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Jim Lynn welcomed everyone,
thanking them for their continued support, and he briefly outlined
the programme for the day. He thanked Hillingdon for hosting today's
meeting and introduced Councillor Mike Heywood, Cabinet Member for
Planning and Transportation. |
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9.45
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WELCOMING ADDRESS
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Councillor Heywood
welcomed delegates to the meeting and to the London Borough of Hillingdon.
The Borough faces many issues, including the number of motorways and
the specific problems Heathrow Airport presents, amongst them. He
emphasised the importance of having an effective enforcement programme,
backed up by adequate resources and support from Members. He also
hoped that in the review currently taking place, the Government would
look at speeding up the process of taking enforcement action. |
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10.00
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MINUTES OF
PREVIOUS MEETING |
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Agreed The next meeting will be
Friday 4th July 2003 at Imber Court, which is being hosted by Elmbridge
District Council. Jim took the opportunity to once again ask for other
Councils to host future meetings. We are always looking for sponsors,
and although Basildon have already agreed to host the December meeting,
next years are still available. |
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10.15
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LOCAL AUTHORITIES
LIABILITY FOR OFFICERS STATEMENTS AND ACTIONS - Anthony Lavers, Barrister
at Law |
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Anthony Lavers explained the extent
to which local authorities are liable for potential damages caused
as a result of their actions. He highlighted a number of recent cases
where judgements had resulted in changes over the years, from an almost
absolute liability, to present cases where Councils have been found
to be less liable. However, he did emphasise that care should still
be taken when giving advice, and it should be put in context and also
in writing. For details of how to obtain copies of speaker's notes
- see below |
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11.15
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REFRESHMENTS |
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11.30
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THE VEHICLE
INSPECTORATE - Phil Stokes, Vehicle Inspector |
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Phil Stokes explained the role
and aims of the Vehicle Inspectorate (soon to become VOSA - Vehicle
and Operator Services Agency) which is to contribute to the improvement
of road safety and environmental standards. Covers the administration
of MOT scheme, roadworthiness of vehicles, operators licences etc.
Also has an Intelligence Unit to collate information so illegal practices
can be acted upon. Part of GAIN (Government Agency Intelligence Network).
This is a multi agency group, including Police, Customs and Excise,
Trading Standards and various other Enforcement Agencies resulting
in the exchange of information to target offenders. For details of
how to obtain speaker's notes - see below |
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1.00
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At the end of the morning session,
Jim Lynn reminded delegates to use the Group's website for job vacancies
etc. He also referred to the ongoing problems with travellers. Have
been trying to set up a special meeting to discuss the matter - but
with no result. Perhaps the way forward is to pursue the matter through
the courts - legal guidance required. |
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LUNCH |
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2.00
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SEOG WEBSITE
- Paul Corbett |
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Paul Corbett gave a brief explanation
and demonstrated the Group's Website. He would be pleased to receive
any items to be included and can be contacted on - corbettpaul@aol.com
Jim stated that the new website was taking shape, and had greatly
improved with the obvious time consuming input of Paul, whom he thanked
on behalf of the Group. He emphasised that this was collectively our
website, and any suggestions for additional information etc. should
be sent to Paul or himself in the first instance. |
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2.15
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ENFORCEMENT
AND APPEALS - THE CURRENT VIEW FROM TEMPLE QUAY - Andy Kirby |
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- Planning Inspectorate Andy Kirby
gave an update on the New Enforcement Regulations and Rules, highlighting
current issues and recent important judgements. Still in transition
period between old and new regulations so a number of teething problems.
He particularly emphasised that care needs to be taken when enforcing
against mixed uses. If not all breaches of planning control are included
on the notice, for those that are not included, ultimately planning
permission may be automatically granted. The period for compliance
with a notice must be specified, i.e. one week, one month. For details
of how to obtain copies of speaker's notes - see below |
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3.15
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IN MEMORY
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Jim Lynn informed everyone that
he had just heard of the death of Jim Morrisey from Crawley. Jim,
on behalf of the Group, wished to express condolences to his family.
He will be sadly missed. CHANGE OF VICE CHAIRMAN Jim wished to thank
Rebecca Lord, in her absence, for her work over the past 2 years,
as she is relinquishing the post due to pressure of work. He went
on to say that Bob Moon (EFDC) has agreed to take over this position
and can be contacted by email - rmoon@eppingforestdc.gov.uk or 01992
564108. |
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REFRESHMENTS |
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3.30
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5th
TERMINAL, HEATHROW - PLANNING IMPLICATIONS - Tim Jurdon Planning Officer,
London Borough of Hillingdon. |
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Tim Jurdon spoke of his role as
Aviation Manager at Hillingdon in relation to Heathow. Terminal 5
was approved 18 months ago following a lengthy Public Inquiry. Construction
started in 2002 and the terminal is expected to open in 2008. Very
complicated planning issues attached to the approval and Hillingdon
has a dedicated team of officers, plus outside consultants, to deal
with all the issues involved. Possibility of 3rd runway needed in
the future. SERAS study looking at airport capacity in general with
all the implications that entails. |
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4.30
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CLOSE OF MEETING |
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Jim thanked all of the day's speakers, who
once again had provided excellent information to the Group, all
of which can only help us in our work.Copies
of the notes of the speakers will be available on the website in
the near future, as will the minutes of today's meeting. Once again
Jim emphasised the need for host authorities for next year. Any
interested Authority to contact Jim.
Jim went on to explain that most of the necessary
work is available on disc, and therefore the amount of work is minimal,
but without host authorities, these meetings would become more difficult
to arrange..
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