Agenda, decisions and minutes

Venue: Hybrid Meeting

Contact: Maureen Potter 01352 702322 

Media

Items
No. Item

52.

Declarations of Interest (Including Whipping Declarations)

To receive any Declarations and advise Members accordingly.

Additional documents:

Decision:

None were received.

Minutes:

None were received.

53.

Forward Work Programme and Action Tracking (E&E OSC) pdf icon PDF 82 KB

Additional documents:

Decision:

(a)     That the Forward Work Programme be approved;

(b)     That the Facilitator, in consultation with the Chair of the Committee, be authorised to vary the Forward Work Programme between meetings, as the need arises; and

(c)     That the Committee notes the progress made in completing the outstanding actions.

Minutes:

The Overview & Scrutiny Facilitator presented the Forward Work Programme and Action Tracking report.  She confirmed that in addition to the items included for the March meeting, David Matthews from Ambition North Wales would be attending to provide an update on the Land and Property Programme.  Referring to the joint meeting to discuss parking outside schools with the Education Youth & Culture Overview & Scrutiny Committee she reported that this had been re-scheduled for the 23 March 2023 at 2.00 pm   The Facilitator then provided an overview of the items scheduled for the forthcoming meetings and asked members if they had items that they would like to put forward for inclusion.

 

            In response to a question from Councillor Mike Peers on whether enforcement would be included, the Chief Officer (Streetscene) confirmed that it would cover parking enforcement outside schools.   As regards other enforcement issues she confirmed that discussions had taken place with the Chief Officer (Housing) and Cabinet Members and it was proposed that a joint portfolio workshop be arranged which could also include fly tipping enforcement. Councillor Mike Peers asked if parking enforcement in general could be included in the workshop, which was agreed.

 

The Facilitator then referred to the Action Tracking report and provided an update on the status of the items listed.  She referred to the list of questions action from Councillor Mike Peers and confirmed that the Democratic Services Manager had provided that information.

 

Councillor Mike Peers felt the action was still open as the link to the Corporate Resources Overview & Scrutiny Committee meeting in January did not include a copy of the questions raised by members.  The Democratic Services Manager confirmed that he had contacted the Corporate Finance Manager and would speak to him again.  He would speak to Councillor Peers outside of the meeting following guidance from the Chief Officer (Governance) on whether this information could be shared.

 

RESOLVED:

(a)     That the Forward Work Programme be approved;

(b)     That the Facilitator, in consultation with the Chair of the Committee, be authorised to vary the Forward Work Programme between meetings, as the need arises; and

(c)     That the Committee notes the progress made in completing the outstanding actions.

54.

Climate Change Programme Progress Report pdf icon PDF 165 KB

Additional documents:

Decision:

(a)      To receive the report and note its contents

(b)      To support the improvement of internal communications to raise awareness of the Council’s positive progress in moving to achieve its climate change ambitions.

(c)       To support the introduction of embedding carbon measures into procurement processes within a pilot portfolio of the Council.

(d)      To support the case for an Invest to Save post and resources to introduce Building Management Systems within more of our building assets to improve the management of energy use.

(e)      To support the embedding of climate change principles throughout the Council, through delivery of Carbon Literacy training to Elected Members, Senior Managers and other key decision makers

Minutes:

The Chief Officer (Planning Environment & Economy) confirmed that the  report would be presented to Cabinet next week and that any comments received from this committee would be welcome.  This report had been presented to the Audit and Governance Committee and Climate Change Committee.

 

            The Programme Manager (Climate Change & Carbon Reduction)  commenced by saying the Climate Change Strategy was adopted in February last year and that the Council’s 2021/22 Carbon Footprint data had been submitted to Welsh Government (WG).  She then highlighted specific areas within the report which included the Council’s carbon footprint and emission targets.  Information was provided on the themes within the plan and an update on targets achieved for buildings, mobility, transport and procurement.  

 

            Moving on to the Priorities for 2023/24 the Programme Manager (Climate Change & Carbon Reduction) outlined the improvements in data collection methodology, especially around procurement, and reported on the work being undertaken with the commissioning officers and suppliers.  An overview of the information on the priorities for business mileage, recording of employee vehicles, employee commuting and home working and tendering process when working with suppliers was given.  She then provided information on carbon literacy training,  the baselining of building and land stock and improvements to electrification of fleet, together with a net zero carbon school and aim for net zero carbon care home and local area energy plan.

 

            The Programme Manager (Climate Change & Carbon Reduction) confirmed that in addition to herself a Climate Change Project Assistant had been appointed with a Climate Change Project Officer starting in two months.  It was also confirmed that there was a revenue pressure under the MTFS for an Energy Projects Co-ordinator to lead on renewable energy, energy saving and EV infrastructure support.  She also reported on the collaborative work with Denbighshire County Council for a Carbon Procurement Officer and access to additional funding both from WG and the private sector.

 

            Following questions from Councillor Mike Peers the Programme Manager (Climate Change & Carbon Reduction) firstly referred to solar panels on schools. She said the most optimised option was provided for the roof space of each building with consideration made to identify what the pay back on investment would be and renewable energy achieved to off-set the cost.  She agreed to speak to another team on the point of revenue generated and report back.

 

            Referring to the point on decreases in heating costs from buildings or streetlighting she confirmed that these had been achieved through upgrades through the invest to save programme with these figures shown against the 2018 baseline information.

 

            Regarding the opportunities to decarbonise buildings the Programme Manager (Climate Change & Carbon Reduction) confirmed that this was included as a priority to better understand what was able to be achieved within the existing council stock.

 

            In response to the Insulation of lofts and conservatories the Programme Manager (Climate Change & Carbon Reduction) confirmed that these were supported through the Domestic Energy Team and she agreed to refer this question to them.

 

            A question was raised by Councillor Dan Rose on  ...  view the full minutes text for item 54.

55.

Woodland Strategy (Urban Tree & Woodland Plan and Flintshire Forest) pdf icon PDF 156 KB

Additional documents:

Decision:

(a)      That Members note the content of this update and support the officers in their ongoing tree and woodland management work.

(b)      That Members support plans to develop the Flintshire Forest in accordance with the framework details provided.

Minutes:

The Chief Officer (Planning Environment & Economy) introduced the report and confirmed that the Urban Tree and Woodland Strategy was adopted in 2018 to assist with tree planting and increasing tree canopy cover.  The Service Manager (Countryside Access and Natural Environment) continued saying the Urban Tree and Woodland Strategy was established to provide an increase in canopy cover and ensure the sustainable management of trees, highlighting the benefits that trees provided to residents within Flintshire.  He outlined the targets set for increasing canopy cover from 14.5% to 18% by 2033.  Natural Resources Wales carry out the canopy cover assessment, although this had not been reviewed since 2018 so up to date information was not available at present.

 

            The Service Manager (Countryside Access and Natural Environment) reported that in recent years, tree planting had taken place on sites identified within the county utilising funding from Welsh Government Woodland Improvement Grant and the Local Nature for Places Grant.  He outlined how the canopy cover had been increased with well-planned tree schemes, ensuring the aftercare was in place, with local communities involved, to ensure the survival of the trees.  The Service Manger (Countryside Access and Natural Environment)  outlined the process involved to ensure these planting projects were successful.  Over 23,000 trees had been planted over the last 4 years and the Service Manager (Countryside Access and Natural Environment) commended his team for their hard work to enable this to happen.   Engagement with communities was key to this and he provided story map of tree planting projects across the county which highlighted the work undertaken.

 

            The Service Manager (Countryside Access and Natural Environment) then provided information on the proposed development of a Flintshire Forest.  It was suggested that a Flintshire Forest could mirror the direction of National Forest from Welsh Government (WG).  He outlined the objectives for creating areas of new woodland, spaces for leisure and nature, capturing and storing carbon as well as providing timber.  There would be a need to align the key objectives from the Urban Tree and Woodland Strategy and the Flintshire Forest.  He referred members to the framework at 1.11 in the report and provided an overview of the key elements, vision and engagement with the public.

 

            In response to a question from Councillor Roy Wakelam on the protection of existing older trees, the Service Manager (Countryside Access and Natural Environment) outlined the mechanisms such as Tree Preservation Orders (TPO) and planning conditions.  He referred to public consultations undertaken in advance of planting projects and some resistance to tree planting which had been received, he said public engagement to highlight the benefits of trees as well as ensuring the right trees were planted was key to their ongoing protection.  The promotion of good tree planting with the correct trees planted in new developments would ensure better outcomes.   Referring to losses of tree he confirmed that approximately 1,000 trees had been lost due to Ash dieback over the winter on highways but more trees were being planting to replace these.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 55.

56.

Wepre Park Management plan and charging pdf icon PDF 106 KB

Additional documents:

Decision:

That Members endorse the new 5-year management plan for Wepre Park.

Minutes:

The Chief Officer (Planning Environment & Economy) introduced the report and confirmed that the Urban Tree and Woodland Strategy was adopted in 2018 to assist with tree planting and increasing tree canopy cover.        The Service Manager (Countryside Access and Natural Environment) continued saying the Urban Tree and Woodland Strategy was established to provide an increase in canopy cover and ensure the sustainable management of trees, highlighting the benefits that trees provided to residents within Flintshire.  He outlined the targets set for increasing canopy cover from 14.5% to 18% by 2033.  Natural Resources Wales carry out the canopy cover assessment, although this had not been reviewed since 2018 so up to date information was not available at present.

 

            The Service Manager (Countryside Access and Natural Environment) reported that in recent years, tree planting had taken place on sites identified within the county utilising funding from Welsh Government Woodland Improvement Grant and the Local Nature for Places Grant.  He outlined how the canopy cover had been increased with well-planned tree schemes, ensuring the aftercare was in place, with local communities involved, to ensure the survival of the trees.  The Service Manger (Countryside Access and Natural Environment)  outlined the process involved to ensure these planting projects were successful.  Over 23,000 trees had been planted over the last 4 years and the Service Manager (Countryside Access and Natural Environment) commended his team for their hard work to enable this to happen.   Engagement with communities was key to this and he provided story map of tree planting projects across the county which highlighted the work undertaken.

 

            The Service Manager (Countryside Access and Natural Environment) then provided information on the proposed development of a Flintshire Forest.  It was suggested that a Flintshire Forest could mirror the direction of National Forest from Welsh Government (WG).  He outlined the objectives for creating areas of new woodland, spaces for leisure and nature, capturing and storing carbon as well as providing timber.  There would be a need to align the key objectives from the Urban Tree and Woodland Strategy and the Flintshire Forest.  He referred members to the framework at 1.11 in the report and provided an overview of the key elements, vision and engagement with the public.

 

            In response to a question from Councillor Roy Wakelam on the protection of existing older trees, the Service Manager (Countryside Access and Natural Environment) outlined the mechanisms such as Tree Preservation Orders (TPO) and planning conditions.  He referred to public consultations undertaken in advance of planting projects and some resistance to tree planting which had been received, he said public engagement to highlight the benefits of trees as well as ensuring the right trees were planted was key to their ongoing protection.  The promotion of good tree planting with the correct trees planted in new developments would ensure better outcomes.   Referring to losses of tree he confirmed that approximately 1,000 trees had been lost due to Ash dieback over the winter on highways but more trees were being planting to replace these.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 56.

57.

Open Spaces and Highway Memorial Policy pdf icon PDF 96 KB

Additional documents:

Decision:

That the committee approved the policy subject to the amendment suggested by Councillor Mike Peers

Minutes:

In presenting the report the Chief Officer (Planning Environment & Economy) explained that currently there was no policy in place for memorials placed on the highway network or on council land.  He felt this policy struck the correct balance between the initial cost, long term maintenance and consideration of location as this was a sensitive issue.

 

            The Service Manager (Countryside Access and Natural Environment) reported that within countryside sites and opens spaces requests had been received from members of the public for a commemorative bench or tree to be planted in memory of a loved one.  Over the last few years these requests had increased significantly and had led to concerns that open spaces were not turned into memorial gardens.  This was a sensitive issue and the council had to be mindful of families and their circumstances.

 

            The purpose of this policy was to work with families in a sensitive way and consider all options when it came to memorials in addition to benches, such as  planting a tree or section of hedgerow, stiles or donate a gate which were also considered in country parks.   Referring to highway memorials the Service Manager (Countryside Access and Natural Environment) said these were slightly different as safety had to be considered because of the distraction for drivers.  This policy would enable officers to speak to the families to ensure a positive outcome was achieved.   There were also funding issues which had to be considered to include the initial purchase, maintenance and refurbishment of the item which should be borne by the applicant.   He then reported on the sensitivity required when families met to release balloons which was an issue as they release plastic and litter into the countryside.  Discussions with families would take place to find alternative ways for families to mark family members’ passing.

           

            In response to questions on planting memorial trees and balloon releases from Councillor Dan Rose, the Service Manager (Countryside Access and Natural Environment) confirmed that families could plant trees.  There were risks to this which had to be discussed with the family such as trees dying during drought conditions, suffering vandalism and they had to be maintained.  He was not in favour of plaques but a commemorative book at visitor centres or online could be used to record this.  Referring to balloon releases he said it was difficult for his officers to approach a grieving family to ask them not to release the balloons.  Publicising and providing information on the risks of doing this was the way forward


            Councillor Dan Rose asked if bio-degradable plaques would be considered as a short-term measure which the Service Manager
(Countryside Access and Natural Environment) confirmed that he would be agreeable to considering.

 

            Councillor Roy Wakelam suggested families be encouraged to leave unwrapped flowers tied with twine.  In response the Service Manager (Countryside Access and Natural Environment) said rotting, composting flowers still had to be removed and maybe suggesting that fresh flowers were left unwrapped but had to be removed within two weeks  ...  view the full minutes text for item 57.

58.

Dwr Cymru Welsh Water draft Water Resources Management Plan 2024 - Public Consultation Launch pdf icon PDF 221 KB

Additional documents:

Decision:

(a)      That Members note the content of this report and the main outcome of the draft Water Resources Management Plan 2024, that shows no supply resilience issues for the Alwen Dee zone that Flintshire is part of

(b)      That Members support the content of paragraph 1.10 of this report and give the Chief Officer (Planning, Environment and Economy) delegated authority to prepare a final response and agree this with the Chair of this committee, prior to responding to the consultation by the due date.

Minutes:

In presenting this report the Chief Officer (Planning Environment & Economy) confirmed that this was a live consultation and that the role of Welsh Water was critical especially with regard the LDP and management of phosphates.

 

            The Service Manager (Strategy) firstly spoke on the previous item of biodiversity saying that the Local Development Plan (LDP) included a sweep of policies which would help with those issues to protect trees, woodlands or hedgerows.   There was also green space and urban space protections included together with new policies on biodiversity net gains.

 

            Moving on to the report the Service Manager (Strategy) reported that this consultation from Welsh Water had been sent to key stakeholders and related to an update of their Water Resource Management Plan which was a statutory document which had to be refreshed on a 5 yearly basis.  This was to ensure the long-term security of water supply for business and domestic use.  Welsh Water had highlighted the drought experienced last year and had introduced drought reliance within this plan.   Members were referred to the map which highlighted the 23 planning zones in the report and at point 1.03 included the key objectives and drivers on how these measures would support those areas in deficit.  The overview of water supply by Welsh Water was given at 1.04 in the report to ensure that when severe events happen that Welsh Water were able to cater for supply as much as possible.  The Service Manager (Strategy) explained that  Flintshire was in the Alwen Dee zone and then provided information on how calculations were made.  Four areas had been identified as areas that would be in deficit with three in South Wales and one in North Wales.   He outlined how the demand management could affect the county and measures put in place to reduce daily consumption.  Increased water metering was also being promoted. 

 

            He referred to 1.10 of the report and the bullet points listed and explained why further clarification was required:-  

 

  • He wanted clarification that the growth in Flintshire’s LDP had been factored into this planning. 
  • That the Council fully supported the wider resilience measures to support leakage improvement
  • Supported raising customer awareness on efficient use of water. 

·         that reductions in waste water going to treatment works from each domestic and commercial property could assist with less phosphates going into rivers

·         Encouraged greater connection between waste resource planning and waste water planning to enable improvements to be brought forward

·         Seek a commitment for more regular liaison and collaboration with Welsh Water as a key partner whether on a strategic level or local level.

 

            In response to questions from Councillor Mike Peers the Service Manager (Strategy) firstly responded to the point on leakage reduction saying maybe if a definitive programme was publicised it would help.  Welsh Water had an aging infrastructure they are working through but it was more a reactive process as it was a costly exercise.  Coordination with other statutory providers when undertaking road works to enable opportunities for shared work could  ...  view the full minutes text for item 58.

59.

Attendance by members of the press and public

Additional documents:

Decision:

There were no members of the press or public in attendance.

Minutes:

There were no members of the press or public in attendance.

 

(The meeting started at 10.00 am and ended at 12.32 am)

 

 

…………………………

Chair