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 the Street Scene and Environment Services Advisory Board held on 11 June 2019

RESOLVED:  That the notes of the meeting of the Street Scene and Environment Services Advisory Board held on 11 June 2019 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To agree and endorse the approach taken to bring forward a Draft Climate Change Strategy by May 2020.

Decision Notice D190061MEM

The report of the Management Team gave details of the motion on climate change approved by the Council on 9 July 2019 and set out an approach to addressing the issues involved and bringing forward a Draft Climate Change Strategy by May 2020.

Members were invited to contribute to the shaping of the strategy by sending initial thoughts and comments to the Scrutiny and Partnerships Manager.  It was noted that, following approval of the draft by the Council, there would be a period of public consultation to inform the final strategy.  In the meantime it was agreed that all reports should include a section on assessment of climate change impact.

RECOMMENDED:  That the timescale for delivery of the Draft Climate Change Strategy, as set out in the report, be endorsed.

The report updates Members on the new Waste Services Contract which started on 1 March 2019, with the new and improved recycling services due to commence on 30 September.  It also highlights the proposed timeframe for the implementation of the revised bring bank sites and arrangements for communal bins.

Decision Notice D190062MEM

The report of the Director of Street Scene, Leisure and Technical Services provided an update on the new Waste Services Contract which started on 1 March, including the improved recycling services due to commence on 30 September 2019.  Details were given of key contractor performance indicators, the uptake of the opt-in garden waste service and arrangements for marketing and communication with residents on the new service.  Reference was also made to the proposed timeframe for the implementation of the revised bring bank sites and arrangements for communal bins.  Members’ assistance was sought in disseminating information to their residents.

RECOMMENDED: That

(1)             progress made in the implementation of the new waste contract be noted;

(2)             a further update on the mobilisation of the new service arrangements be presented at the next meeting of the Advisory Board on 30 October 2019;

(3)             the proposed approach to the roll-out of communal bins be approved; and

(4)             the proposed timeframe for the implementation of the revised bring bank site arrangements be approved.

Report on the outcomes of the landfill gas investigation at the former Joco Pit site at Borough Green.

The report of the Director of Planning, Housing and Environmental Health provided an update on the outcomes of the detailed landfill gas investigation at the former Joco Pits site in Borough Green.  Since the gas risk for the majority of the site had been confirmed as “very low” to “low”, it was concluded that it did not need to be classed as a “special site” under Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 although monitoring would be maintained on a quarterly basis.  The report highlighted lessons that would be applied to future investigations on other sites.  It was confirmed that the relevant pages on the Council’s website would be updated accordingly.

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.

There were no items considered in private.