Agenda and minutes

An apology for absence was received from Councillor M Hardy

To give consideration to the minutes of the meeting held on 12 February 2018

Consideration was given to the minutes of the meeting held on 12 February 2018.

RESOLVED

That the minutes of the meeting be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To provide an opportunity for Members and Officers to declare any disclosable pecuniary and non-pecuniary interests in any item on the agenda.

There were no whipping declarations.

To provide an opportunity for Members to declare the existence of a party whip in relation to any item on the agenda.

There were no whipping declarations.

A total period of 15 minutes is allocated for members of the public to make a statement(s) on any matter that falls within the remit of the Committee.

Individual members of the public may speak for up to 5 minutes, but the Chairman will decide how the period of time allocated for public speaking will be apportioned, where there are a number of speakers.

Note: In order for officers to undertake any background research, it would be helpful if members of the public contacted the Scrutiny officer listed at the foot of the agenda, at least one working day before the meeting to provide brief details of the matter to be covered. 

Sue Helliwell attended the meeting to speak in respect of minute 38. She suggested that risk assessment should be undertaken when developments are proposed in a flood plain area. 

Ms Unswood attended the meeting to speak in respect of minute 37. She highlighted that any policies would also need align with neighbourhood plans and requested that officers contract her regarding the Congleton Neighbourhood Plan.

To receive a presentation of the Corporate Manager Commissioning – Waste and Environmental Services.

The Corporate Manager Commissioning for Waste and Environmental Services attended the meeting to give a presentation on the proposed Food Waste Recycling and Composting Plant. The presentation detailed:

·         The current provision and  problem

·         Proposals for change

·         Site location

·         progress so far

Members commented on the importance of the scheme being coordinated with any future highway infrastructure improvements, it was agreed any comments or observations should be fed back to officers.

It was noted that the frequency of bin collections would be assessed in the future, however there were no current plans to make any changes.

RESOLVED

That any comments or observations be fed back to officers.

To give consideration to how the Council intends to develop and deliver a Green Infrastructure (GI) plan

The Committee received a report on how the Council intended to develop and deliver a Green Infrastructure (GI) plan for the Borough as part of its policy development on the environment, which provided a strategic overview, mapping out the opportunities to gain the green infrastructure benefits related to connectivity, life changes, environment and economy.

It was agreed that the plan would guide and support all organisations in Cheshire East and not just the Council, it would also focus on the areas where the most value could be added. Members agreed that green spaces in town centres required attention and the possibility of Town and Parish Councils taking on more responsibility be considered. 

RESOLVED

The possibility of Town and Parish Councils taking on more responsibility for the green spaces in town centres be considered.

To receive a presentation of the Flood Risk Manager – to follow

Consideration was given to a presentation on the Flood Risk Management annual report. The presentation detailed:

·         The background

·         Sir Michael Pitt Review 2007

·         Flood and Water Management Act 2010 – Principal Duties

·         Flood Risk Milestones 2017/18

·         PFRA update 2017

·         Strategy Approval and Adoption by CEC Nov 2017

·         Flood Investigation Duties

·         Poynton Floods 2016

·         Strategic Development Control and Enforcement Actions

·         Statutory Planning

·         Drainage Improvements 2017/18

·         Drainage Improvements 2018/19

·         Regulations

·         Next Steps 2018/19

It was noted that the team were now doing more community work and engaging with the public. Members commented that planning permission for housing should not be granted in flood plains and flood risk areas were not always in expected locations.

RESOLVED

That the annual update be received.

To give consideration to the areas of the forward plan which fall within the remit of the Committee.

Consideration was given to the areas of the forward plan which fell within the remit of the Committee.

RESOLVED

That the forward plan be received.

To give consideration to the work programme

Consideration was given to the work programme. It was agreed that an update on the bus routes review should be added to the work programme.

RESOLVED

That an update on the bus routes review be added to the work programme.