Agenda and minutes

Members and officers must declare any disclosable pecuniary interests in relation to

any business on the agenda. Declarations should also be made at any stage such

an interest becomes apparent during the meeting.

If in doubt contact the Legal or Democratic Services representative for this meeting.

There were no declarations of interest

To approve the minutes of the Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting of

held on 26 November 2020, copies of which have been previously circulated.

Resolved:  that the minutes of the meeting of the 26 November be approved as the correct record

So as to provide the best opportunity for the Committee to provide the public with the fullest answer, questions from the public should be submitted by 12.00pm Tuesday 26 January 2021

Where relevant notice of a question has not been given, the person presiding may either choose to give a response at the meeting or respond by undertaking to provide a written response within three working days.

Questions should be submitted to Democratic Services democratic.services@adur-worthing.gov.uk

(Note: Public Question Time will operate for a maximum of 30 minutes.)

A Member of the public asked the following question: The Adur Tidal wall project currently stops abruptly to the North East corner of Shoreham Sailing Club, 2 metres from the Sailing Club boundary, with the gap creating public access to the beach to the South East corner of the club. The erosion on this stretch of the project has been considerable - approximately 3 metres, since its completion, and on 15 November it exposed the Sailing Clubs boundary footings, and the public access to that area was closed by the Port due to the risk to users. Had the tidal walls project been completed as planned to the North of the club the erosion would still have occurred, but it would not have been a risk to the Sailing Club boundary or the public access in that area. Whilst remedial action was taken by a bulk placement of small scale shingle on 23 November, in the space of 9 weeks, this shingle has already been eroded to the point where the next storm could wash it all away again. The Sailing Club would like to know what long term solution the Environment Agency has to stop this recurring? A representative from the Environment Agency told members that the shingle had been a temporary measure and that a more permanent solution was being investigated

To consider any items the Chairman of the meeting considers to be urgent

There were none

There were none

To consider a report by the Director for Digital, Sustainability and Resources, copy attached as item 7

Before the Committee was a report by the Director of Digital, Sustainability and Resources, a copy of which is attached to the signed copy of these minutes as item 7. The report before members provided background information to assist the Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee (JOSC) in scrutinising issues relating to a public scrutiny request regarding flood defences at Shoreham Harbour. Representatives from the Environment Agency were present to answer questions.

A Member asked the following question: What measures are being taken to ensure that the pedestrian ramp linking Shoreham Fort to the beach is now safe and won't need to be closed again, as it was last year? Members were told that meetings had taken place with contractors to investigate possible solutions but were not convinced that there was a solution beyond regular maintenance.

A Member asked the following question: Can the recycled aggregate used for infilling on sections of the beach be replaced with shingle, as it currently comprises metal  hunks, thick metal cable, concrete, plastics etcetera. Residents have asked if this aggregate complies with regulations as it appears unsightly in a widely-used, environmentally-sensitive setting? Member were told that recycled shingle was used but this had been graded before use. The occurrence of detritus was likely caused by erosion of the original surface shingle with old detritus coming through.

A Member asked the following question: Please can you confirm the specification for the new sea wall balustrade posts that appear to be painted or PPC on galvanised mild steel.  Are these Grade 316 or better? Members were told that the grade depended on the location of the post

A Member asked the following question: I understand the intention that Shoreham waterfront area is intended to benefit from future flood defence work, upon each dev agreement and relevant 106 infrastructure funds.. There is a current gap overlooked by Mariners Point where the Surfbus building is, this causes water ingress across the Surrey Yard Road and down into the basement of Mariners Pt..What are the intentions for this missed area? Member were told that the issue could be more a result of a drainage issue. However there would be investigative work needed to determine of it was a problem that could be fixed.

To consider a report by the Director for Digital, Sustainability and Resources, copy attached as item 8

Before the Committee was a report by the Director for Digital, Sustainability and  Resources, a copy of which is attached to the signed copy of these minutes as item 8. The report before members set out background information on the Portfolios of the Adur Executive Member for Environment and Worthing Executive Member for Digital and Environmental Services to enable the Committee to consider and question the Executive Members on issues within their portfolios and any other issues which the Executive Members were involved in connected with the work of the Councils and the Adur and Worthing communities.

The Executive Members each gave a precise of their portfolio work to date.

A Member asked the following question: Will ADC consider introducing a beach patrol to ensure that the issues experienced last Summer are better monitored  - for example bonfires, barbecues, widespread litter, incursions into the Swimming Only zone, dog fouling etc? The Executive Member told the Committee that the matter would be examined and a proposal put forward if appropriate. Members were told further of a new litter enforcement programme

A Member asked the following question: Are there are any plans for an audit of HMOs which have had the most trouble switching over to fortnightly collections, not due to lack of recycling but bin space? Members were told that and audit had been carried out and £50k had been secured for where there were particular problems

A Member asked the following question: What are the priorities to improving the Street scene for Shoreham and Lancing post Covid to rejuvenate the areas and encourage people in and to stay? The Executive Member told the Committee that the question was better directed to the Executive Member for Regeneration, however, the Council continued to work with West Sussex County Council to identify improvements within the budgets available. There had been investment in Queensway lancing including seasonal planting and the installation of further bike racks. Regular contact was had with partner organisations to ensure localised communities were involved in the process. The Authority was ensuring that the important matters of good waste and cleansing services were being carried out correctly.

A Member asked the following question:  Can a review be undertaken to identify ways to help ensure better enforcement of parking regulations at peak times (weekends, school holidays etc) to ensure that residents and the emergency services can access and exit the Beach without the widespread delays, blocked driveways, double parking that were experienced last year? The Executive Member told the Committee that Officer would go and patrol the area, however West Sussex determined where the controlled parking zones were as they were the Highway Authority.

A Member asked the following question: What do you see as being the top priorities for the Council in energy management to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030? The Committee was told that interventions were needed to tackle the biggest sources of the Authorities’ emissions which included boilers, trucks and the crematoria. In the first  ...  view the full minutes text for item JOSC/61/20-21

To consider a report by the Director for Digital, sustainability and Resources, copy attached as item 9

Before the Committee was a report by the Director for Digital and Resources, a copy of which is attached to the signed copy of these minutes as item 8. The report before Members set out the formal responses of the Joint Strategic Committee (JSC) to the Scrutiny review reports and recommendations relating to Climate Change and the Adur Homes Repairs and Maintenance Service which were considered by the Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee (JOSC) in September and October 2020 respectively as part of its Work Programme.

            Resolved: that the report and responses be noted

To consider a report by the Director for the Economy, copy attached as item 10

Before the Committee was a report by the Director for the Economy, a copy of which is a attached to the signed copy of these minutes. The report before members updated the committee on the regular review of the Council’s corporate estate.

The Head of major Projects and Investment was present to present the report and answer questions. Questions were raised about the effect of the pandemic and how that effected management of corporate assets and attention was drawn to the recent plan to reorganise office accommodation at Council Offices. A question was asked about sharing accommodation with other public bodies and attention was drawn to the planned health hub and work undertaken with West Sussex on that project.

            Resolved: that the report be noted

To consider a report by the Director for Digital, Sustainability and Resources, copy attached as item 11

Before the Committee was a report by the Director for Digital, Sustainability and Resources, a copy of which is attached to the signed copy of these minutes. The report before members The report outlined progress with the work contained in the Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee (JOSC) Work Programme for 2020/21 and recommends that the progress be noted.

The committee discussed the report before members and appointed Carol Albury to a working group in replacement of Cllr Kevin Boram.

            Resolved: that the report be noted

To consider a report by the Director for Communities, copy attached as item 12

Before the Committee was a report by the Director for Communities a copy of which is attached to the signed copy of these minutes. The report before members outlined the current provision for public conveniences and litter bins across Adur and  Worthing beaches and outlined the feasibility and financial constraints related to the provision of public conveniences at Kingston Beach.

Members discussed the report and noted the difficulties with providing a solution in the area given financial constraints and the village green status of Kingston Beach. Members agreed to note the report and keep the item under review.

            Resolved: that the report be noted