Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

The Chair drew attention to the emergency evacuation procedure.

Councillor Tim Ball (Cabinet Member for Homes and Planning) sent his apologies to the Panel.

At this point in the meeting declarations of interest are received from Members in any of the agenda items under consideration at the meeting. Members are asked to indicate:

(a) The agenda item number in which they have an interest to declare.

(b) The nature of their interest.

(c) Whether their interest is a disclosable pecuniary interest or an other interest,  (as defined in Part 2, A and B of the Code of Conduct and Rules for Registration of Interests)

Any Member who needs to clarify any matters relating to the declaration of interests is recommended to seek advice from the Council’s Monitoring Officer or a member of his staff before the meeting to expedite dealing with the item during the meeting.

Councillor Steve Hedges declared an ‘other interest’ as his son works for Curo.

David Redgewell – South West Transport Network made a statement to the Panel. He stated his concern over the Southgate development in that while the toilets had been brought back into use, the café was still not open and there appears to be no CCTV in action. He asked that an officer be put in place to be responsible for queries on this issue. He stated that he would like to see Southgate finished and working. He went on to speak about economic regeneration work in Radstock and Midsomer Norton and asked that transport issues should form part of such plans. He asked for joined up thinking on major projects and that transport issues be fully dovetailed.

The Chair stated that she felt these issues could be taken to the Planning Transport and Environment or Economic and Community Policy Development Panels. Councillor Simmons asked that the statement be sent to the Cabinet Member for Transport.

This was agreed by the Panel.

The Panel confirmed the minutes of the previous meeting as a true record and they were duly signed by the Chair.

The Cabinet Member(s) will update the Panel on any relevant issues. Panel members may ask questions. Cabinet member update papers are now attached.

Housing Services Update – The Head of Housing introduced this item in the absence of Councillor Ball.

Panel members received a written update on current issues (a copy of the update is on the website attached to the relevant item on the agenda). Councillor Simmons asked that Cabinet Members attend Panel meetings so that Panel members can ask questions – other Panel members agreed.

Councillor Hedges asked how many empty homes had been brought back into use in the last 3 years. The officer stated that 89 had been brought back into use over the last year. He did not know the exact figure for 3 years but felt it was broadly similar figure. Regarding a question from Councillor Hedges on compulsory purchase, the officer responded that this process was only just starting and would be concluded in this financial year.

Councillor Player asked if gardens fell under the ‘Additional Licensing Scheme’. The officer replied that the Council only had minimal influence in this area. He explained that the Act was not designed for gardens but to ensure that tenant’s facilities are adequate and safe. He gave his support around improving the appearance of gardens and stated that his department can contact landlords if problem gardens are reported to them. Councillor Jackson stated that there can be similar problems with gardens in private residences; she explained that there had been use of a compulsory garden clearance orderin her area.

There was some discussion around fire regulations in HMO (Houses of multiple occupation) properties. The Chair congratulated officers on bringing properties into use that had been found in a dangerous state.

Councillor Hedges commended the team on their work in the area of bespoke housing solutions (Housing adaptations for special needs). There was some discussion around expensive adaptions made to houses and how these houses are used in the future. The officer explained that when adaptions are made, exit strategies are designed in for the property. He explained that there is not a simple resolution to this issue but that significant adaptions only related to a few properties. He stated that stair lifts are the most common adaption and they are easily removed. He stated that adapted properties get put through the normal system but people are made aware of the adaptions in a property.

Councillor Jackson referred to a site visit to a Gypsy and Traveller site in Bristol and thanked officers for arranging this. The officer updated the Panel on the families still on the Lower Bristol Road site and explained that they had moved to another site today and that bailiffs would be going in tomorrow to remove remaining caravans.

Development, Regeneration and Project Delivery Update Tim Hewitt – Regeneration Team Manager answered questions on this paper in the absence of Councillor Stevens.

 Panel members received a written update on current issues (a copy of the update is on the website attached to the relevant item on the agenda).

Councillor Jackson asked that Radstock be put  ...  view the full minutes text for item 19.

The purpose of this report is to provide an update to the Panel on the Strategic River Group (SRG) and Working Groups especially the River Safety Officers Working Group.

Tim Hewitt – Regeneration Team Manager introduced the report.

Councillor Jackson referred to the Task and Finish Group mentioned on page 17 where it is stated that recommendations would be progressed by the Autumn, she stated that she was not happy with the lack of progress on this. The officer explained that there would be more impetus when the river co-ordinator is in post.

Councillor Simmons asked if floating plastic pontoons had been considered. The officer explained that all options are being considered with the river corridor funding and partnership working.

Councillor Jackson stated that the information on comparisons with other authorities is very useful.

There was some discussion around vandal proof life belts, Councillor Player asked how they are accessed. The officer explained that there are examples around the country of life belts in emergency lockers that can be unlocked via a phone call and a code. The officer agreed to give some examples of how this would work at a future meeting.

Councillor Hedges stated that the report did not ask the Panel to comment or note. The Chair asked for a clearer cover report next time and no print smaller than 12point.

This report updates on progress on sites within Midsomer Norton.

Jonathan Medlin – Senior Development Officer introduced the report.

Councillor Jackson asked if there were any plans for improving North Road access/plans to improve the bus service as the Stones Cross roundabout is perilous. She stated that she was also concerned about a series of planning applications resulting in a loss of retail sites in favour of flats and asked the officers view. The officer stated that it is hard to protect retail but that improvements outlined in the report will strengthen it. Regarding access, he explained that if there was a supermarket on South Road, this would improve access as there would have to be road improvements and money towards improvements in the access.

Councillor Jackson asked about Radstock Road depot and if there are any plans for development. The officer said he had no update on this and would report back.

The Head of Housing will give the Panel a presentation on this item. The presentation is now attached.

Graham Sabourn – Head of Housing gave a presentation to the Panel (a copy of the presentation slides are attached to the relevant item on the agenda on the Council website). The presentation covered key facts including some of the following:

·  Customers receiving help and advice

·  Households housed

·  Average cost for a 2 bed property

·  Developing new homes

·  Improving old homes

·  Regulating the private rented sector

·  Allocating social housing

·  Helping homeless households

·  Creating Independence

·  Excellent Customer Service

The Panel thanked the officer and his team for their hard work.

This report presents the latest workplan for the Panel.

The Panel noted the future workplan.

Councillor Jackson asked for a report student accommodation to cover the following:

• Is the Council is providing enough through the planning system – to include information on the total need and how the university plans to house their students.
• Why students blocks are only for first year students
• Information on post graduate accommodation

The Head of Housing said that he would speak to planning colleagues to see if there is scope for them to bring a paper to the panel on this.