The Committee was informed that as there were technical problems only items 1-8 could be web-cast.

Resolved:That items 1-8 be web-cast.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Beerling.

It was noted that Councillor English was substituting for Councillor Beerling.

There were no visiting Members.

Resolved: That:

a)  Councillor Mrs Blackmore be elected Chairman for the municipal year 2010-11; and

b)  Councillor Beerling be elected Vice Chairman for the municipal year 2010-11.

There were no disclosures.

Resolved: That all items be taken in public as proposed.

Resolved: That the Minutes of the meeting of the Environment and Leisure Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting of 20 April 2010 be agreed and duly signed by the Chairman.

Working in small groups, Members spoke to Officers about the work areas covered by the terms of reference of the Committee. Members then discussed the topics for review that had been proposed as follows:

Transition Towns

The Committee heard that Transition Towns were a community-led response to the pressures of climate change, fossil fuel depletion and economic contraction. The objective would be to deliver a local economy that was less dependent on energy by focussing on energy conservation and developing a more localised economy. Members discussed:

·  Whether the subject should be addressed on a village by village basis, or as the entire Borough;

·  Whether there was a national policy that could provide guidance on how best to approach the subject; and

·  Members felt that the focus of the review would be linked with planning policy and therefore agreed that the matter should be referred to the Leisure and Prosperity Overview and Scrutiny Committee for consideration in its work programme.

Air Quality Monitoring and Traffic Congestion

The Committee was informed that the Partnerships and Well-being Overview and Scrutiny Committee had decided to conduct a Review into how the Sustainable Communities Act could be used to introduce low emission zones. Members discussed:

·  The operation of the one-way system in Maidstone and whether changes could improve congestion and reduce emission levels. The system was the responsibility of Kent County Council (KCC) Highways department and had previously been considered by the Joint Transportation Board;

·  That several areas of the Borough regularly exceeded EU permitted levels, which could lead to fines being imposed;

·  That experts from the car industry, and / or academics who had conducted research into the subject should be invited to give evidence;

·  That a joint Review should be undertaken with the Partnerships and Well-being Overview and Scrutiny Committee; and

·  Councillors Barned, Vizzard and Yates should represent the Committee on a joint Review.

Bulky Waste Collections

The Committee heard that this topic arose out of concern that a pensioner had been charged £55 to have a bath removed, as this was classed as home improvement waste. There had been no consideration of the pensioner’s ability to pay the charges. The Committee was informed the Cabinet Member for Environment was to make a decision on the charges for waste collection by the end of June. Members discussed:

·  The interaction between the bulky waste collection and freighter services;

·  The need to find more efficient ways of disposing of waste, including increased levels of recycling; and

·  That in view of the expected decision by the Cabinet Member for Environment on the charges for collection of waste, the Committee should consider this topic again in three to six months time. 

Integrated Transport Strategy

The Committee heard that the proposed objective of the Review was to consider the future transport needs of the Borough to:

·  Promote the use of public transport;

·  Reduce congestion and air pollution;

·  Planned housing developments have good public transport links; and

·  Ensure car parking, park and ride, walk and ride, and park  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

The Committee was informed the previous technical issues with the web-cast had been solved.

Resolved: That the final Agenda Item be web-cast.

The Chairman set out the work programme for the following months.

July:

·  Officers be invited to present a report on the Integrated Transport Strategy; and

·  Cabinet Member for the Environment to provide a written report.

August:

·  Cabinet Member for the Environment to answer questions on his priorities for the year; and

·  Scrutiny of the Parking enforcement contract.

September:

·  Communal Spaces: Maintenance, provision and ownership.

A Member also noted the Regeneration and Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee review of road safety in Maidstone and requested an update on this.

Resolved: That:

·  The Chairman and Members of LDAG be invited to the July meeting to participate in the item on the Integrated Transport Strategy;

·  The Committee receive an update on the road safety in Maidstone review; and

·  The future work programme for 2010-11 be noted.

6:32 p.m. to 9:06 p.m.