Agenda and draft minutes

The Chair requested members to stand for a minute’s silence in memory of Councillor Paul Scott who had died suddenly.  Condolences were conveyed to his family. 

The Chair explained the procedure for planning committees as outlined in the report. 

Apologies were received from Councillor Dunbar.

Minutes of the meeting of the Cramlington, Bedlington & Seaton Delaval Local Area Council held on 17 November as circulated, to be confirmed as a true record and signed by the Chair.   

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of the Local Area Council held on Wednesday, 17 November 2021, as circulated, be confirmed as a true record and signed by the Chair.  

A member queried the position on the Bedlington Development as a presentation had been promised.  This would be followed up. 

The Chair informed members that the order of the agenda had been changed slightly due to the availability of members/officers. 

Unless already entered in the Council’s Register of Members’ interests, members are required to disclose any personal interest (which includes any disclosable pecuniary interest) they may have in any of the items included on the agenda for the meeting in accordance with the Code of Conduct adopted by the Council on 4 July 2012, and are reminded that if they have any personal interests of a prejudicial nature (as defined under paragraph 17 of the Code Conduct) they must not participate in any discussion or vote on the matter and must leave the room. NB Any member needing clarification must contact Legal Services, on 01670 623324. Please refer to the guidance on disclosures at the rear of this agenda letter.

Councillor Robinson declared an interest in agenda item 13, as his wife was a Care Worker. 

This presentation will outline the Council’s strategy to the 2022-23 Budget within the context of the Corporate Plan.?  The presentation will provide details of the approach to setting the budget for the next financial year and the broad impact this will have on the delivery of services. 

Councillor Wearmouth, Portfolio Holder for Corporate Services provided a power point presentation and referred to the current Covid numbers which were decreasing.  Feedback from the Government was likely to see the end of restrictions towards the end of January.  (Copy of the presentation would be attached to the signed minutes). 

He stated that Councillor Sanderson was immensely proud to be the Leader of the Council in a County which looked as good as Northumberland despite the effects of Covid and Storm Arwen which had hit the county and communities in different ways. 

The presentation highlighted: 

• The work of frontline services during the pandemic, and following Storm Arwen, was appreciated and acknowledged with no budget cuts being proposed. 
• Health inequalities to be addressed across the county with a summit planned in March 2022 to make meaningful change with partner organisations. 
• Unexpectedly, employment rates were largely comparable with pre-pandemic rates at 4.1% which was lower than regional and national figures and the economic performance of the county was quite strong.  Targeted interventions hoped to address areas where unemployment figures were higher, including those within the 18–24-year-olds, areas where there were job vacancies and the necessity of introducing a real living wage in adult social care to retain staff who were leaving for jobs in other sectors. 
• The vision and aims of the Corporate Plan identified 48 key priorities with targeted actions to enable their delivery.  Examples included strengthening relationships with town and parish councils, welcoming new businesses, free town centre car parks etc, rail stations at Ashington, Bedlington and Cramlington. 

• The overall funding context for the 2022/23 budget was set out; the increase in Council Tax precept remained at 2% without holding a referendum with an additional 1% for Adult Social Care for the next three years. 
• Areas were outlined where the Council intended to invest in the future of the county. 
• A review of the Budget for 2022-23 and the Medium-Term Financial Plan required savings of £9.704 million to balance the budget.  A provisional savings requirement of £28 million had also been calculated for the following two financial years.  The approach to identifying spend and savings within the budget were outlined with proposed savings by Portfolio Holder, although some of these included opportunities for income generation. 
• The consultation was due to close on 21 January 2022.  Over 200 responses had been received to date which was helpful when assessing areas which operated well and those that didn’t, as well as suggestions where more funds should be allocated, before the budget was finalised and published ahead of scrutiny and consideration by Full Council on 23 February 2022. 

The following issues were discussed:- 

• Loss of jobs and the contribution of 8% towards council tax.   92% of support was provided, which was the second most generous across the region.  The unemployment figures would be circulated.  Additional jobs would be created by British Volt, JDR cables, development of the Coty site, Techflow in Cramlington and planning applications on the southside of the A1. 
• Providing jobs  ...  view the full minutes text for item 48.

To request the committee to decide the planning applications attached to this report using the powers delegated to it.??? 

? 

Please note that printed letters of objection/support are no longer circulated with the agenda but are available on the Council’s website at??http://www.northumberland.gov.uk/Planning.aspx? 

The committee was requested to decide the planning applications attached to 

the report using the powers delegated to it.  Members were reminded of the 

principles which should govern their consideration of the applications, the 

procedure for handling representations, the requirement of conditions and the 

need for justifiable reasons for the granting of permission or refusal of planning 

applications. 

RESOLVED that the information be noted. 

Loft conversion to increase ridge height plus dormers, single-story front & rear extensions 

Woodland View, 4 Shields Road, Hartford Bridge, NE22 6AL 

Loft conversion to increase ridge height plus dormers, single storey- front and rear extensions 

Woodland View, 4 Shields Road, Hartford Bridge, NE22 6AL 

Richard Whittaker, Planning Officer described the application by presentation and plans on screen. 

Following the presentation, Judith Murphy, Development Manager referred to the windows at the western elevation and explained if members were minded to approve the application, they would consider the following additional condition: 

Final details of the design and size of the Velux windows on the western elevation shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority prior to installation. Thereafter, the Velux windows shall be installed and retained in perpetuity as approved. 

Reason: in the interests of neighbour privacy. 

Kim Bambrough was in attendance and spoke in objection of the application: 

• She thanked the committee for allowing her to attend the meeting and explained that she was speaking on behalf of immediate neighbours, herself who resided at 4b, 4a and 6 Shields Road. 
• The overall problem was loss of privacy to all neighbours from the proposed build. 
• While it was accepted that the two Juliette balconies and dormers on the south side were problematic with a total loss of privacy to 4b, the installation of roof lights would still cause loss of privacy. 

• Privacy would be compromised in their garden and the bar area rooflights would  overlook on to their bedroom, shower rooms and main living area. 
• The proposed front door would also look directly in the living area. 
• Presently there were large conifers obscuring their view, but these could be cut back in the future. 
• As the problem with the Juliette balconies and dormer window had been recognised, why had the same consideration not been given to 4a and 6 ?  4a would be completely overlooked on the east side from the new proposed upper floor west elevation.  This is supposed to be 4a’s forever home where the7 should be safe and secluded.   
• Increase of footprint to no, 4a. 

• No 6, would also lose total privacy in their back garden and in full view of the west facing balcony and the kitchen and social area would be in full view.  The garden was a sanctuary for her neighbour who was recovering from an illness and who spent time gardening and relaxing in the garden. 
• The height of the proposed extension would block all of the light to the rear garden of number 6 in the winter months. 
• When a previous development was approved at the bottom of garden of number 6, it was stated that no privacy would be lost as no windows were allowed, why was this different now? 
• It was stated that the roof ridge lines of 4, 4a, 4b and 6 were of different heights, but 4, 4a and 6 were roughly the same height and 4 and 4b were exactly the same rough height.  It had been a stipulation in 2010 when 4b was built its height was not to exceed the roof height  ...  view the full minutes text for item 50.

For Member’s information to report the progress of planning appeals.  This is a monthly report and relates to appeals throughout all 5 Local Area Council Planning Committee areas and covers appeals of Strategic Planning Committee. 

The report provided information on the progress of planning appeals. 

RESOLVED that the information be noted. 

A short recess took place at 17:55 to allow planning officers to vacate the meeting. 

The meeting recommenced at 18:00. 

Councillor Swinburn in the Chair. 

Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness will be in attendance to give an overview and answer questions about policing and community safety matters in the Cramlington, Bedlington & Seaton Valley area. 

The Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness was in attendance and gave an overview of policing and community safety matters in the Cramlington, Bedlington and Seaton Valley area. 

          The four main key issues were:-

·       Anti-Social Behaviour.  In the past different parties had not talked to each other making it difficult to work get an outcome.  Two meetings had been held with Council Leaders, the Fire Services and the Police with Housing being invited to the next meeting to see if a better outcome can be achieved..  This would be underpinned by an Operations Group to deliver priorities.

·       Safer Transport Northumbria App – funding had been received from the Safer Street Funding to improve safety especially for women.  Communities were asked where people felt less safe.  The App worked anywhere in the region on anywhere on public transport with a particular push for public transport.

·       Police and Crime Plan - communities had been consulted to determine what the priorities were.  Further consultation would be carried out with residents to include priorities.

·       Operation Payback – proceeds of crime money is given back to the community to spend for small residents' association to run projects and initiatives.  Members were asked to promote this.  There was also a Youth Fund attached to that.

          In response to questions, the following comments were made:-

• 101 reporting was incredibly difficult and under resourced but work was being carried out in the background regarding crisis call handling for all emergency services.  58 call handlers had been recruited, emergency call handling was a specialised job and took long time to train.  The system was now being monitored weekly.
• The On-line form reporting was complicated and needed to be simplified. 
• Traffic and road policing needed to be a priority and the Community Speed Watch was running again.  This was an area that fell between the gaps between police and council.   This had been a problem for a long time, and it was hoped that the Cramlington and Seaton Valley councils would support the process and more volunteers would increase the coverage.
• The Police could enforce drivers ignoring Except for Access signs but would need to be informed about it.  If there was a particular problem, the police should be informed.
• If speeding issues were not being enforced, officers need to be informed in order to action.
• The Safer Northumbria Transport App was just for transport at present which was a discreet and safer way for people to report any issues.
• The contact details for Operation Payback were on the Police website, Facebook and Twitter.
• Community Speed Watch – Inspector Phil Patterson would organise training for Bedlington.
• Lack of communication to emails/letters. 
• The request for a fixed camera along the dual carriageway of A1171 would be Council’s responsibility but the request would be followed up and a response provided.
• The Youth service was vital, but no funding was forthcoming at present.  It was important that every child should have access to a quality service to be given the best chance  ...  view the full minutes text for item 52.

No questions had been received.

This item is to: 

(a) Receive any new petitions: to receive any new petitions. The lead petitioner is entitled to briefly introduce their petition by providing a statement in writing, and a response to any petitions received will then be organised for a future meeting. 

(b) Consider reports on petitions previously received. 

(c) Receive any updates on petitions for which a report was previously   considered: any updates will be verbally reported at the meeting. 

To receive a presentation on the Youth Service within North Northumberland. 

This item was deferred to the meeting in March.

To receive a verbal update from the Area Managers from Technical Services and Neighbourhood Services in attendance about any key recent, ongoing and/or future planned Local Services work for the attention of members of the Local Area Council, who will also then have the opportunity to raise issues with the Area Managers. 

The Area Managers have principal responsibility for highway services and environmental services, such as refuse collection, street cleansing and grounds maintenance, within the geographic boundaries of the Local Area Council. 

Members received the following updates from Mick Carle, Highways Delivery Services Area Manager:

All Highways Inspectors and maintenance crews continued to work Inspecting and fixing carriageway defects, making repairs, and making safe category one defects across the Southeast area.

The gully emptier was fully deployed dealing with reported issues and cyclic maintenance. Additional gully emptier resource had been deployed off issues caused by Storm Arwen. All work was being recorded and planned using Carbon Tech software.

Larger Tarmac Patching has been carried out in the Cramlington Cycleway Improvements.

The area teams were continuously looking and programming future planned works for both patching and drainage improvements.

LTP Carriageway Resurfacing schemes had been carried out in Arcot Avenue, Cramlington and Milbank Crescent, Bedlington

Footway and Carriageway LTP Resurfacing had been identified and programmed for Stead Lane, Bedlington.

A Pedestrian Dropped Kerb scheme started on Cramlington Cycleways in January.

A Traffic Safety Scheme at The Avenue, Seaton Delaval (Pegasus Crossing) had been carried out.

Winter Services continued.  There had been an average winter so far in both snow and precautionary gritting.

A small restock of salt was being carried out across the county which would ensure sufficient resilience levels for the remainder of the winter period.  This included a 5000 tonne strategic store located in Powburn.

Members made a number of comments including:-

A list of where work had been carried out on trees following Storm Arwen.

The impact on the day to day job and capacity.

A dropped kerb was requested opposite Westlea cemetery

Additional funding for trees in Cramlington east.

Funds for the slow down signs at Atlee Bank

Changing the sign to the entrance of Cramlington Village

Tony Gribbin, Neighbourhood Services Area Manager gave the following updates:

It had been an extremely challenging year and the hard work of teams continued to recognised.

Immediate work had started with clearing of roads and cemeteries from the impact of Storm Arwen, which would take a long time to recover.

Waste collection had worked very well over the Christmas period with 95% presentation of bins and very few reports of missed bins or complaints.

Winter maintenance works would get completed.

There was one road sweeper deployed in the area and recruitment would be starting soon for seasonal staff.

It was business as usual for street cleansing.

The Bereavement team was coping well with increased demand and the capacity had not been as overwhelming as was first thought.

The following comments were made:

·        Overflowing bins at Chirnside, Cramlington

·        Thanks were conveyed to Mr Gribbin and his team.

·        Clearance of the cycle path at Beresford Road and the Social Club.

·        Coverage in Cramlington over weekends for clearing broken glass 

RESOLVED that the information be noted and issues set out in the bullet points above be followed up.

The Community Risk Management Plan 2022-26 has been developed, providing data and analysis on key fire and rescue related risks, and information on how Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service will work with communities to address and mitigate those risks.  The purpose of the report is to raise awareness of a public consultation on the Plan which opens on 5 January 2022 and closes on 16 February 2022 and to provide an opportunity for feedback from Local Area Council into the process.? 

Paul Hedley, Chief Fire Officer provided a power point presentation on the Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) on the draft Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) which was currently out for public consultation.  A copy of the presentation would be attached to the signed minutes and made available with the papers for this meeting on the Council’s website.   It was explained that it was a statutory requirement for each Fire and Rescue Authority to have a CRMP which detailed how each authority discharged it’s functions, with the most important aspects highlighted as “identify and assess the full range of foreseeable fire and rescue related risks in their area” and “be accountable to communities for the service they provide”. 

A wide-ranging public consultation exercise was now underway on the draft of the CRMP.   Members were advised that each plan must reflect up to date risk analyses; demonstrate how prevention, protection and response activities would best be used wholistically to best prevent and mitigate the impact of identified risks on its communities.  Separate strategies were in place for emergency response, protection and prevent which sat beneath the CRMP which all identified how strands of delivery complement and help risk reduction.   The CRMP must also cover a three-year time span, reflect effective consultation throughout its development and be easily accessible and publicly available and easy to read.

Reassurance was provided that this was not a plan set in stone and would be flexible in order to respond to new and emerging risks but also unforeseen circumstances and impact and therefore an annual update would be provided where achievements and performance was looked at along with what was needed for the forthcoming year and assess if any changes to risk or service delivery models were required.   If anything in this update required further public consultation this would be undertaken.  Specialist companies were also involved in the production of the CRMP including providing simulation models to predict what the impact of potential changes on community risk and resilience would look like which would provide greater confidence that these were defined and communicated across the area and how resources were matched to these.

The purpose of the CRMP was to provide assurance that the right resources were in the right places to respond effectively to the risks within Northumberland.   It was important that communities understood the process undertaken to analyse risk.  It was explained that risk was a combination of the likelihood and consequence of a hazardous event and the NFRS had a duty to work with communities and partners to minimise or prevent the likelihood of these happening.  In the last ten years there had been a 21% reduction in incidents attended, with 10 incident types identified as responsible for 90% of the events.  It was explained that there was a corelation between outdoor fires and crime deprivation and good work was underway with Northumbria Police to work collaboratively with partners to reduce risks.

Data was provided on incidents of dwelling fires and information was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 57.

A list of agreed items for future Local Area Council meetings was circulated.  (A copy is enclosed with the minutes.)

Members were invited to email any requests to the Chair and / or Democratic Services Officer between meetings.

RESOLVED that the work programme be noted.

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday 22 February 2022 (Planning only). 

The next meeting would be held on Tuesday February 2022.