Issue - meetings

Report of the Director – Finance and Corporate Services

The Group Considered three new Scrutiny matrices submitted by either Councillors or Officers since the last meeting of Corporate Overview Group.

In respect of the scrutiny matrix submitted by Councillor Way via a motion at Full Council in September concerning the protection of hedges and hedgerows it was agreed that this would be submitted for scrutiny by the Growth and Development Scrutiny Group at its meeting in January 2023.

The scrutiny matrix submitted by the Service Manager – Economic Growth and Property, in respect of the Fairham development, a strategic site identified for housing and employment development was approved for scrutiny as the Group felt it was important that members were kept up to date on its progress. It was agreed that this item would be submitted to Growth and Development Scrutiny Group at its meeting in March 2023.

The scrutiny matrix submitted by the Service Manager – Economic Growth and Property, in respect of a review of Rushcliffe Oaks Crematorium, was also approved for scrutiny. The Group expressed how important it was for members to understand how the new facility will operate and its future plans. It was agreed that this item would be submitted to Growth and Development Scrutiny Group at its meeting in July 2023.

The Chairman of Growth and Development Scrutiny suggested two items that could be considered for scrutiny. The first one relates to new planning legislation and permitted development rights on the grounds that Councillors are not always made aware of these type of planning proposals and felt that ward members should have the opportunity to provide comment. Secondly an item relating to construction work and more robust conditions imposed at the planning approval stage.  The Service Manager – Corporate Services advised the Chairman of Growth and Development Scrutiny that he would need to submit scrutiny matrices for officers to provide comment, adding that both items could provide a training opportunity for Councillors.

The Chairman suggested that an item in respect of Police priorities would be an opportunity for the Communities Scrutiny Group to consider at a future meeting and noted that a scrutiny matrix would need to be submitted.

Work Programme 2022-23 – Corporate Overview Group

Work Programme 2022-23 – Governance Scrutiny Group