Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs Egan and Strickland.

To agree the minutes of the Committee meeting held on 17 October as an accurate record.

RESOLVED

·      That the minutes of the meeting held on 17 October be agreed as an accurate record.

Discussions were held during the Forum part of the meeting on the new planning Site Allocations Development Plan Document, with a specific focus on the Wood Green area, as part of the consultation process. The importance had been emphasised on retaining a focus on overall strategic planning in Wood Green as a vital context to determinations around the future of key individual sites. It was also commented that the Site Allocations Document should provide a more detailed breakdown of the housing mix proposed for future residential developments on key sites particularly in relation to the different types of affordable housing. Cllr Demirci as the Chair of the Planning Committee agreed to take this point forward with the Planning Service.

Key points arising from discussions following the presentation on the management of Japanese knotweed in the borough included the need to review the official guidance provided to residents on the Council website to ensure it reflected the most up to date best practice. The importance of adopting a proactive approach through educating residents about Japanese knotweed as a key tool in helping manage its spread was agreed and it was suggested that a campaign could be run in Haringey People and on the website to try and raise awareness of the issue. It was also identified that a number of different services within the Council had responsibilities with regard to the management of Japanese knotweed on Council land and the need to ensure that efficient, joint working was being undertaken including in the liaison with other significant land owners in Haringey such as Thames Water and Network rail to facilitate treatment on their land to try and reduce the spread. Concerns were also raised as to whether any support was available for people on low incomes in managing the plant on their land. Overall, the importance was agreed of the Council having in place a clear policy on Japanese knotweed covering fundamental issues such as joint working, reviewing the advice provided to residents, establishing processes for liaising with other land owners etc. The Chair agreed to raise this with the relevant Cabinet Member with a view to consideration on how this could be progressed.

·        10 April

The next meeting was scheduled for 10 April and would if possible be held in Noel Park ward.

Agenda items proposed included the issue of illegal dumping in Noel Park, parking enforcement on Council housing estates managed by Homes for Haringey, an update on future plans for the regeneration of Alexandra Palace and concerns raised regarding the management of void Council properties, particularly their condition at relet. A future update was also requested on the impact of the government’s welfare reforms on the borough including the benefits cap and changes to Housing Benefit.