Agenda item

An opportunity for the Portfolio Holder’s to provide an update to the Panel on developments within their portfolio.

The Panel received updates from the Portfolio Holders.

Councillor Geoff Blunden, Environment and Sustainability

The Portfolio Holder confirmed that no incidents of fly tipping was acceptable and that the Council would continue to prevent and take appropriate action where it could, to prosecute perpetrators. 

After many months of planning phase one of the new and improved waste and recycling collection service, it was launched on 9 June 2025.  The Council was already seeing the benefits of this new way of working.  The rollout had been a monumental logistical exercise with over 31,000 dwellings in phase one.  Any outstanding bin deliveries that were being reported by residents were being dealt with quickly.  As with any new service, there would be a period of settling in.  This kind of transition could not happen overnight and minor disruption would be anticipated on a project of this scale.   The Portfolio Holder acknowledged that change could be frustrating but could not ignore the long-term benefits of improved recycling and reduced waste and that this complied with government guidelines. 

In response to a Panel member’s concerns regarding donkeys accessing food waste caddies in Brockenhurst and the requirement for people to move their bins along private roads, it was stated that there was no data at present regarding donkeys accessing food caddies and the Council was awaiting feedback from the waste crews and householders to suggest if this was a one-off or a widespread problem.  It was felt that the point where waste bins were collected from had been well communicated to residents but it was acknowledged that there could be some confusion.  Therefore, if a resident had a particular concern they should contact one of the Waste Advisors in the first instance, to seek advice.  The Portfolio Holder confirmed he would pass on any feedback any comments from the Panel on the waste collection service. 

It was also confirmed that communications from the Council would be reviewed, to improve the service in light of any incidences.  Following this concern was raised from a Panel member regarding the press release by the local Liberal Democrat party who, they felt, had made political capital out of the waste collection rollout.  In response, another Panel Member felt that the Liberal Democrat press release was a reflection of the feedback that some Councillors had received regarding their experience of the roll out. 

Councillor Derek Tipp -  Planning and Economy

The Portfolio Holder reported that two members of the building control team had recently won national awards.  One of the apprentices had won the Apprentice of the Year and another member of staff within the Street Naming and Numbering Team had won an award for accuracy in placing data on GIS mapping. 

Members of the Panel were urged to respond individually to the national consultation on the proposed reforms to Planning Committees and to encourage their Parish and Town Councils to also respond.

There is proposed to be further consultation on the Local Plan this Autumn which would set out a proposed direction of travel which would include identifying broad areas where the scope for development to meet future needs is being considered.  It was expected that by the end of 2026, all consultations would have been completed and the Plan submitted for examination by the Planning Inspectorate.

The Rural England Prosperity Fund had two funds which were currently inviting bids a) the Community Grant Scheme and b) the supporting Local Business Grant Scheme.  Application forms were available of the Council website. 

The masterplan for the Totton regeneration was well underway, led by consultants AR Urbanism and supported by Feria Urbanism who were carrying out engagement work with Stakeholders.