Agenda and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber, Argyle Road, Sevenoaks. View directions

Contact: Democratic Services: 01732227247  Email: democratic.services@sevenoaks.gov.uk

Items
No. Item

33.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 326 KB

To agree the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 05 January 2022, as a correct record.

Minutes:

Resolved: that the minutes of the meeting held on 5 January 2022 be agreed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

34.

Declarations of Interest

Any interests not already registered.

Minutes:

There were none

35.

Actions from Previous Meeting

Minutes:

There were none

36.

Update from Portfolio Holder

Minutes:

The Portfolio Holder and Chairman gave an update to the Committee.

 

The Environmental Health Team had been working on various projects including the Air Quality Action Plan and a Contaminated Land Strategy. They had also been working on licensing applications as the volume of Licensing Hearings had increased.

In Direct Services, a new Countryside Manager had been recruited and was welcomed.

The Bradbourne Lakes Steering Group had been set up with various key stakeholders, the first meeting of which would take place on Friday 22 April 2022.

Testing at Mill Pond had revealed that it was completely contaminated with sewage and the Environment Agency was investigating. Thames Water had been contacted to clear up and prevent future leaks.

Furthermore, fly-tipping had become an increasing concern but new software was being used in order to improve the Council’s response.

The CCTV control room remained busy working with the Police who had had several occasions to thank the team for their help.

In Licensing the workload for events wasincreasing and taxi fare tariff changes had been approved after consultation

Members asked clarifying questions of the Portfolio Holder.

 

37.

Referral from Cabinet or the Audit committee (if any)

Minutes:

There were none

38.

Net Zero 2030 - Actions 2022/2023 pdf icon PDF 216 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Net Zero Project Co-ordinator presented the report which set out the Net Zero 2022/23 actions.

The Net Zero 2030 actions were revised annually to take account of new opportunities, innovations and feasibility.

The Net Zero Member Working Group and the Net Zero Officer Working Group were involved in drafting the actions to ensure they reflected the aspirations and priorities of the Council.

The actions for 2022-23 incorporated the agreed themes and had been organised into 7 categories:

  • SDC building emissions
  • Community Engagement and Leadership
  • Movement and Green travel
  • Green spaces and the natural environment
  • Engagement with Landowners. Partners and Businesses
  • Council Plans and Strategies
  • Sustainable Development and renewable energy generation

Officers would continue to assess and implement the actions via the delivery projects and investigate new opportunities to deliver the Net Zero 2030 commitment. Regular update reports on the Net Zero 2030 work would be provided to the Committee.

Members discussed the report and associated Appendices.

In response to questions, it was confirmed that Parish and Town Councils would continue to be consulted as partners for the Net Zero ambitions and actions of the Council. The Net Zero Project Co-ordinator encouraged Town and Parish Councils to get in touch with the District Council regarding any carbon reduction schemes including tree planting initiatives.

It was also confirmed that smaller, local farmers would be included in any initiatives to assist landowners and businesses to reduce emissions.

 

Members were advised that the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan is being partly funded by KCC and the study is expected to be completed in early Autumn. Work would then begin with partners to implement some of the proposals laid out.

 

Public Sector Equality Duty

Members noted that consideration had been given to impacts under the Public Sector Equality Duty.

 

Resolved: That it be recommended to Cabinet that the Net Zero Actions for 2022-23 as set out in Appendix A of the report, be agreed.

 

39.

Movement Strategy pdf icon PDF 338 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Planning Policy Team Leader presented the report which set out the Council’s Movement Strategy.

The aim of the Strategy was to co-ordinate all the issues and needs to ensure that movement across the District was easier, healthier, safer and sustainable. The Strategy showed that the Council wanted to work proactively in the right partnerships and set clear priorities regarding all movement. The document also set clear priorities for the Council to work towards and set goals that were achievable and measurable.

The strategy set out priorities for movement for the following 5-10 years. These included health and wellbeing, cycling and walking, public transport and sustainable movement.

Members discussed the report and associated appendices and expressed some concern that the improved transport experience would require further consultation with Kent County Council. Members were also informed of various projects that would encourage behaviour change around the District.

Public Sector Equality Duty

Members noted that consideration had been given to impacts under the Public Sector Equality Duty.

 

Resolved: That it be recommended to Cabinet that the Movement Strategy, be adopted.

 

40.

Air Quality Action Plan pdf icon PDF 293 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Environmental Health Manager presented the report which updated the Committee on the outcome of the Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) 2022-2027 consultation and updated the draft air quality action plan.

Appropriate amendments had been made to the draft AQAP to reflect comments made by stakeholders. Throughout the consultation period, social media was used to promote the consultation including the use of paid promotion.

The District Council received 27 responses to its consultation. A response was received from DEFRA on 18 March 2022 and the AQAP had been amended to reflect these comments.

Members were asked to note that the Air Quality Action Plan was a working document and would be subject to regular revision and update. A dedicated Air Quality Officer had been recruited to support the Environmental Health Team in this regard.

Council would be asked to agree delegated authority for the Environmental Heath Manager in consultation with the Portfolio Holder to sign off future updates, amendments and revisions of the Air Quality Action Plan to ensure it remained relevant and effective.

Members noted that minor typographical errors were present in the report.

Members asked questions of clarification.

It was confirmed that further detailed assessment of Air Quality in Swanley was due to take place shortly thereafter and that this may generate additional measures specific to Swanley. The AQAP would be reviewed and updated annually as part of the Annual Status Report (ASR). The ASR would be submitted to DEFRA at the end of June and an update would be brought to the Committee when available.

Resolved: That it be recommended to Cabinet that

(a)               the results of the statutory consultation be noted;

(b)              the proposed changes made to the draft Air Quality Action Plan be noted; and

(c)               it be recommended to Council to support the adoption of the Air Quality Action Plan

 

41.

Environmental Health Enforcement Policy pdf icon PDF 115 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Environmental Health Manager presented the report which proposed a new and updated Enforcement Policy.

 

The Enforcement Policy outlined the statutory and non-statutory duties of the Environmental Health team and how they would be carried out. The updated policy also reflected various changes to legislation and incorporated the return of Environmental Health to Sevenoaks as an ‘in – house’ service.

 

Members considered the report and associated appendices.

 

Public Sector Equality Duty

Members noted that consideration had been given to impacts under the Public Sector Equality Duty.

 

Resolved: That it be recommended to Cabinet that it be recommended to Council that the contents of the Environmental Health Enforcement Policy be noted and its adoption, be supported.

 

42.

Direct Services Review of Waste Collection Rounds pdf icon PDF 623 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Head of Direct Services presented the report which updated Members on a proposed change to the waste collection rounds. The reconfiguration of the rounds aimed to maximise efficiencies and reduce fuel and carbon emissions, whilst meeting weekly waste collection needs and delivering excellent customer service.

The collection round review had been undertaken within the context of significant changes to housing/population growth, road and traffic alterations across the District, and changes to equipment and vehicles. It was estimated that a more efficient and effective waste collection round would reduce the total amount of vehicles used, reduce fuel consumption and overall reduce the Council’s carbon footprint by approximately 5%.

The new collection round approach would give residents the same collection day for all waste services, garden, clinical, bulky etc. The new collection round approach would result in an estimated annual saving of £126,000.

Members considered the report and associated appendices and asked questions of clarification.

It was noted that fly tipping had become a problem around the District but that the new proposals would be welcomed.

Public Sector Equality Duty

Members noted that consideration had been given to impacts under the Public Sector Equality Duty.

 

Resolved: that it be recommended to Cabinet that the proposals be endorsed.

 

43.

Annual Review of Parking Management 2022/23 pdf icon PDF 327 KB

Minutes:

The Head of Direct Services presented the report which updated the Committee on the annual review of parking management (fees and charges) for 2022/23. It proposed for consultation, changes to the tariffs in on and off-street parking schemes.

The proposals in the report had been developed to support the local economy,  further advance the District Council’s move to Net Zero 2030, and embraced the most up-to-date thinking on parking management. The proposal was expected to meet the increased income assumptions agreed by Council as part of the 10-year budget on 22 February 2022. This gave a total pressure of £207,639, which would need to be generated within the financial year 2022/23.

Members discussed the report.

Public Sector Equality Duty

Members noted that consideration had been given to impacts under the Public Sector Equality Duty.

Resolved: That it be recommended to Cabinet that the proposal for a flexible multi-year approach, be continued to be employed, to allow the Council, as a local parking provider, to be responsive to economic cycles as well as the needs of its customers and communities and the Committees views be submitted for consideration by Cabinet, prior to consultation.

 

44.

Dunbrik Depot Refurbishement & Development Programme pdf icon PDF 191 KB

Minutes:

The Head of Direct Services presented the report which updated Members on the refurbishment and re-development plans for the Council’s main Dunbrik Depot.

The continued development and refurbishment of the Dunbrik depot was vital to improving internal infrastructure, and modernising staffing facilities to ensure the depot was fit for purpose and future proofed for essential statutory front line services.

The proposed refurbishment and development would also free up further space required for any future infrastructure development, such as electric vehicle charging.

Members discussed the report.

Resolved: that it be recommended to Cabinet to endorse the Dunbrik development Plan.

 

45.

Work Plan pdf icon PDF 65 KB

Minutes:

The work plan was noted with the following additions:

 

28 June 2022

 

  • Food Service Standards Report
  • Contaminated Land Strategy
  • Net Zero Update
  • West Kent CCTV Control Room Hub
  • Update on Electric Vehicle Charging Points

 

11 October 2022

·         Air Quality Update

 

 

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