Agenda

To receive any declarations of interest from Members in respect of business to be transacted on the agenda.

To confirm the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 9 September 2024 (to follow).

To receive the Cabinet decisions in respect of recommendations of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

To receive any public petitions or issues referred by Council, Cabinet or another Committee.

(a)  Public Petition: “Retention of our green space in front of Sandown Castle, Deal CT14 6QU”

“We the undersigned petition the council to Retain our land as open green space and refrain from selling or leasing it.

The title of this public land is registered to our Dover District Council.
- [ ] 97 square metres of this public grassland could be transferred from public to private land. The aim is to retain this area as an open green space. North Deal is deprived in terms of the living environment. At 3.8 square metres, it is well under the national average of 30 square metres per person. We need to retain this public green space as an integral part of the limited green space available to North Deal.”

This petition ran from 27/08/2024 to 24/09/2024. It received 418 valid signatures.

The Petition Organiser, or their nominated representative, will be invited to address the Overview and Scrutiny Committee for 10 minutes to speak in support of the petition.

In accordance with the attached adopted Petition Scheme, the Overview and Scrutiny Committee may:

·         Consider the petition and forward it to the Cabinet, Council or a Committee of the Council or an officer within the Council for consideration;

·         Consider the petition and forward it to another body or organisation outside the Council for consideration and response;

·         Consider the petition and invite the petition organiser to provide additional information to assist it in reaching a decision on the action to be taken in relation to the petition;

·         Consider the petition and request additional information from officers to assist it in reaching a decision on the action to be taken in relation to the petition; or

·         Consider the petition and agree to take no further action.

(b)  Public Petition: “1 Hour Free Parking for Dover District Council Car Parks”

“We the undersigned petition the council to consider implementing a policy to offer 1 hour of free parking in all Council-owned car parks. We believe that this initiative will encourage more residents and visitors to frequent local businesses, thereby stimulating our local economy and fostering a vibrant community atmosphere. By reducing the financial burden of parking, we can make our town centres more accessible and appealing to everyone, ultimately benefiting local businesses and the community as a whole. Thank you for considering our request. Sincerely, The Undersigned

Offering 1 hour of free parking in Council-owned car parks can have a significant positive impact on our local economy. It would make shopping locally a more attractive option, drawing more customers to our high streets and supporting small businesses. This increased footfall can lead to higher sales volumes, boosting business revenues and potentially leading to job creation. Furthermore, it can enhance the vibrancy and vitality of our town centres, making them more enjoyable places to visit and live near. This initiative could also reduce congestion and pollution in our town centres  ...  view the full agenda text for item 6.

It is intended that the Committee monitor and prioritise its rolling work programme. (to follow).

Please note that in accordance with the agreed Protocol for Public Speaking at Overview and Scrutiny, the right to speak only applies to agenda items 10 and 11.

Members of the public wishing to speak must register to do so by no later than 2.00 pm on the second working day (Thursday) before the meeting.

To consider the attached report of the Planning Policy and Projects Manager.

Due to the size of the document, it will be published as a supplementary paper.

To consider the attached report of the Head of Planning and Development.

To consider the attached report of the Head of Property Assets.