14/06/2007 - Parish Conference - Agenda

PARISH CONFERENCE
Thursday 14 June 2007 at 7.00pm
Council Chamber, Town Hall, Maidenhead

Councillors Mrs Bateson (Chairman); All Parish and Town Councils; Cabinet Members; Councillors Representing Parished Areas.

Contact Details:
Democratic Services (01628 796345)
Email: democratic.services@rbwm.gov.uk

AGENDA

WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

MINUTES FROM LAST CONFERENCE - To receive the Minutes from the last Conference held on 1 February 2007

QUESTIONS SUBMITTED BY PARISHES (INFORMATION ITEM)

The following two questions were submitted:

a) Submitted By Bray Parish Council: RBWM has suggested that Bray Parish Council prepare a Character Statement in respect of an area of concern within the Parish where new housing development is being approved piecemeal. We must avoid a repeat of the Shoppenhangers Road experience. As suggested, I have approached Planning Aid for assistance in this endeavour but failed to elicit any help to date. I understand that other Unitaries in the East of the County have resources dedicated to assisting in the preparation of Character Statements. What plans do RBWM have to provide Parish Councils in their area with assistance and resources to carry out this task?"

A written response to this question will be circulated to all Parishes and Town Councils in advance of the Conference.

b) Submitted by Cookham Parish Council: Could RBWM follow the practice of other Councils where they attach copies of S106 agreements to planning decisions so that the Parish can see exactly where the funds are being used in their parish or neighbouring parishes?

A written response to this question will be circulated to all Parishes and Town Councils in advance of the Conference.

ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION

• THE PLANNING WHITE PAPER - 'MORE BROWN THAN GREEN' - To receive a presentation from Tim Slaney, the Royal Borough's Head of Planning on the White Paper, which was published on 22 May 2007. It represents a continuation of the overhaul of the Planning system begun in 2004 by way of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act, and the Government is proposing further major changes to the planning system. There will be an opportunity for discussion and questions.
  
• HEALTH ACT 2006: SMOKE FREE LEGISLATION - To receive a presentation from Gillian Taylor, the Royal Borough's Environmental Health Manager, on the implementation plan for the Health Act 2006, a major new piece of public health legislation containing smoke free England provisions. Enclosed with the Agenda is a report which was considered by the Royal Borough's Cabinet at their last meeting on 31 May 2007, which provides background information on the legislation. There will be an opportunity for discussion and questions.
  
• FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS - It is proposed that, at future Conferences, there should be an opportunity for Parish and Town Councils to share their experiences and successes in relation to projects and schemes they are involved in, such as the SEEDA Rural Village Programme and the creation of local community partnerships. The Conference is invited to discuss this proposal and agree a way forward. It is proposed that Eton Town Council be invited to address the next Conference on their work under the auspices of the SEEDA Project and the Government's Rural Village Programme.

PROPOSED DATES OF FUTURE CONFERENCES

• Thursday 15 November 2007 - 7.00pm - Chamber, Guildhall, Windsor
• Thursday 28 February 2008 - 7.00pm - Chamber, Town Hall, Maidenhead
  

• HEALTH ACT 2006: SMOKE FREE LEGISLATION

•   Report (48KB Word)

•   Appendix 1 (24KB PDF)

•   Appendix 2 (54KB Word)

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