Posted
17 July 2004
| |
Minutes
of Meeting
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Southern
Enforcement
Officer
Group
Hosted
by Tandridge District Council
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Imber
Court - 02 Jul 04
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Time |
Minute |
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10:15
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WELCOME
ADDRESS |
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Jim
Lynn welcomed everyone to the meeting and advised the Group
of the changes made to the Agenda. He thanked staff at Tandridge
Council for their involvement in organizing the meeting, with
special thanks to Jo Sandford. He outlined forthcoming meetings
and what topics were likely to be discussed. PLEASE REFER
TO THE GROUP WEB SITE FOR DETAILS |
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Councillor Peter Brown, Chairman of Tandridge District Council
welcomed everyone to the meeting. He gave an overview of his
personal history, outlining his work as a Councillor dealing
with enforcement related issues. Cllr. Brown spoke of his
experience in dealing with the problems caused as a result
of the general public's ( and at times Parish Council's )
perception of the ability of the Council to effectively deal
with alleged breaches of planning control i.e. in many instances
over expectation of the powers available. He acknowledged
the problems Councils faced when dealing with enforcement
issues and the present laws that govern enforcement but, as
an elected Member, wished to place on record his appreciation
of the work of staff dedicated to enforcement.
A copy
of Councillor Brown's welcome address is attached to the Minutes. |
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10:25
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MINUTES
OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING (available on Group website) accepted
as read. Jim Lynn paid tribute to Julian Dawson ( Braintree
D.C. ) whose sudden death had occurred approximately six weeks
ago following a brief illness. Julian was personally known
by many of those present, particularly, for his work in the
role of Chair of the Essex Enforcement Officers' Group. He
had made many friends due to both his friendly and helpful
manner and a desire to enhance the professionalism and profile
of those engaged within enforcement.
Jim expressed his believe that the membership of S.E.O.G.
would wish for him to place on record their sadness at hearing
the tragic news, on behalf of the group, he asked that members
of the Essex group present at the meeting convey sincere condolences
to both Julians' family and work colleagues.
Agreement of those present was given to a proposal that a
donation,(derived from the proceeds of the meeting) be made
to the charity chosen by Julian's family. This was subsequently
handed to Officer's of Chelmsford B. C. who agreed to convey
same. |
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Jim
then took the opportunity to emphasize the importance for
participating Authorities/Bodies to actively support the group.
Jim stressed that as a 'self help' organization the existence
of S.E.O.G. depends upon the support of members. In order
that individuals/Authorities gain the benefit of tuition,
networking and access to the web site, it is essential that
delegates attend meetings whenever work commitments permit.
Jim felt that many members may not be aware that, in order
for the group to hold regular meetings, a great deal of prior
preparation/planning has to take place. This can only be undertaken
in the knowledge that member Authorities will continue to
give their support. |
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|
An
appeal was made on behalf of The South West Federation of
Enforcement Officers with regard to a current investigation
concerning a Listed Building and a particular individual going
by the title of Captain( full details obtainable upon request
) whom they were trying to locate. Please can anyone with
information relating to unauthorised works to Listed Buildings
make contact with Tony Russell c/o Exmoor National Park. |
|
10:30
|
CORRINE
JACOBS - SIMMONS AEROFILMS
Corrine Jacobs gave a presentation detailing her company's
history and what services it could offer. These included
aerial photography (2.5 million images currently on file),
mapping solutions, the ability to compare height measurements
and being able to capture different views etc. She explained
how this service could help to compare land use and expansion
over time at a site and many other services that could help
provide evidence for enforcement breaches. A further presentation
would be given in March.
Notes of Corrine's presentation in full are attached to
the Minutes (Not recieved)
|
|
10:45
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NIGEL
WICKES BTP, DIP LAW, MRTPI - DIRECTOR OF ENFORCEMENT SERVICES
ADVICE AND GUIDANCE ON SITE CLEARANCE
Nigel gave an energizing presentation on the taking of Direct
Action in order to resolve persistent or difficult breaches
of planning control. He stated that, in his opinion, the
legislation presently available afforded the powers necessary
for the effective resolution of such matters. Nigel urged
members to adopt a far more positive approach in order to
effectively undertake their work. Nigel outlined, with the
benefit of a slide presentation, cases in which his company
had been instrumental in successfully resolving.
Members of the audience questioned Nigel's belief as to
the robustness of the current legislation. The positive
support of Elected members, as well as, Council Solicitors
was considered to be essential in cases where direct action
may be considered appropriate. ( Details of Nigel's Company
and the services he offers can be accessed through the Company's
website www.enforcementservices.net)
Notes of Nigel's presentation are attached to the minutes.
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11.25
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Jim
Lynn briefly referred to concerns that had been expressed
by some group members relating to the forth coming Freedom
of Information Act - which it is hoped may be covered at a
future meeting. It appears that the advice being given to
some officers is that details of complaints/complainants will
have to be made available by way of public document or on
Council web sites. Jim referred to the current working practice
of his Authority ( Surrey Heath B.C. ) and the content of
the Development Control Charter which ensured the confidentiality
of complainants. Relevant comment from members on this matter
would be welcomed. |
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11:30
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REFRESHMENTS
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11:50
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IAN
WRIGHT - INLAND REVENUE, SURREY AND N. HAMPSHIRE AREA OFFICE
- EVASION OF EXCISE/TAX BY SMALL BUILDERS
Ian gave a presentation to the Group covering many topics
included under the following headings:
- What do the Inland Revenue Do
- Tax Consequences of Selling Property
- Revenue Investigation
- The Staines Compliance Team
- Revenue Information Exchange with Third Parties.
Ian explained in detail many aspects of how the tax system
works and what other areas they cover such as National Insurance,
paying tax credits, collection of student loans etc. He covered
joint working with other agencies and the work of the Staines
Compliance Team, and their project based work. He emphasized
the importance of agencies working together, to share information,
as somebody who was flouting planning laws would more than
likely be flouting other forms of regulatory control.
Notes of Ian's presentation and background information on
the work of the Compliance Team are attached to the Minutes.
|
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1:00
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LUNCH |
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2.00
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Bob
Moon, Hertfordshire C.C. ( Co-chair S.E.O.G. ) reported upon
a questionnaire due to be sent by the R.T.P.I. - on behalf
of the proposed National Association of Planning Enforcement
Officers- to the Heads of all Development Control Departments
and to individual Enforcement Officers/teams. Bob requested
that everyone please respond to the questionnaire, the more
information supplied would help the steering committee in
determining the level of support available and identify the
desired aims of the proposed Association.
Jim Lynn reported on the difficulty of acquiring the small
pocket books for taking notes when on site visits etc. As
many agencies (such as Police Force) now had their own in-house
printers they are nolonger available to purchase Jim advised
that Surrey Heath B. C. may be in a position to supply these
books, and dependant upon demand, at cost price ranging from
£1.50 to £2.40. If interested please contact Jim on 01276
- 707100
Peter Lowe ( Three Rivers D.C, ) had inquired via e-mail relating
to R.I.P.A.. Following a recent amendment to the legislation,
the officer designated to act as authorizing officer, must
have attended the appropriate course and attained a Certificate.
This requirement was confirmed by various members of the audience. |
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2:15
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GOVERNMENT AGENCIES INTELLIGENCE NETWORK - G.A.I.N. A joint
presentation was given by John Wade - London Borough of Havering,
Environmental Health and Brian Hyams, Environment Agency.
They outlined what GAIN was - a multi agency group that brings
together t officers from various public sector enforcement
agencies in order to share relevant information. Member agencies
include; Police, Environment Agency, trading standards, customs
and excise, immigration service, VOSA (vehicle inspectorate
) DVLA, Ports Authority and many more.
The aims of G.A.I.N. are to achieve a flow of information/intelligence
and best practice between all enforcement agencies and to
thereby improve effective targeting of offenders.
Brian Hyams outlined the background to the setup of GAIN and
explained that the National Agency Group, reviews and sets
policy and best practice. Local Groups concentrate on what
is happening in their areas, by carrying out day-to-day joint
investigations. There is National Terms of Reference and it
is hoped that GAIN will be extended to the rest of the County.
Further information can be obtained from the website at www.gain-northeast.co.uk
Jim Lynn gave practical examples of how his Authority have
obtained assistance in dealing with breaches of planning control
such as Street Traders ( car sales) and motor vehicle salvage
operators. |
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3:10
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REFRESHMENTS |
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3.30
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HELEN
LEONARD - HEDGEROW LEGISLATION
Helen outlined the background to the new legislation under
the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003, Part 8 - High Hedges.
She gave a brief history of Lylandi Cypress trees that had
been planted as a quick method of screening but had caused
lots of problems and neighbour disputes.
She gave a detailed account of what would be expected of local
authorities, including detailed procedures for calculating
hedge height, gathering evidence following a complaint etc.
and what powers were available to them, although no firm decision
had been made as to what Department the new legislation should
be administered by.
Notes of Helen's presentation together with details of the
Statutory Instrument, The Regulations Consultation Paper,
and other useful websites, are attached to these Minutes.
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4.10
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CLOSE
OF MEETING
Jim Lynn thanked all Members of the Group for coming to the
meeting and hoped they had a useful and enjoyable day.
NEXT MEETING: FRIDAY 26 NOVEMBER, 2004 - VENUE: THE YORK CLUB,
WINDSOR GREAT PARK, BERKS. -SPONSORED BY SLOUGH B. |
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| Speakers
materials made available to SEOG Members |
Imber
Court - 02 Jul 04
|
| Speaker |
Subject |
Slides
|
Handouts
|
| Nigel
Wicks |
ADVICE
& GUIDANCE ON SITE CLEARANCE 'The Polluter Pays Principle'
. |
|
I |
| Ian
Wright |
EVASION
OF EXCISE/TAX BY SMALL BUILDERS |
|
|
| Brian
Hyams |
GOVERNMENT
AGENCIES INTELLIGENCE NETWORK
|
|
 p1
p2
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| Helen
Leonard |
HEDGEROW
LEGISLATION |
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Updated: 17 July, 2004
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