Agenda and minutes

Prior to the meeting a minute silence was held in memory of Cllr Glanmor Hughes.

To receive any apologies for absence and notices of appointment of substitute Members (if any).

Apologies were received from Cllr E J Berry.

Members to receive the Remote Meetings Protocol

The Group had before it, and NOTED, the *Remote Meetings Protocol.

Note: *Protocol previously circulated and attached to the minutes

Councillors are reminded of the requirement to declare any interest, including the type of interest, and reason for that interest, either at this stage of the meeting or as soon as they become aware of that interest.

Members were reminded of the need to declare any interests when appropriate.

To receive any questions relating to items on the Agenda from members of the public and replies thereto.

Note:   A maximum of 30 minutes is allowed for this item.

There were no members of the public present.

Members to consider whether to approve the minutes of meeting of the 9^th March 2021 as a correct record.

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 9^th March 2021 were agreed as a true record.

To receive any announcements that the Chairman may wish to make.

The Chairman had no announcements to make.

Environment PDG to review the draft PSPO before it goes to Cabinet on 13 May 2021 and then out to public consultation.

The Group had before it a *report of the Environment and Enforcement Manager presenting the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) under section 59 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

The officer outlined the contents of the report and explained that officers had completed a further review of the PSPO and had contacted the parishes to clarify the maps and the areas to be included. Officers felt that this was a worthwhile exercise and thanked the parishes for their assistance. As part of this exercise additional areas of land had been identified and some changes had been made to the order which included:

·         A reduction in the number of spaces where dogs were required to be on leads

·         An increase in the number of dogs allowed to be walked by a single individual from 4 to 6

·         An increase in the number of enclosed play areas included within the order

These changes reflected the feedback from the Group and Cabinet in previous meetings and also the first public consultation.

If the PSPO Order was made uniform signage would be erected in all the relevant places. Quotes were being obtained in relation to this.

The Environment and Enforcement Manager explained that the PSPO would now be subject to a 4 week consultation exercise with relevant stakeholders which would include press coverage, a link to the consultation on the Council website and signs being placed in the included areas. Paper copies of the consultation would also be provided to the public who requested it.

Consideration was given to:

·         The number of dogs that professional dog walkers could walk being a maximum of 6 or up to the maximum on their insurance

·         The allocation of district officer discretionary hours to dog fouling

·         Parishes views that too little time was allocated to enforcement of dog fouling

The Group therefore RECOMMENDED to the Cabinet that:

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

2)    The fixed penalty for breach of the PSPO be set at the maximum permitted of £100

(Proposed by the Chairman)

Reason for the Decision: To widen enforcement powers in order to deliver a cleaner and more sustainable environment across the Mid Devon District.

Note: *Report previously circulated and attached to the minutes