Agenda and minutes

Apologies had been received from Councillors Judy Kelly and June Nelson. Councillors Michael White and Kuldeep Lakhmana attend in their place.

There were no declarations of interests notified.

It was confirmed that all items on the agenda were marked as Part 1 and would be considered in public.

The minutes of the meeting held on 6 October 2011 were agreed as an accurate record of the meeting and signed by the Chairman.

The Chairman welcomed the following Councillors (Cllr) and Officers:

·        Cllr John Hensley

·        Cllr Eddie Lavery

·        James Rodger, Head of Planning

·        Boe Williams-Obasi, Senior Manager, Corporate Landlord

Cllr Markham explained that the aim of this witness session was to focus on the Planning aspects in relation to Telecommunications masts and equipment.

Members asked the witnesses what they believe the issues were with respect to the Planning and what might be the solutions.

 Cllr Lavery advised that alleged health issues had no influence on planning decisions relating to telecommunication masts. He suggested that one of the growing concerns of residents was the fact that the equipments were getting larger and bulkier resulting in visual intrusion and clutter. The cabinets at 2metres wide and 6ft tall and adding more than one on the basement was becoming a growing concern, as these were appearing on pavements where residents were already struggling to walk on.

Cllr Lavery said that currently there was little evidence on applications to show that alternative sites had been investigated and that such evidence would be welcomed to show that other sites were being investigated. Evidence to show that more mast share and share of cabinet space would also be welcomed otherwise there would be an increase in the pavements continuing to be cluttered. Many of the cabinets appeared to be green and large and out of character on some high streets and suggested that it would be good to see cabinets that reflected and sensitive to the area. Cllr Lavery expressed grave concern that the size of the new cabinets were getting larger and larger.

Members asked whether choosing the design of the cabinet was something that the Planning Committees would consider.

Cllr Lavery said that there was a good range of alternative designs in the pre-application process where operators could be guided but there was no middle position at present, as submitted applications must be either accepted or turned down. There was no variation at present regardless of the point at which decisions on the applications were made.

During discussion the following points were made:

• The Planning Committees could not impose height restrictions on future developments, as this would be up to the operators.
• That the Planning Committees would welcome the cabinets being smaller and compact in terms of the visual impact on the street scene.
• The standard cabinets from BT should also be look at
• Each application was considered on its merits.
• Officers could include conditions as a standard item to allow for the easy removal of graffiti on cabinets.
• Cabinets could be made more secure by covering them in plastic seals
• Cable boxes were usually prone to vandalism as opposed to telecommunication boxes
• Noted that operators were aware of the need to sharing equipments but that this was all dependent financial resources.
• Only one appeal against a refusal had been made to date.
• Only about 6 applications a year to operate on Council land were received from operators.
• If the Council was to publicise the availability of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 31.

The Committee noted the Annual Safety at Sports Grounds update report.

Resolved – That the Annual Safety at Sports Grounds update report be noted.

Members asked to see the following reports scheduled for February 2012 in the Cabinet Forward Plan:

• Responsible Retailer Pilot – Decision to be made by Cabinet on 16 February 2012
• London Cycle Network Schemes and Cycling Initiative Schemes – Decision to be made by the Cabinet Member for Planning,

      Transportation and Recycling.

Resolved

The Committee agreed the Forward Plan.

Resolved

The Committee agreed the Work Programme for 2011/12.

The Chairman welcomed and thanked Councillors George and Judith Cooper for attending the meeting in respect of the report from the town twinning working party, which was due to be considered by Cabinet on 24 November 2011.  The report had been circulated for information to Committee Members prior to the meeting, as RESPOC had initiated the original review into town twinning.  

It was noted that RESPOC was happy with the report requested that the Committee’s appreciation of the diligence and hard work of the working party be conveyed to Cabinet.

Councillor George Cooper responded that the working party was grateful to RESPOC for giving them the opportunity to gather the views of various witnesses and feedback from representatives of the twinned authorities involved.

Resolved – That RESPOC thanks the working party for their diligence in preparing this report and wholeheartedly support the recommendations made.