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MINUTES
To confirm and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 19th April 2005 as a correct record.
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DECLARATION OF INTERESTS
Members to declare any interest as appropriate in respect of items to be considered at this meeting.
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3 |
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
To receive apologies for absence.
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4 |
CHAIRMAN'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
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TO RECEIVE NOTIFICATION OF PETITIONS IN ACCORDANCE WITH COUNCIL PROCEDURE RULE NO. 13
In accordance with Council Procedure Rule No.13, the Chief Executive will report the receipt of petitions as detailed below. There can be no debate or comment upon this matter at the Council meeting:-
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Application No. B/05/00179/FUL – Change of use to Class A3 at ground floor level, 4 No. residential units at first floor level, extended landscaped area and elevation changes, 67 – 70 North Street, Sudbury
Petition signed by approximately 24 residents of Babergh which was considered by the Development Committee at its meeting on 27th April 2005 in conjunction with the relevant report.
Application No. B/05/00396/FUL – Proposed crazy golf course, land at the Maldon Grey Public House, Cats Lane, Sudbury
Petition signed by approximately 28 residents of Babergh which was considered by the Development Committee at its meeting on 25th May 2005 in conjunction with the relevant report.
Application No. B/03/01085/OUT – HMS Ganges, Shotley
Petition signed by approximately 110 residents of Babergh which was reported to Development Committee at its meeting on 25th May 2005 and will be considered in conjunction with the relevant report. |
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6 |
RECOMMENDATIONS AND REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES
To consider the recommendations of Committees contained in the following:- |
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Paper E11
previously circulated
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Review of the Council’s Sheltered Housing Service (Strategy Committee Minute No. 8)
Mrs S M Wigglesworth, Chairman of the Housing Panel, presented Paper E11 which contained the Housing Panel’s recommendations and proposals for the future of the Council’s fifteen sheltered housing schemes. The Review document was attached as Appendix 1 to the report.
Mrs Wigglesworth referred to the reasons for the Review, and the Panel’s view that a phased approach should be taken on implementing its recommendations, with the opportunity for progress to be reviewed annually by the Committee.
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Members noted that the reference to ‘internal’ in paragraph 2.5 of the report should read ‘internet’.
During the course of the discussion on the Panel’s recommendations, reference was made to various strategic aspects of the Review including the health and community care context, the links to complementary programmes through local agencies such as Primary Care Trusts and Local Strategic Partnerships, and the importance of developing Very Sheltered Housing provision. The Head of Housing explained the effect of the application of the Right to Buy rules on any Schemes which were being reduced in size, and Members noted that any car parking issues for Schemes would be reviewed as part of the Panel’s normal remit.
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RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL
(1) That the following Sheltered Schemes be reduced in size:-
· Ash Street, Boxford
· Playford Court, Sudbury
· Hill House, Bildeston
· Hadleigh Central
· Parkers Way, Nayland
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(2) That feasibility studies into improvement and/or redevelopment options for the following schemes be undertaken in the priority order shown, and that reports be prepared for Strategy Committee to determine proposals for:-
(a) Clibbon House, Great Cornard
(b) Spring Street and Tenterpiece, Lavenham
(c) Angel Street, Hadleigh
(d) Ash Street, Boxford
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(3) That a dedicated ‘Handyperson’ Scheme be introduced as a two-year pilot to undertake minor repairs and major cleaning works in the communal areas at the larger Sheltered Schemes, subject to a detailed cost evaluation.
(4) That, if and when the TV Licensing authority withdraws a tenant’s right to a concessionary TV licence fee as a result of the Sheltered Scheme review, the fees be paid from the HRA for the tenants affected.
(5) That a programme of improvement works be established for works at First Avenue, Sudbury and for security measures, internet surfing clubs and scooter parks at the larger Sheltered Schemes. Further that these improvements be funded from the Council’s existing Sheltered Units – General Improvements budget, already included in the Council’s HRA Business Plan.
(6) That the possibility of upgrading Playford Court Sheltered Scheme into a Very Sheltered Housing Scheme be investigated with Suffolk County Council.
(7) That (a) a programme of conversion/adaptations be established for works at William Wood House and Sydney Brown Court and (b) these improvements be funded from the Council’s existing Conversions/Adaptations budget already included in the Council’s HRA Business Plan.
(8) That the Head of Housing in consultation with the Head of Organisational Development be authorised to make all appropriate changes to the Sheltered Service staffing structure which become necessary as a result of the implementation of the Review.
(9) That sheltered tenants living at Schemes which are scheduled for any form of re-designation or remodelling be awarded priority status on the Transfer List.
(10) That the Council’s Lettings Policy be amended to allow the `Over 50`s` rule to apply to those Schemes being reduced in size.
(11) That the Housing Panel undertakes a review of the progress of the implementation of these recommendations, commencing in 2006.
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7 |
QUESTIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
The Chairmen of Committees to answer any questions from the public of which notice has been given no later than midday two working days before the day of the meeting in accordance with Council Procedure Rule No.14.
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QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS
The Chairman of the Council and the Chairmen of Committees and Sub-Committees to answer any questions on any matters in relation to which the Council has powers or duties or which affect the District and which fall within the terms of reference of that Committee or Sub-Committee of which due notice has been given in accordance with Council Procedure Rule No.15.4 (a) and (b).
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9 |
ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR ACT 2003, COMPLAINTS ABOUT HIGH HEDGES – FEES
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Paper E36
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(a) Action out of Meeting
Report attached. |
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Paper E37
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(b) Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003, Complaints about High Hedges – Fees
Report by the Head of Planning (Control) attached.
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10 |
MEMBER APPOINTMENTS
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(a) Dual Use Sports Centres
The Head of Legal and Administrative Services to report that one of the conditions of increased financial support for the four dual use leisure centres (East Bergholt, Great Cornard, Hadleigh and Sudbury) was that the Council should seek member representation on each of the management committees. This is now being pursued through the schools and the Council is asked to consider an appointment to each of the management committees for the remainder of the current term of office.
The management committees meet at the respective school approximately quarterly either in the late afternoon or early evening.
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(b) Member Champion for Diversity
The Head of Legal and Administrative Service to report that, to raise awareness of diversity and equality issues with Members, it is recommended that the Council appoint a Member Champion for Diversity, who would also serve as the representative on the Equalities Steering Group. |
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