Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence from Councillors.

Apologies received from Councillor Lisa Northover

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.

The were no substitute members

To elect a Chair for the Environment and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee for the 2024/25 municipal year.

It was agreed that Councillor Chris Rigby be Elected Chair for the municipal year 2024/25.

To elect a Vice-Chair for the Environment and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee for the 2024/25 municipal year.

It was agreed that Councillor David D’Orton-Gibson be elected Vice-Chair for the Municipal year 2024/25.

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.

There were no declarations of interest made on this occasion.

To confirm and sign as a correct record the minutes of the Meeting held on 28 February 2024.

The minutes of the Environment and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 24 February 2024 were approved as a correct record.

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 mid-day Thursday 9 May.

The deadline for the submission of a statement is midday Tuesday 14 May.

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

Please see Appendix A to these minutes in the Minute Book

From 17 January 2024, BCP Council began a trial 24-hour daily closure to motor vehicles of one entrance / exit point in Poole Park.

On the same day the trial began, BCP Council launched a four-week consultation with the public, to understand the impact of reducing vehicles movements in Poole Park. The consultation results are considered in this report alongside other evidence, the strategic management of the park and the wider impact of a closure.

An Equalities Impact Assessment (EIA) on the closure confirmed that on balance there are no significant impacts on protected characteristic groups, including older people and those with disabilities. The public consultation did show that older people and those with a disability were more likely to disagree with the proposal.

The purpose of this report is to assess the strategic management of the environment within Poole Park and to seek a decision as to whether the trial arrangement and road closure shall be adjusted or made permanent.

The Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'B' to these Minutes in the Minute Book. The Committee was informed that from 17 January 2024, BCP Council began a trial 24-hour daily closure to motor vehicles of one entrance / exit point in Poole Park.

On the same day the trial began, BCP Council launched a four-week consultation with the public, to understand the impact of reducing vehicles movements in Poole Park. The consultation results are considered in this report alongside other evidence, the strategic management of the park and the wider impact of a closure.

An Equalities Impact Assessment (EIA) on the closure confirmed that on balance there are no significant impacts on protected characteristic groups, including older people and those with disabilities. The public consultation did show that older people and those with a disability were more likely to disagree with the proposal. The purpose of the Cabinet report was to assess the strategic management of the environment within Poole Park and to seek a decision as to whether the trial arrangement and road closure shall be adjusted or made permanent.

A Ward Councillor stated that residents feel passionate about the closure and along with a fellow Ward Councillor in Parkstone had engaged with residents and delivered over 700 letters to those closest to the gate. It was mentioned that residents said there was increased safety for children and mobility scooters.

It was stated in Poole Town Ward it was a difficult issue as there was a lot of disagreement and campaigning in the area. Walking and talking to people in the park it was stated that more were in favour of keeping the gate closed than they were keeping it open.  Not a lot of residents of Poole Town had gardens and felt the park was like their garden.

The report from DOTs had been read which listed how the closure of the gate effects the elderly and disabled, there were various issues raised.  It was confirmed that DOTs was independent.

It was stated there was no perfect solution and a park should not be used for through traffic.  It was also stated that it would be a positive step if adopted by the Council.  Most people who visited the park and spoke to councillors said it was marvellous that it was closed.

Members of the Committee said they had received lots of letters from residents, although some were emotive, rude and unhelpful.  Residents had stated that they drove through the park as they were unable to walk.  It was also stated that the scenic drive was therapeutic and fulfilled psychological needs and the ability to drive through the park needed to remain.

It was stated that the park encompassed a lovely scenic view that should be protected.  You cannot get the view anywhere else and it can be seen from the hospital.

It was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

The Environment and Place Overview and Scrutiny (O&S) Committee is asked to consider and identify work priorities for publication in a Work Plan.

The Chairman presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'C' to these Minutes in the Minute Book. The Environment and Place Overview and Scrutiny (O&S) Committee was asked to consider and identify work priorities for publication in a Work Plan.

The Chair invited the Overview and Scrutiny specialist to update the Committee. There was a request from a member of the public regarding the use of phosphates in Chemicals used for weed killing, it was explained that any scrutiny request received has to go to the next available meeting for the Committee to decide if it wishes to conduct further scrutiny.

The Joint Service Unit Head for Environmental services gave a presentation on weed killing, attached to these minutes.

It was highlighted that BCP had a statutory responsibility to ensure the highway was safe. BCP encouraged residents to support removing weeds along boundary lines. Only approved chemicals were used.  Chemicals were not used in play areas and were applied directly to the weeds and not as blanket coverage.

The Committee decided that they wanted to keep an eye on this and have it added to the forward plan and the Chair would consult with officer about this.

The Forward Plan was divided into pre-cabinet and pro-active scrutiny.  Reactive scrutiny may appear if required as issues arise.

It was noted that the Urban Forest Strategy will go to July Cabinet and to the Committee the week before.

The Forward Plan has been themed for meetings that are similar for example Climate and housing which was in the remit for the committee.

RESOLVED that

1.     the O&S Committee consider, update and confirm its Work Plan and agree to delegate to the Chair and Vice-Chair arrangements for the items.

Voting: Unanimous