejected: Not signing the declaration.
Consultation undertaken: None
Resource implications:
Budget provision: Environmental Co-ordination budget Personnel: Existing Land: None
Community Plan/BVPP reference: Relevant statutory powers:
Background papers: Environmental/Human Rights Act/Crime and Disorder Act Implications: Key Decision reference: (if required)
Page6 16 Agenda Item 8
Scrutiny Task and Finish Panel Agenda
Report to Environmental and Planning Services Standing Scrutiny Panel
Date of meeting: 5 September 2007
Subject: Off street car parking and the Highways LSA
Officer contact for further information: J Gilbert
Committee Secretary: Zoe Folley 4532
Recommendations:
(1) To note the current position regarding the Highways Local Service Agreement, off-street parking and highway schemes within the district;
(2) To consider inviting the new West Area Highway Manager to a future meeting of the Panel to discuss highway parking related issues and;
(3) To subject to the above identify a date for this presentation and give initial consideration to the issues to be raised.
Report:
1. At the meeting of this Panel on the 26 of April 2007 Members discussed issues around parking on grass verges and in residential areas generally. It was agreed that a report should be submitted to the next meeting detailing:
(i) Current position for issues/recommendations made by 2005 review including commuter parking; (ii) Details of current EFDC highways schemes – budget provision; (iii) Legal issues regarding new highways agreement; (iv) Existing Policy on Parking on Grass Verges; and (v) Summary of what local plan says in relation to issues.
Due to other work priorities it has not been possible to undertake all of these tasks and report back to the Panel, but this report starts that process by providing an update on a number of the issues above.
Page 17 2005 Task and Finish Panel Review and Commuter Parking
2. The former Area Manager was content to establish a local forum, but this will now need to be pursued with the new Area Manager. A meeting with the new County Highways Portfolio Holder (Cllr. Norman Hume) had been positive and perhaps signalled a new approach to involving districts in highway matters. However, there is no immediate sign of this happening but again it might be wise to await the new Area Manager and see how matters develop. Members may wish to consider inviting him to a Panel meeting, in addition to the existing scrutiny arrangements held by the Parent Scrutiny Committee .
3. Commuter parking issues are being dealt with through:
(a) area parking reviews; and (b) ad-hoc parking reviews of local issues.
Details of EFDC highways schemes
4. The District does not undertake any highway schemes as such. The District only undertakes parking reviews, which may require minor traffic calming or perhaps a pedestrian crossing. All other traffic management issues are now dealt with solely by the County Council through the Harlow area office. Details of ECC schemes are being updated and will be provided as soon as possible.
5. Parking reviews and traffic orders underway are as follows:
Scheme Position statement
Buckhurst Hill parking Orders made and published. Implementation proceeding. Review Works include new mini-roundabout and pedestrian crossing. Some public disquiet over certain new restrictions. No enforcement at present. Subject to six month review, around March/April 2008 Epping parking Review Scheme fully implemented and now being enforced. Some public disquiet over certain new restrictions. Subject to six month review, around January/February 2008 Loughton (TCE area only) Scheme fully implemented and now being enforced. Waltham Abbey parking Data collection completed. Review Loughton area Parking Data collection completed. Review Broadway area parking Partial data collection Review Various orders, disabled Orders published, consultation period closed. Member meetings bays etc (TRO12) on 30th August ahead of EFDC /County Portfolio Holder decisions.
It is worth noting that the costs of parking reviews are considerably higher than initially anticipated, in the main due to the extensive advertising of TROs both before and after making and extended use of County Council and consultancy support.
Legal issues and the Highways LSA
6. Members of the Panel at the last meeting enquired as to whether the LSA provided any sanctions for the Council if the County were perceived to have failed to meet their highway obligations. Advice has been sought, and if available a verbal report will be provided at the meeting.
Page 18
Council Policy on Grass Verges
7. The policy on dealing with parking on grass verges was adopted by the Council back in 2002. A copy of the Cabinet report with attachments and Cabinet minute for 2 September 2002 are attached at Appendix 1 for information. It can seen that the policy operates based on the risks posed at differing locations (see paragraphs 5 & 6 of the Cabinet report), and these areas are, by and large, encompassed within the current programme of parking reviews.
8. It is the case that bollards and other restraints have seen limited use, particularly since the reversion of the Agency back to the County Council in April 2005.
Local plan
9. To a future meeting.
Footway crossovers etc
10. At the meeting in April members also requested that information be placed in the members’ Bulletin regarding footway crossovers. Attached to the agenda are:
(a) the EFDC Housing Service policy booklet (Appendix 2) and (b) information taken from the ECC highways website (Appendix 3).
The ECC information provides information on minimum sizes but not maximum. This information is being sought and once available all the information will be placed into the Bulletin.
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Page 20 Appendix 1
Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26
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Page 30 Appendix 2
Extract from the minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 2 September 2002
79. VERGE AND FOOTWAY PARKING - POLICY
The Civil Engineering and Maintenance Portfolio Holder advised that at its meeting on 11 July 2000, the former Working Group on Transport had considered a report on the management/enforcement of verge and footway parking within the District. This report was then accepted by the Transportation Committee on 18 September 2000. However, the recommendations had required that the County Council, the Police and local councils should be consulted. He advised that this had now been undertaken and there had been no adverse comment from any of the organisations consulted.
Members noted that two years had elapsed since the original proposals were formulated, and officers had now reviewed them in the light of legislative changes including decriminalised parking. In the light of that review, a number of changes were put forward for consideration in order to provide for a simpler and more manageable process.
Decision:
That the revised verge and footway parking policy be adopted and enforcement based on the following priority order:
(1) safety-related in key locations (including access by emergency vehicles);
(2) safety related in other locations (including schools);
(3) non-safety related/amenity where other parking facilities are conveniently available;
Reasons for Decision:
The Cabinet was advised that the introduction of decriminalised parking enforcement in October would make this an opportune time for members to reconsider the original recommendations, amend as appropriate and then adopt. The suggested amendment s to the original Working Group recommendations were designed to recognise those areas with the greatest problems and, resources permitting, enable options to be developed. These included clarification of situations where access by emergency vehicles would be made difficult, the importance of parking near schools and amenity sites where convenient parking was available.
Other Options Considered and Rejected:
The Cabinet considered the option of rejecting the proposals to be inappropriate in view of the onset of decriminalised parking enforcement.
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Page 32 Off-street garden parking A guide for residents of
Page 33 council estates
H OUSING S ERVICES How to apply for off-street garden parking outside your own home Most Council estates were built when fewer cars were on the road. They were not designed to deal with the huge number of cars around today. This leaflet has been produced to help residents overcome the problems of congested estates by using their gardens for off-street parking. It is intended to help you park as close to your home as possible, ease traffic congestion and improve the appearance of Council estates. 6. The crossover must be located in a safe position; The conditions set out below apply if you are a Council tenant 7. The Council must be satisfied that the provision of boundary or if you are a freehold or leasehold owner of a former Council walls, hedges and other necessary work is undertaken in a property bought under the Right to Buy or any other scheme. manner that will minimise any detrimental impact on the If your home has never been a Council property you must street scene; apply separately to the Highways and Transportation Service 8. You must use any parking space available to the side or rear at Essex County Council seeking permission for a dropped
Page 34 of your property, rather than any space in front of the building kerb or vehicular crossover (or both). line if possible; To safeguard the interests of your neighbours, highway safety, 9. Any permissions will be subject to a properly constructed the Council and the appearance of the estate, you must comply hardstanding being provided in your garden for each car with certain conditions before permission can be given. parked on the property, before the crossover is constructed. The conditions are:- The surface must be porous and bound (but not shingle) so 1. Proposed crossovers must not remove more than 6 metres that surface water will not drain onto the road; in length of grassed area; 10. There must be no other housing management reasons to 2. A standard width crossover will be no more than 4.0 metres refuse your application. at the property boundary and 5.4 metres at the kerb; Note: In most circumstances, crossovers must not lead to the 3. There must be a minimum of 4.8m depth from the front of damage or removal of healthy trees. However, in special the property to the property curtilage (the enclosed area of circumstances, such as where a tree is near the end of its land around the dwelling). This is to enable a standard size car useful life, exceptions are sometimes made. If your plans onto the driveway without overhanging. include the removal of a tree, a condition of Council approval could be the planting of a new tree in a different location at 4. Applicants must pay for the cost of the works (and any your expense. future maintenance), which must be undertaken by a Council approved contractor, to the satisfaction of the Council; When considering your application, the Council will generally take into account any detrimental effect the vehicular 5. Proposed crossovers must not lead to the loss of car crossover could have on the street scene. parking spaces provided in lay-bys;
2 3 Co-operating with your neighbours How to apply Rather than creating several crossovers, you and your If your home is a current or former Council property, you will neighbours may wish to share. You can do this where practical need to complete a Housing Services application form. You and where it is not detrimental to the Council. Sharing a can get this form from your local Area Housing Office. The crossover may save you money. form should be filled in and returned to the office for consideration. An inspection will be carried out and your Once the crossover and hardstanding are in place neighbours will be asked for their comments. This is to Only private vehicles may be parked on your property – no safeguard the appearance of the estate, the interests of the other vehicles such as commercial vehicles, caravans or Council and the interests of your neighbours. Once a decision boats are allowed. has been reached, your Housing Management Officer will write Vehicles must not be parked on driveways leading to the to you with the decision. hardstanding area. If we are satisfied with your proposal, you will be granted Repairs and maintenance must be restricted to your own permission in writing, subject to conditions. A copy of this private vehicles. letter will be sent to the Highways Authority at Essex County You will be responsible for the maintenance of the crossover. Council for their information. Once you receive permission Your car must not overhang the footpath as it is dangerous from Housing Services, you must get a ‘Highways Crossover Page 35 to pedestrians. Application Form’ from Essex County Council and complete it. Any gates erected must open inwards and not out onto the If your property is next to a classified road (A, B or C road) you public highway. will need to complete a ‘Householder Planning Application You must not block the path to your front door – you might Form’. Highways can advise you whether planning permission need to get out in an emergency. is necessary, or you may contact the Council’s Planning Services directly.
Appeals If your application is refused, but you think you have been treated unfairly, you have a right of appeal. Your first step should be to write to the Assistant Head of Housing Services (Operations), Civic Offices, High Street, Epping CM16 4BZ. When appealing, please give details of why you think the original decision was wrong. If your application is still refused and you wish to take the matter further you can proceed to the Housing Appeals Panel. The Assistant Head of Housing Services (Operations) will give you details of how to do this. The Panel is made up of elected Councillors who will review your case. 4 5 Landscaping Lime Farm Housing Office. 661a Copperfield, Limes Farm, Chigwell, Essex IG7 5LA. Tel: 020 8559 8883 When planning your parking area there are several ways in which you can enhance its practicality and appearance. Planning Services Civic Offices, High Street, Epping, Essex CM16 4BZ. Tel: 01992 564000 A variety of plants make excellent screens to protect your car, improve the appearance of the parking area and enhance your Highways and Transportation Division. Essex County property. They also keep weeds down and require very little Council, West Area Office, Warwick Road, Harlow, Essex, maintenance. However, care should be taken to make sure you CM19 5DX.Tel 01279 642500 can see clearly when entering or leaving your driveway. For general advice on the selection and care of plants you should talk to your local garden centre.
Hard surfaces Vehicular crossovers are permitted subject to a properly constructed hardstanding being in place for all vehicles.
Page 36 Choice of materials can make a big difference to the practicality and appearance of the parking area. Price may also be a factor in your choice. A concrete block paving system can work well, but larger slabs tend to crack under the weight of a car. A block paving system would probably be the best option. This material looks attractive and allows surface water to drain naturally at source. Grassed paving would also be an option. Paving comes in many colours and textures. The surface must be porous and bound so that surface water will not drain onto the road – but do not use shingle.
Useful contacts Area Housing Office (North). Civic Offices, High Street, Epping, Essex CM16 4BZ. Tel: 01992 564000 email: [email protected] Area Housing Office (South). 63 The Broadway, Loughton, Essex IG10 3SP. Tel: 01992 564000 email: [email protected]
6 7 Page 37
For a copy of this leaflet in large print or any other format please phone 01992 564292
Epping Forest District Council Housing Services, Civic Offices, High Street, Epping, Essex CM16 4BZ phone: Epping (01992) 564000 www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/housing
April 2007 This page is intentionally left blank
Page 38 Highways and Transportation
Highways Act 1980 – Section 184
Application for a vehicle crossing over footway and/or verge
To: Area Highway Manager (for the address of where to send your application please see below)
I/We the undersigned hereby apply for a vehicle crossing of the footway and/or verge from the boundary of the premises known as:-
FULL ADDRESS (In BLOCK letters please) ......
......
...... Post code ......
Particulars of proposed works
1. Is the vehicle crossing required for residential commercial or industrial use?
2. Have plans for the vehicle crossing been included in a planning application? Yes No If yes, please quote the planning application number and enclose copies of the relevant documents...... 3. Is the vehicle crossing the only access to: the property an extension existing access additional access
4. Are you the owner of the above property? If no, you must enclose a copy of Yes No the landlord’s written consent.
NAME (in BLOCK letters please) ...... FULL ADDRESS (in BLOCK letters please) ...... (if different from above) ...... Post Code ......
Email address ...... Daytime telephone number ......
Signed...... Date ......
Vehicle Crossing Application May 2007 Enquiries: 0845 603 7631 Page 39 Vehicle crossing application
Please note:
1. The applicant will be solely responsible for all planning permissions that may be required to create or improve an access onto a classified road and consultation with the Local Planning Authority should always be made before any works commence.
2. The applicant will be solely responsible for ensuring that there are no restrictive covenants preventing access over land between the boundary of the property and the carriageway edge.
3. The inspector should agree on site with the householder the exact location of the crossing and agree any problems and solutions that may cause future access difficulties.
4. Where possible the back edging of the crossing will be dropped to improve the ride for wheelchairs and pushchairs. The applicant will be solely responsible for any accommodation works within the property to reach the level of the crossing.
5. Water from the property will not be permitted to drain onto the highway and the applicant will be required to put in supplementary drainage as required at no cost to the highway authority. On the other hand, water from the highway must not drain onto the property and the highway authority will provide drainage accordingly.
6. The footpath that the vehicle crossing crosses must have no upstand allowing smooth passage for pedestrians.
7. Commercial crossings need to be laid out appropriately for the anticipated quantity and size of vehicle use. If radius kerbs are used on larger crossings, consideration must be given to the provision of pram crossings with tactile paving. These types of crossings should be designed and agreed separately.
8. Where considered appropriate, the replaced material to the new crossing should match that of existing.
May 2007 Page 2 of 4 Enquiries: 0845 603 7631 Page 40 M
9. The sketches below are typical layouts for new vehicle crossing -
a. The minimum dimension of ‘A’ must be 2.7m and
b. The minimum dimension of ‘B’ must be 4.6m. (Please note that the minimum standard for the width at ‘B’ is for dropped kerbs with a tapered kerb at each end giving an overall width of 4.6m.)
c. ‘C’ is the measurement of the footway and/or verge A = (m)
(Property side)
A = (m) C = (m) (Property side) C = (m) (Width of footway + verge)
(Width of footway (Carriageway side) (Carriageway side) or verge) B = (m) B = (m) Standard vehicle footway crossing Vehicle crossing over footway and verge
x Please mark on one of the sketches above the dimensions ‘a’, ‘b’ and ‘c’. x Please provide a plan showing the proposed position of the vehicle crossing in relation to the frontage of the property and the highway. x When completed please return the form, the plan and any supporting documentation (planning consents/landlord approval) to the address marked overleaf.
May 2007 Page 3 of 4 Enquiries: 0845 603 7631 Page 41 Vehicle crossing application
Where to send your application
Area office contact details
For the District/Borough of Colchester and For the District/Borough of Braintree, Tendring Chelmsford and Maldon
East Area Highways Office Mid Area Highways Office
910 The Crescent 2 New Dukes Way Colchester Business Park Chelmsford Colchester CM2 6PS CO4 9QQ
Tel: 0845 603 7620 Tel: 0845 603 7622 Fax: 01206 838608 Fax: 01245 240028 [email protected] [email protected]
For the District/Borough of Basildon, Castle For the District/Borough of Brentwood, Epping, Point and Rochford Harlow and Uttlesford
South Area Highways Office West Area Highways Office 1 Endeavour Drive Warwick House Festival Business Park Roydon Road Basildon Harlow Business Park SS14 3WF Harlow CM19 5DX Tel: 0845 603 7623 Tel: 0845 603 7621 Fax: 01268 297501 Fax: 01279 642600 [email protected] [email protected]
May 2007 Page 4 of 4 Enquiries: 0845 603 7631 Page 42 Highways and Transportation
Vehicle access
What is a vehicle access?
A vehicle access is a place where kerbs have been lowered, but more importantly where the footway and/or verge has been strengthened, to allow vehicles to cross to adjacent property.
Where do I start?
An application form is available on our website: www.essexcc.gov.uk/vehiclecrossings Alternately you can contact Essex County Council Highways 0845 603 7631
What is the cost involved?
You will be given a choice of contractors who work to the Highway Authority standards, so you can ring round for the best quote, or we can obtain an estimate for you.
What about planning permission?
In some instances planning permission is required so you would need to ring your Local Council planning department (see over).
Hard standing on my property?
You must have a large enough frontage so your vehicle doesn’t hang over the footpath.
Who will maintain the crossing when completed?
The crossing remains part of the public highway and will be maintained by the Essex County Council.
Please see over for contact details.
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Page 44 Agenda Item 10 15 August 2007 Minutes 63
MINUTES OF THE WEST ESSEX WASTE MANAGEMENT JOINT COMMITTEE HELD AT COUNTY HALL, CHELMSFORD ON 15 AUGUST 2007
Present:
Members
* Councillor Tony Sleep, Brentwood Borough Council (Chairman) * Councillor Susan Barker, Uttlesford District Council * Councillor Christopher Millington, Harlow District Council * Councillor Mary Sartin, Epping Forest District Council * Councillor Phil Baker (substitute for Cllr Simon Walsh) Essex County Council
Officers
* Nicola Beach, Essex County Council * Russell Clark, Uttlesford District Council * Alex Creecy, Essex County Council * John Gilbert, Epping Forest District Council * Andy Gribben, Essex County Council * Ian Haines, Braintree District Council * Peter Kelsbie, Essex County Council * Brian Lawrence, Brentwood Borough Council * Melanie Smith, Essex County Council
149. Introduction.
Councillor Tony Sleep welcomed Councillor Phil Baker to his first meeting as substitute for Councillor Simon Walsh.
150. Apologies and Substitutions
Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Roger Walters and Councillor Simon Walsh with substitutions as shown in the membership above. It was also noted that Ron Pridham (UDC) regretted that he was unable to attend.
151. Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on 4 July 2007 were approved without amendment and were signed by the Chairman.
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152. Matters Arising
There were three matters arising from the minutes: • Paragraph 137: Members would have noted on 4 July that Councillor Joe Pike was appointed as substitute Essex County Council Member. Members of the Committee are requested to note that Councillor Joe Pike has stepped down from this position, and the Essex County Council substitute Member is nominated as Councillor Phil Baker. • Paragraph 138: Councillor Chris Millington thanked Members of the Committee for their support and confirmed that he would be pleased to act as Vice- Chairman of the Committee. • Paragraph 141: John Gilbert reminded Members that he had previously undertaken to provide figures to the Committee on the current positions of the Local Authorities in their waste collection operations, and his investigations into this matter were concluded. He anticipated that he would be able to provide this information to the next meeting of the Committee.
153. Declarations of Interest
There were no declarations of interest.
154. Project Progress Report
The Committee received a presentation (WEWM/015/07) from Peter Kelsbie, Programme Coordinator, Waste and Recycling, Essex County Council updating Members on the overall project progress. The Members of the Committee noted the: • Headlines for this Period, • Plans for the next Period, • Workstream Status, • Risks and Issues and • Deliverables.
In response to questions by Members the Committee was advised that: • The Joint Essex and Southend Member Project Board was responsible for managing the Waste Disposal Authorities contribution to the Waste Strategy Project and existing shared working arrangements. Councillor Sleep represented the District Collection Authorities at this Project Board. • The aim of the Baswood Point project was to explore the opportunities for realising efficiency savings through joint working between Basildon, Castle Point and Brentwood Councils in delivering Waste Services. Over the (approx) past 5 years officers of the councils had linked together on Government Grant Applications, vehicle
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procurement, purchasing of recycling boxes and bio-sacks, along with the sharing of best practice, bulking facilities and joint arrangements for re-cyclate sales. The three councils had similar philosophies in the delivery of Waste Services. All had ‘in house’ delivery and similar kerbside recyclate collection schemes.. Essex County Council funded consultants White Young Green (WYG) to examine how this relationship could develop. Their June 07 report examined in great detail the three councils Services and gratifyingly concluded: ‘Our observations on productivity and the high level of customer satisfaction are such that we can see absolutely no advantage in using the private sector to deliver the services’ Key observations included the strong case for integration between Basildon and Castle Point Operations, and the adoption of consistent future collection policies between the 3 councils. The report sought to unify the approach of the three councils to maximise the benefit of the plant. A meeting was planned for Oct 07 at which the consultants would present their findings to lead Members and Officers of the three Collection Authorities and the County Council.
155. Feedback from Borough and District Members on signing of MoU.
The Committee received feedback from Members on the signing of the MoU by the partner Authorities that they represented. • Brentwood District Council: having received clarification of the definition of ‘Solid Recovered Fuel’ approved the signing of the MoU. • Uttlesford District Council: having had assistance from Nicola Beach, Head of Waste and Recycling at Essex County Council to answer some 19 written questions posed on the morning of the meeting (the 19th of July) – thanks to her – the signing of the MoU was approved. • Epping Forest District Council: Members of EFDC Cabinet, having been fully briefed at a presentation to their Full Council, approved the signing of the MoU. • Harlow District Council: There had been some discussion surrounding the issue of SRF but no serious concerns arose and so the signing of the MoU was approved. • Braintree District Council: The matter was taken to Full Council and there was a ‘healthy debate’ after which the signing of the MoU was approved.
There was general approval to a motion of thanks to the Officers of Essex County Council who had so ably supported the Officers and Members of the District Authorities with presentations and information and enabled them to arrive at satisfactory decisions concerning this matter.
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156. Updating the Joint Committee Constitution.
The Members of the Committee received a presentation from Peter Kelsbie, Programme Coordinator, Waste and Recycling, Essex County Council and noted a position paper (WEWM/016/07) from Mark Fallows, Principal Solicitor, Essex County Council, proposing an amendment to the Joint Committee Constitutions and Business Plans.
Members were reminded that the Joint Committee Constitutions and Business Plans were drafted on the basis of an integrated collection and disposal solution. As the Partnership and Project had developed it had become clear that the Joint Committee Constitutions and Business Plans needed to be updated in line with those developments.
It was also noted that certain members of the Partnership had, at various points in time, expressed a desire to consider amalgamating the three Area Joint Committees into two. Essex County Council wished to facilitate a discussion with Members on these issues informed by the position paper.
It was stressed that even if there was an expressed view that there should be an amalgamation of the Committees, this would take some careful thought and time as there were legal, constitutional and operational inconsistencies between the three Committees that would need to be resolved. For example, there were differences in the matter of decision making – Thames Gateway having declined to have in their Constitution the option to ‘refer back’ a decision, an option that was available to both the West and East Committees.
Members of the Committee were requested to consider the matter and contact Peter Kelsbie or Mark Fallows direct. They were also asked if they had any initial views.
Generally, Members of the Committee expressed the initial opinion that it might be preferable to have two committees instead of three as this would be contiguous with the proposed contract modelling. It would also be in line with potential contract monitoring once the operational stage was implemented.
It was further agreed that if the Committee structure reflected the waste management split between the North and the South of Essex there was a potential difficulty in the position of Epping Forest District which is split across both areas.
The Chairman summed up the feelings of the Members of the Committees by stating that, after some further thought and discussions with their own Officers, Members would welcome the opportunity to feed back their views. At present, although he had an open mind, he may be persuaded that a move towards a structure of two Committees that matched the contract modelling appeared logical. He trusted that the Members of the Committee would have another opportunity to discuss this matter at a later date.
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157. Update on progress with System Design KAT modelling.
The Members of the Committee received a presentation (WEWM/017/07) from Melanie Smith, Senior Project Manager, Waste and Recycling, Essex County Council, on progress with System Design KAT modelling.
The Committee was advised that the models would provide: • Cost/benefit analysis of co-mingled versus kerbside sorted systems. • Cost/benefit analysis of separate kitchen v mixed kitchen and garden. The models will assist in determining the business case for: • A centralised MRF • Local transfer station. The models will also assist Waste Collection Authorities (WCAs) by providing a robust set of data which will assist each WCA to determine the system and performance targets which will form the basis of Service Plans underpinning the Inter-Authority Agreements and Funding Formula.
The Committee was also provided information concerning: • Timescales, • Progress to date, • How the results could be used and • Next Steps.
The Member representing Uttlesford District Council noted that UDC had taken a previous decision to ‘opt out’ of the System Design KAT modelling and wished to discuss with Officers of ECC a possibility of re-joining the project. It was generally felt that the whole project would benefit from the participation of UDC and this offer to consider ‘opting-in’ was welcomed by the Chairman of the Committee.
The Members of the Committee were advised that it was anticipated that a further report on progress would be made in September.
158. Update on Communications Strategy
The Members of the Committee received from Nicola Beach, Head of Waste and Recycling, Essex County Council, an update (WEWM/018/07) on stakeholder and communications plans.
It was noted that: • The application relating to the site at Stanway is due to go before the Development and Regulation Committee in (possibly) September 2007. • The application relating to the site at Courtauld Rd, Basildon is due to go before the Development and Regulation Committee in (possibly) October 2007. • The WMAB Annual Conference took place on 20 July 2007 and was well attended.
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• There had been local media interest concerning the site at Rivenhall and also a number of enquiries from various sources concerning SRF. At Essex County Council in July there had been a full debate at Council and Lord Hanningfield, the Leader of the Council, has instigated a Commission to examine the current approach that will convene in September/October.
Members of the Committee will be kept closely informed.
159. Date of Next Meeting
The Members of the Committee noted that the next meeting of the West Essex Waste Management Joint Committee would be held on Wednesday 26 September 2007 in Committee Room 1, County Hall, Chelmsford from 2.30 pm.
160. Dates of future meetings.
The Members of the Committee noted that the meetings for 2008 had been provisionally arranged on:
Wednesday 30 January Wednesday 05 March Wednesday 16 April Wednesday 28 May Wednesday 09 July
and noted an amendment to the April date from what was shown previously in the agenda.
161. Urgent Part I Business
There was no urgent Part I business
. 162. Part II Business
There was no Part II business.
Chairman 26 September 2007
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