The Strategic Planning & Environment Overview & Scrutiny Committee of Dacorum Council discussed several key issues, including the re-routing of the River Gade, quarterly budget monitoring, and the implementation of Alcohol Related Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs). Decisions were made to investigate verge hardening schemes and to circulate Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) guidance to councillors.

Re-routing of the River Gade

Liam Dennis from the Environment Agency provided an update on the planned works for the re-routing of the River Gade. The presentation detailed the environmental benefits and logistical challenges of the project. The re-routing aims to improve flood management and enhance local biodiversity. Dennis highlighted that the project would involve significant collaboration with local stakeholders and would be phased over several years.

Q3 Quarterly Budget Monitoring Report

Clare Dempsey, Financial Planning & Analysis Manager, introduced the Q3 Quarterly Budget Monitoring Report. The report outlined the financial performance of various council departments, noting both positive trends and areas requiring attention. Discussions focused on budget variances and the need for stringent financial controls to ensure fiscal responsibility.

Q3 Planning Development and Regeneration Report

Sara Whelan, Assistant Director of Planning, presented the Q3 Planning Development and Regeneration Report. The report covered ongoing and upcoming development projects within the borough. Whelan emphasized the importance of sustainable development and adherence to the council's strategic planning goals. She also mentioned the need to circulate CIL guidance to councillors to ensure informed decision-making.

Q3 Neighbourhood Services Performance Report

Stefania Horne, Strategic Director of Neighbourhood Services, introduced the Q3 Neighbourhood Services Performance Report. The report reviewed the performance of various neighbourhood services, including waste management and community safety. An action was taken for Ian Ross, Head of Neighbourhood Management, to investigate the status of previously designed verge hardening schemes.

Alcohol Related Public Spaces Protection Orders

The committee discussed the implementation of Alcohol Related Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs). Stefania Horne introduced the report, which proposed specific areas where alcohol consumption would be restricted to reduce anti-social behaviour. The committee agreed on the need for clear prohibition notices and tasked Horne with sharing the exact prohibition notice for the PSPO.

The Local Plan Regulation 18 Feedback

Sara Whelan presented feedback on the Local Plan Regulation 18. The feedback highlighted community responses to the initial consultation phase of the Local Plan, which outlines the long-term development strategy for the borough. The committee discussed the importance of incorporating public input into the final plan and agreed to circulate the Task & Finish Documents for further review.

Affordable Housing SPD

The committee reviewed the Affordable Housing Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), introduced by Sara Whelan. The SPD aims to provide detailed guidance on the delivery of affordable housing within the borough. The discussion focused on ensuring that new developments meet the council's affordable housing targets and contribute to the overall housing strategy.