Agenda and minutes

There were no disclosable pecuniary interests declared.

The minutes of the Communities and Neighbourhoods Scrutiny Board (4) meeting held on 14 January 2015 were signed as a true record.  There were no matters arising.

Briefing Note of the Executive Director, Place

The Scrutiny Board received a briefing note of the Executive Director for Place with an update on the work of the Flood Risk Management Group, the Sustainable Urban Drainage Approval Body and both the Surface Water Management Plan and the Local Flood Risk Management Strategy.

Members discussed the proposals for the Riverside Project on Palmer Lane to the River Sherbourne and noted that it was scheduled to be completed by October 2015.  Members commended officers on the delivery of the bid and sought clarification over the timeframe for consultation on the project.

Members noted that the Sherbourne Partnership had recently received Heritage Lottery Funding to progress the feasibility of a scheme to develop Chaterhouse Fields, which included improving the condition of the River Shebourne.  Members discussed the potential for the ceremonial burial of ashes at this location.

The Scrutiny Board also discussed a number of local flooding areas such as Bowness Close, Leaf Lane, Copeswood, Stoke Aldermoor and any future plans to improve Swanswell Pond.  Members discussed communication to Ward Councillors on these type of schemes and requested that Ward Councillors be made aware of any future flooding issues/proposals within their ward at an early stage.

Members discussed European funding and noted that a lot of projects and schemes would not have been possible without funding from Europe.

RESOLVED that the Scrutiny Board:

1.  Noted the work of the Flood Risk Management Group

2.  Noted the update from the SuDS Aprpoval Body (SAB) and the extended role of the Lead Local Flood Authority as Statutory Consultee

3.  Noted the progress of the Surface Water Management Plan and the Local Flood Risk Management Strategy.

Briefing Note of the Scrutiny Co-ordinator

The Scrutiny Board considered a briefing note of the Scrutiny Co-ordinator to review the work of the Board during the 2014/15 municipal year and to identify any priorities or issues for consideration when planning next year’s Scrutiny work programme.

The Scrutiny Board requested that more work around communities be considered next municipal year together with cycle routes and road repairs.

RESOLVED, that the Scrutiny Board considered the work programme and noted that their comments would be taken into consideration as part of work programming and planning for the 2015/16 municipal year.

Report of the Scrutiny Co-ordinator

The Scrutiny Board noted the items on the work programme.

The Scrutiny Board evaluated the meeting and their comments would be used to ensure the continued efficiency and effectiveness of future meetings.

There were no additional items of public business.