Agenda and minutes

To approve the minutes from the last meeting.

The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed

To receive any apologies for absence

No apologies for absence were received

To receive any declarations of interest.

There were no declarations of interest.

There was no public participation

N March introduced the report and highlighted the following key points:

•           Came to committee in July, required to be reviewed every 5 years

•           Wide consultation, included website and out to public, reviewed by key groups, police and charity groups

•           10 responses, which doesn’t sound a lot however that’s a good response, and a good mix of groups responded

•           The report that appears in the pack couldn’t show track changes, this was sent round by Corporate & Democratic Support

•           Changes around modern slavery

•           If committee are happy with the report it can be submitted to full council

He welcomed questions from the committee.

Councillor Bassadone asked about noise law by government, several people made comments on.

Nathan March replied that there is a feeling amongst residents that we may have bought in some quiet relaxation of policy, this isn’t true. The Government looked at live music and recorded entertainment and felt it was not necessary to have as much regulation and so there is nothing the council can do in their policy. Nuisance caused by noise needs to go through environmental health, they can take action. Controls are in place but not in the policy.

Councillor Pringle welcomed the addition of modern slavery. She appreciated that the council are limited by national legislation but asked if there could possibly be an opportunity to influence behaviour in a soft way through training and a chance to air any issues. She asked about a scheme used by Venues “Ask Angela” where people can get help from coercive situations, she asked if there was a way of incorporating into training. She further asked in relation to noise pollution, reflecting concerns by residents that venues are erecting outside marquees in the current Covid situation causing increased noise pollution and asked if there could be guidance around this issue.

Nathan March replied that the ‘ask Angela’ scheme is generally led by community safety but could incorporate a sentence or 2 to recognise it’s positive, will add to policy prior to full council if chair is happy with that. With premises being shut, then open, then curfew in the covid crisis, it’s a changing landscape but one that should return to normal. There needs to be a balance between residents and venues. With Venues being closed they are trying to provide a service, residents will have been used to quiet when they were closed, now they are open the noise can seem a bit of a shock. If residents are suffering they need to follow the process with environmental health. Needs better communication, not policy. Premises are trying to operate in a mindful way, however residents cannot expect a wholly silent area when living near a venue. With this being a 5 year policy there are no Covid specific measures.

Councillor Pringle responded that as it’s a 5 year policy she understands we cannot put in Covid specifics, however some communication when launched would be good.

Nathan March agreed it was a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.