Agenda item

Update on the Core Strategy (Presentation from Simon de Beer

  B&NES Group Manager, Policy & Environment, Planning)

  Update on recent Local Policing Developments (Police)

6.1 In a change to the Agenda, the police asked to present first as they are on duty.

6.2 Insp. Sarah Treweek said that the Avon and Somerset Constabulary, along with others in the UK, had been asked to make significant savings – £42m under current spending with further savings of £26m to come between 2016-18.

6.3 A comprehensive review has been undertaken known as the ‘Operating Model’, designed to improve services for local people:-

• More police officers and staff on the frontline in the right place and at the right time to be there when the public most them (eg dealing with Anti-Social Behaviour on a Friday night).
• New Neighbourhood Managers to work closely with partners and communities to find lasting solutions to problem hotspots
• Better service when the public call – wherever possible, calls will be dealt with first time – not being passed from pillar to post.
• Money will be saved on buildings through three new custody and crime investigation centres - this means less impact on police officer and staff numbers
• The introduction of new ‘Catch and Disrupt’ teams (which start on Monday 20^th October) to catch criminals and crack down on their criminal activities.  This will see changes to CID.
• Putting the victim right at the centre of investigations (eg similar to the way in which rape and sexual assault investigations  are handled) and at the heart of our criminal justice system, so just one person will be with the victim from crime to court.

6.4 There are no planned reductions in the numbers of Beat Officers or PCSOs and they will still be supervised by Neighbourhood Sergeants.  There will be five response Inspectors, responsible for 3-4 beats each who will share information/expertise more closely and direct resources where there is greatest need.

6.5 Lighthouse Integrated Victim and Witness Care launched at the beginning of October and provides seamless support for victims, guiding them through the justice system and providing victim support.

6.6 Locally, the new Custody Suite is now operational in Keynsham and has 48 cells.  Bath Police Station has been sold but there is no intention to sell the Radstock or Keynsham Police Stations in the near future.  The police are still operating in Bath but in smaller premises.

6.7 ME asked for more detail on the changes to CID.  ST said the name will change and 24 hour safeguarding cover will be provided, as opposed to limited cover at evenings/weekends which had been the case.  ME asked what is meant by ‘Disrupt’.  ST said tackling the means by which offenders can continue their crimes.

6.8 BMc asked whether the police would still be visible, in particular police vans.  ST said yes and the larger vans may be seen on patrol more frequently.

6.9 LM asked about the new victim support scheme.  ST said this is the Lighthouse scheme touched upon.  The aim is to support victims of serious and/or persistent crime by having a more joined up approach with partner agencies.

6.10 MH said he realises it is early days but such improvements have been promised before – will they actually happen this time.  ST said yes – the teams, headed by the Inspectors, will have a local interest and approach, coupled with more effective partnership working.

6.11 ST handed over to Mark Graham, Midsomer Norton Beat Manager.  MG said he joined the team last October and had been working with some of those present on the Community Alcohol Partnership in Midsomer Norton.  This has led to a 40%+ reduction in anti-social behaviour and drink related crime in the town.

6.12 The local teams are also pushing Community Speedwatch – there are currently three main groups in the area.  They also work closely with farmers on Farmwatch – 248 farms are signed up to this in the area and good results have been achieved.

6.13 There is a slight increase in shed break-ins and vehicle crimes now the evenings are darker.  Residents filling oil tanks also need to be conscious of security measures.  Leaflets are available on crime prevention if required.  The number of distraction burglaries in the area is down.

6.14 MH said it is possible to find details of the local policing teams by putting a postcode into the police website.  They can then be contacted by e-mail.

6.15 BMc asked about additional resources put into policing 20mph zones and how many people had been prosecuted as a result?  GC said that no additional resources had been employed and the Police Crime Commissioner had stated that no resources would be put into prosecutions at this stage so they answer is none.  However, Community Speedwatch schemes do monitor 20mph zones and the police have new speed camera bikes that can go anywhere required.  The police now have a tri-force approach on some areas of their service and this includes road policing.

6.16 PDM asked if it is still possible to get hold of the crime statistics for a particular area/street.  MH said yes, via the police website. http://www.police.uk/ (Find Your Neighbourhood section).

6.17 DC said Somer Valley FM has worked closely with the police in the past and would like to establish a monthly appearance on crime related issues.  GC said he welcomed this and would be able to discuss the possibility more fully when further organisational changes have been made.

6.18 TT thanked the Police representatives for attending and they left the meeting at this point.

6.19 Simon De Beer – Group Manager, Planning Policy, B&NES on the Core Strategy

6.20 SdeB went through a presentation, which will be circulated with the minutes.  He said that having a Core Strategy and five year land supply means the Council has more control over development.  However, Planning is keen to work with Parishes to identify sites – national policy is pro-building so there are still elements of vulnerability.

6.21 Re the Affordable Housing Map, the yellow area shows higher value development areas.  The areas in blue have a lower value in terms of profit for developers.

6.22 The Replaced LP Policies have been superseded by the Placemaking Plan and Planning is currently working with Parishes on this.  There will be a number of consultation events taking place prior to the preparation of a Draft Plan for September 2015.

6.23 In terms of the Community Interest Levy (CIL), the Council has agreed this and a Charging Schedule has been submitted for examination.  All local communities will get 15%.  Those Town or Parish Councils with a Neighbourhood Plan will get 25%.

6.24 The Council is still required to do a Travellers’ Site plan.  Planning is also working on Supplementary Plans which include a Local Historic Building Plan (Non-Listed).

6.25 BMc said the Somer Valley Partnership fed into the Core Strategy and the Forum needs to continue to support these principles.

6.26 LR asked for the name of the officer dealing with the Historic Building Plan.  SdeB said it is Paula Freeland.

6.27 ME said he understands developer Edward Ware are challenging the Core Strategy.  SdB said they are challenging sites in Bishop Sutton and Paulton and land supply information.  The Council is fairly confident it has a good case.  The appeal is due in January and the Council wants it held in the local area, not Bath.

TT thanked SdeB for his presentation and he left the meeting at this point.