Issue - meetings

Members considered an update on the Hemswell Cliff Public Space Protection Order and a request for a consultation on extending the Order. The current Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) was due to expire in June 2024, and officers detailed that there was a strong justification for its extension. This paper set out the process the Council intended to undertake to review the PSPO and determine its future.

Members heard that the impact of the issues experienced at Hemswell Cliff had been well documented, and it was still an area of the district which the Council classified as a vulnerable community. The Council had also invested in CCTV to assist with the overall management of the designated area.

The report proposed that the existing PSPO be extended for an additional three years and sought approval for consultation to be undertaken with the community to inform this extension. The report included a copy of the notice and a list of the frequently asked questions which was to be distributed in the communication plan for the consultation.

Members of the Committee were invited to comment, and debate ensued. Members enquired about other PSPOs in the district that had not been renewed, such as the Trinity Arts Centre PSPO and the Cemetery PSPO.  The Housing and Environmental Enforcement Manager explained that the decision to end those specific PSPOs had been made by the Regulatory Committee, based on the information presented at the time. He highlighted the different processes required for either the conclusion of a PSPO or an extension, with the latter requiring public consultation prior to a final decision being made by the Committee.

In a follow-up statement on a related comment about the process, the Housing and Environment Enforcement Manager explained the commencement of PSPOs was evidence based, such as submitted reports from Members, organisations, and the public. Members were invited to report any concerns and issues, as there was the opportunity for reports to be brought to the Regulatory Committee for Members to determine the way forward.

Having been proposed and seconded, on taking the vote, it was unanimously

            RESOLVED that:-

a)    the proposal to consult upon the extension of the Hemswell Cliff Public Space Protection Order be approved; and

b)    the consultation to take place between 3 January 2024 and 4 February 2024 be approved; and

c)    the results of the consultation and a final proposal for the PSPO be brought back to Regulatory Committee on 14 March 2024.