Agenda, decisions and minutes

There were no declarations of interest made in accordance with the Code of Conduct.

To confirm as a correct record the Notes of the meeting of Local Environmental Management Advisory Board held on Tuesday 27 May 2014

RESOLVED:  That the notes of the meeting of the Local Environmental Management Advisory Board held on 27 May 2014 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

Decision Notice D140094MEM

The report of the Director of Street and Leisure detailed arrangements for refuse, recycling, street cleansing and public convenience cleansing over the Christmas holiday period.

Members were also advised of ongoing discussions with the contractor regarding the provision of additional resource in the lead up to Christmas so that both black and green bin collections could take place before the holiday.  However, this was subject to final agreement and the Advisory Board would be updated at the next meeting in November.

RECOMMENDED: That the arrangements for refuse and recycling collections and contracted services over the Christmas period, as set out in the report, be noted and endorsed.

Decision Notice:  D140095MEM

The Director of Street and Leisure provided details of the new regulations and legislation regarding the collection methods for recycling materials due to come into force in January 2015.

Members noted that although the Borough Council’s current system of source separated collections for recycling was felt to comply with the new regulations it was considered necessary to demonstrate compliance. 

Reference was made to the ‘route map’ which was an advice document for local authorities and provided a step by step guide on how to demonstrate compliance with the regulations.    This document had been prepared in conjunction with a number of nationally recognised waste industry experts.  Members suggested that it would be beneficial for the Advisory Board to see the ‘route map’.

RECOMMENDED:  That the approach outlined in the report to demonstrate compliance with the new regulations and to work with Kent Resources Partnership colleagues, where practicable, be noted and endorsed. 

Decision Notice:  D140096MEM

Consideration was given to a revised Food and Safety Service Plan which formed part of the Council’s Policy Framework and was subject to annual review.  The Plan provided evidence that there was proper governance, resourcing and organisation of the Council’s Food and Safety function.

It was reported that the principal revisions related to the changes in the Borough Council’s internal staffing structure, last year’s performance data and a changing emphasis on regulatory approach.

RECOMMENDED:  That the amended Food and Safety Service Plan 2012-16, attached as Annex 1 to the report, be approved.

Members were advised of a number of key issues impacting on waste and street scene services. 

DVLA changes to the taxing of vehicles came into force from 1 October 2014. The impact of these changes for local authorities was expected to be minimal because Waste Collection Authorities had a duty, and powers, to deal with Abandoned Vehicles, rather than those that were untaxed.  Members were reminded that the DVLA were responsible for dealing with untaxed vehicles and the Police for uninsured and dangerously parked vehicles.

Particular reference was made to the DVLA website which provided a search facility enabling landowners, parish councils and members of the public to check if a vehicle was taxed – https://www.gov.uk/checkvehicle-tax

Members noted that the Love Where You Live campaign continued to be successful and welcomed the launch of the ‘Snodland Litter Code for Businesses’, which was an addition to the original scheme operating in Larkfield, East Malling and Ditton.   It was hoped that the same level of engagement could be encouraged in other areas of the Borough.

In addition, Members were pleased to see that reducing litter in the Borough remained a key priority and thanked officers and community groups for their participation in the Love Where You Live campaign. 

Finally, it was reported that the Kent Resources Partnership had provided funding to all Kent districts to enable them to promote resource and recycling messages.  The Borough Council intended to use this funding to promote recycling services; maximise use of the current services; improve the quality of material collected; reduce the amount of waste in the black bin and, where possible, increase income received for the various materials.  A detailed programme of initiatives, branded as ‘Slim Your Bin’ would be provided to future meetings of the Advisory Board.

Members were updated on progress with a range of ‘street scene’ initiatives planned for implementation in 2014/15 and which aimed to improve local environmental quality.  The progress made in respect of the Action Plan was set out in Annex 1 to the report.

It was reported that the booklet ‘Guidance on how to report street scene issues’ was currently being revised and would explain which organisations had responsibility for which areas and what could be done by the Borough Council.

The report provided an update on a range of Environmental Protection issues.  Members noted the latest position regarding complaints received by the Service, the M20 noise barriers and dangerous dogs legislation.

Members asked that properties along the A21 be considered for noise attenuation measures on the completion of the road widening scheme.

In addition, Members welcomed the changes to the Dangerous Dogs legislation and particularly the extension of powers to cover incidents on private property.  It was noted that dog on dog attack was dealt with by the Borough Council whilst dog on human attack was the responsibility of Kent Police.    The Borough Council was satisfied with the approach set out by Kent Police in dealing with the new requirements and confident that any incidents would be taken seriously and treated appropriately. 

Finally, it was noted that the Borough Council’s Health and Safety Officer had prepared guidance for officers regarding dangerous dogs and this could be shared with Members.

The report provided an update on the work of the Food and Safety Team and changes in Food Standards Agency Policy.  Members were advised that businesses would continue to be monitored to ensure satisfactory performance.

Members noted the statutory notices served since the last meeting of the Advisory Board.

The Chairman to move that the press and public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting during consideration of any items the publication of which would disclose exempt information.

The Chairman moved, it was seconded and

RESOLVED:  That as public discussion would disclose exempt information, the following matters be considered in private.

(LGA 1972 Sch 12A Paragraph 7 – Prevention, investigation or prosecution of criminal offences)

Decision Notice:  D140097MEM

The report provided an update on the ongoing issue of odour emissions in Tonbridge and specifically on the developments that had occurred since the last meeting of the Advisory Board on 27 May 2014.

Members asked that their appreciation for the hard work and commitment of the Chief Environmental Health Officer and her team be recorded.

RECOMMENDED: That:

(1)   the progress made to date with the installation and commissioning of the Regenerative Thermal Oxidiser be noted; and

(2)   the ongoing involvement in monitoring and reviewing the performance of the Company concerned and the continuation of the legal process be endorsed.