Agenda and minutes

The Chairman drew attention to the list of notices published on the back of the agenda.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Miss A M Beale and Miss M R Lewis.  In accordance with notice duly given Councillor Mrs M E Thompson was acting as a substitute for Councillor Miss M R Lewis. It was noted that Councillors I E Dobson and Miss S White might be late in arriving.

To confirm the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 24 January 2017, (copy enclosed).

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 24 January 2017 be approved and confirmed.

To disclose the existence and nature of any Disclosable Pecuniary Interests, other Pecuniary Interests or Non-Pecuniary Interests relating to items of business on the agenda having regard to paragraphs 6-8 inclusive of the Code of Conduct for Members.

(Members are reminded that they are also required to disclose any such interests as soon as they become aware should the need arise throughout the meeting).

There were none.

To receive the views of members of the public on items of business to be considered by the Committee (please see below):

1.               A period of ten minutes will be set aside.

2.               An individual may speak for no more than two minutes and will not be allowed to distribute or display papers, plans, photographs or other materials.

3.               Anyone wishing to speak must notify the Committee Clerk between 7.00pm and 7.20pm prior to the start of the meeting.

Judy Lea representing Maldon Society and Community Groups addressed the Committee in relation to Agenda Item 8 – Parking Update.

The Chairman advised the Committee that he had no items to share under this Agenda Item.

To consider the report of the Director of Customers and Community, (copy enclosed).

The Committee considered the report of the Chief Executive on progress of the above project and how best to report progress to Members in future. It was recommended the reporting structure be streamlined and the Community Services Committee took a more direct role in overseeing progress on this project.  A recent Council press release to together with the last project programme were appended to the report for Members information

RECOMMENDED

(i)                      that the Community Hospital Working Group is dissolved.

(ii)               that a standing item be included on the Community Services Agenda on the Maldon Health Hub Project.

To consider the report of the Car Parking Charges Review Task and Finish Working Group, (copy enclosed).

The Committee considered the report of the Director of Customers and Community reviewing implementation of the car parking charges introduced in April 2016.  Councillor I E Dobson arrived during this item.

There was some discussion around the effects the increases in Parking Charges had, had on local residents and business as well as those travelling to Maldon from outside the town centre. The data set out in the Appendices to the report presented a fairly consistent picture, it being concluded that there was no demonstrable evidence that the increased and new charges had materially affected those raising initial concerns.

It was highlighted that there had been a disappointing response to the consultation undertaken by the Car Parking Charges Review Task and Finish Working Group (CPCRT&FWG) as part of the six month review of the new parking charges. However the Council recognised and appreciated the support given by the Maldon and District Council for Voluntary Services in seeking local opinion.

RESOLVED

(i)                 that the report is noted and that no amendments are made to the existing charges within the 2017/18 financial year;

(ii)                    that the Car Parking Task and Finish Group is concluded;

(iii)             that an annual Parking liaison group composed of Members, Officers and invited representatives of the community is formed, Council membership to be agreed at the first annual meeting of this Committee.

To consider the report of the Director of Customers and Community, (copy enclosed).

The Committee considered the report of the Director of Customers and Community presenting a draft proposal for a Community Led Housing Programme for the District.

The Chairman made a declaration of interest after the Officer’s report as he was a trustee of an Alms-house Trust but also as a trustee of a local charity that may wish to get involved with this project.

Government funding was now available for community projects and Officers were attempting to establish greater clarification and understanding of the initiative.  Appendix 1 to the report set out some possible actions and activities that could be undertaken..

It was highlighted that Parishes had agreed to community housing schemes in the past but in the case of Wickham Bishops, as an example, planned growth had been undermined through hostile development proposals allowed on appeal.

It was suggested that Maldon District Council should look at a scheme Chelmsford City Council is working on, with the use of containers being fitted out as small dwellings to relieve some of the housing pressure.

RECOMMENDED

(i)                 that the draft programme for the Council’s Community Led Housing (CLH) as detailed in APPENDIX 1 to the report, be approved;

(ii)               that a seminar be held for community groups to promote the concept of CLH and consult on the Council’s draft programme.

To consider the report of the Director of Customers and Community, (copy enclosed).

The Committee considered the report of the Director of Customers and Community on a proposal of a new policy for the control and installation of memorials and commemorations in all Council owned open spaces including cemeteries. The proposed new policy was appended to the report.

The Committee received a presentation from the Leisure and Community Development Manager.  He advised that the proposed new policy should be treated as a draft for now, being a framework for extending the policy in relation to all parks and open spaces.  The Chairman added that there were some sensitive issues to be worked through.

There was some discussion around charges to the public, costs to the Council, maintenance of memorials and the future of cemeteries within the District.  The Director of Customers and Community then revised his recommendation to enable more detailed consideration to be given to these matters and the involvement of the Cemeteries Working Group.  This was agreed.

RESOLVED

(i)                 that the draft Policy proposed, including detail of Memorial Benches, Trees,

Plaques, Fixed Memorials, Memorabilia / tributes, and income considerations, be reviewed by the Cemeteries Working Group and report back to this Committee with its recommendations.

To consider the report of the Director of Customers and Community, (copy enclosed).

The Committee considered the report of the Director of Customers and Community on a proposal to install a land based mast at the above site, utilising funding from the Coastal Communities Fund to pay for the Dengie Gateway project.

The Director of Customers and Community acknowledged that the proposal had attracted considerable reaction an e-petition, the press and from the Burnham on Crouch Town Council. He therefore revised his recommendation with a view to gaining support from the local community for the chosen project.

RESOLVED that officers undertake further consultation on suitable projects to promote the coastal footpath and report findings to this Committee. 

To consider the report of the Director of Customers and Community, (copy enclosed).

The Committee considered the report of the Director of Customers and Community on a proposal to offer a new lease to the Trustees of Burnham on Crouch Sailing Club for the land at Millfields, Burnham-on-Crouch as a Dinghy Park and Car Park.

The Chairman made a proposal that the lease should be 21 years instead of 10 as the Sailing club was a small club, where starter sailors joined for a small fee and it encouraged new people to the town.  The Club would like security of tenure. He circulated a copy of an email he had received from the Commodore of the Sailing Club.  This proposal was seconded by Councillor Mrs B D Harker.

There was some discussion around the implications of  a lease for a longer period, and following advice from the Director of Customers and Community, Councillor M F L Durham proposed, by way of an amendment, that a 21 year lease be  offered with built-in break clauses and a rent review.  This was seconded by Councillor A T Cain.

Upon being put to the meeting and a vote taken, the amendment was agreed.

RECOMMENDED

(i)             that the Council agrees to offer  to the Trustees of Burnham-on-Crouch Sailing Club a new 21 year lease with 10 and 15 year break clauses with 12 months’ notice of determination on either side, with a rent review every five years and subject to annual RPI increases.

RESOLVED

(ii)          that subject to (i) above, the Director of Customers and Community be authorised to finalise the lease arrangements in consultation with the Chairman of the Community Services Committee.

There were none.