Agenda and minutes

There were none.

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 Officeror a member of his staff before the meeting to expedite dealing with the item during the meeting.

Steve Gourley made a statement regarding the knock on effect of traffic congestion resulting from the Sulis Down Planning Application. A copy of this statement is attached to these minutes.

The Chairman explained that the Panel was not a decision making body, he confirmed that Mr Gourley had sent his comments to the Planning Department who would take his points into account.

Nicolette Boater made a statement on ‘ESP – Vision Statment’. A copy of this statement is attached to these minutes.

Alison Born made a statement asking about the possibility of electric car charging points in Bath and specifically Widcombe.

The Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment Councillor Mark Shelford explained that in principle he was positive about this and the process of where sufficient power is available is being considered. Robin Spalding – Environment and Monitoring Team explained that a 6 month timescale is unrealistic but confirmed that potential locations are being considered. Councillor Samuel suggested that a battery exchange could be considered in the mean time.

Councillor Liz Hardman made a statement regarding bus subsidies and in particular the 82 and 82 A services.

Councillor Hale asked who ran the service, Councillor Hardman explained that Frome Transport ran the services which meet the needs of elderly people and school children. The Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment Councillor Mark Shelford explained that he understood the importance of buses in rural areas and stated that he will recommend the 82A service remains. Ward members would be updated next month.

The Panel noted a question from Mr Hal Macfie and the answer circulated. A copy of this question and answer is attached to these minutes.

The Cabinet Member(s) will update the Panel on any relevant issues. Panel members may ask questions on the update provided.

The Cabinet Member for Transformation and Customer Services Councillor Karen Warrington updated the Panel on the following:

Bath Library Integration – there was a draft layout and would be a second round of engagement for feedback.

Midsomer Norton Library Integration – this would re-open on 4^th June with a modern and flexible Council Chamber. The One Stop Shop element will not be fixed in place but provided on roving or wall mounted I-pads.

Branch Libraries -  

Paulton - the Parish Council are consulting. Saltford – plans have been approved to move a Post Office into the Library. Weston – volunteers had come forward but there were still decisions to be made on the structure. Moorland Road – volunteers had come forward and there were discussions with Bath University. Radstock – there was space allocated in the Healthy Living Centre which had delayed progress.

The Cabinet Member also reported that there was potential for library services in Bishop Sutton, Chew Valley School, Timsbury, Peasdown St John and Whichurch Village. There has also been engagement with a broadband provider.

The Panel asked the following questions and made the following points:

Regarding the Council Chamber use in Midsomer Norton, it was explained that this could be used for training courses.

Regarding the Mobile Library, it was explained that options were being explored, a click and collect service was available.

The Cabinet Member for Development and Neighbourhoods Councillor Bob Goodman updated the Panel on the following:

Air Quality – there is a magazine BreATHe now available. The Council are committed to a clear air zone and consultation on this was in process. The issue would come back to this Panel before it goes to Cabinet for a decision. There is a clean air day on 21^st June.

Leisure – Bath Centre has re-opened and facilities include a gym, trampoline park and bowling alley. The pool is due to open soon.

Waste – There has been an increase in recycling from 48% to 55% which is over a 5 month period which should go up to 60% over a full year. An area of concern remains flats where recycling is not always so advanced but progress was being made.

The Panel asked the following questions and made the following points:

In response to a query from Councillor Evans, the Cabinet Member explained that a breech notice is a yellow sticker on any extra bags left out – the teams ask why and also explains if some of the contents could be recycled. Councillor Turner stated that in some areas black bags were left out such as Bathwick and asked if there would be enforcement at some stage, The Cabinet Member explained that he had met with a champion in the area who was helping the situation.

In response to a question from Councillor Samuel, the Cabinet Member explained that the rise from 48-55% represented the overall collection figures.

The Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment Councillor Mark Shelford updated the Panel on  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

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

A report is attached on the Bath and North East Somerset Environmental Sustainability Partnership – Vision Statement.

The Chairman explained that the Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment Councillor Mark Shelford would propose this Vision Statement to full Council in July and that it arose from the Sustainability Partnership and has cross party support.

Jane Wildblood - Corporate and Community Sustainability Manager introduced the report and explained that the vision is a high level strategic statement of intent and that delivery would be through a range of partnerships and action plans.

The Panel asked the following questions and made the following points:

Councillor Gilchrist congratulated the officer. He asked for a breakdown of the 155% renewable energy figure – the officer explained that it was largely Bath and West Community Energy.

Councillor Turner asked about energy provision and power storage. The officer explained that a local strategy was being developed for the West of England which was looking at how to manage supply and demand.

Councillor Samuel stated that he supported the vision and felt that the Council should be at the forefront and lead by example.

Councillor Evans stated that he supported the vision and asked if there were any other charging points (other than Bath and Keynsham). The officer explained that Go Ultra Low West were funding projects and were mapping where to put charging points.

Councillor Hale asked for assurance that there was not an intention to build lots of solar farms on fields. The Cabinet Member stated that he could not give such assurance but agreed with the view. He hoped that it would be possible to put solar panels in car parks and park and rides.

Councillor Anketell Jones stated that procurement was a significant activity and asked if sustainability was part of the criteria and could the profile be raised. The Officer explained that there was a sustainability procedure in the procurement process but there could be a further conversation about the new national strategy.

Councillor Bull stated that he was delighted with the vision.

There will be a presentation on this item at the meeting. Slides are attached.

Lucy Bolton, Robin Spalding and Aled Williams – Environmental Monitoring Team introduced the report and gave a presentation on ‘Air Quality Management Areas – A37’ which covered the following:

·  Legal Obligation

·  Monitoring in Temple Cloud

·  Temple Cloud AQMA Boundary Consultation

·  Consultation Details

·  Responses

·  Monitoring in Farrington Gurney

·  Farrington Gurney AQMA Boundary Consultation

·  Consultation Details

·  Responses

·  Next Steps

Panel members asked the following questions and made the following points:

Councillor Bull asked what action would be taken under the Air Quality Action Plan and would it be sufficient. The officer explained that the action plan was aspirational. Councillor Bull asked if it could get to the stage where a clean air zone was needed in these areas too. The officer explained that the next stage was an action plan and modelling. Councillor Bull asked if officers could give an example of something that would have direct effect on emissions. The officer explained that one action that has been discussed is a smoothing of the flow of traffic so that HGVs don’t stop on a hill and then accelerate.

Councillor Hale stated that not many people had come to the drop in sessions and was it worth the cost. The officer explained that consultation is a statutory process, such sessions were good to raise public awareness and also explained that the consultation periods can be minimised.

Councillor Samuel asked that, if HGV’s were causing problems in these areas, would weight limits be considered. The officer explained that the Bath/London Road area had been identified by the Government and there was a mandate whereas Temple Cloud was not identified as a place of exceedance so there were not the same measures that could be brought in.

Councillor Evans asked about areas such as Whichurch, Pensford and High Littleton, the officer explained that these areas were monitored but do not have the same exceedance as the areas highlighted in the presentation.

The Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment Councillor Mark Shelford explained that the issues of clean air and congestion must be separated and that clean air necessitates short term strategies whereas traffic congestion needs long term change.

There will be a presentation on this item at the meeting. Slides are attached.

Aled Williams – Environmental Protection Manager introduced the report and gave a presentation on ‘National Air Quality Plan – Strategic Outline Case’ which covered the following:

·  Progress So Far

·  The Project Team

·  Engagement

·  Web Presence

·  Key Stakeholders

·  Key Questions

·  Current Work

·  Next Steps

·  Get Involved

Officers made a plea to Councillors to engage with the project with any concerns or comments.

Panel members asked the following questions and made the following points:

Councillor Hale asked if modelling was being done on capacity regarding Park and Rides and buses. The officer stated that all aspects are being considered and explained that the ANPR data showed the type and age of vehicles.

Councillor Samuel encouraged officers to look at how the Clean Air Zone could overlap with residents parking zones. The officer explained that this would need to be reviewed, possibly so that there would be lower charges for residents.

Councillor Samuel asked if rat runs were being considered (for example the East of Bath to the RUH). The officer explained that potential rat runs and non-charging measures are being looked at. Becky Lloyd (Jacobs) explained that there could be a switch where the rat runs become busier than the main route, there may be equilibrium. 

Councillor Samuel asked how the choice of the type of zone would be made and would cars be included and if so how would modelling lead to that recommendation. Becky Lloyd (Jacobs) explained that a charging zone decision is primarily based on modelling but this is not fool proof and you had to make the best decision based on the evidence. Councillor Samuel asked that, if the cost benefit analysis came up with two options, would it be a political choice. Becky (Jacobs) explained that traditional approaches would then be used.

The Chairman asked for a further update report to the Panel before going to the Cabinet.

This report presents the latest workplan for the Panel. Any suggestions for further items or amendments to the current programme will be logged and scheduled in consultation with the Panel’s Chair and supporting senior officers.

The Panel noted the workplan with the following suggested updates (subject to confirmation):

·  Joint Community Safety Plan (Andy Thomas) – 16^th July meeting

·  Bathscape Project – September meeting.

·  Bath Library Integration Plan – July or September meeting (TBC)

·  NAQP – there may be a special meeting to take this item.

·  Remove ‘Bus Services Bill’.