Issue - meetings

Council noted the response from Cabinet to the petition, as detailed in the report.

Members considered the petition referred to Cabinet by Council and they were advised that the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 gave local authorities the power to make public space protection orders. The Secretary of State had also published statutory guidance on how public space protection orders were to be applied.

Failure to comply with the legislative requirements for a Public Space Protection Order would leave the local authority open to legal challenge in the Courts. The Dog Control Public Space Protection Order was adopted under the provisions of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 including public consultation and agreement at Council. In order to amend these as requested by the petitioners, a consultation and adoption process would need to be completed.

Having such restrictions for dogs in place is a condition of the Blue Flag and Seaside Awards that a number of Thanet beaches have been awarded. As the movement restrictions imposed in response to the global pandemic had been eased by government, the district experienced an unprecedented increase in summer visitors to enjoy Thanet beaches. The prolonged hot weather, an increase in UK holidays and short breaks also contributed to that increase in visitor numbers. In order to manage that situation it was important to keep the Dog Control Public Space Protection Order restrictions in place.

Councillor Everitt, Leader of Council expressed concern over the long time it took to process petitions under the current Council Petition Scheme. The Leader requested that a review be undertaken by the Constitutional Review Working Party that would lead to the expeditious processing of petitions in the future.

Councillor Albon proposed, Councillor Everitt seconded and Cabinet agreed recommendation 3.2 which was, not to change the current Dog Control Public Space Protection Order.

Members noted that the e-petition regarding dog restrictions on beaches contained 27 signatures:

“We the undersigned petition the council to Postpone the regular dog walking restrictions on Thanet beaches for a month. With social distancing still in place, we are extremely lucky to have the beaches as an extra space to walk our dogs whilst keeping our distance. It seems extremely short sighted that, when other councils have lifted restrictions TDC have decided not to. Walking on the beach is an ideal way to keep the space between yourself and others. We will not have day trippers, visitors or holiday makers. The beaches will not be any busier than they are at the moment. We urge TDC to reconsider their decision.”

In accordance with the Council’s Petition Scheme, the petition was referred to Cabinet without debate for report back to the Council within three ordinary meetings.