Issue - meetings

To consider the attached report of the Director of Governance.

The Head of Regulatory Services presented the report on the Public Spaces Protection Order.

Members were advised that following the consultation relating to dog control ordersauthorised by Cabinet in March 2018, the Council had received 179 responses, the majority of which were supportive, especially of the continued exclusion of dogs from children’s play areas.

The main area of objection was in respect of the proposal to exclude dogs from the sports pitches behind Tides Leisure Centre in Deal. This area was included because it was believed regular football matches were played there but a number of responses pointed out that the area was rarely used for football and that it provided for a safe enclosed area to walk dogs in middle Deal and was very popular with dog walkers. As a consequence, the proposal to exclude dogs from this area was therefore withdrawn.

The consultation had also received a number of responses relating to the times that dogs were permitted on beaches. It was felt that the current times struck a balance between dog walkers and beach users.

RESOLVED: That the report be noted.

To consider the attached report of the Director of Governance.

Responsibility: Portfolio Holder for Environment, Waste and Health

It was agreed:

(a) That the extension of the existing Public Spaces Protection Order (the Order) for a period of 3 years, in accordance with s.60(2) of the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014 (the Act), be approved.

(b) That, having regard to the conditions within s.59 of the Act, the variation of the Order in accordance with s.61(1)(a) of the Act be approved.

(c) That the Head of Regulatory Services be authorised to carry out all necessary publicity required by virtue of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 (Publication of Public Spaces Protection Orders) Regulations.

(d) That the setting of the amount of any fixed penalty notice issued under s.68 of the Act at £75 be approved.

(e) That a further period of statutory and public consultation in relation to the inclusion of areas identified in Appendix 3 of the report be approved.