Agenda item

To consider the report of the Chief Executive, (copy enclosed).

The Committee considered the report of the Chief Executive which provided details of performance against targets set for 2017 / 18 (attached at Appendix 1 to the report) and to ensure that progress was being achieved towards overall corporate goals and objectives set out in the Corporate Plan 2015 – 19.

Members’ discussed the report in detail focussing on those activities behind schedule or at risk. In response to a number of questions the following information was provided:

Councillor M S Heard declared he had a non-pecuniary interest, as he was currently employed by Essex Police as an auditor.

·                    Level of Reported Crime - The Chief Executive clarified the wording on page four of Appendix 1 to the report, was mainly regarding gang related activity and child sexual exploitation and that this had been a concern in some schools.  Members were advised that the Community Safety Partnership had worked in partnership with Police to raise awareness in schools and highlight risks. 
It was noted that MDC had been proactive in its approach of explaining the risks to young people, and had received a positive response.

·                    North Heybridge Garden Suburb - The Director of Planning and Regulatory Services advised that following a declaration from Countryside Properties’ stating they would submit an amended application omitting a flood alleviation scheme (FAS), MDC had been working with the Environment Agency and wider partners, including Homes England, and looking into alternatives for delivering a FAS.

Members stated that the current Countryside planning application had limited numbers of affordable housing and, in keeping with the Local Development Plan (LDP), would like to see this figure increase to 30% in any amended application.  The Director of Planning and Regulatory Services advised that during discussions with Countryside Properties it had been made clear that plans should be compliant with the policies within the LDP.

The viability of the project was queried by Members as issues around flooding had not been resolved. 

The Committee was advised by The Director of Planning and Regulatory Services that it was always going to be challenging to enforce the delivery of the FAS following legal clarification provided during the Examination in Public of the LDP.  Members were also advised that Countryside Properties had cited a lack of support from partners and the resultant delays for the failure to deliver the scheme, and their subsequent decision to submit an amended proposal without the FAS.

·                    Figures for Planning Applications - The Director of Planning and Regulatory Services confirmed that decisions overturned at appeal were down to 6.5%, and that this was considered positive.

Some Members raised concerns that the time taken by the Council to validate planning applications did not compare to those of neighbouring authorities.  The Director of Planning and Regulatory Services drew Members attention to the improvement on figures from previous years, and advised that the validation process can be lengthy. 

The Chief Executive informed Members that the upskilling of planning administrative officers had been considered.  Members were advised that the Ignite programme would look closely at streamlining planning processes.

It was agreed that the Director of Planning and Regulatory Services would provide a report for the next quarterly review.

·                    Home Improvements - Councillor Miss S White requested it be noted as a point of clarification that on page 6 of Appendix 1 to the report that improvements offered in relation to the indicator ‘No. of households where living conditions were improved through Housing Act interventions’ were means tested.

·                    Waste Collection - Members were concerned that some household waste had not been collected and questioned whether this was due to difficulty accessing smaller roads.

The Director of Resources advised that the contractor had acknowledged difficulties with the vehicles procured, and a number had already been taken off the road due to breakdowns.  MDC had often not been advised until late on the day of occurrence.

It was confirmed that the Director of Customers and Community had a number of conversations the contractor, Suez, and they had acknowledged the situation.  In regards to the vehicles, the Council had been advised they were pushing the technology to its limit, and was investigating whether this was a contract management issue.

Members were advised that the Director of Customers and Community would provide an email update on the situation.

The Group Manager for Leisure, Countryside and Tourism, confirmed for the Committee that a genuine missed collection was one reported by the resident where the contractor has not noted that the collection was not put out.  It was noted that the contract states missed collections should be collected in a timely fashion.

·                    Crematorium - Members requested an update on the building of a Crematorium within the district.

The Director of Resources advised members that this was not currently viable due to the lack of suitable land to build upon.  It was noted that the authority had previously looked at sites towards South Woodham Ferris as this would capture a larger area.

It was agreed that the Director of Resources report back on the conclusions of the crematorium business case.

·                    Parking - In response to the Members query regarding a lack of car parking spaces in Maldon Town Centre, the Director of Resources advised that the Asset Management Working Group were looking into this.

RESOLVED that the report on performance for quarter four 2017 / 18 and the subsequent actions, as outlined above, be noted.