Agenda for Environment Forum on Tuesday, 15th February, 2022, 7.00 pm

Agenda and minutes

Venue: Conference Room, Civic Centre, Silver Street, Enfield, EN1 3XA. View directions

Contact: Email: Democracy@enfield.gov.uk 

Items
No. Item

1.

WELCOME AND APOLOGIES

Minutes:

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

 

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Saray Karakus and Cllr Lindsay Rawlings (substituted by Cllr Maria Alexandrou).

 

2.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Members of the Forum are invited to identify any disclosable pecuniary, other pecuniary or non-pecuniary interests relevant to items on the agenda.

 

Minutes:

There were no declarations of interest registered in respect of any items on the agenda.

3.

AGREE MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING HELD ON 24th NOVEMBER 2021 pdf icon PDF 109 KB

To agree the minutes of the meeting held on the 24th November 2021.

Minutes:

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 24th November 2021 were agreed.

4.

UPDATE DISCUSSION ON THE MONITORING OF THE LOCAL LIST

To receive a verbal update on monitoring undertaken from the Local List.

Minutes:

Christine White, Architecture, Urban Design & Heritage Manager, presented an update on the Enfield Local Heritage List.

 

In response the following comments were received:

 

1.    It was questioned if everything in existing conservation areas would automatically be protected as they were not showing in the Local List.  Christine confirmed this was correct.

2.    In relation to Streetscape it was noted that certain elements were on the Local List, rather than whole areas which would come under conservation areas.

3.    It was noted that assets could be removed from the list if no longer appropriate.  The Enfield Society were thanked for their help on this.

4.    Monitoring of buildings falls within the review process; there wasn’t scope for additional work outside of this, although The Enfield Society monitor on an informal basis.

5.    It was queried if grades could be added and whether it was date bias.  Christine advised it was a more inclusive approach with some monuments and statues added to a separate list.

6.    There were questions around whether some buildings were more important than others and the flexibility of adding more to the list.  Additions could be considered, and the distinction of importance was based on the local area.

7.    It was noted that the Local List was rarely mentioned in planning applications although the automated system should flag up constraints during the application process.

8.    Sarah Cary thanked all involved and the input was greatly appreciated.

 

5.

UPDATE ON FLY-TIPPING pdf icon PDF 3 MB

To receive an update on the fly-tipping figures in the Borough.

Minutes:

Sue McDaid, Head of Reg Services & Corporate H&S, highlighted the key messages related to flytipping.

 

1.    Flytipping had increased across the country, however was beginning to reduce thanks to the communication campaign and enforcement actions.

2.    The free bulky waste service was being well used and materials from items get recycled.

3.    The graph detailing the number of flytips was based on those reported by the public.  It was noted that teams were out clearing additional flytips before the public can make the report.

4.    It was questioned if the pro-active street inspections go “off-road”.  The team predominately work on public highways however will investigate other areas if made aware.

5.    Flytip waste is searched to look for evidence to enable prosecution.  Doug Wilson, Head of Strategy & Service Development confirmed that no waste gets sent abroad.

6.    The Council worked with charity shops to help manage bags left outside shops.

7.    A discussion took place about Fixed Penalty Notices.  The fine if paid within 14 days was currently £150 for litter and £400 for flytipping.  If not paid it goes forward for prosecution.  There are no appeals.   The Single Justice System was used for a lot of littering cases and did not require a face to face hearing.

8.    Payment of FPNs had reduced from 65% to 58%.  Trying to improve by sending reminders and stating the cost of going to court was much higher.  The income from FPNs stays within the Council to help run the service.

9.    Barrowell Green was well used by residents from across the borough and it was felt the booking system works and smooths out congestion.

10. Regarding flytipping on private land, it’s the land owner’s responsibility to remove it, however the Council give advice, particularly around hazardous waste.

11. It was queried what happens if household rubbish gets dumped in public bins.  Officers explained that although they may search it for evidence, it was hard to enforce action as the rubbish was put in a bin.

There was a need to promote larger household bins more effectively as many residents were unaware they may be entitled to them.  Also, services such as personal hygiene waste collections.

12. It was noted that Barrowell Green had expanded the types of waste accepted, for example paint.  Doug would check about changes to the layout of the site ACTION.

13. There was a limit of 15 prosecutions per month across the whole council, which was enforced by the Ministry of Justice.  Officers therefore try to use the Single Justice System instead.

 

Officers were thanked for their work in this area, particularly around the quick clearing of flytip sites.

 

6.

AGREE UPDATED WORK PROGRAMME pdf icon PDF 91 KB

Minutes:

Included in this item, the following was also discussed as AOB:

 

1.    There was some Government funding available for ramps/lifts at railway stations.  Officers to investigate this ACTION.

2.    Improved access to open spaces – kissing gates rather than stile gates – Doug to check this ACTION.

3.    There were increased applications for telecom masts in the area – Sarah to look at and respond ACTION.  This would also be added to the next work programme for a full discussion.

4.    It was believed that the conditions had not been met at South Lodge Farm – this should be raised through the website as an enforcement enquiry.

5.    Sarah stated that the Air Quality Action Plan was updated every 5 years and was available on the pollution section of the website.

 

The Work Programme was noted, however the next meeting fell within Purdah so may be rescheduled.  Transport would be given more emphasis on future agendas.

 

7.

DATE OF NEXT MEETING

To confirm that the date of the next meeting will be Tuesday 29th March 2022.

Minutes:

To be confirmed.