Agenda item

Question 1:

 

Councillor Fear asked for an update into the investigation into foul odours believed to be coming from Walley’s Quarry.

 

The Portfolio Holder for Environment and Recycling, Councillor Trevor Johnson advised that the site was regulated by the Environment Agency.  The Council had launched its own investigation into this which had shown a clear linkage of the site with the odour.

 

Over the past six weeks, complaints had risen and the complainants were being asked to keep records in order to build up a picture.

 

Officers of the Council were liaising with the Environment Agency and a meeting had taken place with RED Industries.

 

The Leader had written to the Secretary of State and had sought the support of the sitting MP.  The Council’s Chief Executive had recently written to the Environment Agency to ensure that the issue remained high on the agenda.

 

 

Question 2:

 

Councillor Kearon asked for an update on current and proposed plans  to ensure good quality and safe  private rented accommodation in the Borough.

 

The Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Wellbeing, Councillor Jill Waring advised that the Council received 600 requests each year identifying problems with damp, cold.

 

The Council was working with partners and runs a North Staffordshire Landlord Accreditation Scheme which was self funding.  A new website would be launched in 2020.

 

Councillor Kearon asked for assurance that any external cladding used on new builds was not flammable.

 

Councillor Waring advised that she would put this response in writing.

 

 

Question 3:

 

Councillor Jones asked the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Recycling if the landfill site at Walleys Quarry was producing hydrogen sulphite and if so, the quantities and finally a guarantee that this was not harmful to residents living near  to the site.

 

Councillor Trevor Johnson advised the Environment Agency was undertaking air monitoring.  The Environment Agency had, in 2017 carried out a study and concluded that the concentrations met the objectives.  Another study was carried out earlier this year and those results were awaited.  Members would be provided with the details once they were available.

 

Councillor Jones asked Councillor Trevor Johnson if he supported the concerns over health and the further investigation by Public Health England.

 

Councillor Johnson advised that he did support this and advised that the results of the Environment Agency investigation were expected by the end of the year.

 

 

Question 4:

 

Councillor Robinson asked the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Growth about a delay to the Joint Local Plan.

 

Councillor Northcott advised that it had been necessary to revisit the number of houses needed.  This had been stabilised and the number revised.

 

The time period therefore needed adjustment.  It had commenced in 2013 and the housing supply would need recalculating to take into account the extended period.  The Plan period had been changed from 2013-33 to 2013-37 as Local Plans must cover a period of fifteen years from adoption.

 

The Policy work would be finalised for Spring 2020 and it would be more robust if adopted.

 

Councillor Robinson asked for assurance that there would be no further delays and asked the Leader if he was certain that the Council had a full functioning/resourced Planning Department to deal with any issues.

 

Councillor Northcott had received assurances from officers.

 

 

Question 5:

 

Councillor Robinson asked the Leader what was being done with regard to a culvert face at Gloucester Road, Kidsgrove following the recent flooding of the Canal Tavern pub.

 

The Leader advised that Staffordshire County Council were the lead flood authority.  The Borough and County Council were working together what measures could be taken on the culvert.  Regular weekly clearing of the gratings was being looked into to remove silt.  The Borough Council also provided sand bags where necessary and some had been provided to the Canal Tavern.

 

A new Lidl store was to be built in Kidsgrove  and this would replace part of the culvert and may alleviate the situation.

 

Councillor Robinson stated that he was a big believer in climate change and said that this Authority took the matter seriously.  Councillor Robinson asked the Leader if he would consider looking at the culvert face to see if it could be changed and asked if local ward members would be kept up to date with any progress.

 

The Leader stated that this Council was taking proactive measures and advised  that Councillor Robinson should contact officers at the Borough and County Council with the details of his concerns.

 

 

Question 6:

 

Councillor Fox-Hewitt asked the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Efficiency if he was confident that civil contingencies and emergency planning for the Borough were adequately financed, supported and fit for purpose.

 

Councillor Sweeney advised that this was all supported by a dedicated scheme and that the Council could draw on the expertise of the Civic Contingencies Unit that was available 24 hours per day.  The Council also had a dedicated link officer.

 

The Council had sufficient finances for such emergencies but could also apply for funding from the Belway Scheme.

 

Councillor Fox-Hewitt asked if a cross-party working group could be set up to work with partners.

 

Councillor Sweeney stated that there was no need to have a cross-party working group as there was already the Civic Contingencies Unit.  Councillor Sweeney suggested that the civil contingencies and emergency planning be taken to Scrutiny.

 

 

Question 7:

 

Councillor Parker asked the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Efficiency to outline future plans for Newcastle’s market which would help with its revitalisation.

 

Councillor Sweeney advised that there had been themed markets and food markets.   Other events were being arranged.

 

A late market was planned for 2020 which would operate between 3pm and 9pm with food, entertainment and displays.

 

There had been a good take up of the £5 per day for a stall.

 

Councillor Parker welcomed the idea of a late market and asked the Portfolio Holder what lighting provision would be available for opening late evening.

 

Councillor Sweeney advised that electricity feed to the market stalls was being investigated.

 

 

Question 8:

 

Councillor Jenny Cooper asked the Leader to outline the latest position regarding the Ministerial direction relating to air quality in the Borough.

 

The Leader advised that Basford Bank was an issue in the Borough and stated that buses, suitable for retro-fitting had been identified.  This would be funded by national government and would be delivered by the summer of 2020.

 

The Council was working with the City Council and County Council with regard to an Air Quality Local Plan.  In addition, the Council’s  were pursuing options for traffic management focussing on the A53.  The Council did not want a ‘chargeable clean air zone’.

 

A business case was being put together and the target for this was 2021.   

 

The Leader referred to odours from Walleys Quarry and stated that he would like to see the relevant Scrutiny Committee looking into this in more detail.

 

 

Question 9:   

 

Councillor Dymond asked the Leader if he would consider supporting the RSPCA in asking the Government for tougher regulations around the private use of fireworks.

 

The Leader suggested that there was a Motion put together by the RSPCA which could be brought to Council and that the relevant Scrutiny Committee could look at the issue in more detail.  The findings could then be put to the Government.