Issue - meetings

Smart Place Pilot (Lansdowne)

Meeting: 20/12/2019 - Cabinet (Item 93)

93 Smart Place Pilot (Lansdowne) PDF 1 MB

This report seeks Cabinet approval to conduct the Smart Place Pilot project at the Lansdowne as an initial proof of concept project for the wider Smart Place Programme, which is the subject of a separate Cabinet report.

This project is primarily supported by £1m of Dorset LEP funding, with local match funding of £330k. This funding is in addition to the £900k already secured for digital technology deployment through the Lansdowne Business District Project.

This project supports a number of themes within the Council’s new Corporate Strategy.

Funding for the project is due to be spent by March 2021.

Decision:

RESOLVED that:-

1. The deployment of the Smart Place Pilot (Lansdowne) including:

(i) The development of proof of concept Smart Place ‘use case’ trials, typically in health; environment; transport, tourism and public security etc.

(ii) The development of proof of concept Smart Place ‘Applications & Services’, typically in transport, volunteering and retail etc.

(iii) A small, temporary sub-6 GHz 5G trial network;

(iv) A small, temporary 26.5 GHz 5G trial network;

(v) Continuous monitoring of electromagnetic field (EMF) emissions from the 5G trial networks to ensure compliance with Public Health England (ICNIRP) guidelines (in accordance with recommendation b) from the Overview & Scrutiny 5G Call for Evidence)

2. Council formally accepts £1m grant funding from the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (DLEP) in order to progress the scheme, and amends the Capital Investment Programme (CIP) accordingly

It is RESOLVED that Cabinet note:

3. The recommendations from Overview & Scrutiny relating to the ‘5G Call for Evidence’ public consultation namely:

(a) That Cabinet be asked to consider equitable ways to involve the public more in the consultation around the planning implications of the implementation of 5G technology, particularly with regard to the siting of masts.

(b) That if Cabinet is minded to approve the deployment by the Council of 5G connectivity as part of the Lansdowne Digital Pilot continuous monitoring takes place to ensure that the levels of radio wave emissions fall within the internationally recognised limits, and the findings be reported back to theOverview and Scrutiny Board.

(c) That the Board agrees that all information submitted in its call for evidence in relation to 5G connectivity be passed to Public Health England to consider for inclusion in future reviews.

(d) That a framework be established for feedback to be provided to the Council in relation to the call for evidence information passed to Public Health England.

Note: In discussing this item, the Chairman [of O&S] agreed on behalf of the Board to request through Cabinet that the Council contacts other relevant local authorities with regard to their work in this area, including those who have agreed to be Government funded test bed areas and those who have declared a moratorium.

4. £900k has already been secured for digital infrastructure through the Lansdowne Business District Growth Deal project. This project includes:

(i) Ducting and fibre around the Lansdowne area (already installed);

(ii) Public Wi-Fi network (about to be procured)

(iii) Connection to a commercial data centre

(iv) Internet of Things Network

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder(s): Leader of the Council

Reason

The trial Smart Place use cases, applications and services, utilising new digital technologies, to evidence and quantify social, environmental, economic and financial benefits likely to accrue from the wider Smart Place Programme.

Minutes:

The Leader presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'A' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet approval was sought to conduct the Smart Place Pilot project at the Lansdowne as an initial proof of concept project for the wider Smart Place Programme, which is the subject of a separate Cabinet report.

In presenting the report the Leader praised the work of the Overview and Scrutiny Board in respect of the 5G call for evidence. The Leader stressed the importance of being in control with regards to the pilot and having the ability to end the pilot if necessary.

The Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Board advised Cabinet that he was pleased that the Overview and Scrutiny Board had held a call for evidence, and that he was grateful that all of the recommendations which came out of the Overview and Scrutiny Board had been brought forwards. In addition the Chairman highlighted that there had been over 220 written submissions along with verbal submissions which had been made at the meetings, and that all of these had been listened to and considered, along with any other evidence presented.

A Councillor present at the meeting addressed the Cabinet stressing their concern with regards to 5G and the potential bad effect it may have on all living things. In addition the Councillor advised that lots of scientists had spoken out against 5G.

Cabinet Members spoke in support of commencing with the pilot highlighting that the pilot will be monitored very carefully, and in addition recognising that there needs to be a debate at a national level.

Cabinet Members further praised the work of the Overview and Scrutiny Board in its call for evidence and for the recommendations which had come out of this process.