The Environment Committee of Arun Council met on 20 June 2024 to discuss various significant topics, including the River Road Car Park Review, the Arun Flood Forum, and the Council Vision Annual Report. Key decisions were made regarding the procurement of new waste management services and the adoption of a revised contaminated land strategy.

River Road Car Park Review

The Committee reviewed the River Road Car Park Report and its appendices, including Appendix A, Appendix B, Appendix C, Appendix D, and Appendix E. The review focused on the current usage, financial performance, and potential improvements to the car park. The Committee discussed various options, including the introduction of pay-on-exit technology and the potential for increasing parking charges. The decision was made to further investigate the feasibility of these options and report back at a future meeting.

Arun Flood Forum Update

The Committee received an update on the Arun Flood Forum, including detailed appendices such as Appendix 1, Appendix 2, Appendix 3, and Appendix 4. The update highlighted the ongoing efforts to address flooding issues in the district, including the identification of misconnections and sewer defects. The Committee noted the progress made and the importance of continued collaboration with Southern Water and other stakeholders.

Council Vision Annual Report

The Committee discussed the Council Vision 2022 - 2026 Annual Report for 2023-2024 and its appendices, Appendix 1 and Appendix 2. The report outlined the Council's achievements and progress towards its strategic goals. The Committee acknowledged the positive outcomes and discussed areas for further improvement, particularly in environmental sustainability and community engagement.

Combined Cleansing Services Contract

The Committee approved the procurement of a new Combined Cleansing Services Contract, which includes a weekly food waste collection service starting in 2026. The decision was made to standardise the provision of a 180-litre residual bin to encourage recycling and reduce waste. The Committee also noted the importance of securing external funding and ensuring the contract's financial sustainability.

Contaminated Land Strategy

The Committee adopted the revised contaminated land strategy, which outlines the Council's approach to inspecting and managing contaminated land. The strategy includes updated procedures to align with current legislation and guidance, such as Defra's revised statutory guidance. The Committee emphasised the importance of maintaining a public register of contaminated land and ensuring that developers undertake necessary surveys and remediation work.

Other Discussions

The Committee also discussed the performance of the current cleansing contract, the potential for introducing soft plastics collection, and the need for tailored waste collection solutions for residents with limited storage capacity. Additionally, the Committee reviewed the work programme for the upcoming municipal year, which includes updates on the Arun Flood Forum, grounds maintenance contract performance, and beach access improvements.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the minutes of the meeting.