Decision details

Following a * report of the Group Manager for Street Scene and Open Spaces, the Environment Policy Development Group had made the following recommendations that:

i)             Authority be given to consult with members of the public and other relevant stakeholders to introduce a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) under Section 59 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

ii)            The fixed penalty for breach of the order be set at the maximum level permitted of £100.

The Cabinet Member for the Environment outlined the contents of the report stating that the proposed order enabled dog fouling and anti-social behaviour by dogs in public spaces across the district to be addressed; it was therefore proposed that the document be approved to go out to public  consultation.  He outlined the number of reports logged with regard to aggressive behaviour by dogs both on and off the lead.

Consideration was given to:

·         The consultation responses received which would return to the PDG and the Cabinet for consideration

·         Notices to be placed on the entrances to parks and open spaces advertising the public consultation

·         Concerns with regard to a blanket ban

·         The need to gather the views of local residents

·         Whether some open spaces could be designated for dogs to be allowed to run free

RESOLVED that the recommendation of the Policy Development Group be approved.

(Proposed by Cllr L D Taylor and seconded by Cllr D J Knowles)

Note:  *Report previously circulated, copy attached to minutes.