Agenda

To receive any apologies for absence from Councillors.

To receive information on any changes in the membership of the Committee.

Note – When a member of a Committee is unable to attend a meeting of a Committee or Sub-Committee, the relevant Political Group Leader (or their nominated representative) may, by notice to the Monitoring Officer (or their nominated representative) prior to the meeting, appoint a substitute member from within the same Political Group. The contact details on the front of this agenda should be used for notifications.

Councillors are requested to declare any interests on items included in this agenda. Please refer to the workflow on the preceding page for guidance.

Declarations received will be reported at the meeting.

To receive any public questions, statements or petitions submitted in accordance with the Constitution. Further information on the requirements for submitting these is available to view at the following link:-

https://democracy.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/ieListMeetings.aspx?CommitteeID=151&Info=1&bcr=1

The deadline for the submission of public questions is 4 clear working days before the meeting.

The deadline for the submission of a statement is midday the working day before the meeting.

The deadline for the submission of a petition is 10 working days before the meeting.

To confirm and sign as a correct record the minutes of the meetings held on 16 November 2022 and the Special meeting held on 2 February 2023.

In September 2022, Cabinet requested a report detailing options for the replacement of cremator(s) be brought to Cabinet in the next 6 months, with the aim of working towards new cremator(s) being installed in the next 18 months.

This report provides up to date crematoria market analysis, data and trends supported by an independent feasibility report as to the options available on the installation of cremators at Poole Crematorium to support a reinvestment decision.

CDS Limited were commissioned to carry out a feasibility report following the Cabinet meeting on 28 September 2022 whereby Cabinet committed to bringing forward the reinstatement of cremators at the Poole Crematorium facility, subject to a continuing review of demand, emerging green technologies and the preferred future location(s) and appropriate timeframe for this investment.

Since April 2020 Poole Crematorium site has been operating as a ceremonial only venue with deceased conveyed to Bournemouth Crematorium for cremation.

Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee are asked to note that the Climate Programme Cabinet report is yet to be finalised.

Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee are asked to consider and comment on the three drafted supporting appendices:

·        Annual Report 2021/22

·        Draft Climate Strategy 2023 – 2028

Draft Action Plan 2023 - 2025

Government is currently consulting on changes to national planning policy to incentivise the preparation of local plans as the means to deliver more homes to meet its national targets. Government is aware that local plans delayed by contentious issues such as housing targets and allocations within the Green Belt are delaying plan making and resulting in less homes being built.

The implications for the emerging Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Local Plan are significant. The proposals strengthen the Council’s position in demonstrating that the government’s standard methodology figure of 2,800 homes per year is not achievable. The proposed changes to national policy suggest that a lower housing target can be found sound at examination, where local constraints and circumstances are considered. This allows the Council to prepare a draft plan without having to release Green Belt for housing development or plan for densities out of character with the current built environment.

In accordance with the Local Development Scheme the intention remains to publish a draft local plan in Autumn 2023, test it through examination and adopt it in late 2024.

There is new emphasis too on place making and protecting the character of places. An up-to-date local plan will provide greater protections to residential areas at risk from speculative high density flatted development as the Council will not be required to demonstrate a five-year land supply.

The Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee is asked to consider and approve the attached work plan for the Committee or make suggestions for amendments as required.