Agenda item

That the report be noted.

The Chief Officer (Planning & Environment) introduced the regular update report to consider progress towards the delivery of the impacts set out in the 2016/17 Improvement Plan, focussing on the areas of under-performance relevant to the Committee during Quarter 2.

A number of areas indicated good progress, including the co-ordination of the Single Environment Grant (SEG) by an established working group; an approach which had been endorsed by Welsh Government.  The Chief Officer advised that the only major risk area was that funding would not be secured for priority flood defences.  Whilst smaller scale schemes were informed by local knowledge, the outcomes of the review of the Mold flood alleviation scheme would be discussed with local Members and the Committee, once it had concluded.  The Ancillary and Performance Manager summarised the actions being taken to address the two ‘red’ performance indicators relating to road safety initiatives.

Councillor Paul Shotton acknowledged the involvement of Kingdom, the environmental protection service, on the success of the pilot scheme and asked how many of the 2,000+ penalty tickets issued had related to dog fouling offences.  He went on to thank Streetscene officers and SP Energy for their prompt actions in clearing a significant amount of dog faeces and litter which had been reported as part of an environmental visual assessment.

Councillor Bernie Attridge gave assurance that dog fouling offences would be pursued and prosecutions taken where identified and evidenced.  The Ancillary and Performance Manager referred to the challenges on this and outlined the proactive approach being taken to raise awareness along with the work of the Dog DNA Task Group.  A total of 54 fixed penalty tickets had been issued for dog fouling since the start of the pilot, which sent a positive message to deter irresponsible dog owners.

Following comments from Councillor Veronica Gay, the Manager advised that hotspot areas were targeted and agreed to provide details of the locations where the 54 tickets had been issued.  The compulsory microchipping of dogs did not form part of the pilot scheme.  The Manager noted the suggestion to promote road safety initiatives with licensed driving instructors and would refer comments on a scheme for cyclists to the Road Safety Team.  Councillor Attridge said that partners such as the Police could help to raise awareness of road safety initiatives and encourage young drivers to take the ‘Pass Plus’ driving course.

Councillor Gay also referred to a draft development brief on Wrexham Road in Chester and raised concerns about the impact on surrounding areas.  The Chief Officer confirmed that as part of the consultation process, the Council had expressed concerns to Chester West & Cheshire Council about the effect on the highways, surface water and foul water infrastructure.

Following a matter raised by Councillor Dennis Hutchinson on noise nuisance at a private housing estate, the Manager explained that this was a Police matter, but that the Council could issue fixed penalty notices on open spaces.  The Chief Officer suggested that noise nuisance matters be referred to Pollution Control so that incidents could be logged and evidence gathered.

In response to concerns expressed by Councillor Brian Lloyd on the potential for more flooding in Mold, the Chief Officer said that the results of the review of the Mold scheme were due at the end of the month.  Councillor Attridge urged Members to make representations to the Assembly Member to lobby Welsh Government for funding for the scheme.

Councillor Richard Lloyd raised issues on Public Protection Spaces Orders (PPSOs), litter/leaves left in streets by the Recycling team, cyclists using footpaths to access cyclepaths and the need to promptly remove temporary traffic signals after work completion.  In responding, the Manager asked that matters of rubbish removal be referred to Streetscene supervisors where there were health and safety concerns, adding that the new vehicles would help to reduce spillage of waste.  He would pass on the comments about cyclists to the Road Safety team if specific details were given.

Councillor Chris Dolphin expressed his appreciation to the team for the improved road safety schemes and praised the work carried out at the Greenfield Recycling Centre for improving the appearance of the facility.

In response to comments from Councillor Ian Dunbar, the Chief Officer provided clarification on the elements covered by the SEG and noted the request to keep Town/Community Councils updated on the Local Development Plan (LDP) vision.

Councillor Gay pointed out the lack of public buildings in Saltney in which to display information on the LDP consultation.  The Chief Officer suggested that she liaise with the Planning Strategy Manager to identify an appropriate location.  He agreed to discuss a separate issue on tree maintenance following the meeting.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.