Agenda and minutes

No apologies were received.

To receive any declarations of interest. Members are advised to consider the advice contained within the Declaration of Interest advice attached to this Agenda. If a Member declares an interest, they should complete the Declaration of Interest Form

To approve the summary of recommendations and decisions of the Cabinet meeting held on 28 January 2021, copy attached.

Councillor Everitt proposed, Councillor Yates seconded and Members agreed the minutes as a correct record of the meeting held on 28 January 2021.

Councillor Albon presented the report and members noted the following:

·  A new PSPO is proposed to replace all previous beach byelaws.

·  It focuses on education and changing behaviour primarily.

·  There will be an increased enforcement presence including externally funded warden patrols who will provide support with:

-  making rules clear

-  challenging behaviour

-  presenting as a deterrent

·  The PSPO includes tighter controls on the use of Personal Powered Watercraft and the ability to fine those behaving antisocially.

·  Changes have been made to the report in response to comments from OSP, Members’ Briefings and the consultation feedback.

Jasmin Vickers, Director of Environment, updated Members on the Jet Ski amendments to the code of conduct:

·  The original plan was to remove access to all launch places unless users became members of the local clubs.

·  This was rejected after consultation and the plan now is to close the Margate launch site but leave the Ramsgate Eastcliff site, reviewing again after this season.

·  Users need a PWC proficiency qualification - with a grace period provided for those with club memberships.

·  Other requirements include that riders must be over 17 years old, vehicles must not be modified, they must have insurance and display the number plate clearly. Breaches will result in termination of membership and/or a fine for irresponsible jet ski usage according to the rules of the PSPO.

·  Launch sites will be restricted with key access.

·  There will also be an additional safety measure of installing buoys around the swim area at Ramsgate.

Councillors Wing & Ashbee spoke under Council Procedure Rule 20.1.

Councillor Albon proposed, Councillor Everitt seconded and members agreed to adopt the new beaches and coast PSPO on 18 March 2021, in accordance with the Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB), Crime and Policing Act 2014.

Members considered the report previously presented to the Overview and Scrutiny Panel on 18 February 2021.

It was noted that:

·  The existing PSPO will be extended to 25 October 2023, covering dog control, dog fouling and dog exclusion.

·  The majority of the PSPO will remain the same as has been in force for the last three years, with 2 amendments:

1.  Pegwell Bay; amend to cover upper chalk shore to protect endangered wildlife. Feedback has been positive and should proceed with amendment.

2.  Activities that could be banned to protect wildlife; Humans and dogs interfering with, trapping or attempting to trap or snare or disturb any wildlife on council owned land. Feedback has been positive and should proceed with amendment.

·  Both amendments are aimed at helping to protect wildlife.

·  A third amendment, following consultation, will not be taken forward:

3.  Westbrook Bay - Currently dogs must be kept on a lead -consultation suggested change to become a dog ban in bathing season - people responded in the majority against this change therefore no amendment or change should be taken forward.

There was no further discussion from Members.

Councillor Albon proposed, Councillor Everitt seconded and Members agreed to approve that the current PSPO is amended to last until 2023 and adopted in accordance with the Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB), Crime and Policing Act 2014.

Members considered the report presented by Councillor Albon, during which the following points were made:

·  Pollinator decline is a serious issue across Europe, which threatens our food supply.

·  The most significant cause is the loss and degradation of habitats.

·  Advice has been sought from The Bumblebee Trust and Plantlife UK on what TDC can do to address this problem. They suggested two changes:

1.  Reduced cutting on selected areas of large open spaces, such as those along the coast, to create native wildflower meadows. As we have a geology of chalk, the Bumblebee Trust advises that a simple reduction in mowing (no mowing between April and September) will reveal wonderful native chalk grasslands, flowers and wild areas for pollinators to feed and live.

2.  No Mow May (no cutting during the month of May) in our parks (apart from football pitches) to increase the number of smaller flowers for pollinators in our parks.

·  Walkways will be cut to show that the areas are still being managed.

·  Allocated areas will also be in close proximity to cut grass areas, so not to impact social use of the space.

·  Signage will be installed.

·  Feedback will be monitored closely.

Councillor Garner spoke under Council Procedure Rule 20.1.

There was no further discussion on this item from Members.

Councillor Albon proposed, Councillor Everitt seconded and Members agreed the following:

1. To approve the proposed change in cutting regimes, with monitoring of public perception and feedback.

2. To delegate authority to the Director of Operations, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Operational Services, to approve minor amendments to the policy.