Agenda and draft minutes

To receive any apologies for absence from Councillors.

Apologies were received from Councillors Maggie Hulcoop and Ash Malik.

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 5 August 2021.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 5 August 2021 be agreed as a correct record.

Any matters arising from the minutes of the previous meeting.

None.

The Working Group received a draft report on the Climate Change Strategy for discussion and any suggestions for further development.

Councillor Jodi Dunne suggested that the Council continues to take a flexible approach to officers working from home as this would help with the carbon footprint.

Councillor Mike Garnett asked if the Council would be able to require, for minor planning applications, that the development provides an electric charging point in the properties.

Councillor Clive Souter asked that the council, for its housing stock, look to assist the installation of Cavity Wall Insulation and eco boilers.

Councillor Nancy Watson asked if Harlow had a low level of recycling because residents are asked to mix recycling. Councillor Watson raised the question on whether residents could be encouraged to recycle better with additional equipment.

To consider the draft Transport Strategy.

The Working Group received the draft Transport Strategy.

Councillor Clive Souter said that the Council must insist on more sustainable bus routes in Harlow that would operate daily, every 8 to 10 minutes until midnight. He also suggested whether the Council would be able to put pressure on the bus companies to provide the service that is required.

The Working Group received the draft Open Space Supplementary Planning Document.

Councillor Clive Souter noted that Harlow always had a good reputation for green spaces and grass roots sports facilities and would like to see this encouraged again.

Councillor Nancy Watson suggested that the Council should look to promote allotments and community spaces more.

Councillor Mike Garnett noted there are a lot of green spaces, however, they are not maintained for the residents to use them. Councillor Garnett suggested that the Council looked at investing in and maintaining the green wedges.

The Working Group received the draft Local Plan Statement of Community Involvement.

Councillor Mike Garnett suggested the consultation with residents on individual applications needed to be widened to include a wider number of neighbouring properties.

Councillor Jodi Dunne asked if the consultation papers that are delivered to residents are made more obvious, for example in a bright colour or with information on the envelope, so that residents could see that it may affect them.

Councillor Shona Johnson suggested that perhaps a stamp could be used stating “Planning Application in Your Area” in capital letters.

Councillor Mike Hardware advised that there would be more member involvement during the consultation and pre-planning determination. He also said that perhaps a larger number of speakers could be permitted at planning committees and that planning information could be made more accessible on the website.

To review the Working Group’s work plan for the current year.

RESOLVED that the Work Plan was noted.

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.