Hampshire County Council Economy, Transport and Environment Select Committee Meeting

Apologies were received from Councillor Dibbs and Councillor Forster.

Members were mindful that where they believed they had a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in any matter considered at the meeting they must declare that interest at the time of the relevant debate and, having regard to the circumstances described in Part 3, Paragraph 1.5 of the County Council's Members' Code of Conduct, leave the meeting while the matter was discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with Paragraph 1.6 of the Code. Furthermore Members were mindful that where they believed they had a Non-Pecuniary interest in a matter being considered at the meeting they considered whether such interest should be declared, and having regard to Part 5, Paragraph 2 of the Code, considered whether it was appropriate to leave the meeting whilst the matter was discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with the Code.

The minutes of the last meeting were reviewed and agreed.

The Select Committee received the following deputations:

Tim Pickering, Walk Ride Waterlooville (Item 7)
Meg Lampard, Gosport and Fareham Friends of the Earth (Item 8)
Cllr Jackie Porter (Item 8)

The Chairman confirmed the Active Places Summit that was due to take place on 19 October 2019.

The Committee received a presentation from the Assistant Director for Economic Development (item 6 in the minute book) on recovery in Hampshire following the impacts of Covid.

Live data was being used to monitor and manage various areas of the economy. The leisure industry had been especially impacted and relied heavily on grants, and assistance was on hand for the winter to assist businesses. Short, medium and longer term plans had been put in place and opportunities for office regeneration and workspaces were still being sought. Rural connectivity and broadband remained a priority, particularly with so many people relying on stable and reliable internet connections as more things moved online.

During questions, it was confirmed that specific opportunities were being sought to align with Borough and District Councils and shared priorities and areas of focus.

Members thanked officers for their work and for the update.

The Select Committee received a joint presentation on Pop-up Schemes and School Streets (items 7 and 8 in the minute book).

Members were given an introduction to Tranche 1 of the Pop-up Schemes that had been established across the County, which had assisted with social distancing whilst travelling and helped provide alternatives for key workers with travelling to work. 42 schemes had been delivered, with QR codes being available at each one, allowing the public to share feedback on how it was working. Tranche 2 of the schemes would be “to enable authorities to install further, more permanent measures to cement cycling and walking habits. Where applicable, this will enable local authorities to implement schemes already planned in Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWIPs)”

the School Streets scheme looked at traffic on the roads near Hampshire schools and was a focus on modal shift and air quality rather than safety. It was acknowledged that such an initiative would not work for schools on main roads or as part of the bus network, which would cause a negative impact on traffic in the local areas. A pilot area would need to be with schools that were fully supportive of the proposals and what was hoped to be achieved, but it was emphasised that the costs and practicalities involved would also need consideration.

The Executive Member for Economy, Transport and Environment thanked the Select Committee for looking at the School Streets scheme and reinforced the importance of working closely with schools for the pilot to be a success.

The Committee thanked officers for their work.

This item was considered along with the Pop-up Schemes presentation (item 7 on the agenda).

RESOLVED
The Economy, Transport and Environment Select Committee asked the Director of ETE to research a School Streets Scheme pilot and how this could be implemented, with a report to come back for consideration at the January 2021 Select Committee meeting.

Councillor Rupert Kyrle declared an interest as the Cabinet Member for Environment at Eastleigh Borough Council.

Councillor Gary Hughes declared an interest as the Cabinet Lead for Planning, Hayling Seafront Strategy, Commercial Services

The Select Committee considered a report from the Head of Strategic Planning (item 9 in the minute book) on the Planning White paper[1], which proposed fundamental reforms to the planning system.

The four main proposals around the current Planning scheme were discussed, initiated because the current system was cumbersome and not easy for the public to understand. Land was categorised into ‘growth’, ’renewal’ and ‘protected’.

Whilst the consultation was very high level and not too detailed, it was imperative that the County Council had early engagement as the implications would be significant in how the planning process worked.

Members agreed that there were concerns regarding the potential reduction in affordable housing and lack of detail regarding land-banking as well as processes to keep developers accountable.

The Committee discussed what elements they wished to be passed to the Leader for inclusion in the response, and these included the national Infrastructure Levy, the 30-month process for Local Plan preparation, lack of reference to the climate emergency, loss of biodiversity, affordable housing provision, land-banking by developers, other infrastructure considerations such as transport, broadband and sewage provision. (included as an appendix to the minutes).

RESOLVED
The Economy, Transport and Environment Select Committee noted the government White Paper “Planning for the Future” and provided comments for consideration by the Leader in finalising Hampshire County Council’s response to the consultation.

The Select Committee considered the work programme (item 10 in the minute book) and it was agreed that the School Streets scheme and potential pilot be added to the programme for January 2021.

The Work Programme was then agreed by the Select Committee.