MINUTES OF MEETING AT CHIGWELL ON 9th. NOVEMBER 2001

The Chairman thanked Epping Forest for hosting this meeting, particularly Bob Moon and Viv Kelly for co-ordinating all the arrangements and paperwork for the day. He then introduced John Burgess, Chief Executive of Epping Forest District Council.

9.45 WELCOMING ADDRESS John Burgess, Chief Executive of Epping Forest District Council welcomed delegates to the meeting and to Epping Forest district. The district covers some 130 square miles and comprises a mixture of urban development, small towns and villages and rural areas all in close proximity to London. It has many historical connections including Dick Turpin, Royal Gunpowder Mills, King Harold, Queen Elizabeth Hunting Lodge and Epping Forest itself. The council is the largest employer in the district with approx. 700 staff. Like all local authorities it is currently going through a process of change, with all the difficulties associated with such an exercise. There has been an increase in the number of enforcement notices and contraventions. This is not helped by a lack of understanding of the enforcement process by Parish Councils, members of the public and, indeed, some Councillors. Mr Burgess expressed how impressed he was with the strength of SEOG, which was apparent by the number of delegates. He stated his awareness of the benefits gained by networking and liaison. He concluded by wishing everyone an enjoyable day.

10.00 MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING - 13 July 2001 Agreed The next meeting will be Friday 15 March 2002 at The Winter Gardens, Eastbourne. (Venues/facilities arranged for July and November 2002 meetings, but authorities required to act as sponsors for those meetings -Any volunteers?)

10.15 RIGHTS OF ENTRY - Linda Russell (Solicitor) Linda Russell explained her background as a Planning Solicitor and what Rights of Entry means under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 - Sections 196A; 196B; 324; 325; 214B and Section 88A of Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. She referred to the relevant Government Circular that sets out the sections under which rights of entry may take place. Officers wishing to enter land/buildings must have written authority, it is important to ensure that the correct section and Act are referred to in that authorisation. All requests to enter land must be 'reasonable' and if relating to entry to a building used as a dwelling then 24 hour notice must be given. If entry is refused then application can be made to a magistrate for a warrant. A warrant must be exercised within one month and can only be used once. Seek police assistance if necessary.

11.30 REFRESHMENTS

11.45 UPDATE FROM THE ENFORCEMENT SECTION OF THE PLANNING INSPECTORATE - Andy Kirby (Principal Planning Inspector DETR) Andy Kirby gave some updates on current thinking on enforcement matters. These included Telecomm masts and PD rights; estoppel; continuity of unauthorised use; continuity of use in Breach of Condition and mixed or composite uses. He gave a number of examples to indicate the lnspector's reasoning in reaching a decision. He emphasised the importance of getting correct information before serving notices. Andy then dealt with various questions from the audience.

13.00 LUNCH

14.00 REGULATION OF INVESTIGATORY POWERS ACT 2000 - Lee Philpott (Policy Advisor - RIPA Implementation Team) Lee Philpott from the Home Office explained the background to the introduction of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 and what it hoped to achieve. There must be a balance between providing Law Enforcement Agencies, including local authorities, with effective powers whilst protecting the rights of individuals under the Human Rights Act. He went on to explain the different parts of RIPA covering intrusive and directed surveillance and whether it is covert or otherwise. Where appropriate, authorisation must be obtained before carrying out surveillance operation. Need to keep records for independent scrutiny. Still a lot of work to be done in order that RIPA may be fully implemented.

15.00 REFRESHMENTS Before introducing the last speakers Jim Lynn expressed disappointment that a number of people had left early. He said that a lot of effort goes into organising this event and delegates should remain throughout the meeting as a courtesy to the speakers.

15.15 ACCOMMODATION ISSUES FOR GYPSIES AND TRAVELLERS Sheila Clarke (Gypsy Services Manager - ECC) and Kanta Wild-Smith (Area Manager - Essex and South Traveller Education Service) Sheila Clarke and Kanta Wild-Smith explained their background and showed a video about gypsy life. They went on to explain the origins of various travelling communities. 'Travellers' in Essex reside in a variety of locations, in houses, on official sites, on private plots/sites, showmen's winter quarters or unofficial encampments. Caravan numbers are obtained twice a year and details of the number of gypsy caravans were given. This was given by region and broken down into those that were on authorised sites and those that were unauthorised. There is still a lot of prejudice and discrimination towards travellers and their way of life. Romany Gypsies and Irish Travellers are classed as racial groups under the Race Relations Act 1976 and are entitled to legal protection from discrimination. There needs to be more contact between all parties to raise awareness of the complex issues involved to try to ensure that travellers enjoy the same opportunities as other people. Some assistance in assessing the needs of travelling families may be obtained by contacting the Traveller Education Service of County Councils.

16.30 CLOSE OF MEETING The meeting closed at 4.30 p.m. having been attended by 1 1 1 delegates.