Agenda and minutes

This meeting is to be webcast. Members are reminded of the need to activate their microphones before speaking. The Chairman will read the following announcement:

“The Chairman would like to remind everyone present that this meeting will be broadcast live to the internet (or filmed) and will be capable of repeated viewing (or another use by such third parties).

If you are seated in the lower public seating area it is likely that the recording cameras will capture your image and this will result in the possibility that your image will become part of the broadcast.

This may infringe your human and data protection rights and if you wish to avoid this you should move to the upper public gallery.”

The Chairman made a short address to remind everyone present that the meeting would be broadcast live to the internet, and would be capable of repeated viewing, which could infringe their human and data protection rights.

To report the appointment of any substitute members for the meeting.

The Committee noted that:

·       Cllr Janet Whitehouse would substitute for Cllr McCredie, and

·       Cllr Helen Kane would substitute for Cllr Morgan.

To declare interests in any item on the agenda.

There were no declarations of interest pursuant to the Council’s Members’ Code of Conduct.

To agree the notes of the meeting of the Select Committee held on 16 January 2023.

The Notes of the previous meeting held on 16 January 2023 were agreed as a correct record.

To consider any matters arising and outstanding actions from the minutes of the previous meeting(s) that are not covered elsewhere in this agenda.

The Committee noted there were no maters arising or outstanding actions.

(Chairman/Lead Officer) The Overview and Scrutiny Committee has agreed the Terms of Reference and work programme for this select committee. Members are invited at each meeting to review both documents.

The Committee noted the terms of reference and work programme.

To consider and comment on the update on sustainable transport.

The Sustainable Transport Officer, S Lloyd Jones, presented the report and highlighted:

·       The national and local pressure on bus services and the extension of the national £2 flat fare for buses until the end of June 2023.

·       The introduction of a Flexiroute app to support the EFDC funded DaRT86 Service, the promotional material available and the social value of this service, which was run in conjunction with Epping Forest Community Transport and needed to be booked at least 24 hours in advance.

·       The Electric Vehicle (EV) market share was increasing. EFDC had the highest number of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) on the road in Essex and the level of public EV charging points was an issue.

·       Work with Instavolt would expand rapid chargers, these would be  available in six council car parks. The facilitation of planning requests for public or semi-public charges should increase the number of EV chargers to match the England ratio by the end of 2023.

·       EFDC had very low utility and commuting cycling compared to the neighbouring boroughs. A Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) for Waltham Abbey should be carried out in 2023/24.

·       The Local Plan could provide funding for active travel.

The Committee:

·       Recognised the value of the DaRT86 and requested promotional material for distribution, and suggested this may be a suitable item for the Local Councils’ Liaison Committee.

·       Agreed there was a need for more infrastructure to encourage the shift to, and use of, public transport but acknowledged that this would need to be addressed on a subregional or national basis.

·       Acknowledged that the infrastructure for on street EC charging could be restrictive and additional pressures and requirements could be required for rural areas.

·       Suggested that a relaxation on the rules for personal driveways and integration with mobility grants could increase the number of EV charging points.

·       Acknowledged the lack of cycle infrastructure and suggested that safe cycling parking was an issue across the district.

Resolved:

The Committee provided comment on the Sustainable Transport Update.

To consider and comment on the North Weald Airfield aviation development report.

The Commercial Service Manager, D Goodey, outlined that the North Weald Airfield Master Plan and the proposed development of the Eastern side of the aerodrome would dictate a change to how aviation operations are performed due to the requirement to relocate the Control Tower Building (CTB) function, the potential need for a new entrance and alternative locations for operational buildings.

A two-phase review had been carried out by Osprey Consulting. The recommendation was that North Weald Airfield remained an unlicensed aerodrome, with improved facilities, security and safety.

The Committee:

·       Were provided with detail of the shared road and taxi runway space and the mitigation measures that were in place to minimise any risk of accident,

·       Received confirmation that the London Metropolitan Police Helicopter base had moved back to Lippits Hill.

·       Received confirmation that the development for commercial use for freight was not a consideration of the report.

·       Agreed that the Airfield should remain unlicensed and welcomed the aviation business and training opportunity this would provide.

·       Were assured that the current Control Tower was listed and would remain in situ, the function currently in the tower would be relocated.

Resolved:

            The committee considered and commented on the report.

To note that the date for the next meeting of the Select Committee would be announced and  held in the new municipal year.

The Select Committee noted this was the last meeting of the municipal year.