Agenda, decisions and minutes

Members in any doubt about such declarations are advised to contact Legal or Democratic Services in advance of the meeting

There were no declarations of interest made in accordance with the Code of Conduct.  However, in the interests of transparency, Councillor F Hoskins advised that Priory Wood, Tonbridge bordered on to her property.

To confirm as a correct record the Notes of the meeting of the Street Scene and Environment Services Advisory Board held on 8 December 2020

RESOLVED:  That the notes of the meeting of the Street Scene and Environment Services Advisory Board held on 8 December 2020 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

Representatives from Laser Energy will provide information on the Borough Council’s carbon footprint.

The Advisory Board received a presentation from H Cartledge and S Marks of Laser Energy which outlined work undertaken to date to establish the carbon footprint of the Borough Council and its operations and to identify options for achieving the Council’s aspiration to be carbon neutral by 2030.  The Chairman thanked the representatives for their detailed presentation which would inform the consideration of the Council’s Climate Change Strategy.

To outline the format for a proposed “Climate Change Forum” to establish wider engagement on climate change issues

Decision Notice D210017MEM

The report of the Chief Executive outlined the format for a proposed “Climate Change Forum” to establish wider engagement on climate change issues. 

RECOMMENDED:  That the format of the proposed Climate Change Forum, as outlined at section 1.2 of the report, be endorsed.

The report provided an update on the monitoring of landfill gas levels at the Priory Wood site in Tonbridge and set out a number of next steps for consideration.

Decision Notice D210018MEM

The report of the Director of Planning, Housing and Environmental Health provided an update on the monitoring of landfill gas levels at the Priory Wood site in Tonbridge and outlined a number of possible refinements to the Quantitative Risk Assessment undertaken since 2019.  Particular attention was drawn to the consultants’ recommendation to undertake an Infrastructure Report in respect of the gas extraction system which provided an important safeguard to residential properties (Annex 4 refers).  It was noted that, currently, the gases generated within the landfill posed a moderate to low risk to site users and those properties within the immediate vicinity of the public open space. 

RECOMMENDED:  That

(1)          a Gas Extraction System Condition Survey, as set out at Annex 4 to the report, be undertaken; and

(2)          the Environmental Protection team undertake monthly monitoring of gas levels to keep the situation under review and any changes be reported to a future meeting of the Advisory Board.

This report considers the potential introduction of wildflower strips on areas of amenity open space. The report identifies a potential trial location in Tonbridge and suggests further liaison with the Medway Valley Countryside Partnership to consider additional borough wide opportunities in the future.

Decision Notice D210019MEM

Consideration was given to the potential introduction of wildflower strips on areas of amenity open space to support increased biodiversity. The report of the Director of Street Scene, Leisure and Technical Services outlined liaison undertaken with the Medway Valley Countryside Partnership and the Council’s grounds maintenance contractor regarding a potential trial location in Tonbridge.  It was noted that the outcome of the trial and an assessment of additional borough-wide opportunities would be reported to a future meeting of the Advisory Board.

RECOMMENDED:

(1)             the proposed trial of a roadside nature reserve on amenity open space at Darenth Avenue, Tonbridge be progressed; and

(2)             liaison be undertaken with the Medway Valley Countryside Partnership and the Council’s ground maintenance contractor on the potential for proposals across the wider borough and a report submitted to a future meeting of the Advisory Board.

This report updates Members on progress with the themes/activities identified within the Street Scene and Waste section of the approved First Year Addendum to the Council’s Corporate Strategy. This includes updates on service performance, the roll out of the new service arrangements to flats/communal areas, the reduction in the number of bring bank sites, the reintroduction of the weekend bulky collection service and the transfer of public conveniences to Parish/Town Councils.

The report of the Director of Street Scene, Leisure and Technical Services provided an update on progress with the themes and activities identified in the Street Scene and Waste section of the approved First Year Addendum to the Corporate Strategy.  This included updates on service performance, the reintroduction of the weekend bulky waste collection service, the roll out of the new service arrangements to flats and communal properties, the reduction in the number of bring bank/recycling sites, and the transfer of public conveniences to Parish/Town Councils.

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.