Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies or substitutions for the meeting.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Bob Jones MBE and Steve Oldrieve, who were substituted by Councillors Stewart Palmen and Brian Mathew respectively.

To approve and sign the minutes of the Environment Select Committee meeting held on 16^th January 2018.

Resolved:

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 16^th January 2018, subject to the following being added to minute 8 – Local Provision on Public Transport – Rail:

‘It was noted that the report did not include a reference to either Pewsey or Bedwyn Stations being recognised as commuter stations in the Council’s Core Strategy. The Committee were informed that the Local MP and residents, who use the rail services from these stations, considered the stations as major commuting stations.‘ 

To receive any declarations of disclosable interests or dispensations granted by the Standards Committee.

There were no declarations of interest.

To receive any announcements through the Chair.

The Chair made the following announcements:

2.    A303 Amesbury to Berwick Down Road Scheme:

The Committee noted that the report for the A303 Amesbury to Berwick Down Road Scheme was not available for this meeting due to the Consultation only commencing on 8 Feb and responses requiring further time to consider fully.

A Briefing Note, incorporating the results of the public consultation, would be circulated towards the end of March 2018 to early April 2018 ahead of the publication of the consultation results to the public and the Cabinet’s April meeting. Any feedback from the Committee would be incorporated into the Cabinet report.

3.    Draft Waste Management Strategy:

The Committee noted that this item had been deferred until the Committee’s next meeting in May 2018, due to tight timescales to provide the report to this meeting and the recent severe weather presenting an additional hurdle to progressing the report.

The Council welcomes contributions from members of the public.

Statements

If you would like to make a statement at this meeting on any item on this agenda, please register to do so at least 10 minutes prior to the meeting. Up to 3 speakers are permitted to speak for up to 3 minutes each on any agenda item. Please contact the officer named on the front of the agenda for any further clarification.

Questions

To receive any questions from members of the public or members of the Council received in accordance with the constitution.

Those wishing to ask questions are required to give notice of any such questions in writing to the officer named on the front of this agenda no later than 5pm on Tuesday 6^th March 2018 in order to be guaranteed of a written response. In order to receive a verbal response questions must be submitted no later than 5pm on Thursday 8^th March 2018. Please contact the officer named on the front of this agenda for further advice. Questions may be asked without notice if the Chairman decides that the matter is urgent.

Details of any questions received will be circulated to Committee members prior to the meeting and made available at the meeting and on the Council’s website.

The Chairman explained the rules of public participation and invited the following to make their statements and ask questions:

i.              Marie Hillcoat – Statement, attached as an appendix to the minutes, about the Forward Work programme and in particular about the Waste Contracts Task Group.

The Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Waste agreed to respond to the comments and issues raised in the statement.

ii.            Cllr Brian Mathew asked the following question:

We would like to know if Hills have as requested submitted a permit application so that an open and considered consultation process in relation to the ATT plant can be undertaken well before any construction phase commences.

The following response was provided by the Director of Waste and Environment:

Hills Waste Solutions (HWS) have previously set out their estimated timetable for submitting the environmental permit application during quarter two of 2018. They have a programme to prepare and submit the application. This involves a significant amount of technical information from a number of sources and the work takes time and diligence. HWS have estimated that construction will commence in summer/autumn 2018.

The Environment Agency has undertaken to carry out a public consultation as part of their process for determining the application. This is for the Environment Agency to programme regardless of the date of submission of the application.

Cllr Mathew asked a supplementary question about the release of particulate matter in exhaust fumes at the proposed ATT plant in Westbury. He asked if the Council was aware of wet filtration and suggested that this system needed to be a part of the plants construction.                 

iii.           Harriet James asked the following question:

I am a member of the Westbury Gasification Action Group. We are opposed to the plan to build a waste incinerator in Westbury or anywhere else.   I’d like to ask about Air Pollution in Westbury. It’s related to Cllr. Matthews’ comments.

Air quality in Westbury is already poor because of pollution from heavy traffic and other industries.

 National Planning Policy for Waste states that waste planning authorities should consider the cumulative impact of existing and proposed waste disposal facilities on the well-being of the local community.

The Environment Agency has told us that they cannot include particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns in size in the permit conditions for the incinerator, so we’d like to know who is responsible for monitoring the fine particulate matter below 2.5 microns as this has been implicated in particularly bad health effects under new research which has happened since the incinerator was given planning permission. So, there was a Public Health England guidance issued to Directors of Public Health particularly outlining that these micro-particulates were the dangerous ones. And I want to know whether the MBT plant is at the moment capable of filtering these micro-particles below 2.5.

I also wanted to ask if  ...  view the full minutes text for item 18.

The Committee considered the Highways and Streetscene Task Group’s final report at their meeting held on 21^st November 2017; where it was resolved that the Committee invite an NHT representative to attend a future meeting of the committee, to provide further information on the significance of the NHT survey’s results for Wiltshire.

The Committee to receive a monitoring report on the 2017 survey report for further consideration.

The Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Waste presented a report about the National Highways and Transport (NHT) survey and how the information is used by the Council.

The Chair welcomed Sharon Andrews, National Highways and Transport Network Account Manager, to the meeting.

The Committee was informed that the Council had taken part in the NHT public satisfaction surveys since 2008, and during this time, the surveys had proved helpful in identifying trends and provided an opportunity to compare public satisfaction results with those of other authorities. 

The Head of Highways Asset Management and Commissioning explained that the surveys had been posted to members of the public using a random probability sampling methodology and the results were weighted to ensure that the achieved sample was fully representative and better reflected the known population profile. Wiltshire received a higher response rate compared to other authorities in 2017.  It was noted that the information obtained from the surveys helped inform benchmarking being undertaken with other authorities through various groups and that it is proposed to continue the Council’s participation in the surveys in future years.

The following matters were raised during the debate:

·         The response rates in Wiltshire and stability of public perception.

·         The differing highway challenges faced by urban and rural authorities.

·         The use of emerging technologies and materials on highways to provide long term savings and increasing safety standards.

·         Public perception of pot holes.

·         The ongoing process to combat litter and the impact of Clean up Wiltshire Campaign.

·         Promotion and introduction of best practice amongst authorities.

·         Breakdown of information relating to specific communities in Wiltshire. 

The Committee noted that public satisfaction with many aspects of road maintenance levels in Wiltshire had remained stable, against a background of reducing budgets and staffing levels since 2008.

Resolved:

i)             To recognise the value of the NHT survey in helping to understand public satisfaction regarding highway services.

ii)            To support the continuing participation of this Council in the NHT survey.

iii)          To thank Sharon Andrews for attending this meeting.

During the ESC-Executive Annual Meeting on the ‘Highways and Transport’ portfolio it was agreed that the ESC receive information on how streetworks operate in Wiltshire; in order to help better understand the partnership between the Council and Utilities Management companies.

The Committee to receive a report about how streetworks are managed in Wiltshire in comparison to other Local Authorities, with information relating to signage, pedestrian access and the added value to the Council.

The Committee considered a report of the Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Waste, outlining how street works by utility companies and others are managed by the Council.

The Committee was reminded that during their Executive Annual Meeting on the ‘Highways and Transport’ portfolio, it had requested information about how streetworks operate in Wiltshire, to help the Committee’s understanding of the partnerships between the Council and Utilities Management companies.

The report highlighted detailed information about the highway network in Wiltshire, the Councils responsibilities in managing the highway network, including reinstatements of the highway and inspections of works undertaken by utility companies. In addition, the report contained information about the new Highways Infrastructure Management System and how the Council engaged with national policy.  

The following matters were raised during the debate:

·         The quality of reinstatements and the materials used to match existing materials.

·         Introduction of new powers to encourage streetworks during quiet periods.

·         Guidelines on ‘Ghost Works’ where works had commenced then been left unattended for a period of time.

·         Examples of the use of universal conduit to house services pipes and cables alongside pavements.

·         The coordination of Council streetworks to coincide with utility companies. 

·         Repairs to street lights and future use of LED lights retro-fitted to existing lighting columns.

·         Suitability of diversion routes during works to major roads, for example the A303 and proposed works at Stonehenge, and the impact on trade in town centres.

·         Dropped kerbs for residential properties.

·         The new Highways Infrastructure Management System (HIAMS) and how it provides mobile working for street works technicians, and links to the Councils website providing improvements to the information available to the public.

The Head of Highways Asset Management and Commissioning informed the Committee that temporary reinstatements may be left for six months and that the utility company only guaranteed the reinstated surface for two years. After this time, responsibility for the reinstated surface became the responsibility of the Council.  It was noted that in some instances reinstated surfaces start to fail with a short space of time. It was suggested that Parish Councils check the reinstatement works after a period of eighteen months and report any defects to the Highways Engineers. This would then enable the responsibility of a reinstatement repairs to be with the utility company.

Resolved:

i)             To acknowledge the high number of works activities and notices on the highway network dealt with annually by the Council’s street works team.

ii)            To recognise the efforts made by the Council’s Network management team to balance the competing demands for the limited road space on the highway network.

iii)          To support the efforts being made to provide better information to the public through the website and the introduction of more mobile working for the street works team.

iv)          To encourage the engagement of the Council’s street works team in national working groups and with the Department for Transport.

v)            The Chairman to ask the Committee in one year’s time whether they would wish to review how HIAMS has impacted on  ...  view the full minutes text for item 20.

During the ESC-Executive Annual Meeting on the ‘Highways and Transport’ portfolio it was discussed that Wiltshire is promoting the ‘Stay Alive’ campaign, both for road users and cyclists. It was thus agreed that it would be beneficial for the Committee to consider a report on the work that the Council is doing in order to help reduce road casualties.

The Committee will receive an update report on data from recorded road traffic collisions in 2016, with a summary of the accident prevention/reduction activities undertaken by the Council and its partners, and possible ways of improvements going forward.

The Committee considered a briefing note of the Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Waste and Portfolio Holder for Strategic Highways, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, European Structural Investment Fund, Canals and Military Civilian Integration, providing an update about the data from recorded road traffic collisions in 2016, with a summary of the accident prevention/reduction activities undertaken by the Council and its partners.

The Committee was reminded that during their Executive Annual Meeting on the ‘Highways and Transport’ portfolio a discussion was held about the Council’s promotion of the ‘Staying Alive’ campaign for road users and cyclists.  It was noted that this was the nineteenth report highlighting the progress of the Wiltshire and Swindon Road Safety Partners towards reaching the 2020 casualty reduction target adopted by the Wiltshire and Swindon Road Safety Partnership. 

Officers responded to questions about the Council’s spend on road casualties compared to the base budget for Highways; and performance comparisons between local authorities in relation to the reduction in the number of killed and seriously injured casualties.

Resolved:

i)             To note the 2016 road traffic collisions report.

ii)            To receive an update from the Head of Service – Sustainable Transport, following discussions with Somerset about the recent reduction achieved in killed and seriously injured casualties in the county.  

To receive any updates on recent activity for active task groups and from members of the Environment Select Committee who have been appointed as overview and scrutiny representatives on programme boards.

The Committee received updates on recent activity for the following Task Groups:

i)             The Council’s Playing Pitch Strategy

The Committee received an update from the Cabinet Member for Communities, Communication, Leisure and Libraries about the development and delivery of actions following the adoption of the Wiltshire Playing Pitch Strategy (WPPS) in February 2017.

The report highlighted that the WPPS was endorsed in 2017 by Cabinet following the Environment Select Committee input into the Strategy at their meeting on 13 December 2016.  The Committee agreed to receive annual updates on the development of the Strategy.  In addition, the report indicated that the WPPS supplemented the Local Plan with regard to the protection of open spaces and assuring that appropriate facilities are constructed in the right place. The WPPS works in partnership with developers to guarantee funding for these open spaces.

The Cabinet Member for Communities, Communication, Leisure and Libraries referred to the allocation of developers S106 monies to three key projects detailed in the report. He explained that the Council is working closely with the Wiltshire Football Association about the provision of six 3G pitches, and that two Wiltshire rugby clubs had been identified in the Rugby Football Union National Facilities Strategy to receive financial support for development. He also gave an update on a recent meeting between representatives from Wiltshire Council, South Wilts Grammar School for Girls and Salisbury Athletics and Running Club.  Copy attached to these minutes.

The Committee was informed of the Strategy’s Implementation Group membership, noted their input into the annual report and how the allocation of S106 monies was being replaced by Community Infrastructure Levy monies. In addition, the Committee discussed the differences and potential influences for the funding of different sports, including football and hockey.  It was suggested that Ministry of Defence (MOD) sporting facilities could be made available for community use.  The Cabinet Member confirmed that he was in discussions with the MOD about this matter.      

Resolved:

i)             To note the update about the development and the delivery of actions following the adoption of the Wiltshire Playing Pitch Strategy in February 2017.

ii)            To agree that no further overview and scrutiny engagement, by way of an annual update, is necessary, unless the topic becomes a matter of public interest again. 

ii)            Waste Contracts Task Group

The Committee were reminded that following their Annual Meeting on the ‘Waste Portfolio’ it was agreed that a Waste Contracts Task group be established and this was endorsed by the Committee at its meeting on 21^st November 2017.

The Chair of the Task Group and Senior Scrutiny Officer explained that the first meeting of the Task Group was held on 27^th February 2018 and that the Task Group had decided to present a report to the Committee requesting delegated authority to endorse a particular option of the Waste Service’s Marketing Plan, as tight timescales may not allow the Task Group to report their findings to the Committee prior to the sign off of the Marketing Plan.

The  ...  view the full minutes text for item 22.

To note and receive updates on the progress of items on the forward work programme.

Under the revised Overview and Scrutiny (OS) arrangements there is now a single OS work programme controlled by the OS Management Committee, linked to priorities in the Business Plan.

Therefore it should be noted that, whilst any matters added by Members are welcome, they will be referred to the OS Management Committee for approval before formal inclusion in the work programme for the Environment Select Committee.

A copy of the Overview and Scrutiny Forward Work Programme for the Environment Select Committee is attached for reference.

The Senior Scrutiny Officer introduced the Committee’s Forward Work Programme, asked for confirmation about how to progress a number of items and provided updates on the following areas:

·         Position Statement on the Council’s ECO Strategy

·         Emissions and the Government’s 25 Year Environment Plan

·         Re-Commissioning of Housing Service Support Contracts

In considering the Council’s ECO Strategy, it was suggested that the report be deferred to the next meeting of the Committee, to enable the appropriate Cabinet Members and Director to be in attendance and respond to comments and questions.

Resolved:

i)             To request information relating to: air quality and the emissions issues around waste management processes; an explanation on air quality management plans; the process when areas of Wiltshire exceed are quality limits; lessons learned from part of the County to the other in regard to minimising poor air quality.

ii)            To defer consideration of the ECO Strategy to the next meeting of the Committee.

iii)          That the Forward Work Programme be updated to reflect the changes detailed above.

Any other items of business which the Chairman agrees to consider as a matter of urgency.

There were no urgent items.

To confirm the date of the next scheduled meeting as 1^st May 2018.

The next meeting is scheduled for 1^st May 2018 at 10.30am.