Agenda and minutes

In the absence of the both the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Committee, Councillor Corall Jenkins was nominated to chair the meeting.

RESOLVED  to appoint Councillor Corall Jenkins as Chair for the duration of the meeting.

Councillor Pat Ferguson – personal

Councillor Steve Young – personal

Patricia Nicholson – New Beginnings

Jonathan Hughes – Friends of Victoria Embankment

Parbinder Singh –Neighbourhood Development Officer

Margaret Spencer

None.

To agree the minutes of the meeting held on 16 November 2016.

The minutes of the meeting held on 16 November 2016 were confirmed and signed by the Chair.

Verbal update

Inspector Donna Busutill provided a policing update to the Committee, highlighting the following information:

(a)  the police met with Councillors in the Meadows on 28 February 2016 to discuss concerns around crime and drug prevalence. The police have used a convert operation, alongside a uniform presence to locate drug dealing. This work has been supported by with the use of a passive drug dog which is a new tactic for the Meadows;

(b)  Although statistics show an increase in drug crime in the Meadows this reflects positive and proactive work for the area. Six individuals have been remanded in Clifton who have been responsible for dwelling burglaries in the area;

(c)  It is possible that reports of beggars being identified in the Meadows follow the work that took place last year in the City Centre and could be displacement. Work will continue with City Centre colleagues to address some of these concerns;

(d)  The police will be providing an opportunity for two lay citizens to join and observe a police operation. It will be a unique opportunity for the public but also represents an opportunity for the police to gain some valuable feedback;

(e)  The Committee welcomed Rupinder Kooner, Senior Community Protection Officer, to the Committee who has taken up the role of Senior CPO for the Meadows and Clifton. He will support policing in the area. The Committee took the opportunity to thank Sophie Ayubi, Senior Community Protection Officer, for her dedication and commitment to policing in the area.

RESOLVED to thank Inspector Busatill and CPO Rupinder Kooner for their information update.

Report of the Chief Executive of Nottingham City Homes

Gary Nelmbs, Tenancy and Estate Manager at Nottingham City Homes (NCH), introduced the report providing summary updates on the following key themes:

·  Capital Programmme and major works;

·  Area regeneration and environmental issues;

·  Key measures from the Tenant and Leasehold Congress;

·  Tenant and Resident Associations updates;

·  Area performance;

·  Good news stories and positive publicity.

The following points were made during the discussion:

(a)  There have been some reports of anti-social behaviour from tenants in the Meadows. A proactive approach from NCH is required to respond to reports and resolve where appropriate.

RESOLVED to

(1)  note the update and performance information in appendices 1 and 2 of the report;

(2)  note the allocation of funds for 2016/17:

(3)  approve the Area Capital Programme funding request as set out below:

Joint report of the Corporate Director for Commercial and Operations and the Director of Sport and Culture

Leila Mills, Biodiversity and Greenspace Officer at Nottingham City Council, presented a report outlining proposals for the spend £34,000 of Section 106 funding. The following information was highlighted:

(a)  Queen’s Walk Recreation Ground has been identified for improvements to the public realm. The proposals include improved access at the pedestrian entrance off Queen’s Walk, the installation of a new section of a tarmac footpath, fitness equipment, refurbishment sensory garden bed and repainting of railings around the bowling green;

(b)  the proposals have been development based on discussions with councillors, local people and the Neighbourhood Development Officer in the area.

RESOLVED to endorse the allocation of £34,000 of Section 106 funding (from planning application 02/00365/PFUL3).

Joint report of the Corporate Director for Development and Growth and the Corporate Director for Commercial and Operations

Graham De Max, Housing Strategy and Partnerships Manager and David Hobbs, Operations Manager at Nottingham City Council, presented a report informing the Committee of the analysis work that has been completed to inform a decision to consult on a proposal to introduce a selective licensing scheme for privately rented houses. The following information was highlighted:

(a)  Executive Board have approved the proposed designation in principle and a public consultation process is now underway (between January and March 2017);

(b)  The proposed use of selective licensing powers will provide an opportunity to effectively influence higher standards of privately rented houses and to ensure effective management through more extensive control;

(c)  the Council currently runs a mandatory licensing scheme for Houses of Multiple Occupancy (HMO) with three or more storeys or, 5 or more occupiers, and a discretionary scheme of additional licencing which covers HMO’s of 2 storeys or more, or, 3 or more occupiers;

(d)    the Council is currently consulting on a proposal to introduce a citywide selective licensing scheme that will cover all of the Private Rented Sector (PRS), it is thought that this will bring over 40,000 properties into the licensing scheme within Nottingham City. The consultation runs until the end of March and feedback can be given here: http://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/consultation-engagement-and-surveys/#housing ;

(e)  this scheme aims to drive up standards of homes, improve living conditions and reduce levels of deprivation for residents and contribute to reducing levels of antisocial and criminal  behaviour by tackling Rogue Landlords and working with landlords and tenants to provide advice and assistance;

(f)  the scheme will require the use of 75 additional staff members who will be funded through the licence fee. Out of the additional staff resource, 10 members of staff will carry out proactive work in identifying landlords around the city.

Following questions and comments from the committee the following information was highlighted:

(g)  no other local authority has been successful in introducing a city wide scheme. Most recently, in 2015, Redbridge Council had their application refused by the Secretary of State;

(h)  if the scheme is approved, there will be a legal requirement for landlords to apply for a licence with a fine for those who do not. Recent legal changes have empowered councils to issue civil penalties and issue fines without needing to pursue court case;

(i)  there is no legal obligation to report private rented arrangements so it will be challenging to ensure that the necessary licenses are obtained. Despite this challenge, the Council will continue to build its intelligence;

(k)  selective licensing fees are restricted by the government and are only allowed to cover the cost of running the licensing scheme. Licences for HMO’s currently stands at £910 per property over 5 years, the fee for the selective licensing scheme has been set at £600 per property over 5 years. Discounts of up to £140 can be claimed by landlords accredited through DASH or Unipol;

(l)  the total cost for implementing the scheme of the 5 years is  ...  view the full minutes text for item 47.

Verbal update by Mark Armstrong

Mark Armstrong, Town Centre Co-Ordinator, updated the Committee on work due to take place in Clifton, highlighting the following information:

(a)  work is due to start imminently on remedial work to the pavement along Southchurch Drive. This work will also include the removal and replanting of trees which is hoped will attract more people and businesses into the area;

(b)  the work will take 26 weeks to complete and will be carried out in 15 phases to minimise the level of disruption to shop frontages along Southchurch Drive;

(c)  All of the trees along Southchurch Drive need replacing and work to do this will start this weekend, given the proximity to nesting season. Every tree that is taken out will be replaced with two trees, one being placed at the original site and another at a different location in the ward;

(d)  upgrades are also required to the footpath leading to Morrison’s and the entrance leading to the new flower park. The programme will be progressed in a way to minimise disruption.

Following questions and comments from the Committee, the following information was highlighted:

(e)  future development work to shop frontages will be dependent upon funding. The service road is also in need of remedial work and although there is no easy solution to fixing this, early discussions have taken place with shop owners about the costs involved.

RESOLVED to note the content of the update.

Clare Ashton, Good Companion, reported that there were some concerns around the lack of progress being made with the bollards around the Village Green in Clifton and a meeting will be arranged with Councillors to discuss making progress. There is also an older persons’ event taking place on 23 March at Highbank Community Centre between 10am – 2pm.

RESOLVED to thank Clare Ashton for the update.

Report of the Director of Neighbourhood Services

Abdul Ghaffar, Neighbourhood Development Officer, introduced the report focussing on current priorities and issues facing Bridge, Clifton North and Clifton South wards and provided the Committee with details of forthcoming events and activities. The following information was highlighted:

(a)  The Meadows Advice Group will be hosting a screening of the film, ‘I, Daniel Blake’ at the Bridgeway Hall, with food also being provided. Those interested in attending are being asked to book early so that the Group have an idea of how many people they should cater for. There is a desire to host a similar screening in Clifton, subject to funding being sought.

RESOLVED to note the priorities, current issues and supporting information for Bridge, Clifton North and Clifton South wards.

Report of the Director of Neighbourhood Services

Prairie Bryant, Neighbourhood Development Officer, introduced the report detailing the proposed projects under the Area Capital Fund including highways, traffic and safety, and public realm, and circulated a revised appendix to include schemes for Bridge and Clifton South.

RESOLVED to

(1)  note that the following money is available:

  Bridge  £688

  Clifton North  £0

  Clifton South  £6,619

(2)  approve the following schemes:

Bridge Local Transport Plan Schemes:

Bridge Public Realm Schemes:

Bridge withdrawn Schemes:

Clifton South Local Transport Plan Schemes:

Clifton South Public Realm Schemes:

Clifton South withdrawn Schemes:

Report of the Director of Neighbourhood Services

Prairie Bryant, Neighbourhood Development Officer, introduced the report advising the Committee of the use of delegated authority by the Corporate Director for Commercial and Operations for the financial year 2016/17 and the Ward Councillors Revenue Budget allocation for 2016/17.

RESOLVED to

(1)  note the actions agreed by the Corporate Director for Commercial and Operations in respect of projects and schemes within Area 8, as detailed below: