Agenda item

(a)       Questions to the Cabinet Member (Corporate Support and Assets)

Councillor Ken Jones requested information on the details of any consultation that had taken place on the Bent Lane Play Area, a local group had recently formed and were ready to help improve the site for the benefit of the community, however, with the removal of the original play equipment and in light of recent communications from the Council regarding the consideration of building houses on all land not designated as a park area, local residents were understandably concerned.

Members of the public also shared their concerns asked about the Balcarres Green area of Leyland being identified for potential housing development. In view of the fact that this area was located next to the Air Quality Zone on Turpin Green Lane, residents felt that additional development would exacerbate the existing problems and asked what any public consultation would look like. This was a view supported by Councillor Matthew Tomlinson who pointed out that it had been a decision by Cabinet in September to release this land for consideration of development.

Councillor Colin Clark responded to say that the Council were reviewing all play areas as part of its Health and Wellbeing agenda and that as part of this, the provision of affordable housing was a serious consideration. He stressed that no decisions had made at this stage and that views would be sought from local residents and ward councillors before any informed decision would be made.

Councillor Caroline Moon, Deputy Leader of the Council also added that she would look into working with the local residents to identify any funding that may be available for the installation of new play equipment on the Bent Lane Play Area.

Councillor Paul Foster asked why the Shared Management arrangements that had been agreed with Chorley had been delayed until after the Elections next year, despite reporting great progress in September, also commenting that it had been disappointing to discover this update on the Council’s Intranet as opposed to Members being informed specifically.

Councillor Colin Clark gave assurances that the administration were still supportive of the idea and that the Leaders of both Councils were meeting regularly. A meeting of the Shared Services Joint Committee was due to meet early in the New Year in an effort to move things forward. In the meantime a joint statement had been released for all staff across the two Councils, giving reasons for the delay.

(b)       Questions to the Cabinet Member (Strategic Planning and Housing)

Councillor Keith Martin asked if the Council’s response to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government consultation on permitted development for shale gas could be circulated to all Members. The Cabinet Member provided a brief response at the meeting and agreed to the request.

Councillor Michael Green declared a personal interest for his role as a County Councillor and Cabinet Member at Lancashire County Council who had provided a full consultation response to Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government in this matter.

A member of the public asked whether the Cabinet Member thought that more bungalows needed to be built across the Borough considering the aging population of Leyland. The Cabinet Member agreed with this sentiment.

(c)       Questions to the Cabinet Member (Public Health and Safety, Wellbeing and Environmental)

Councillor Keith Martin asked the Cabinet Member to respond to a comment that had been made at full council on the 26 September by a licensed South Ribble Taxi driver. What is the environmental impact with regard to emissions, air quality and energy usage of the council’s buildings and vehicles? Add to this, are the council’s fleet using Adblue?

Councillor Karen Walton provided a response at the meeting that incorporated the following:

One of the projects in the Corporate Plan is to develop a renewable energy feasibility study. As part of this study our Environmental Health team are developing a draft energy policy which looks at the Council buildings energy uses. The Air Quality Management Action Plan was approved on the 21 November and a number of actions will address the Council’s own impact on the air quality of South Ribble.  We currently have a number of HGV’s and Light Goods Vehicle (67 plate) on fleet whose engines are Euro 4 onwards and so need Adblue.

Councillor Keith Martin also asked if the Cabinet Member could inform if South Ribble took part in the Governments 25 Year Environmental Plan Consultation and if so, what were the comments and will we be looking at the document in relation to our future business and reduction of our carbon footprint.

Councillor Karen Walton provided a response at the meeting that incorporated the following:

The Council did not take part in the Governments 25 Year Environment Plan Consultation, but are looking at the documentation in relation to Clean air as part of our Air Quality Management Action plan, Thriving plants and wildlife as part of our Green Links and Central parks programme, Reducing the risks of harm from environmental hazards through our planning policies, Enhancing beauty, heritage and engagement with the natural environment through our parks development plans and minimising waste working with our waste collection partner.

A member of the public asked about the impact of ‘log burners’ on air quality/public health. The Cabinet Member agreed to provide an answer outside of the meeting.