Agenda and draft minutes

Councillors C Sampson (Chairman), Mrs A Wright (Vice-Chairman),

T Bubb, M Chenery of Horsbrugh, Mrs J Collingham, Mrs S Collop,

C Crofts, Mrs J Leamon (substitute for M Pitcher), J Moriarty, Miss S Sandell (substitute for M Shorting), D Tyler and D Whitby.

Portfolio Holders:

Councillor A Beales – Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Industrial Assets

Councillor A Lawrence – Portfolio Holder for Community and Housing

Councillor B Long – Portfolio Holder for Environment

Officers:

Chris Bamfield – Executive Director, Leisure and Public Space

Emma Boore – Careline Community Service Manager

Dale Gagen – Corporate Project Officer

John Greenhalgh – Environmental Health Manager – Community Safety

Laura Hampshire – Regeneration Project Officer

Ray Harding – Chief Executive

Ostap Paparega – Regeneration and Economic Development Manager

Dave Robson – Environmental Health Manager – Environment

Jo Russell – Repairs and Adaptations Manager

By Invitation for REC137: Councillor T Wright.

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors D J Collis, M Howland, M Pitcher, M Shorting and Mrs E Watson.

To approve the minutes of the previous meeting.

RESOLVED: The Minutes of the Meeting held on 25 February 2015 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

Please indicate if there are any interests which should be declared.  A declaration of an interest should indicate the nature of the interest (if not already declared on the Register of Interests) and the agenda item to which it relates.  If a disclosable pecuniary interest is declare, the Member should withdraw from the room whilst the matter is discussed.

These declarations apply to all Members present, whether the Member is part of the meeting, attending to speak as a local Member on an item or simply observing the meeting from the public seating area.

There was none.

To consider any business which, by reason of special circumstances, the Chairman proposes to accept as urgent under Section 100(b)(4)(b) of the Local Government Act, 1972.

There was none.

Members wishing to speak pursuant to Standing Order 34 should inform the Chairman of their intention to do so and on what items they wish to be heard before the meeting commences.  Any Member attending the meeting under Standing order 34 will only be permitted to speak on those items which have been previously notified to the Chairman.

Councillor Loveless – REC139 and REC142.

If any.

There was none.

To receive comments, and recommendations from other Council bodies, and any responses subsequent to recommendations, which the Regeneration, Environment and Community Panel has previously made (N.B some of the relevant Council bodies may meet after the dispatch of the agenda).

At the Cabinet meeting held on 3 March 2015, the following responses were made to the recommendations from the Regeneration, Environment and Community Panel meeting held on 25 February 2015, on the following items:

REC122: Cabinet Report – Byelaws for Skin Piercing Activities

            PANEL RECOMMENDED: That the Regeneration, Environment and Community Panel support the recommendations to Cabinet as set out in the report.

            CABINET RESPONSE: The comments of the Panel were taken into consideration when Cabinet considered the item.

REC123: Cabinet Report – Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014

PANEL RECOMMENDED: That the Regeneration, Environment and Community Panel supported the recommendations to Cabinet as set out in the report.

CABINET RESPONSE: The comments of the Panel were taken into consideration when Cabinet considered the item.

REC124: Cabinet Report – Delegation of Decision Making for Neighbourhood Development Plan Processes

PANEL RECOMMENDED: That the Regeneration, Environment and Community Panel supported the recommendations to Cabinet as set out in the report.

CABINET RESPONSE: The comments of the Panel were taken into consideration when Cabinet considered the item.

REC125: Cabinet Report – Award of the Honorary Freedom of the Borough – Honorary Alderman Dr Paul R Richards

PANEL RECOMMENDED: That the Regeneration, Environment and Community Panel supported the recommendations to Cabinet as set out in the report.

CABINET RESPONSE: The comments of the Panel were taken into consideration when Cabinet considered the item.

REC127 – Exempt Cabinet Report – King’s Lynn Town Hall

PANEL RECOMMENDED: (i) That the Regeneration, Environment and Community Panel supported the recommendations to Cabinet as set out in the report.

(ii) That the Panel were supportive of the proposed refurbishment works to the first floor toilets.

CABINET RESPONSE: The comments of the Panel were taken into consideration when Cabinet considered the item.

The Panel noted the responses made by Cabinet at its meeting on 3 March

2015 to the recommendations made by the Regeneration, Environment and

Community Panel at its meeting on 25 February 2015 in respect of the

following items:

·         Byelaws for Skin Piercing Activities

·         Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014

·         Delegation of Decision Making for Neighbourhood Development Plan Processes

·         Award of the Honorary Freedom of the Borough – Honorary Alderman Dr P Richards

·         King’s Lynn Town Hall

To receive a presentation on the work of Careline and Care and Repair.

The Careline Community Services Manager and the Repairs and Adaptations Manager provided the Panel with an overview of the services provided.

The Panel was informed that a Home Improvement Agency was a local organisation dedicated to helping older people, people with disabilities, and vulnerable people to live in safety and with dignity in their own homes.  The services were focussed on ensuring that existing housing was fit for purpose and that vulnerable people were able to continue living independently for as long as possible.  The Council’s Home Improvement Agency consisted of two teams: Careline Community Service and Care and Repair.

The Careline Community Service offered the following services:

·                     Community alarms – which allows the client to call for help and receive a response from a 24 hour control centre which securely holds all of the personal and medical information.  Once an emergency call is made the operator will ensure that the client receives the appropriate help and support.

·                     Assistive technology – once a client had a community alarm, there were a range of assistive technology equipment which could be installed which worked via the alarm system.  This could be triggered by the client of trigger automatically on their behalf.  Examples included smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, bed, chair and property exit sensors.

·                     Minor adaptations and falls prevention – trained assessors were qualified to specify and install a range of aids including grab and hand rails, half steps, lever taps, secure flooring, removing trip hazards, lighting and supporting hospital discharges.

·                     Home security – provision of a range of equipment and interventions to help clients feel safer and more secure, which included: key safes, door chains and window locks, spy holes, security lighting etc.

·                     Energy Efficiency – keeping homes warm and as energy efficient as possible was a vital part of the service and the Careline Community Service could provide radiator foils, door and letter box brushes and edging strips, checking of central heating settings, distribution of winter warmer packs, treating damp and making referrals to other energy efficiency schemes and fuel poverty agencies.

·                     General Handyperson Service – clients could contact Careline if they were no longer able to complete small jobs within their homes.  Careline supported the clients as much as possible and attended to jobs such as changing fuses, light bulbs, small repairs and other minor plumbing and carpentry jobs.

            The Care and Repair Service provided the following:

·                     The statutory function to process Disabled Facility Grants.

·                     Facilitation of other grants and loans.

·                     Private repairs and adaptations service.

·                     Delivery of a range of major adaptations, including stair lifts, level access showers, rams, door widening, complex child and adult cases.

The Careline Community Services Manager and the Repairs and Adaptations Manager highlighted the following:

·                     A procurement process had been completed to ensure that all local contractors met the highest possible standards.

·                     The services were registered with Trustmark, the standard applied by the governing body of Housing Improvement Agencies.

·                     The department had worked on a number of projects and participated in a range  ...  view the full minutes text for item REC9

Members who have been appointed to Scrutiny outside bodies have been invited to present a feedback report.  The Panel are requested to note the reports.

Annual feedback reports from Councillors who had been nominated by the Regeneration, Environment and Community Panel to serve on Outside Bodies were presented to the Panel as follows:

·                     College/Council Liaison Board

·                     West Norfolk Disability Forum

·                     West Norfolk Community Transport Project

·                     King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Area Museums Committee

·                     Norfolk Countywide Community Safety Partnership Scrutiny Sub Panel.

·                     Norfolk Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee

            The Chairman thanked all those Members who had provided a written report, which had been included with the agenda and invited any additional comments.  He also invited those Councillors who had not provided a written report to provide a verbal report to the Panel.

Councillor Moriarty in referring to his report on West Norfolk Community Transport informed the Panel that a new Chief Executive had now been appointed.  Councillor Mrs Leamon commented that she hoped that the new Chief Executive would be as enthusiastic and passionate as the previous Chief Executive who had sadly recently passed away.

Councillor Mrs Collop thanked all of the Members who had provided an update and asked if any members had not provided a report.  The Chairman explained that a written report had been received from representatives from all of the bodies to which a nomination had been made from the Regeneration, Environment and Community Panel with the exception of two Outside Bodies, however the Council representative was present at the meeting to provide a verbal update.

Councillor A Wright explained that he was the Council’s representative on the Norfolk Countywide Community Safety Partnership Scrutiny Sub Panel, however the Panel had only met on one occasion and was now dealt with by the Police Crime Commission.

Councillor A Wright informed those present that he was also the Borough Council’s representative on the Norfolk Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee and had been involved in this Committee since 2002.  He explained that the Committee invited people to attend the meetings to talk about health services and if required the Norfolk Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee would look into any relevant issues.  Sub-Committees were set up to investigate issues and recent Sub-Committees had been established to look at Stroke services, bed blocking, GP Appointments, Mental Health and Pathways.

            RESOLVED: That the feedback reports be noted.

The above report is on the Cabinet Forward Decision List for 31 March 2015 and has been identified by the Chairman for consideration by the Panel.

The Panel are requested to consider the report and make any appropriate recommendations to Cabinet.

The Corporate Project Officer presented the Cabinet report which updated Members on progress made on the NORA Housing project and requested Members to authorise the signing of contracts to enable the start of works for Phase 2.

            He reminded the Panel that on 29^th July 2014 Cabinet had authorised the Chief Executive and Deputy Chief Executive, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, subject to a trigger point of 20 sales on phase 1, to authorise the signing of contracts and the start of works for phase 2.  The latter was subject to the business case not requiring an additional contribution for phase 2 of more than £400,000.

            The Corporate Project Officer explained that this position had not quite been reached, even though sales had gone well with 42 out of 54 units having been sold, of which nine had been exchanged, eleven were due to be exchanged in the coming weeks and 22 had been reserved.

            The Corporate Project Officer outlined the options available to Cabinet as set out in the report at point 3.  Option 3 was the preferred option which would be recommended to Cabinet and would include the provision of affordable housing units.  The Corporate Project Officer provided the Panel with details of the other options available.

            The Panel was informed that under the initial agreement each party had invested £1 million into the project, the Council’s investment being in the form of land value.  Norfolk County Council had now increased their contribution to £1.2 million.

            The Corporate Project Officer referred to the financial implications and risk management implications as set out in the report.

            The Chairman thanked the Corporate Project Officer for the report and invited questions and comments from the Panel, some of which are summarised below.

            The Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Industrial Assets, Councillor Beales reminded the Panel how the NORA site used to be and the significant amount of work involved to make it into a developable site.  He felt that the end result was very pleasing and units were selling well.  He encouraged members of the Panel to visit the site to see the quality properties which had been provided.

            The Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Industrial Assets explained that the key issue was the provision of affordable housing.  The Council could have put a case together that the provision of affordable housing was unviable, but he felt the provision of affordable housing was important.

            Councillor Moriarty sought assurance that no further funds would be required following the current request and asked if the commencement of phase 2 could wait until the remaining units on phase 1 had been sold.  The Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Industrial Assets explained that funds were required for the completion of phase 1.  The completion of phase 2 would result in further capital receipts which could be used on other capital projects.  The Portfolio Holder reminded those present that the project was a regeneration project and would not be consuming capital it  ...  view the full minutes text for item REC11

The above report is on the Cabinet Forward Decision List for 31 March 2015 and has been identified by the Chairman for consideration by the Panel.

The Panel are requested to consider the report and make any appropriate recommendations to Cabinet.

The Environmental Health Manager (Environment) presented the Cabinet report which highlighted the work which had been completed in drawing up an Air Quality Action Plan and the mechanisms used to consult with the public and stakeholders on the proposed air quality reduction measures.

The Environmental Health Manager (Environment) reminded those present that they had received in 2014 prior to the plan going out for public consultation.  The Cabinet report included the results of the consultation and presented the final version of the Air Quality Action Plan for adoption.

            The Panel was informed that DEFRA provided guidelines on what should be included in an Air Quality Action Plan and these guidelines had been followed by the Council. 

            The Environmental Health Manager explained that an Air Quality Steering Group had been set up by the Council with the Portfolio Holder for Environment in the Chair.  The Group had produced the draft Air Quality Action Plan and had co-ordinated the consultation exercise which had included information published on the website, online surveys and drop in sessions.  A report detailing the consultation responses was included in the report at Appendix 1.

DEFRA had also considered the draft Air Quality Action Plan and were supportive.  DEFRA’s report was available on the Borough Council’s website.

Following the consultation exercise the Air Quality Steering Group had met to consider responses and formulate 20 measures which had been included in the Air Quality Action Plan – Non-technical Summary.

The Environmental Health Manager referred to the Policy Implications as set out in the report and explained that the Air Quality Action Plan would be used to implement measures designed to, in combination, reduce the levels of NO2 to levels below the National Air Quality Objective and eventually lead to the revocation of both Air Quality Management Areas within King’s Lynn.

The Environmental Health Manager reminded the Panel that it was a legal requirement for the Borough Council to complete, adopt and implement an Air Quality Action Plan.

The Environmental Health Manager drew the Panels attention to page 19 of the agenda which was a chart showing the results of the consultation exercise.

The Chairman thanked the Environmental Health Manager (Environment) for his report and invited questions and comments from the Panel, some of which are summarised below.

Councillor Crofts referred to Air Quality Policy Action 5 which was to consider, with Norfolk County Council, if taxis and private hire vehicles could use the ‘bus only’ lane from Wisbech Road through to the Friars and Boal Street.  He felt that this was a good idea as it would divert some traffic away from London Road and should definitely be progressed.  The Environmental Health Manager explained that a local bicycle user group had raised concerns on this issue in that there would be additional traffic on the bus route.  Comments had also been received from residents and the nearby school.

Councillor Baron Chenery of Horsbrugh felt that more consideration should be given to encouraging people to visit King’s Lynn by rail  ...  view the full minutes text for item REC12

To consider passing the following resolution:

“That under Section 100(a)(4) of the Local Government Act, 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 of Schedule 12A to the Act”

RESOLVED: That under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act, 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act.

The above report is on the Cabinet Forward Decision List for 31 March 2015 and has been identified by the Chairman for consideration by the Panel.

The Panel are requested to consider the report and make any appropriate recommendations to Cabinet.

The Regeneration and Economic Development Manager presented the Cabinet report which updated on progress with the development of the King’s Lynn Innovation Centre and summarised the outcome of the procurement process to appoint a contractor to build the centre.

            The Regeneration and Economic Development Manager provided the Panel with information on the results of the tender process.  He explained that potential funding sources had been identified and a bid had been submitted to the Norfolk Business Rates Pool, the results of which were awaited.  If the bid was unsuccessful it was proposed that the Council loaned an equivalent amount to the project partners as an extension to the existing loan agreement.

            The Regeneration and Economic Development Manager explained that since writing the report there had been some progress and he outlined the changes to the recommendations.

            The Chairman thanked the Regeneration and Economic Development Manager for his report and the Regeneration and Economic Development Manager responded to questions and comments from the Panel.

            RECOMMENDATIONS: That the Regeneration, Environment and Community Panel support recommendation 1 & 2, subject to the figure being amended from £420, 000 to £450,000 and that recommendations 3 & 4 be amended to recommendation 3 as set out below:

1.            Endorse the submission of an application for £450,000 grant funding to the Norfolk business Rate Pool to cover the build cost shortfall following submission of tenders.

2.            In the event that the bid to the Norfolk Business Rates Pool is unsuccessful, the Cabinet agrees to provide a loan of £450,000 to NWES to enable them to meet the build cost shortfall.

3.            That a further report be presented to Cabinet on the outcome of the method chosen for the ground improvement works.

To receive an update on the work of the Derelict Land and Buildings Group.  The Panel are requested to note the report.

The Regeneration and Economic Development Manager and the Regeneration Project Officer provided the Panel with an update on the work of the Derelict Land and Buildings Group.

                     The Derelict Land and Buildings Group action plan was circulated to the Panel and provided detail on the current status of derelict land and buildings in the Borough.

                     The Regeneration and Economic Development Manager and Regeneration Project Officer provided detail of some of the land and buildings included within the action plan.

                     The Regeneration Project Officer explained that Councillors were welcome to contact her if they had queries on specific pieces of land or buildings.       

                     The Chairman thanked the Regeneration and Economic Development Manager and the Regeneration Project Officer for the update.

                     RECOMMENDATION: That the update be noted.

                     RETURN TO OPEN SESSION

To consider the Work Programme for 2015/2016 attached.

In considering the Work Programme Members’ attention is drawn to the Cabinet Forward Decisions List.

The Panel considered their work programme and the Cabinet Forward

Decision List.

RESOLVED: The Work Programme was noted.

To note that the next meeting of the Regeneration, Environment and Community Panel is scheduled to take place on Wednesday 3 June 2015 at 6.00pm in the Committee Suite, King’s Court, Chapel Street, King’s Lynn.

The Chairman thanked the Executive Director, Chief Executive, Democratic Services Officer, Portfolio Holders, Members of the Panel and all officers who had been present at the Panel meetings for their support over the past year.

            The next meeting of the Regeneration, Environment and Community Panel was scheduled to take place on Wednesday 3 June 2015 at 6.00pm in the Committee Suite, King’s Court, Chapel Street, King’s Lynn.