Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and advised that the meeting was being streamed live on You Tube.

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To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Bullen, Lowe, Kemp, Squire and Wilkinson.

To approve the minutes of the previous meeting.

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RESOLVED: The Minutes from the previous meeting were agreed as a correct record subject to EC134 where Councillor de Whalleys suggestion on the proposed Terms of Reference be amended to read ‘make recommendations’ rather than ‘made recommendations’. 

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 declared, the Member should withdraw from the room whilst the matter is discussed.

Those 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.

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Councillor Long declared a non-pecuniary interest in item EC148 as he was a Council appointed representative on the Regional Flood and Coastal Committee.

Councillor Devereux declared a non-pecuniary interest in EC148 as he was an Environment Agency appointee on the Regional Flood and Coastal Committee.

To consider any business which, by reason of special circumstances, the Chair proposed 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 Chair of their intention to do so and what items they wish to be heard before a decision on that item is taken.  

Councillors Holmes and Bullen.

If any.

There was none.

To receive a verbal update on the establishment of the Informal Working Group from the Chair.

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The Chair informed the Panel that Members of the Climate Change Informal Working Group had now been appointed.  The Members of the Group would be Councillors Holmes, de Whalley, Bubb, Hipperson, Kirk, Rust and Spikings.

The Group would start to meet in the New Year and report back to the Environment and Community Panel as appropriate.

Representatives from the Environment Agency will provide an update to the Panel.

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The Chair welcomed Paul Burrows from the Environment Agency to the meeting.

Paul Burrows gave a presentation to Members on Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management, as attached.

The Chair thanked Paul Burrows for his presentation and invited questions and comments from the Panel, as summarised below.

In response to a question from Councillor Bambridge, Paul Burrows explained that trees in the right places were important and this could be considered in the future as appropriate.

Councillor Bubb asked about the amenity value of coastal areas and Paul Burrows explained that his role was to look at flood risk and joint working would be carried out to make areas attractive for tourists.

Councillor Rust asked about how areas were protected and Paul Burrows explained that Government set the Policy but did not look at specific areas, this was the role of the Environment Agency and other partners and was determined locally by looking at the choices for the future.  Funding would then need to be considered for the range of options available.

In response to a question from Councillor Morley, Paul Burrows explained that the Environment Agency did work with Water Resources East on water retention.

Councillor Ryves asked about finances and Paul Burrows explained that a high level assessment had taken place and this would be used to inform investment strategies and approaches.  Comments were also made about how flood risk was considered during the planning process.

Councillor Bullen addressed the Panel under Standing Order 34.  He asked about the silting of the Wash and Paul Burrows explained that work was carried out with Local Authorities across the Wash to look at issues as appropriate and these could be built into the Shoreline Management Plan.

In response to a question from Councillor de Whalley, Paul Burrows clarified that the strategy was flexible in terms of sea levels and tactical plans were in place for the next fifteen years whilst the long term plans were being developed.  He also provided detail on the Great Fen, converting areas to wetland and pumping stations.

Councillor Devereux addressed the Panel under Standing Order 34 and it was confirmed that joined up working was carried out with Local Authorities around the Fens and Wash.

RESOLVED: The update was noted and the Environment Agency would be invited back to the Panel in a year’s time to provide a further update if appropriate.

A request to add this item to the agenda has been received from Councillor Ryves (attached).

Officers will provide the Panel with an update on legislation and powers available to the Council.  A guidance note has been prepared (attached).

Councillor Ryves will be given an opportunity to address the Panel.

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A request for this item to be considered had been received from Councillor Ryves.

The Environmental Health Manager provided information to the Panel on the powers available to the Council and current legislation relating to Licensing.

Councillor Ryves addressed the Panel expressing his concerns about ensuring events were Covid secure and events in the rural community.  He also referred to public safety, planning and highways and the statutory consultation process in relation to the Licensing process and Temporary Event Notices. 

Councillor Ryves also raised concerns relating to noise pollution and the Environmental Health Manager explained that this did fall within one of the four Licensing Objectives; public nuisance and any objections from statutory consultees would need to be evidenced based.  She also explained that the Licensing process had to consider Licensing Legislation and the four Licensing Objectives, other Legislation, for example Health and Safety, would have to be adhered to by the event organiser, but this was not a consideration for Licensing. 

Councillor Ryves made comments about the local environment, especially if events were held near sites of special interest, and was concerned that this was not included in the Licensing regime.  The Environmental Health Manager confirmed that this was not one of the four Licensing Objectives.

The Chair acknowledged the concerns expressed by Councillor Ryves, but explained that the Licensing regime was governed by Legislation and the Council could only work within the powers of it.  He suggested that Councillor Ryves could try lobbying his Member of Parliament.

Councillor Kunes commented that Temporary Event Notices were a way of ensuring that one off events were carried out legally, could be controlled and have the necessary plans in place.  He was concerned that if the Council tried to stop this it could result in events being held illegally.

Councillor Ryves suggested a designated area in the Borough for temporary events.  He was also concerned that Parish Councils were sometimes unaware of Temporary Event Notices.  Those present were reminded that all applications were published on the Council’s website.

The Environmental Health Manager reminded those present that the Council had to work within the realms of the Legislation.

Councillor Dark, Portfolio Holder for Environmental Services addressed the Panel.  He explained that officers did work within the realms of the Legislation and referred Members to the briefing note which had been circulated with the Agenda which included advice from the Licensing and Legal Department.

Councillor Ryves proposed that an Informal Working Group be established to look in depth at the Licensing Regime and if there was any flexibility.  This was seconded by Councillor Rust.

After being put to the vote the proposal to set up an Informal Working Group was lost.

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Councillor Bubb suggested an update on the Docks.

RESOLVED: The Panel’s Work Programme was noted.

To note that the next meeting of the Environment and Community Panel is scheduled to take place on 26^th January 2021.

The next meeting of the Environment and Community Panel would be held on 26^th January 2021.