Agenda item

1.    The Chairman advised the Committee that the Terms of Reference had been amended in line with recommendations made at the Scrutiny Committee meeting on 9 June 2016; specifically to clarify that membership of the sub-committee would be drawn from the full council.  The Chairman commented that he was pleased to see that this approach had led to a positive representation of useful knowledge, experience and expertise among the membership. 

2.    The Chairman provided a summary of the background to the development of the sub-committee, explaining that it had been in response to issues relating to growth across the county and how it may be improved or better facilitated through improved communication between the utility sector, the development industry and the public sector.  It was envisaged that the role of the sub-committee would be to facilitate the necessary discussions and to support co-ordination of any subsequent partnership work.

3.    Members suggested various areas of the utility and development sectors that they felt should be considered as priorities.  These included:

·         Long term or historic water system decline with limited maintenance or remedial work.  It was suggested that existing issues should be tackled rather than built around as was reported to be the case.

·         Broadband and telecommunication provision across the county to ensure suitable digital access to all communities.

·         Ebbsfleet Development Project – suggested due to its significant scale and requirement for additional infrastructure with consequent utility connection needs.

·         Waste water – highlighted due to significant sewage overflows and flood risk concerns observed in previous years during times of increased rain.

4.    Mr Balfour welcomed the enthusiasm of the sub-committee and noted the suggestions for consideration.  He advised that it was critical to understand the underlying issues and to support improved communication between the other relevant stakeholders operating in the utility and development sectors.  A critical role the sub-committee could play was engaging with the national regulators to consider how their processes impact on growth and utility provision, both positively and negatively.  Additionally, Mr Balfour encouraged the sub-committee to consider how developers may need to adapt their processes and work flows to better contribute to growth within the existing regulatory framework.  He suggested that this work would be enhanced through site visits that would improve Members’ understanding of the practical issues involved in development and utility connections.

5.    Regarding specific suggestions, Mr Balfour declared an interest for future reference, that he was a member of the Ebbsfleet Development Corporation Planning Committee.

6.    Members commented that it was crucial to approach the issues with an open mind and without an initial negative bias against the utility sector or developers.  The contribution of both industries was valuable to the County and necessary to support continuing growth.  Members suggested that it was therefore important to consider the development priorities and how they fit within the regulations.

7.    Members noted that it was important that the sub-committee maintain a reasonable focus and not over-extend itself.  However further recommendations were made for areas of consideration including new models energy provision and waste management for new developments.

8.    Mr Balfour agreed that it was important for the sub-committee to maintain a reasonable focus and prioritise its work effectively given the large scope of utility and development work in Kent.  The Chairman advised Members that training packages were in development to assist the sub-committee in understanding the key issues and identifying relevant priorities.

9.    In response to a question from Members regarding the level of engagement expected from the relevant stakeholders, Ms Stewart advised the sub-committee that significant positive work had already been undertaken in relation to building links with the utility sector as well as the Kent Developers Group.  Ms Stewart explained that it was hoped that the sub-committee could build on the existing good relationships already established, such as those in place with the water sector, while also helping to develop new liaison and engagement processes with the wider utility sector.

RESOLVED that the Terms of Reference set out be noted.