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Weekly updates
Cambridge Council Approves New Grant Strategy and Taxi Policy
This week, the Cambridge council held the following meetings:
- Development Control Forum on Tuesday, 25 June 2024
- Planning and Transport Scrutiny Committee on Tuesday, 25 June 2024 (cancelled)
- Environment and Community Scrutiny Committee on Thursday, 27 June 2024
- Licensing Committee on Monday, 24 June 2024
Environment and Community Scrutiny Committee
The Environment and Community Scrutiny Committee on Thursday approved all recommendations, including new management arrangements for the Council's grant-giving processes and a new inter-authority agreement for the use of the Material Recycling Facility.
Community Grant Giving
The committee approved a new strategy for managing the Council's grant funding, developed after a review by the Executive Councillor for Strategy and Transformation. The strategy focuses on six capitals identified by the Bennett Institute for Public Policy:
- Natural capital
- Social capital
- Human capital
- Institutional capital
- Produced capital
- Financial capital
The Council will use these capitals to align grant funding with strategic priorities. An internal audit revealed weaknesses in the current grant-giving processes, prompting the decision to outsource management to an external provider. This move aims to reduce fraud risk, improve efficiency, and ensure value for money.
The key reasons why the Council is seeking to outsource this service are to reduce the risk of fraud and error, improve the efficiency of the grant-giving process, ensure value for money, and increase capacity within the Council.
The external provider will handle all aspects of the grant-giving process, while the Council retains overall responsibility and strategic direction.
Material Recycling Facility
A new inter-authority agreement was approved between the Council and Cambridgeshire County Council for the use of the Material Recycling Facility. The agreement, lasting ten years, requires the City Council to pay an annual fee to the County Council. Discussions included the cost of the fee, environmental performance, and the potential for the City Council to develop its own recycling facilities.
Appointments
The committee noted several councillor appointments to outside bodies, including:
- Councillor Dave Baigent to The Junction
- Councillor Katie Thornburrow to Cambridge BID
- Councillor Rosalind Scott to the Adults and Health Committee
- Councillor Mairead Healy to the Cambridge Community Safety Partnership
- Councillor George Pippas to the Cambridgeshire Police and Crime Panel
- Councillor Baiju Thittala to the Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Council of Governors
- Councillor Cameron Holloway to the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Military Covenant Board
- Councillor Sam Carling and Councillor Alex Collis to the Clay Farm Advisory Group
- Councillor Lucy Nethsingha and Councillor Sarah Nicmannis to the Storey's Field Community Trust
- Councillor Naomi Bennett to Recycling in Cambridge and Peterborough (RECAP)
- Councillor Anna Smith to the Cambridge Airport Consultative Committee
These appointments were made in accordance with the Council's constitution.
Working Groups
The committee also agreed on nominations for working parties, including three Labour and two Liberal Democrat councillors to the Equalities Panel.
Licensing Committee
The Licensing Committee on Monday confirmed the decision to remove standard hybrid vehicles from the city's Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Policy, effective June 2024. This decision was initially made on 29 January 2024 and reaffirmed despite opposition from the taxi trade.
Environmental Considerations for Taxi and Private Hire Licensing Policy
The meeting featured public questions about the council's promotion of the 'silver and green' livery of Cambridge Hackney Carriages and the availability of electric vehicle charging points. Concerns were raised about the cost and practicality of charging electric taxis, especially for drivers without home charging facilities.
The public don't have a clue about the livery safety that we've imposed on our taxi fleet, which is as well wheelchair accessible taxi. Quite frankly, nobody knows.
The main discussion focused on confirming the policy to require new saloon vehicles to be either fully electric or Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (ULEVs)1 from June 2024. This policy, first agreed in 2018, aims to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality.
The marginal impacts of banning new traditional hybrids is going to be quite small in terms of air pollution. But it's going to be bigger in terms of carbon emissions because at the end of the day a traditional hybrid solely runs on fossil fuel.
Councillors expressed mixed views, with some concerned about the impact on taxi drivers and the availability of charging points. Officers confirmed that 21 rapid charging points are available, with plans to install more. The Greater Cambridge Partnership is also working to increase charging infrastructure.
The committee voted to confirm the decision, emphasizing the council's commitment to environmental sustainability and the long-term benefits of reducing carbon emissions.
Conclusion
This week's council meetings highlight the ongoing efforts to enhance community support through improved grant management and environmental sustainability. The decisions made reflect the council's commitment to reducing carbon emissions and ensuring efficient use of resources. For those interested in learning more about the council's activities and how to get involved, the council's website provides resources and information on participation and consultations.
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ULEVs are vehicles that emit less than 75g of CO2 per kilometre driven. ↩
Cambridge Council Refuses Tesco's Alcohol License & Promotes Home Exercise Initiative
This week, the Cambridge council held the following meetings:
- Housing Scrutiny Committee on Tuesday, 18 June 2024
- Joint Development Control Committee on Wednesday, 19 June 2024
- Licensing Sub Committee on Monday, 17 June 2024
- Employment (Senior Officer) Committee on Tuesday, 18 June 2024
Housing Scrutiny Committee
The Housing Scrutiny Committee meeting on Tuesday focused on promoting home exercise through video tutorials. Robert Taylor, the Exercise Referral Coordinator with the Cambridge City Council, introduced a new initiative by the Activity and Lifestyle team. They have created home exercise video tutorials designed to help residents exercise safely at home. Robert encouraged everyone to check out the videos and hoped they would find them useful.
The Activity and Lifestyle team would like to share with you some home exercise video tutorials which aim to get you moving safely and exercising safely in your own home.- Robert Taylor
This initiative is part of the council's broader efforts to promote public health and well-being, especially in light of the increasing importance of maintaining physical activity at home.
Licensing Sub Committee
The Licensing Sub Committee meeting on Monday was primarily focused on the application by Tesco for a premises license to sell alcohol at their store located at 172 East Road, Cambridge. The application was ultimately refused due to concerns about its impact on the local community, particularly in relation to public safety and antisocial behavior.
Key Discussion Points:
- Public Safety and Antisocial Behavior: The committee discussed the potential impact of granting the alcohol license on public safety and antisocial behavior in the area. Concerns were raised about the difficulty in managing customers' behavior once they leave the store, including issues like third-party sales to minors and public drinking.
- Cumulative Impact Zone: The store is located in a cumulative impact zone, which already has a high concentration of premises licensed to sell alcohol. The committee emphasized that the onus was on Tesco to demonstrate that their application would not exacerbate existing issues.
- Local Community Concerns: Several local residents and ward councillors, including Councillor Robertson, voiced strong objections to the application. They cited ongoing issues with alcohol-related antisocial behavior, particularly around residential areas and near the Matthews Primary School.
- Police Stance: Although the police did not object to the application, they supported the cumulative impact policy, highlighting the ongoing challenges with violent crime and alcohol-related antisocial behavior in the area.
Arguments For the Application:
- Tesco's Measures: Tesco representatives outlined various measures they have in place to mitigate potential issues, including robust security systems, regular communication with the police, and community engagement initiatives. They argued that these measures would help manage any negative impact.
- Security Presence: Tesco committed to having a security officer on duty during the hours when alcohol would be sold, as recommended by the police.
Arguments Against the Application:
- Community Impact: Councillor Robertson and other objectors argued that the addition of another alcohol-selling premise would likely increase antisocial behavior and negatively impact the local community, particularly given the proximity to a primary school and residential areas.
- Lack of Direct Community Engagement: It was noted that Tesco had not engaged directly with local residents who had objected to the application, which was seen as a failure to adhere to their own good neighbor policy.
Decision:
The committee decided to refuse the application. The key reasons included:
- Tesco did not sufficiently demonstrate that the license would not negatively affect the cumulative impact zone.
- The area already faces significant issues with violent crime and alcohol-related antisocial behavior.
- The proximity to a primary school and residential areas heightened concerns about public safety and the protection of children from harm.
- The presence of vulnerable individuals from nearby shelters could exacerbate antisocial behavior.
The decision was influenced by the cumulative impact policy and the strong objections from local residents and ward councillors. The applicants and those who made representations have the right to appeal the decision within 21 days.
Joint Development Control Committee and Employment (Senior Officer) Committee
The Joint Development Control Committee meeting on Wednesday and the Employment (Senior Officer) Committee meeting on Tuesday did not provide video broadcasts or detailed summaries. Therefore, we are unable to provide specific updates on these meetings.
Conclusion
This week's council activities highlight the ongoing efforts to balance community needs with public safety and well-being. The refusal of Tesco's alcohol license application underscores the council's commitment to addressing antisocial behavior and protecting vulnerable populations. Meanwhile, the promotion of home exercise through video tutorials reflects a proactive approach to enhancing public health.
For those interested in learning more about the council's decisions and initiatives, the council's website provides resources and information on how to participate in consultations and submit comments on various matters.
Exploring the Role of Cambridge's Planning Committee in Shaping Our City
This week, the Cambridge council held a Planning Committee meeting on Tuesday, June 11, 2024. Unfortunately, the video of the meeting was over eight hours long, and a transcript was not generated. Additionally, the notes from this meeting have not yet been summarised.
Given the lack of detailed information from this week's meeting, let's take this opportunity to delve into the role and responsibilities of the Planning Committee and how it impacts our local community.
The Planning Committee is a crucial part of the council's operations, responsible for making decisions on planning applications and ensuring that development within the city aligns with local and national planning policies. This includes considering factors such as environmental impact, sustainability, and community needs.
Understanding Planning Applications
When a planning application is submitted, it undergoes a rigorous review process. This involves consultations with various stakeholders, including local residents, businesses, and environmental groups. The Planning Committee then assesses the application against several criteria, including:
- Compliance with Local Plans: These are documents that outline the long-term vision for development in the area. They include policies on housing, transport, and environmental sustainability.
- National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF): This sets out the government's planning policies for England and how they should be applied. It aims to achieve sustainable development and includes guidelines on protecting the environment and promoting economic growth1.
- Community Impact: The committee considers how the proposed development will affect local residents and businesses. This includes assessing potential benefits, such as job creation and improved infrastructure, as well as any negative impacts, such as increased traffic or loss of green space.
Recent Themes in Planning Decisions
In previous emails, we've seen the Planning Committee address various issues that reflect broader themes in local governance. For example, in April 2024, the committee deferred a planning application to address concerns about visitor parking, single-aspect homes, and cycle access. This decision underscored the council's commitment to sustainability and community safety.
Similarly, the committee has mandated conditions for developments to include water butts and meet specific sustainability standards like BREEAM2. These measures are part of the council's broader strategy to promote environmental sustainability and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
The Importance of Public Participation
Public participation is a vital aspect of the planning process. Residents have the opportunity to submit comments on planning applications and attend committee meetings to voice their opinions. This ensures that the community's views are considered in decision-making and helps to build trust between the council and its constituents.
Looking Ahead
While we await the summary of this week's Planning Committee meeting, it's clear that the decisions made by this committee have a significant impact on the future development of our city. By balancing the needs of the community with environmental and economic considerations, the Planning Committee plays a key role in shaping a sustainable and vibrant Cambridge.
For those interested in learning more about the planning process or getting involved, the council's website provides resources and information on how to participate in consultations and submit comments on planning applications.
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BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is a leading sustainability assessment method for master planning projects, infrastructure, and buildings. ↩
Cambridge Council's Bold Moves: Honorary Freedom for HMS Protector and Governance Overhaul
This week, the Cambridge council held a Licensing Sub Committee meeting on Monday, June 3, 2024. The meeting covered several administrative items and a significant discussion on the honorary freedom of the city for HMS Protector.
The meeting began with Councillor Russ McPherson, the chair, introducing the session and confirming the attendance of the councillors. The minutes from the previous meeting on February 7, 2024, were approved without amendments. A public question was withdrawn, leaving no public questions for this session.
One of the key topics was the proposal to grant honorary freedom of the city to HMS Protector. Dan presented the report, explaining the strong ties between HMS Protector and Cambridge, particularly through its work with the British Antarctic Survey and the Scott Polar Institute. Councillor Bennett supported the proposal but suggested better public communication to explain the affiliation. Councillor McPherson highlighted HMS Protector's unique role as the Royal Navy's only icebreaker and its contributions to climate change research.
HMS Protector actually does lots of work for the British Antarctic Survey, which is based here in Cambridge.- Councillor McPherson
The committee agreed to recommend this proposal to the full council, emphasizing the importance of public understanding of HMS Protector's connection to Cambridge.
Another significant discussion was on the council's governance model. The current hybrid system, blending the leader and cabinet model with the committee system, was described as opaque and resource-heavy. The Centre for Governance and Scrutiny recommended a change to a leader and cabinet model for better accountability and efficiency. Councillor Davey emphasized the need for better scrutiny and collective decision-making, while Councillor Young and Councillor Bennett expressed concerns about reduced involvement for backbenchers and opposition members.
The current system is seen as opaque and resource-heavy.- Dan
Despite these concerns, the committee voted to recommend the proposal to the full council, with four votes in favor and two against. This decision marks a significant step towards potentially restructuring the council's governance to enhance transparency and efficiency.
The meeting also included discussions on various committee appointments. Councillor Davies raised points about the planning committee and the Joint Development Control Committee (JDCC), suggesting changes to representation and vice-chair positions. These discussions reflect ongoing efforts to ensure effective representation and leadership within the council's committees.
The themes of recognizing significant contributions to the community and striving for more efficient and transparent governance continue to be central to the council's recent activities. The implications of these decisions will likely shape future council operations and community relations.
Cambridge Council Debates Honorary Freedom for HMS Protector and Governance Overhaul
This week, the Cambridge council held several meetings, with the Council meeting on Thursday, May 23, 2024, being the most impactful.
The first major topic was the proposal to grant honorary freedom of the city to HMS Protector. Dan presented the report, noting HMS Protector's strong ties to Cambridge through its work with the British Antarctic Survey and the Scott Polar Institute. Councillor Bennett supported the proposal but suggested better public communication to explain the affiliation. Councillor Russ McPherson highlighted that HMS Protector is the Royal Navy's only icebreaker and emphasized its contributions to climate change research. The committee agreed to recommend this proposal to the full council.
HMS Protector has strong ties to Cambridge through its work with the British Antarctic Survey and the Scott Polar Institute.- Dan
The second significant topic was the discussion on changing the council's governance model from a hybrid system to a leader and cabinet model. Dan introduced the report, explaining that the current system is seen as opaque and resource-heavy. The Centre for Governance and Scrutiny recommended a change for better accountability and efficiency. Councillor Davey emphasized the need for better scrutiny and collective decision-making, while Councillor Young and Councillor Bennett expressed concerns about reduced involvement for backbenchers and opposition members. Despite these concerns, the committee voted to recommend the proposal to the full council, with four votes in favor and two against.
The current system is seen as opaque and resource-heavy.- Dan
Other topics included the approval of the minutes from the previous meeting and the withdrawal of a public question. The committee also discussed the order of agenda items and confirmed that all members had access to the necessary documents.
In another Council meeting on the same day, similar topics were discussed. The honorary freedom of the city for HMS Protector and changes to the governance model were again the main focus. Councillor McPherson reiterated HMS Protector's contributions to climate change research and its historical connection to the city. The committee voted in favor of recommending the governance changes to the full council, with four votes for and two against.
HMS Protector's contributions to climate change research and its historical connection to the city.- Councillor McPherson
The council also discussed appointments to various committees. Councillor Davies raised a point about the planning committee and the Joint Development Control Committee (JDCC), suggesting changes to representation and vice-chair positions. Councillor McPherson acknowledged the discussion and moved on without further comments. The minutes of the previous meeting were approved without amendments, and there were no public questions as the previously submitted question had been withdrawn.
The Environment and Community Scrutiny Committee, Planning and Transport Scrutiny Committee, Licensing Committee, Civic Affairs, and Strategy and Resources Scrutiny Committee also met on Thursday, May 23, 2024. However, we have not been able to find a video broadcast of these meetings.
The discussions on the honorary freedom of the city for HMS Protector and the changes to the governance model reflect ongoing themes of recognizing significant contributions to the community and striving for more efficient and transparent governance. The implications of these decisions will likely shape future council operations and community relations.
Cambridge Council Decisions: Balancing Business Trust and Sustainable Development
This week, the Cambridge council convened for two significant meetings that addressed local business licensing and urban development concerns.
The first meeting, the Licensing Sub Committee on Monday, April 22, 2024, deliberated on the premises license of Luxor Sparkles. Despite past issues under previous management, including illegal employment and sales of restricted products, the license was left unchanged under the new management of Miss Mariflor. The committee's decision reflects a probationary trust in her commitment to compliance, with a licensing inspection scheduled within six months to ensure adherence to regulations. This decision underscores a theme we've observed of balancing enforcement with support for local businesses under new management.
The decision was to maintain the current premises license without changes.- Licensing Sub Committee
The second meeting, the Planning Committee on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, focused on a new development proposal. The committee deferred the planning application to address concerns about visitor parking, single-aspect homes, and cycle access. Additionally, conditions were set for the development to include water butts and meet specific sustainability standards like BREEAM, reflecting the council's commitment to environmental sustainability. Traffic calming measures were also mandated to enhance safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
The committee decided to defer the planning application to address concerns about visitor parking, single-aspect homes, and cycle access.- Planning Committee
These meetings highlight the council's proactive approach in addressing both business and development issues within the community, setting a precedent for future decisions that balance immediate community needs with long-term sustainability and safety goals.
Recent meetings
Employment (Senior Officer) Committee - Thursday, 26th September, 2024 10.00 am
We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.
Environment and Community Scrutiny Committee - Thursday, 26th September, 2024 6.00 pm
The notes from this meeting have not yet been summarised.
Planning and Transport Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday, 24th September, 2024 5.30 pm
This meeting has been cancelled.
Employment (Senior Officer) Committee - Thursday, 19th September, 2024 5.00 pm
We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.
Planning - Thursday, 19th September, 2024 10.00 am
The notes from this meeting have not yet been summarised.
Joint Development Control Committee - Wednesday, 18th September, 2024 10.00 am
The notes from this meeting have not yet been summarised.
Housing Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday, 17th September, 2024 5.30 pm
The notes from this meeting have not yet been summarised.
Licensing Committee - Monday, 16th September, 2024 10.30 am
The notes from this meeting have not yet been summarised.
Civic Affairs - Wednesday, 11th September, 2024 5.30 pm
We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.
Licensing Sub Committee - Monday, 9th September, 2024 10.00 am
This meeting has been cancelled.
Upcoming meetings
No meetings found.