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MAIDSTONE BOROUGH COUNCIL

CABINET

13 June 2012

REPORT OF THE COMMUNITIES OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE

Report prepared by Overview and Scrutiny Officer 

1.           Neighbourhood Action Planning Review

1.1        Issue for Decision

1.1.1   To consider the recommendations within ‘Neighbourhood Action Planning Review’ report attached at Appendix A.

1.2        Recommendation of the Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee

1.2.1   That the Cabinet Member agrees the following recommendations:

1.   That the Community Halls Audit report is taken to the Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee to address the possibility of communities running facilities similar to Heather House in Park Wood;

2.   That assistance be given by the Community Development Team to Park Wood residents in the production of their residents’ newsletter;

3.   That the financial implications of extending Planning for Real across other wards of the borough be undertaken before decisions are finalised;

4.   That case studies be used to convey the successes achieved in Park Wood when delivering Neighbourhood Action Planning in other areas of the borough. Established residents’ groups in Park Wood should be encouraged to share their experiences with others;

5.   That the involvement of children in the creation of the 3D model which forms part of the Planning for Real methodology should be the starting point for any future Neighbourhood Action Planning;

6.   That the priorities arising from the Planning for Real process take into account residents’ needs and the priorities of the partners involved;

7.   That Golding Homes and residents from Park Wood are invited to Regeneration and Economic Development Overview and Scrutiny Committee to address the issues that arose regarding the regeneration of Park Wood; and

8.   That clarification is required for residents on how they can access new properties in Park Wood.

1.3        Reasons for Recommendation

1.3.1   At its first meeting of the 2011-12 Municipal Year, the Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee agreed to carry out a review of Neighbourhood Action Planning.  It was the Committee’s intention to focus on the Park Wood pilot scheme and the Park Wood Neighbourhood Action Plan 2010-15.  The Committee evaluated the scheme and the way in which it was developed with residents.  The Committee sought to make informed recommendations based on the successful outcomes of the scheme and the lessons learned.

1.3.2   The Committee carried out both formal and informal interviews with internal officers, stakeholders, including Kent Police, Golding Homes and Kent County Council Youth Offending Services, as well as representatives from organisations commissioning activities in Park Wood and residents groups.  The Committee considered desktop research which identified the national outlook and Central Government’s position in terms of the implementation of the Localism Act and community engagement.

1.3.3   Having considered the evidence, the Committee approved a wide range of recommendations which addressed  Maidstone Borough Council’s future role in Neighbourhood Action Planning and specific issues that had arisen through engagement with residents. The Committee identified, through its recommendations, strengths from the Neighborhood Action Planning Pilot Scheme and Planning for Real Process that it would like to see form replicated in Neighbourhood Action Planning Schemes in other areas of the borough.

1.4        Alternative Action and why not Recommended

1.4.1   The Cabinet Member could decide not to endorse any of the recommendations within the ‘‘Neighborhood Action Planning Review” report, however the recommendations are based on evidence from a range of sources and support the Council’s objectives with regard to residents not being  disadvantaged because of where they live or sho they are, as outlined at 1.4. 

1.5        Impact on Corporate Objectives

1.5.1   The Council’s Strategic Plan 2011-2015  lists “for Maidstone to be a decent place to live”  as key priorities. The recommendations within the report contribute to the fulfillment of these objectives.

1.6        Risk Management

1.6.1   The Recommendations contained within the report will need to be risk assessed as part reviewing whether they should be accepted or not.

1.7        Other Implications

1.7.1    

1.8        Appendices

Appendix A – Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee “Neighbourhood Action Planning Review”;

Appendix B - Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee “Neighbourhood Action Planning Review Evidence Pack”;