Rural Affairs Panel

MEMORANDUM03/12/2018

______

To:All Members of the Panel
John Wood, Richard Brown,
Simon Aries, Rob Rees,
Richard Cuthbert, Dick Bowler
Peter Davidson,
Charles Franklin,
Stuart Pile / From:CountySecretary’s Department
Ask for:Elaine Gibson
Ext:25469
My ref:
Your ref:

RURAL AFFAIRS PANEL

15 JANUARY 2007

M I N U T E S

ATTENDANCE
MEMBERS OF THE PANEL

N E Agar, N Brook, G R Churchard, B N W Hammond (Chairman), B Lee,

OTHER MEMBERS PRESENT:

S J Pile, Executive Member (Highways, Transport and Rural Affairs), D B Lloyd

Upon consideration of the agenda for the Rural Affairs Panel meeting on 15 January 2007 as circulated, copy annexed, conclusions were reached and are recorded below:

Note: No declarations of interest were made by any member of the Panel in relation to the matters considered at this meeting.

PART 1

ACTION
1. /

MINUTES

The minutes of the meeting held on 20 July 2006
were confirmed as a correct record, subject to the following amendment:
Minute 2 On page 2, paragraph 2 replace ‘great-aid’ with ‘grant-aid’.
In connection with Minute 5, Other Part I Business
(A) The Panel noted that officers met with the Community Development Association for Hertfordshire in December 2006 and agreed to finalise a set of terms and conditions for Hertfordshire Rural Forum; these will be presented at a future meeting of the Panel.
(B) The Panel were advised that the tour of the Rural Estate planned to take place on 22 September 2006 had been cancelled owing to insufficient numbers. / R Brown
2. / COUNTRYSIDE IN AND AROUND TOWNS
(Officer contact: Andy Hardstaff, tel 01707 848168)
The Panel considered a report from the Head of Land Management which provided an update on Countryside in and Around Towns. Members’ views were sought on future Green Infrastructure initiatives, and on how Hertfordshire County Council could work towards improving and enhancing the function of the urban fringe.
There was a discussion about developing the urban fringe so as to preserve open spaces and achieve the greatest public and environmental benefits. Concept maps of the Harperbury site (maps 1b and 1c) were circulated. In response to a request, a more detailed map would be supplied to N. E. Agar.
Members noted that a master plan for development of the Buncefield area was being drawn up and would be presented at a later meeting.
The Panel noted that on page 3 of the report, paragraph 4.3 should read ‘29 defined settlements’, not 39. The Executive Member suggested that officers begin initial planning work on these 29 defined settlements.
Conclusion
The Panel agreed:

That work should proceed on developing green infrastructure plans, focusing on the 29 settlements mentioned in the report.

That the CIAT methodology be used, as follows:

To audit the opportunities and ‘underperformance’ in selected rural urban fringe areas of Hertfordshire.
As a strategic planning tool in Hertfordshire’s response to Growth Areas and Green Infrastructure initiatives/proposals.
As a tool to respond to development (both current and proposed).

/ R Brown
R Brown
3. / CLIMATE CHANGE AND HERTFORDSHIRE’S RURAL ENVIRONMENT
(Officer contact: Liz Heath, 01992 555231)
The Panel considered a report that provided background information on climate change and its potential implications for rural Hertfordshire.
There was discussion on ways in which the Council might prepare itself for the impact of climate change, including the setting up of a technical reference group to draw up a plan of action. The Executive Member suggested that the Council become a hub for gathering information from various sources, and act as climate change champions.
Conclusion
The Panel agreed that the County Council should work to ensure that its services remain fit for purpose and meet the demands of future climate change. Members endorsed the action proposed in the report: to draw up a detailed and specific plan for managing climate change across rural Hertfordshire.
4. / INFORMATION REPORTS
(A) NATURAL ENGLAND
(Officer contact Richard Brown, tel 01992 555250)
Members received a report on Natural England. Sean Thomas, Regional Director, would be invited to attend the April meeting of the Panel.
(B) ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP IN
HERTFORDSHIRE
(Officer contact Tony Bradford, tel 01462 459395 )
The Panel noted the report and that no reply had as yet been received to the Executive Member’s letter to David Milliband.
Officers will circulate to Members figures on the number of tenants with scheme agreements in existence in Hertfordshire.
(C) A NEW STATUTORY DUTY FOR BIODIVERSITY
(Officer contact Simon Odell, tel 01992 555205)
Members noted the report. It was also noted that The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) wouldissue guidance on local authorities’ biodiversity function. The full implications of Defra’s guidelines will be addressed in a report to Panel, including financial implications.
(D) EXECUTIVE MEMBER’S REPORT ON THE EAST OF
ENGLAND
Members noted the report on recent meetings attended by the Executive Member. He advised the Panel that updates on EERA can be obtained from their website at / R Brown
R Brown
R Rees/
R Brown

Andrew Laycock

CountySecretary

For further information about this meeting contact

070115 Minutes