Issue - meetings

To receive a report on the findings of the Annual Monitoring Report 2009/10.

Consideration was given to a report and presentation on the Cheshire East Local Development Framework Annual Monitoring Report for 2009/10. The presentation detailed:

• An overview of the Annual Monitoring Report
• Why the authority monitors
• What the authority monitors
• The format of the Annual Monitoring Report
• The Local Development Scheme
• The key themes – communities, economy, town centres, tourism and culture, minerals and waste, environment and climate change.

The following comments were made:

• With regard to the economy, it was agreed that the unemployment figures should be broken down into wards.
• With regard to waste, it was agreed that the possibility of providing compost bins for a small charge should be investigated.
• Members raised questions relating to the target for waste reduction and whether or not it had been achieved, it was agreed that they would be investigated and reported back to the Committee.
• With regard to town centres, it was agreed that business rates had previously been too high and questioned whether or not these had been reduced.
• It was noted that business rates may be handed back to the authority, and that if this was the case, they should be given careful consideration by Members.
• With regard to the environment, it was agreed that the Green Gap Policy should be highlighted within the Annual Monitoring Report and this was an important issue for the Crewe and Nantwich area.
• It was agreed that those Members wishing to receive a hard copy of the Annual Monitoring report would receive one in due course.

RESOLVED

1. That the report be noted

2. That the comments highlighted above be submitted to the Strategic Planning Board for consideration.