Agenda and minutes

The Chair confirmed that the meeting was being broadcast live to the internet via the Council’s website and was capable of repeated viewing. The images and sound recording may be used for training purposes within the Council. All were asked to keep to the speaking guidelines which were outlined.  Any views expressed by any speaker in the meeting are the speaker’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of High Peak Borough Council.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 31 March 2021 be approved as a correct record.

The Committee considered a review of the Community Safety Strategy which delivered he commitment that the Council is supportive in fighting crime and anti social behaviour.

RESOLVED:

1.    That the Executive be recommended to approve the creation of a Strategy Group that focuses just on High Peak;

2.    That the Community Safety Partnership’s plan be noted; and

3.    That the contributions that the Council makes towards community safety be noted.

The Committee considered a report which set out how the Council works in partnership to deliver Aim 1 of the Corporate Plan, “to create a healthier, safer, cleaner High Peak”, and made recommendations for further developing partnership working.

Reference was made to a limited consultation with some partner bodies and other agencies around health arrangements in Glossop to establish whether Glossopdale should be part of Derbyshire’s Integrated Care System, rather than remaining with Tameside.  Concern was expressed regarding the lack of consultation with the public and the impact of such a change.

In response to a query, Members were advised that one of the priorities of the Health and Wellbeing Partnership was  to work to lower levels of air pollution, but the detailed work was undertaken by different partnerships or groups.  It was suggested that the work of the groups should be reviewed to ensure there was no duplication or gaps.

RESOLVED:

1.    That the Executive be recommended to approve:

·         That the principles at 11.3 for partnership working that are set out in this report be adopted;

·         That each key partnership be invited annually to the relevant Select Committee to present an overview of activity;

·         That Councillors should be provided with regular updates on work in partnership with an emphasis on how this has helped to achieve the Council’s corporate objectives;

·         That the appointment of a representative on the Place Alliance should be formally agreed and added to the list of outside body appointments;

·         That training for Officers and Elected Members should be arranged to further develop the tools and practical approaches needed for managing relationships and effective partnership working; and

·         That Officers should continue discussions with key partners to review and further strengthen partnership working

2.    That the partnership working that currently contributes towards the delivery of Aim 1 of the Council’s Corporate Plan be noted.

The Committee considered documents which deliver on the corporate priority of Develop a Parks Development Plan as part of Aim 4 of the Council’s 2019 – 2023 Corporate Plan to protect and improve the environment, including responding to the climate change emergency.

Reference was made to opportunities to enhance and increase bio diversity throughout areas of the plan.  Members were requested to forward any specific points via e mail, but also to consider how measures could be delivered in practice.  It was also noted that a bio-diversity strategy will be developed to sit alongside this strategy, and the views of local groups were welcomed.  The commitment to reduce the amount of grass cutting was welcomed.

Typographical errors within the report needed to be addressed, including reference to Serpentine Walks rather than The Serpentine.

The Parks Development Fund was welcomed.  In response to a query regarding investment in facilities in Simmondley, there is a commitment to invest in the current facilities as well as S106 funding for additional investment if there is further development.

Regarding neighbourhood parks and open spaces that don’t currently exist, the importance of officers and ward members working to support and enhance  community and friends groups was stressed.

The impact of the works to the Toddbrook Dam on the park at Whaley Bridge was raised, and discussions are on-going.

Regarding the park at Southhead Drive in Chapel en le Frith, negotiations were on-going to ensure that the condition of the land was suitable for the council to assume the liability.

RESOLVED:

That the Executive be recommended to approve:

·         The New Parks Strategy and associated Park Management Plans;

·         The proposed introduction of a Parks Development Fund; and

·         The Play and Outdoor Sports Facilities Investment and Delivery Plan.

It was requested that a report around the Fly tipping campaign be added to the work programme.

Reports back from the bio-diversity groups were requested which would report back to the Climate Change Working Group.  The Climate Change Action Plan would be submitted to the next meeting to the next meetings of the Executive and Climate Change Working Group.

RESOLVED:

That, subject to the above, the work programme be noted.