Meeting documents

The Convenor welcomed everyone to the meeting. The Panel Members introduced themselves.

The Chair(person) drew attention to the emergency evacuation procedure as set out on the Agenda

There were none.

There was none.

Mr D Redgewell (Transport 2000) made a statement regarding Rail Franchising - Thamesgate Western Merger

Mr S Bendall (Wessex Reinvestment Trust) made a statement regarding the Revised Local Plan.

(a copy of the statements are available on the minute book held at Democratic Services)

The Panel agreed to note the above statements.

RESOLVED that the notes of the meeting held on Thursday 13^th March 2003 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Convenor.

Members of the Panel considered a report on the Draft Sustainability Action Plan - a draft version of a strategic framework and co-ordinated approach for managing the Councils contribution to sustainable development. The Panel considered this report with a view to providing feedback to Officers and the Executive.

The following points were made during the debate on this item:

· There was now a more flexible approach to the work of the EMAS officer, the next version of the Action Plan will have another column with individual officers nominated to co-ordinate the work.

· There has been some progress and many examples of good practice. But there is a need for a thrust and focus to take this work forward successfully. While there is a need for Council wide commitment to sustainability, there is also a requirement for a specific Director involvement to guide the work.

Members also made some detailed comments and questioned officers on the Action Plan.

· That there is a need for a designated officer to take this work forward although it is recognised that this is also the responsibility of each service up to Management Board level; and

· That there should be a cost benefit analysis completed within a defined period stating the costs and savings of each action; and

· That there should be a designated budget to take these issues forward; and

· That it be recognised that the Action Plan is a rolling programme and can be added to; and

· That with any new build projects, the Council should carry out an energy audit if this does not already happen.

Mr P M Witty (Chairman of the Bowls & Tennis Club, Newton Fields) made a statement regarding the Revised Local Plan. His concerns were regarding the proposed changes to the Green Belt and skyline for South West Bath and the affect on the continuation of sports facilities at Newton Fields.

The Panel agreed to note the above statement referred it to the appropriate Executive Councillor and the action point noted below.

Members of the Panel considered a report on the Revised Deposit Draft Local Plan 2003 which identified some of the Key Issues raised through representations, and the response and changes to the Plan which will be recommended to the Executive. The Panel considered this report with a view to providing comments to the Executive.

Members made some detailed comments and asked some questions of officers on the Report.

The following action was noted:

· That regarding Paper 4 - a lead officer would be asked to contact Mr Witty regarding the existing recreational uses at Newton Fields and their replacement as a result of development of the site.

The process that is being followed in the preparation of the Local Plan as contained in the report be endorsed; and

The `RECOMMENDATION TO BE MADE TO THE EXECUTIVE' detailed at the back of Papers 1 -6 be endorsed with the following comments:

· Regarding Paper 1 - the Panel endorsed the changes recommended for Brownfield and Greenfield sites in Bath and North East Somerset. The Panel noted the reassessment of housing densities on Brownfield sites and the identification of additional sites and the consequential reduction in Greenfield sites neded to meet housing requirements.

· Regarding Paper 2 - the Panel welcomed changes to policy HG8 to enable affordable housing provision to be sought on all windfall sites. The Panel also noted the proposals respecting offsite provision.

· Regarding Paper 3 - the Panel endorsed the need to develop a strategy to protect both core employment and small local sites. Panel Members also felt that there should be reference to the issue of student accommodation as this affects both local housing needs and employment land useage.

· Regarding Paper 4 - the Panel endorsed the proposals regarding the Green Belt. The Panel wished to comment in particular that they agreed that the Green Belt boundary be amended adjacent to the University at Claverton Down in order to accommodate an extension to the University facilities.

· Regarding Paper 5 - the Panel endorsed proposed amendments to T9 and T11.

· Regarding Paper 6 - The Panel endorsed the proposed Waste Management Policy in respect of the Broadmead Lane site in Keynsham.