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1

Councillor Mrs Beer

Councillor Vincent / Councillor Stevens

Why was there no consultation with Plympton Erle ward councillors on the proposed Plymouth Gypsy traveller site?

A reassurance was sought that in future local councillors were consulted on issues on the boundary of their wards.

Councillor Vincent responded that he had had no discussions or consultations on the site.

Councillor Stevens also responded that there was a legal requirement on the part of South Hams to formally consult with the Council and that did not take place. Informal contact was made through a Council officer who was not authorised to speak on behalf of the authority.  Gary Streeter MP had put in a formal objection to the application but had not advised councillors or residents.

Ward councillors would be advised if there was a formal consultation from an adjoining local authority.

2

Councillor Bowyer

Councillor Coker

What was the latest position on the package of proposals announced in relation to car parking charges? When would a decision be made? 

Councillor Coker responded that consultation had finished before Christmas and officers were finalising a report which would be considered by Cabinet Members shortly.

3

Councillor Mrs Bowyer

Councillor Coker

187 fines had been issued to motorists following a police diversion into a bus lane. Did the police contribute towards the cost of cancelling the tickets? What were the costs?

Councillor Coker undertook to provide a written response. He also responded that the police had to make a decision quickly and that he had subsequently met with them to put protocols in place to ensure that the Council were notified quickly so that the cameras could be turned off.

4

Councillor Morris

Councillor Vincent

What would be the effect of the government proposal on areas such as Dartmoor, if disused farm buildings could be replaced with up to three dwellings?How would this affect Plymouth’s own local nature reserves?

Councillor Vincent responded that the proposals were part of the initiative to reduce red tape in the planning system and make it easier to build houses. In reality, it could lead to housing being developed randomly across the national parks where there were derelict barns and farms. In total there were 6,000 agricultural buildings in Dartmoor and Exmoor that could be affected by this proposal and many more in the region’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.  There would then also need to be roads and power lines to connect them with the associated impact on wildlife and the natural environment.

The nature reserves were inner city green spaces managed by the Council.

5

Councillor Ball 

Councillor Coker

Were roads likely to be less safe in the dark? Following the removal of street lighting in an unadopted road in Compton, could an assurance be given that every effort would be made to install street lighting?  

Councillor Coker responded that street lighting played an important role in the safety of residents.  Provision of street lighting in unadopted areas was an issue and he was working with officers on a solution and would involve ward councillors to move this matter forward.

6

Councillor Dr Mahony

Councillor Coker 

There was concern at the large potholes, rubble and spray painted offensive graffiti on roads (for example on Glendower Road). The graffiti had been reported, but no feedback was ever received.  

Councillor Coker responded that more investment was being made in the next couple of months for potholes in addition to the sustained investment previously committed. The recent bad weather had caused additional damage to the road network and the Council required £60 to 80m to bring the network up to a satisfactory standard.  He also undertook to report the graffiti, if it had not already been done.

With regard to feedback, Councillor Dr Mahony had not attended the recent annual presentation by Amey when such issues could have been aired.  Those attending had commended Amey on the improved monthly communications.  Councillor Coker offered to take up any specific issues with Amey.

7

Councillor Drean

Councillor Coker

Would the transport team review traffic flow in Martin Street in the light of the multi-million pound ferry coming to the city from 2017? 

Councillor Coker responded that they would.

8

Councillor Darcy

Councillor Penberthy

When and how would the significant underspend of the hardship fund be addressed and the monies given to those most in need?  How and when would the monies be spent?

Councillor Penberthy referred to the response given to the pubic question (referred to in minute 82 above) and responded that this year’s hardship fund would be spent this year and that in future, there would be one pot of money divided into three and spent over the following three years.

The Council were helping people to react to a crisis and encouraging them to work with credit unions. Early intervention and prevention work was essential.

9

Councillor Nicholson

Councillor Evans

What dialogue had there been with South Hams District Council on the development of the urban fringe and when would he report to Council? When would other Council members be able to influence decisions?

Councillor Evans responded that he and officers met regularly with South Hams District Council on the Sherford development. Councillor Lowry had also had conversations on the future land supply.  Planning permission had been granted for 10,000 homes and sufficient land had been brought forward to develop thousands of homes in the next five years.

Discussions on the Plymouth Plan were being undertaken outside of Plymouth and with partners. Any representations would be welcomed and following the issue of the draft document, further consultation would take place.

10

Councillor Sam Leaves

Councillor Coker

Was child safety being compromised by the current uncertainty being felt by lollipop people with regard to their future roles? What budget savings would be achieved by the proposal?

Councillor Coker responded that school crossing patrols had reduced from 47 in 2007 to 34 in 2012. They were a valued institution but the Council’s budget shortfall had to be recognised. Officers and Councillor Williams were seeking the support of schools to transfer responsibility for the patrols to them.

Councillor Williams also responded that the Council had had problems with recruitment as a result of Council policies and schools would be able to recruit from within their communities and also able to consider combining roles.

11

Councillor James

Councillor Penberthy

Why had Councillor James’ emails of 5 and 19 January 2014 been ignored which referred serious family concerns from a resident to him? Could a written response be provided to him please?

Councillor Penberthy apologised for the delay and reported that the investigation had been complex due to the family’s needs. An offer of family support had not been taken up and he had asked for a case worker to assist.  They were currently waiting for the family to respond.

A response by email had been sent to Councillor James today which contained all the information except for the information which had arrived during the meeting.

12

Councillor Fry

Councillor Coker

Was it acceptable that two street columns were removed from a private road in Compton without the knowledge of residents? Did it surprise him that he had been told that the removal was illegal and unwarranted as there were no safety issues?  

Councillor Coker responded that he had been advised that one column had been reported as not working and that on inspection, two columns were found to be unsafe and removed as they were a potential danger to the public. He accepted that the situation could have been handled differently and residents could have been notified.

His report was based on information provided and he undertook to share that information with Councillor Fry.  He asked that Councillor Fry’s information was shared with him so that they could work together to resolve this matter.

13

Councillor Nicholson

Councillor Evans 

What was the Council doing to address the recent loss of hotel space? Could he supply please the figures for the number of bed spaces, last year, this year and the years beyond?

Councillor Evans responded that the city needed good quality hotel space and the Council and Destination Plymouth were consistently working with hoteliers to attract them to the city.

A written response would be provided on the information requested.

14

Councillor James

Councillor Evans

Was the Council a brilliant co-operative council and if so when did it happen and what criteria were used? 

Councillor Evans responded that the Council was a brilliant Co-operative Council and that the Council would get more brilliant.

15

Councillor Sam Leaves

Councillor McDonald

What action was the Council taking with regard to increases to Accident and Emergency Units and deaths arising from legal highs? What age groups were involved?

Councillor McDonald responded that amulti-agency approach was being undertaken between the youth service, schools and the police and every effort was being taken to minimise harm.  The effects from legal highs were unknown making it difficult for the health service to treat and government legislation was required to tackle the problem.  

She did not have information on age groups.