Agenda and minutes

Resolved: That the minutes of the meeting that took place on 18 January 2021, be approved.

None.

Councillor Alan Schneiderman declared a non-Pecuniary interest in relation to his Members Item as listed in item 6.   He stated that he was a Member of the Canal and River Trust.  He therefore took part in the consideration of the item.

None.

The Committee noted the receipt of Public Question and Public Comment in connection with item 6, Suspension of Enforcement in Controlled Parking Zones.    

The Chairman noted that Ms Maria Byrne was not in attendance and therefore noted his submission and the Council’s response in respect to the answer to his question.

Councillor Alan Schneiderman – Protect the Welsh Harp

Councillor Alan Schneiderman was invited by the Chairman to introduce the item. Councillor Schneiderman gave a summary of the issue and requested that the Committee supported his item.   

During the consideration of the item the Chairman stated that he had met with the London Borough of Brent in order to release a statement about the joint collaborate position.

During the consideration of the item Councillor Alan Schneiderman made a request to the committee that was later accepted (see below).    The Chairman noted his support for the item and said that it should be recognised the efforts of volunteers in clearing up the welsh harp and therefore the Committees thanks should be noted.

Resolved:

-        That the Committee recognised the efforts of volunteers in clearing up the welsh harp and provided thanks for all their work.

-        That a report be submitted to the Environment Committee setting out options for a robust co-ordinated plan for a sustainable future for the Welsh Harp involving Barnet Council, Brent Council, the Environment Agency, the Canal and River Trust and volunteers with regular scheduled reports back on progress throughout the year.   The Committee requested that the include a comprehensive approach to the whole water course system and flood management process within the borough. In addition the report should include options for the recruitment of a biodiversity officer to support not just the Welsh Harp but the whole borough.

Geof Cooke – Suspension of Enforcement in Controlled Parking Zones

Councillor Geof Cooke was invited by the Chairman to introduce the item. Councillor Cooke gave a summary of the issue and requested that the Committee supported his item.  He requested that his item be considered and he moved that a compensatory extension of validity of resident parking permits would be fair to residents and should be considered by the Environment committee.

Members of the Committee had the opportunity to comment on this item and ask questions.

The Chairman moved this item to the vote as tabled.

Resolved:

-        That the Members Items as listed not be approved

The vote recorded was:

For – 4

Against – 6

-        The Environment Committee noted the report.

The report was introduced by the Executive Director for Environment.   The Strategic Service Director was in attendance to respond to questions from Members.

Councillor Jajeh requested to Officers that Councillor John hart be consulted on this matter as he is the Council’s Natural Environment Champion.

Having considered the report the Committee unanimously:

Resolved:

1.     That the Committee approved the draft Highway Tree Root Policy as set out in this report, subject to consultation. This policy be delegated to the Executive Director for Environment for finalisation of any changes as a result of the consultation and implementation.

The report was introduced by Interim Transport and Highways Lead. 

The Chairman requested that breakdown of cost be sent to Councillor Byers.   He also requested that comments from Members on the A1000 Phase 1 scheme be directly submitted to Interim Transport and Highways Lead. 

Having considered the report the Committee unanimously:

Resolved:

1. That the Environment Committee noted progress with the development, implementation and monitoring of Social Distancing measures arising from the Coronavirus pandemic.

2. That the Environment Committee noted that subject to the agreement of recommendation 1, future reports will provide a review of the experimental schemes, with recommendations to retain, remove or, subject to additional funding, review longer term options incorporating design changes, to reflect community feedback and lessons learned.

The report was introduced by the Executive Director for Environment.    He requested that Members provide him with comments in regards to this item in writing.   He added that this item would be reported to the Policy and Recourse’s Committee and therefore he noted that he wanted the views of Members.   He provided an overview or the report and highlighted the details in 1.10 of the report.

Members welcomed the report and questioned officers on the timeline of the implantation.  Mr Mee said that Members feedback was very important and he noted it was hoped that Policy and Recourses will receive a report during the summer.

Having considered the report the Committee unanimously:

Resolved:

The Committee noted this update on the progress of the Barnet Sustainability Strategy and that a draft strategy will be presented to Policy & Resources Committee for approval

The report was introduced by the Executive Director for Environment.   The Assistant Director Greenspaces & Leisure gave a full outline of the report.  Members heard information on the statutory consultation, Public Consultation Report and customer feedback.

During the consideration of the item the Chairman lost connectivity and lost connection to the meeting.  As a result the Committee adjourned briefly in order for the chairman to re-join the meeting which he duly did.

Members considered the proposed car parking charges in detail.     The Chairman said that the proposals should be worked on so that they are ready to be implemented by 01 May.  This was supported and seconded by Councillor Laithe Jajeh.

Councillor Alan Schneiderman  moved that all future plans to extend charges to other park car parks should be scrapped.   This was seconded by Seconded by Councillor Geof Cooke.

The Committee were requested to vote on Councillor Alan Schneiderman motion. 

Resolved:

-        That the motion be lost

The vote recorded was

-        For 4

-        Against - 6

The Committee were then requested to vote on the report’s recommendations and Councillor Cohen’s motion .

Resolved:

-        That the motion was carried (9 below )

1. That the Environment Committee noted the consultation responses as set out in Appendix 2 and 3 of the report and agreed charging for the use of the car park in Mill Hill Park as proposed in this report.

2. That the Environment Committee agreed to the implement new fees and charges for Mill Hill Park car park as set out in Appendix 1, which were included in the budget proposals submitted to the Policy and Resources Committee

3. That the Environment Committee having noted the consultation responses set out in Appendix 2 and 3 of the report and agreed charging for the use of the car park in Old Courthouse Recreation Ground as proposed in this report.

4. That the Environment Committee agreed to the implement new fees and charges for Old Courthouse Recreation Ground car park as set out in Appendix 1, which were included in the budget proposals submitted to the Policy and Resources Committee

5. That the Environment Committee agreed having considered the consultation responses set out in Appendix 2 and 3 of the report charging for the use of the car park in Scratchwood Open Space as proposed in this report subject to a suitable alternative enforcement system or approach being implemented

6. That the Environment Committee agreed to the implement new fees and charges for Scratchwood Open Space car park as set out in Appendix 1, which were included in the budget proposals submitted to the Policy and Resources Committee

7. That the Environment Committee agreed having considered the consultation responses set out in Appendix 2 and 3 of the report charging for the use of the car park in West Hendon Playing Fields as proposed in this report.

8. That the Environment Committee agreed to the implement new fees and charges for West Hendon Playing Fields car park  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

That the work programme be noted.

None.