Issue - meetings

To give consideration to the Clear Way Forward Policy prior to it being submitted to Council for approval

Consideration was given to the Clear Way Forward Policy prior to it being submitted to Cabinet for approval. It was noted that the use of A-Boards throughout the Borough had steadily increased over the past few years. A-Boards were therefore now causing problems to pedestrians, the visually impaired and wheelchair users. A-Boards were also having adverse effect on the Borough’s streets and shops.

Following detailed consideration of the Policy, Members made the following comments:

• The fourth bullet point in paragraph 8.2 should be reworded as there may be some instances when it would acceptable to have the display of goods in Conservation Areas.
• Paragraph 8.3 should be amended to include Town/Parish Councils.
• The Borough Council should be encouraging businesses and therefore take a pragmatic approach to this Policy.
• That queries relating to A-Boards should be dealt with by the Town Centre Manager and not the Planning Department.

RESOLVED

That subject to the comments highlighted above the Committee:

1. Endorse the current practice of the removal by the Council of fly posters and signs attached to street furniture without reference to the party who placed them.
2. Recommend that charges be introduced to licence the displays of goods on the highway that are remote from the business in respect of the initial application, a renewal fee and where the Council is the owner of the subsoil, a fee per square metre used, as detailed in the report.
3. Recommend that the Portfolio Holder for Environment be given delegated authority to make minor amendments to the Guidelines that are considered necessary in the light of experience as the Guidelines are implemented.