Agenda and minutes

The Chair will read out the following statement:

“This meeting is being webcast live to our website (https://harlow.public-i.tv/core/portal/home) and will be available for repeated viewing after the meeting has ended.

By continuing to attend this meeting, you are consenting to being filmed and to appearing in the webcast.

I would like to remind all those participating in the meeting to use their microphones when they speak, and to turn them off once they have finished talking.”

The Chair said the meeting was being webcast live and would be available for repeated viewing after the meeting has ended. By continuing to attend the meeting, you were consenting to being filmed and to appearing in the webcast.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Dr. Emma Ghaffari and Kay Morrison. Councillor Luke Howard was in attendance as a substitute for Councillor Morrison.

To receive Councillors’ declarations of interest (if any) in relation to any matters on the agenda.

None.

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 23 September 2025.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 23 September 2025 are agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

None.

To receive any questions from members of the public in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10.

None.

To receive any questions from Councillors in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10.

None.

To consider responses (if any) of the Cabinet to reports and recommendations from the Committee.

None.

Councillor Alastair Gunn, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Garden Town, gave an update on the potential e-scooters trial in Harlow. He said that the County Council had appointed a new provider who currently operated in three districts in Essex.

Discussions were still ongoing about deployment of e-scooters in Harlow. If the trial was to proceed it would not be until 2026/27.

Councillor Gunn responded to questions posed by the Committee. Road safety was a key issue. He noted that these e-scooters would be regulated. This included geo-fencing where they could be used, limited their speed to between 7-12mph, could only be used by those who were 18 and over and had a driving licence. They were prevented by the Government from being used on roads that had 40mph speed limits or higher. Permission would need to be sought from the County Council for e-scooters to be used on cycle lanes.

He added that it would be the responsibility of the e-scooter provider to enforce the correct use of e-scooters.

He emphasised that before any trial were agreed he would want a road by road list of where they could be used. This would involve consultation with ward councillors.

The Committee questioned the accuracy of geo-fencing methods and the level of consultation that had taken place with stakeholders, and in particular, Essex Police. Councillor Gunn said he would clarify the method of geo-fencing that would be used. He understood that informal consultation with stakeholders had taken place. It would ultimately be for the operator to engage with Essex Police.

The Committee received draft terms of reference for the allotments task and finish group. It was agreed that Councillor Howard would be an additional member of the group.

To review the Committee’s work plan for the current year.

The Chair said that he would like to bring Burnt Mills back into consideration at the earliest opportunity. It was noted this would follow work being carried out as a result of the External Auditor’s report.

Essex Police would be invited to attend the meeting in March. The Committee would agree questions at its December meeting.

RESOLVED that the work plan be noted.

None.

Such other business which, in the opinion of the Chair, should be received as a matter of urgency by reason of special circumstances to be specified in the minutes.

None.