Issue - meetings

5.1

The Terms of Reference for Local Area Committees (LACs) provide that each LAC must agree a Community Plan setting priorities for the area of the committee, monitor delivery of that plan and keep it under review, and that the decisions it makes in relation to funding must fit with the priorities set out in the Community Plan and following engagement with the community.

Through public consultation, the North LAC has developed a draft Community Plan that seeks to identify the key issues within the area, and develop a series of priorities that will inform the direction of the LAC, and direct the spending of delegated budgets, where the LAC has authority to do so.

This Report recommends the approval of the draft North Community Plan, attached as an Appendix to this report.

5.2

RESOLVED: That:-

(1)  Approval be given to the North Community Plan as a statement of the priorities of the area;

(2)  Authority be given to the Community Services Manager to produce a final version of the Community Plan document, incorporating any amendments approved by the LAC at this meeting, and to publish it on the webpages of the North Local Area Committee; and

(3)  Notes that future LAC decisions relating to funding must fit with the priorities set out in the Community Plan and following engagement with the community.

5.3

Reasons for Decision

The proposal to approve the North LAC Community Plan is recommended on the basis that the Plan provides a clear framework in how the LAC will direct it’s resources to address key issues identified through community consultation.

5.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

None. A key element in establishing LACs is the principle that each LAC

will develop a Community Plan.

5.5

Any Interest Declared or Dispensation Granted

None

5.6

Reason for Exemption if Public/Press Excluded During Consideration

None

5.7

Respective Director Responsible for Implementation

Executive Director People Services

5.8

Relevant Scrutiny and Policy Development Committee If Decision Called In

Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee

6.1

The Committee received the following question from a member of the public who had submitted questions prior to the meeting, and who was in attendance to raise it:-

6.1.1

Question 1 – Matthew Wilson

(a)    At the last meeting, the state of Mortomley Close, an un-adopted road in High Green was raised and there was a commitment to take this back to the council to find out more information.

Since then a question was raised at Full Council about it and it was suggested approaching the LAC, and seeing what could be done in the meantime. Can members inform me if any members of the LAC had taken this issue back to the council and if so what were they told.

The Chair noted that the first question had been raised at the North LAC online event that was held on 27 January 2022, and also at full Council on 2 March 2022, where Councillor Paul Wood gave a response.

Councillor Mike Levery queried whether there was any written evidence available that could be considered. He noted that Councillor Wood had made it clear in his response (to full Council) that the Council would be held legally responsible for any work they carried out to an unadopted road. He had heard of other unadopted roads which the Council had agreed to resurface. Where future repairs were required on these roads, the Council would organise the works and would then recharge residents.

(b)    I have been approached by tenants living in the bungalows on the corner of Bevan Way. They are concerned about the security of their communal garden. They inform me that they had contacted the Council with proposals to partition the land and had provided quotes for the fencing.

Unfortunately they were turned down. They were told they couldn't partition the garden as it was a communal garden. However, there are a number of communal gardens on Bevan Way with communal gardens that they've partitioned. They were also told they couldn't partition the garden as the Council need access to cut the lawn. Tenants tell me though they cut it themselves.

It seems to me as it's their garden which they maintain themselves and they have said they are willing to pay for it at no cost to the council then why shouldn't they be able to partition it. Could members advise whether they would investigate and review the previous decision made.

The Chair thanked Mr Wilson for his questions and asked him to forward the details of the bungalows concerned. He would then be able to seek a full response from officers who would be able to investigate the details of their tenancy agreements.

6.2

The Committee received the following question from a member of the public which was submitted prior to the meeting:-

6.2.1

Question 2 – Alan Bilton (read out by the Chair)

Over the last 15 years the lower section of Church Street, Ecclesfield, between Mill Road and The Common, has experienced problems of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6