Agenda and minutes

The Chairman will read the following announcement:

“I would like to remind everyone present that this meeting will be recorded to the internet (or filmed) and will be capable of repeated viewing  (or another use by such third parties).

Therefore, by entering the Council Chamber and using the seating area, you are consenting to being filmed and to the possible use of those images and sound recordings for webcasting and/or training purposes.”

The Chairman reminded everyone present that the meeting would be broadcast live to the Internet, and that the Council had adopted a protocol for the webcasting of its meetings.

To report the appointment of any substitute members for the meeting.

The Committee noted the following substitution reported at the meeting:

Councillor Stocker had been appointed as substitute to for Councillor Lion.

To declare interests in any item on this agenda.

There were no declarations of interest made pursuant to the Council’s Members’ Code of Conduct.

To agree the notes of the last meeting of Place Scrutiny Committee held on 19 September 2023.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the Place Scrutiny Committee held on 19 September 2023 be taken as read and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

Members to consider and review the work programme.

Resolved:

The Places Scrutiny Committeee noted and agreed the work programme.

Action:

The Committee proposed that the Planning Advisory Service (PAS) review of planning/development mangement be considered by the Place Scrutiny Committee in the next municpal year.

To consider the update on the delivery of the Waste Programme.

J Warwick, Service Director - Contracts Partnerships and Procurementprovided an update on the progress of the Waste Programme and advised that the  current waste collection contract with Biffa would end in November 2024. The following three workstreams had been identified and were in progress.

·         Creation of a LATCO the new waste company wholly owned by EFDC which will launch on the 4 of November 2024,

·         Mobilisation of a New Operations Centre, planning permission had been granted and this centre must be operational by November 2024, and

·         Procurement of vehicles through an eight year contract hire agreement, delivery expected in October 2024.

Resolved:

That the Place Scrutiny Committee noted the report.

To consider progress of the new Epping Leisure Centre project

Cabinet agreed the delivery of the new Epping Leisure Centre on 13 March 2023. This was at an early stage of construction and  all pre-start planning and section 106 conditions had been discharged. The Council’s contractor Pellikaan Construction Ltd were on site and had completed site establishment, investigation and clearance works.  Excavation of the pool area and the piling works had commenced. The project team and delivery process were the same as that utilised for the successful delivery of the Waltham Abbey Leisure Centre project.

Resolved:

That the Committee noted the update on the delivery of the new Epping Leisure Centre.

To conisder and comment on the updated EFDC Tree Policy 2024 – 2029.

M Thompson, Service Director Regulatory Services, advised the Committee that the updated Epping Forest District Council (EFDC) Tree Policy 2024 – 2029 defined the Council’s approach to the management of trees owned by District Council and the publicly owned highway under the stewardship of Essex County Council.  This would promote responsible tree management and provide clear guidance on responsibilities and expectations for residents within the district.

The Committee queried the cost of a tree and were advised that  a specific formula, the Cavat value of trees, was used

Resolved:

The Committee commended Epping Forest Tree Policy 2024-2029 to Cabinet for approval.

To consider and comment on the Latton Priory Strategic Design Code. Please note Appendices A, B and C are attached separately to this agenda

Krishna Shah provided an overview of the Latton Priory Strategic Design and highlighted key aspects of the process and code.

The Committee received assurance that public and stakeholder consultation had been undertaken and feedback from that consultation was being incorporated into design code amendments or addressed through the wider planning process as appropriate.  Frequently Asked questions (FAQs) would be developed to address some of the issues raised and these will be made available on the design code engagement website along with a comments and response tracker. Infrastructure and high speed broadband requirements were addressed in the Local Plan and would form part of the planning process.

Resolved:

The Committee commended the report to Cabinet for approval.

To note that this is the last scheduled Place Scrutiny Committee meeting of the municipal year.