Agenda and minutes

RESOLVED to appoint Councillor Gul Khan as Chair for the municipal year 2018/19

RESOLVED to appoint Councillor Sue Johnson and Councillor Neghat Khan as Vice-Chairs for the municipal year 2018/19.

Councillor Jon Collins – Council Business

Councillor Dave Liversidge – Leave

Yasser Farook – Muslim Community Organisation Nottingham

Mark Sunderland – South Neighbourhood Operations Manager

Cherry Underwood – Renewal Trust

None.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on  13 February 2018

The minutes of the meeting held on 13 February 2018 were confirmed as a true record and were signed by the chair.

Report of Director of Community Protection

Michelle Graley, Neighbourhood Development Office, introduced the report on Area 6 Community Representatives to the Committee. She advised the Committee that there had been a lower than usual number of representatives nominated.

RESOLVED to:

(1)  Note the formal appointment of Community Representatives from the Dales, Mapperley and St Ann’s wards as detailed in appendix 2 of the report, published with the agenda, for the municipal year 2018/19; and

(2)  Receive a further report at the September Committee with a view to noting the formal appointment of any additional community representatives.

Verbal update from community representatives

Community Representatives took the opportunity to update the committee on their group’s activities since the last meeting:

(a)  Prettier Whittier have placed a further 10 planters on the street and have spent the money granted by Nottingham in Bloom. Work is now focusing near the Greenwood Centre;

(b)  Friends of Colwick Woods advised that all footpaths had been mown and were now accessible for the public to enjoy. There is a summer gala event on 1^st July between 12 -4pm for everyone to come along and enjoy. Friends of Colwick Wood also advised the committee that they had very much enjoyed hosting Framework organisation and working to help improve the mental health of their service users;

(c)  Sneinton Tenants Outreach Programme (STOP) advised the committee that Kind Edwards Park continues to be used well. There has been 4 keep fit sessions this year so far with a further 4 planned going forward. The Skate park remains popular with a number of specific training events taking place throughout the year;

(d)  The Afro Carribean National Artistic Centre are celebrating their 40^th birthday this year. There is a celebration event on 29 September open to the whole community

RESOLVED to thank the Community Representatives for their attendance and for the content of their updates to the Committee

Inspector James Walker

Inspector James Walker, Nottinghamshire Police introduced his verbal Area Policing Update to the committee highlighting the following points:

(a)  Generally speaking crime figures for the year to date are comparable to those from the same period last year;

(b)  Nationally there has been a 22% increase in violent crimes;

(c)  There have been three reported stabbings since the beginning of April in the area. In all cases the victim required hospital treatment and 3 different offenders have been arrested and charged with various offences. Nottinghamshire Police are very keen to reassure the public that the offenders were known to the victims and that these were not seemingly random attacks;

(d)  There was also a shooting involving two young people and a number of adults. 2 people were taken to hospital with injuries that were not life threatening. A number of arrests have been made. Incidents such as these are relatively rare and Nottinghamshire Police are keen to stress that there was no risk to the general public as a result of these incidents;

(e)  Extra resources have been allocated to the area to help offer reassurance to the public and to deter further incidents from happening. The 3G camera will also be set up as a deterrent and to help reassure the public;

(f)  In addition to these extra resources there are 2 new officers who have been allocated to the area who will be patrolling with more experienced officers and completing their probationary period;

Following discussion and questions from the Committee and Community Representatives the following additional information was given:

(g)  There are work programmes taking place to tackle the transport of firearms into Nottinghamshire at a higher level within Nottinghamshire Police. There is also a team specifically looking at firearms within the City boundary;

(h)  Gangs that historically existed within Nottingham are no longer as prevalent. There are generalised postcode rivalries but not as embedded as the 1990’s;

(i)  Communication from the Police to Councillors was not as timely as it could have been and this will be improved going forward. All a the meeting agreed that communication and being able to reassure the public was important;

(j)  There is work in the early stages that will focus on provision to work with young people who do not wish to engage in existing services and will provide a safe space;

(k)  The Youth Offending Team are working closely with Schools in the area at a level appropriate for all ages. There are workers that are also going into youth clubs and youth groups to discuss knife crime;

RESOLVED to that Inspector James Walker for his attendance at the Committee and to note the content of his verbal update.

Report of the Director of Community Protection

Abu Belim, Principal Enforcement Officer introduced the report on a Proposed Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO): Nottingham City Council Restriction of Public Right of Way  (Dane Court, Dane Close, St Ann’s) Public Spaces Protection Order. He highlighted the following points:

(a)  Dane Court, Dane close is access to an independent living accommodation block. There is a history of numerous complaints about antisocial behaviour, and alleged drug dealing which is having a detrimental effect on residents;

(b)  Public consultation took place between 19 March 2018 through to 23 April 2018. Notices were posted online, and directly by hand to properties on  Dane Court, Dane Close, Abbotsford Drive, Trueman Close and Alison walk;

(c)  No responses have been received from members of the public but supportive responses have been received from Nottinghamshire Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner;

RESOLVED:

(1)  To note the evidence gathered and the results of the consultation on the proposal to introduce a PSPO as indicated in the draft, in Appendix 1 of the report published with the agenda, for the area shown with a solid red line on the plan (the proposed PSPO).

(2)  That, being satisfied that the test in section 59 of the 2014 Act is met, having considered the likely effect of making the proposed PSPO and the availability of an alternative route, and having regard to the rights of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly, Area Committee authorise the Director of Legal and Democratic Services and or the Head of Legal Services to make a PSPO in the form indicated in the proposed PSPO attached at Appendix 1 over the land shown with a solid red line on the plan attached to the proposed PSPO to last for a period of three years from the date that it comes into force.

(3)  To authorise the Director of Community Protection to carry out the necessary publication and arrange for appropriate signage to be erected in accordance with the legislative requirements.

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive / Corporate Director for Development and Growth  and the Corporate Director for Commercial and Operations

Ceri Davies, Housing Strategy Specialist, presented the report on the Proposal for a Scheme of Additional Licensing for Houses in Multiple Occupation, She highlighting the following points:

(a)  This new scheme of additional licencing incorporates further areas where a significant proportion of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO’s) are deemed to be ineffectively managed. This are 2 new areas in St Ann’s ward – the city centre around Bath Street and Brook Street and a small area around Ransom Road and Hungerhill Road; 

(b)  There is a proposed increase to the fee from the existing scheme. The fees are used in the administration of the scheme and the Council is not allowed to profit from the fee’s charged. The fee system is graded with accredited landlords paying less than landlords who require intensive input for services;

(c)  Public consultation is running from May to July this year and the final report will then go for consideration by the executive in September which will allow it to be put in place by the beginning of January 2019 which will ensure a continuation of regulation;

Following questions and comments from the Committee the following points were made:

(d)  Consultation is also taking place with other affected Area Committees, community groups, landlords, community protection and a number of other stakeholders;

(e)  On average the fee amounts to less than 5% of expected return and is for the 5 years of the licencing scheme. 

(f)  The licencing team rely on intelligence from a range of sources to gain knowledge of properties that need to be licenced. CPO colleagues feedback a lot of information;

(g)  Failure to enter into the scheme can result in civil penalties of up to £30,000;

(h)  This scheme of additional licencing runs alongside the other licencing schemes in Nottingham City;

(i)  Agents for landlords have been advised of the schemes and involved in the consultation process;

(j)  This additional licencing scheme does not include Air BnB properties. There are other aspects of law that deals with their short term rents;

RESOLVED to:

(1)  Note the content of the report

(2)  Encourage partners to actively contribute to the consultation process;   

Report of the Chief Executive of Nottingham City Homes

Luke Walters, Area Housing Manager Nottingham City Homes introduced the update from Nottingham City Homes and he highlighted the following points:

(a)  The Victoria Centre residents lift replacement programme will start shortly. Information events are being held to ensure residents are aware of the schedule of work and any disruption this may cause;

(b)  Work to the Victoria Centre Roof garden has been delayed due to accessibility for lifting materials on to site;

(c)  Work will start shortly at Haywood Court on improvement works. Keswick Court will be the second block to receive works. Regular events are being held to ensure residents are kept updated;

(d)  There have been major improvement works to Radbourne Road Estate and this will include resurfacing work to provide frontages to properties that can be used and kept tidy, planters will also be upgraded and work to tackle fly-tipping in the area is also taking place. All schemes taking place relating to Radbourne Road are subject to consultation with residents and ward councillors;

(e)  Works are planned in the West Walk area looking at external improvements alongside external wall insulation and the decent neighbourhood team are working with residents of independent living schemes  regarding external grounds improvements;

(f)  There will be a number of environmental improvement works in the Stonebridge area including metal rails,  gates to some properties and wooden fencing;

(g)  Nottingham City Homes won 3 awards at the UK housing awards recently, including the prestigious Landlord of the Year award;

The Committee offered their congratulations to Nottingham City Homes for their award winning work.

RESOLVED to :

(1)  Note the update and performance information in appendices 1 and 2

(2)  Note the allocation of funds for 2018/19 as below:

(3)  Approve the Area Capital Programme funding request as below and, where the project falls within the Dales ward, subject to consultation with residents and ward councillors:

Report of the Director of Community Protection

Michelle Graley and Greg Foister, Neighbourhood Development Officers provided  an update from each ward. The highlighted the following points:

(a)  The 3G camera that has been recently positioned at Brewsters Recycling centre has been relocated to Ransom Road to help provide reassurance to the public following the shooting;

(b)  The planned parking assessment in Mapperley has been put on hold as a city wide review is due to take place;

(c)  The Dales week of action will be taking place week commencing 19June and events will be posted on social media;

(d)  Oakdale Road traffic calming measures have been implemented and parking solutions are mid delivery;

(e)  A bench will be sited in remembrance of Councillor Ken Williams who passed away recently;

(f)  In St Ann’s there has been an increasing congregation of young people on the streets, they do not wish to engage with services but they are reported on a regular basis to councillors as residents feel intimidated by the large groups. Police and Anti-Social behaviour teams are aware;

RESOLVED to note the progress on Ward priorities and other supporting information including the issues being addressed by each Neighbourhood Action Team, and upcoming opportunities for citizens to engage as detailed in the appendices to the published report.

Report of the Director of Community Protection

Michelle Graley, Neighbourhood Development Officer presented an update on the Councillor Ward budgets and spend within each ward.

RESOLVED to note the actions agreed by the Director of Community Protection in respect of projects and schemes within the Dales, Mapperley and St Ann’s Wards, detailed below:

Please note the uncommitted balance above does not include delegations that are being processed. Sneinton Festival £1500, Lichfield in bloom £250, Sneinton Football Team £700, Greensmill £1150, Growing Space £ 1200. Total £ 4800.

Please note these projects are currently in the process for payment *

Report of the Director of Community Protection

Greg Foister presented the report on the Area Capital Fund 2018/19 programme.

In a change to the published appendix a new appendix was circulated at the meeting detailing additional schemes.

Councillors were asked to approve the schemes details in the new appendix as appended to these minutes and to note the use of delegated authority regarding the Lancaster Road Highways Scheme.

RESOLVED to:

(1)  Approve new schemes prioritises by Ward Councillors since the last Area Committee meeting as detailed below;

Dales LTP Schemes

Dales Public Realm Schemes

Mapperley LTP Schemes

Mapperley Public Realm Schemes

St Ann’s LTP Schemes

(2)  To note the allocation of  £50,000 by delegated decision (ref 3101) to Lancaster Road Highway Scheme; and

(3)  To note the monies available to Dales, Mapperley and St Ann’s Wards for  2018/19 as outlined below:

Dales:  £15,343

Mapperley:  £69,442

St Ann’s:   £156,346

To consider meeting on the following Tuesdays at 6pm:

11 September 2018

11 December 2018

12 March 2018

RESOLVED to meet on the following Tuesdays at 6pm:

11 September 2018

11 December 2018

12 March 2019