Issue - meetings

To seek approval of the scope and approach to the review.

Members considered the scope for the review of adoption of new developments. It was suggested that specific reference should be made in the scope to interaction with parish councils. It was moved by Councillor Williams, seconded by Councillor Crooks and

RESOLVED –

(i)            The review covers:

a.    Adoption of sustainable drainage systems and balancing ponds

b.    Open space management companies

c.    Adoption of roads

d.    Maintenance of public open space

e.    How to interact with parish councils in relation to the above points including providing learning and a route to transferring sites to them.

(ii)          A task & finish group be set up with the balance proposed in the report.

This is a discussion item to inform a scrutiny review. A list of possible areas for consideration will be sent to members in advance of the meeting.

Following requests during the work programming process to undertake a scrutiny review into adoption of new developments, consideration was given to the key areas for inclusion in the review. The following aspects of adoption were discussed:

·         Sustainable drainage systems and balancing ponds, and the reticence of parish councils to adopt them

·         Lack of maintenance by management companies despite charging residents a management fee

·         Adoption of roads and maintenance of those not adopted

·         Maintenance of public open space.

In relation to balancing ponds, it was noted that Higham on the Hill had taken one on and the borough council had also done the same, so parish councils could draw on that experience if they were considering taking on a balancing pond.

It was suggested that a task & finish group be set up to undertake the review and agreed that the review covers open space, adoption of roads and the role of management companies.

RESOLVED – a scoping report be brought back to the next meeting.