NEWS & VIEWS of the
by Vic Standley
This page is dedicated to Vic Standley’s excellent reports on Broads Authority meetings.
Vic, a previous Society Chairman, publishes his detailed reports in Harnser but we hope that you will find these synopses interesting, useful and more timely – especially if you are not a Society member (but why not join?!).
The reports now (from 15.11.7) appear on separate pages making them easier to manage for us and simpler to reference for you. Just click on the date.
Note that each report (page) will open in a new window.
Broads Authority
Navigation Committee
NEWS & VIEWS of the
By Vic Standley
This report covers the Agenda Papers for the Broads Authority meeting on
28th September 2007 and includes the following Minutes:
Planning Committees 22nd June, 20th July, and 17th August
Navigation Committee 4th September
Standards Committee 8th August
The supporting papers for all of them are available on the Authority’s web site:
www.broads-authority.gov.uk/authority/meetings.html
Click above and follow the links
SYNOPSIS of relevant agenda items with relevant decisions added.
I did not attend the meeting and cannot, therefore, indicate whether or not any changes were made to the official Recommendations. My report is a précis of the published Agenda papers for the meeting the Minutes of which should be available in time for the next meeting on 23rd November.
No. TOPIC
6 Public Question Time – no indication whether there were any.
7 Minutes of BA meeting on 29th June 2007. These contain, inter alia, the definitive official Minute relating to the Review of Water-skiing.
8 Summary of Progress/Actions since previous meeting.
OTHER MINUTES RECEIVED
9
(a) 19th June – includes a Report of Norfolk County Council’s Green Infrastructure Strategy, the draft Norfolk Rights of Way Improvement Plan and an update of the Broadland Flood Alleviation Project.
(b) 4th September – includes Proposals to improve Access to the coast, Development Control Policies, and more about the Flood Alleviation Project.
10 Planning Committees:
(a) 22nd June – mainly Planning Applications;
(b) (b) 20th July – mainly Planning Applications, including conditional approval by 3 votes to 0 with 5 abstentions for piling removal at Reedham Marshes and
(c) (c) 17th August – mainly Planning Applications including Flood Defence Improvements to Chedgrave and Loddon Boatyards – deferred for further consideration; Councillor involvement in Planning Applications was also discussed as was the designation of part of Halvergate and Tunstall as a Conservation Area; it was agreed that it should be so designated.
11
12 Standards Committee 8th August: Councillor involvement in Planning Decisions, the draft Guide to the Code of Conduct and issues raised by the “
13 Navigation Committee 6th September at Reedham. The main item – from which the public were excluded – was “The financial implications of the transfer of dredging from May Gurney.” A summary of the Minute excluded from Public Deposit records the opportunity to increase the volume of sediment it was estimated could be removed within a given budget – up by 25% – and more time available to carry out other river works tasks. Members also noted that an additional £100,000 would be needed for the Private Bill – to be shared equally between the Navigation and General accounts – primarily because of petitions against the Bill. Other items on the agenda included Flood Alleviation, the marking of Piling that becomes submerged during high tides, and the Water-ski Action Plan.
MATTERS FOR DECISION
14
RECOMMENDATION: to note progress and seek members’ views as outlined.
15
RECOMMENDATION: to note progress and seek members’ views.
16(i) Broads Local Development Framework (LDF) Deals with the Inspector’s Report (published as a separate booklet that may not be available on the Authority’s website) and the proposed Authority actions in response to it. In brief, the Inspector found that the BA’s draft was basically “sound” and would be entirely so if his recommendations were adopted. The Broads Local Plan policies that are to be saved beyond September 2007 are given in Appendix 2.
RECOMMENDATION: to note the Inspector’s report and Schedule of Recommended Changes (Annex 1 of separate booklet); to adopt the core Strategy; to agree to proceed as per Regulations; and to agree the Environmental Statement (Appendix 1);
16(ii) LCD: Development Control Policies – Summarises the latest stage of consultation and makes recommendations
RECOMMENDATION: to invite discussion, to waive standing orders relating to contracts in the appointment of Risk and Policy Analysts, and to agree the submission of the Statement of Community Involvement to the Sec. of State.
16(iii) Broads Plan update and LCDF – Updates Broads + Plan Annual Monitoring
Report – Summarised as App. 2
RECOMMENDATION: that the submission of the Annual Monitoring Report
to the Government Office of the East of England be agreed; and that progress with implementing the Broads Action Plan be noted.
17 Councillor involvement in Planning decisions. This Report looks into the propriety of Members who are also District or
RECOMMENDATION: that the Code of Conduct for Members of the Planning Committee and Officers as amended by the Committee at Appendix 1 and 2 be approved.
18 Committee Membership Usual annual exercise;
RECOMMENDATION: to reappoint the existing membership to the Authority’s Committees for 2007/08
19 Appointment of Navigation Committee. Departure, here, from custom and practice. It is proposed, in future, that those members of this committee should be appointed under a modified procedure. After consulting with various bodies, as provided in the Broads Act, it is proposed that the people put forward should be selected on merit by a suitably constituted Panel; and there should be a 10-year aggregated maximum term for appointments. This is recommended as Best Practice to achieve compatibility with appointments to the boards of non-departmental public bodies.
RECOMMENDATION: Far too long to summarise
20 “Proper Officer” Provisions. Technical matter relating to persons so identified in relation to certain senior Officers.
RECOMMENDATION: that the Authority amends its “Proper Officer” provisions.
21 New Office Headquarters. States that the new premises should be available in October 2008, and recommends that the 8 named companies be invited to tender for a new Telecommunications system.
RECOMMENDATION: to waive Standing Orders to enable Consultants to be appointed to draw up the specification; and to invite 8 companies to tender for the supply and installation of the system.
22 Whitlingham Visitor Centre:
RECOMMENDATION: that the Authority enters into a sub-lease with Whitlingham
Charitable Trust for a Visitor Centre at the Country Park
23 The
RECOMMENDATION: Members to give their views on the principle of establishing a Trust; and to appoint 2 Members as Trustees.
24 Consolidated Income & Expenditure 1/4/07 to 31/8/07. Self-explanatory.
RECOMMENDATION: approve budget amendments.
MATTERS FOR INFORMATION
25 Strategic Priorities 2007/08 – regular update; notes that certain projects have been put on hold pending the appointment of replacement staff.
26 Tourism & Visitor Services: Operational reviews of Visitor Centres, Boat Trips & the Interpretative Plan.
27 Sustainable Development Fund Annual Report 2006’07: Self-explanatory.
28 Annual Report of Standards Committee: Self-explanatory.
29 Annual Report of
30 Date of next meeting: 23rd November 2007
MATTERS FOR DECISION
31 Any other items of business
32 Exclusion of the Public
33 Replies to any formal questions of which due notice was given
34 To receive and confirm exempt minute of the BA 29/6/07 – no details given
35 Ditto of Planning Committee 17/8/07 – no details given
36 Ditto Navigation Committee 6/9/07 – no details given.
37 The financial implications of the transfer of dredging from May Gurney – no details given, but see item 19 above.
38 Proposal for the transfer of Postwick Tip – no details given
NOTE: in view of the importance of Items 37 and 38, they were taken immediately after item 6, after the public had been excluded.
ENDS
NEWS & VIEWS of the
By Vic Standley
This report covers the Agenda Papers for the Broads Authority meeting on
29th June 2007 and includes the following Minutes:
Planning Committees 27th April & 25th May
Navigation Committee 26th April & 7th June
Standards Committee 6th June
The supporting papers for all of them can be viewed on the Authority’s web site:
www.broads-authority.gov.uk/authority/meetings.html
Click above and follow the links
SYNOPSIS of agenda items with relevant decisions added.
No. TOPIC
The Chairman welcomed Mr. C. Gould to his first meeting as the South Norfolk District Council representative, replacing Dr. Murray Gray.
2 Minutes of BA meeting 11th May AGREED
5 Public Question time: No questions submitted
6 Summary of Progress since previous meetings
Routine item – no items of special note
MATTERS FOR DECISION
7 Review of Water Skiing. This Report is largely a reprise of the Special meeting of the Broads Forum and the Navigation Committee but with their recommendations added. The final recommendation to the full authority:
i) noted the findings of the Panel;
ii) endorsed the review processes;
iii) confirmed the continuance of waterskiing on the Broads subject to the management measures as set out in paragraph 9;
iv) endorsed the proposed measures in respect of wakeboarding as set out in para 11 (NB changed from Para 9 at the meeting);
v) authorised officers to take relevant steps in advance of the Royal Assent to
the Broads Bill.
To appreciate the significance of the Recommendation, one needs to look at the paragraphs specifically mentioned. Paragraph 9 lists the additional management measures recommended by the Panel, while Para 11 is a more general summary but also includes (11.2) that wakeboarding should continue for a further 1-year trial period, subject to control measures, “…to allow additional information to be gathered including the assessment and testing of ski towing vessels for noise and wash generation.”
(For a report on the Broads Forum & Navigation Committee discussions on this topic see also the relevant postings on the Society’s website.)
The main additional points raised at this meeting referred to the Authority’s options at the conclusion of the 1-year Trial Period. It was noted that:
a) Water Ski Zone boundaries cannot be changed at the present as they form part of the Speed Limit Byelaws;
b) Future action depended upon what was found in the trial period;
c) whatever the results might be, they would feed into a Byelaw review and the Water Framework Directive.
DECISION: AGREED
8 Review of Statement of Internal Control. This relates to financial control system which the Authority is required to review at least once a year and publish with its Accounts. Full details are given in Appendix 1 to the Report – which, inter alia, acknowledges that members of the public have the right to full access to the business of the Authority, to attend its meetings and be able to participate in Public question Time.
DECISON: AGREED with a request that proposals relating to the Asset
Management Plan be dealt with a.s.a.p.
9 Statement of Accounts 2006/07. Self-evident as regards content; also gives details of
balances to be carried forward to 2007-08.
DECISION: AGREED and that Mr. S. Mallett become the Lead Member for
Financial matters (see item 14 below.)
10 Volunteer Strategy This report deals with the creation of a consistent structure for the recruitment, training and support for volunteers across of the BA.
DECISION: AGREED
DECISION: AGREED
12 Review of the Code of Conduct. This report summarises the provisions of the new model Code of Conduct for Local Government – monitored by the Standards Committee – and recommends its adoption by the Authority.
DECISION: AGREED
13 Appointment of independent members to the Standards Committee
DECISION: to appoint Mr. Maurice Cook and Mr Don Ayre and to increase the number of members on this committee by one (i.e. a total of 6 with 4 independent members.)
14 Appointment of Lead Members. The report recommended extending the use of Lead Members. Those agreeing to be nominated would be expected to become well acquainted with their subject and take a leading part in any discussion of it.
DECISION: AGREED viz:
AREA LEAD PERSON
Navigation matters Chairman of Navigation Committee
Planning matters Chairman of Planning Committee
Development Framework Mr. C. Gould
Climate Change and the Valley Approach Mr. J. Sjharp
Communication Mr P. Frost
Cultural Heritage ??
Equalities Mrs R. Varma
Implementing Electronic Government ??
Navigation Safety Mr. W. Knight.
SDF Panel and Green Issues Mrs. E. Burrows.
Sustainable Tourism ??
Financial matters Mr. A. Mallett.
NOTE: ??? = either I did not hear who was appointed or nobody volunteered.
DECISION: AGREED
15 Appointment of Members to outside bodies. Self-evident content; see subsequent Minutes for details of appointments made.
DECISION: AGREED – names will appear in the Minutes.
16 Review of Terms of Reference of Committees and Scheme of Powers delegated to Senior Officers. Reviews the present position & sets out proposed changes. Main changes relate to Works Licences, the Speed Limit, the Navigation and the Vessel Registration Byelaws, together with the operation of the Sustainable Development Fund.
DECISION: AGREED subject to an amendment regarding the
position were the Broads Bill were to fail.
MATTERS FOR INFORMATION
17 Local Development Framework: Documentation developments & Consultation 29th June to 10th August. Content of documentation, the Statement of Community Involvement, and the aims of the consultation are dealt with here.
DECISION: NOTED
(I left the meeting at this point and cannot, therefore report on the outcome of the remaining items.)
18 Summary of Internal Audit Report 2006/07. Fairly self-evident content;
19 Review of Strategic Priorities 2007/08. This is a regular update of progress against approved priorities. Interestingly, a £10k reserve project for a Pilot Carbon Audit for the BA’s area has been taken on board.
20 Date of next meeting: 28th September 2007
MINUTES TO BE RECEIVED.
21 Navigation Committee for 26th April and 7th June.
22 Planning Committee 27th April and 25th May
23 Broads Forum 5th June (Special meeting)
24 Standards Committee 6th June
MARTTRERS FOR DECISION
25 Items of urgent business
Annual Investment Strategy – paper circulated at the meeting
This reviewed the “Prudential Code for capital finance in local authorities” which requires them to prepare and “Annual Investment and Capital financing (Borrowing) Strategy..” As the BA is “…about to embark on the purchase of an operation which will be financed by a loan, the…Strategy needs to be updated to take account of the prudential indicators…” No details of the “operation” were given, but the Report recommended an authorised borrowing limit of £500,00.
26 Consideration of any formal questions of which due notice has been given
27 Exclusion of the Public
28 Confirmation of exempt Minute of BA meeting 11th May (no details publicly available)
29 Confirmation of exempt Minutes of Navigation Committee meetings 26th April and 7th June (no details publicly available)
30 Future management arrangements for Dredging Disposal (no details publicly available)
POSTSCRIPT.
Various booklets were circulated at the meeting including the Annual Report for 2006-07, published together with the Best Value Summary for 2007-08. The former contains information about a number of ongoing projects which may not featured in Agenda Papers and thus not reported upon by me. They include an interesting section on developments at Whitlingham country Park, and summaries on:-
* restoring Barnby Broad,
* the “undergrounding” of electrical power lines at Buckenham Marshes
* and a proposal to do so at St. Benbet’s Marsh,
* an Easy Access path at Chedgrave,
* a new boardwalk linking the 24-hour moorings at Hoveton with the
* Volunteers and interesting information about dredging
* the in-house Planning service.
There are also some outstanding photographs illustrating the topics covered. The Best Value Summary deals with performance targets for footpaths, ecology, dredging, planning and cultural heritage.
Copies available from the Broads Authority – phone: 01603-610734 (Large Print also available on request.
END
SYNOPSIS of relevant agenda items with relevant decisions added.
I did not attend the meeting and cannot, therefore, indicate whether or not any changes were made to the official Recommendations. My report is a précis of the published Agenda papers for the meeting the Minutes of which should be available in time for the next meeting on 23rd November.
NEWS & VIEWS of the
By Vic Standley
These reports cover the Broads Forum and the Navigation Committees which met on the 5th and 7th June 2007 respectively.
They are based on the BA’s published Agendas, formal recommendations and supporting papers; which may be viewed on the Authority’s website:
www.broads-authority.gov.uk/authority/meetings.html
Click above and follow the links
This was a special, single-issue, meeting on the “Port Marine Safety Code: Review of Waterskiing.” These notes are best read in conjunction with the official papers published on their web site.
***
Perceived problems with this sport may be divided into those relating to safety (participants and other river users), conflicts with either wildlife interests or humans – and the appropriateness of the sport on the
***
The Authority’s 21-page report by the Head of Waterways Strategy and the Director of Waterways gave:
(1) the general Background;
(2) information about the Present Review (which includes its raison d’être);
(3) identified the Issues that needed to be considered (safety and conflicts);
(4) reviewed Wakeboarding;
(5) gave information about Additional Consultations relating to aterskiing/wakeboarding in other parts of the country;
(6) listed its Conclusions and (7) its Recommendations;
(8) identified Zone-specific mitigation measures and finished with
(9) Summary of Recommendations.
Appendices giving signage details, the terms of the Agreement with the waterskiers in relation to the Broads Bill, and an index of the contents of the Water-Ski File were also included.
The repeated use of terms like Summary, Conclusions, and Recommendations for different elements of the Report make it is necessary to identify which is being referred to below.
The introductory “blurb” (confusingly, also called a Summary) says “The promised three year fundamental review of waterskiing has now been carried out, using a Review Panel as set out in the legal agreement developed between the Authority and waterskiing interest groups…” It concludes: “…Members views are sought on the conclusions and recommendations of the Review Panel as set out in
Proceedings began with the Director of Waterways, Mrs Trudi Wakelin, giving a Presentation on behalf of the independent Chairman of the Review Group, Mr Ian White, who was unable to be present and who had sent his apologies for absence. Amongst other things, she stressed that the Panel’s conclusions and recommendations are evidence based.
Other salient points were:
- that no alternative water-space could be found to accommodate the sport;
- that the meetings and consultations were constrained by the timetable relating to the Private Bill;
- the original hazard survey had found waterskiing to be “intolerable” – a rating that had been reduced to “As Low As Reasonably Practicable” (ALARP) by such management measures such as improved signage, requiring log-books to be kept by participants, and insurance;
- the review was mainly concerned with measures promoting safety and with the mitigation of conflicts;
- the total number of water skiing permits issued is now down to 167; over the recent past, the number of water skiers has declined and wakeboarders increased;
- new issues identified during the Review exercise were conflicts with other river users, with shore-based activities and with wildlife;
- if waterskiers and wakeboarders operated within the Byelaws – presumably both the relevant Speed Limit and the Navigation Byelaws – then, despite perceptions to the contrary, it is not possible to differentiate between their respective impacts.
During the lengthy discussion that followed, the views expressed included:
- that the NSBA did not accept the statement in the Recommendations [para 9 (bullet 2)] that that is not possible to differentiate between the impacts of waterskiing and wakeboarding;
- that their modus operandi was different: Water skiers needed to travel fast (up to 25mph) but created relatively little wash, whereas Wakeboarders wish to travel much more slowly (around 15mph) and rely upon wash (i.e. wake) created by the tow-boat to perform their manoeuvres;
- both the Broads Society and the NSBA were prepared to support continuation of water skiing for an additional 1-year trial period, but considered that wakeboarding was a step too far;
- if, nevertheless, the sport is allowed to continue for a further year, the time should be used to obtain factual information relating to noise, and to wash generation by such manoeuvres as sharp turns at speed;
- that each tow-boat should be individually assessed and licensed;
- people’s perception of intrusion was also important and needed to be addressed; the Chairman stated, however, whilst he accepted the point and the need to get the “mix” right, recommendations for action must be based on evidence;
- the final recommendation in para 6 .” Conclusions”, (bullet point 11) which proposed a further 1-year trial period, was amended to include a specific requirement for wash and noise measurements;
- although it was appreciated that the Report was directed towards safety and mitigation measures, nevertheless some members were as much concerned about the appropriateness or otherwise of both waterskiing and wakeboarding on the Broads, its perceived intrusion and impacts on wildlife and upon land-based visitors;
- it was accepted, however, that many birds quickly acclimatised to noise and were more tolerant of it than many humans;
- finally, there was a perceived incompatibility between water skiing in any of its forms and the second purpose of the Authority. This now reads “(b) promoting opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the
At the conclusion of the discussion, Members approved the Recommendations – including the 1-year trial period subject to the addition of the additional points mentioned above and also asked for them to be reported to the Navigation Committee.
Additional points on this topic appear under the Navigation Committee Agenda item 7.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.–.-.-.-
NAVIGATION COMMITTEE
***
This is, essentially, the usual synopsis of relevant agenda items with any necessary explanatory notes and decisions added, except for item 7 “Review of Waterskiing” which is more detailed and should be read in conjunction with the similar item reported in the Broads Forum notes above.
***
Agenda item
Number
2 Minutes of the previous meeting: An amendment was made to the final sentence of Minute 72(1) regarding the Flood Event in Nov. 2006 to indicate that “…there had not been a significant long-term detrimental effect on the fish stock."
Also, on Minute 80(1) “
6 Summary of progress since previous meeting. Nothing significant added at the meeting.
7 Review of Waterskiing. This discussion was, to a large extent, a reprise of the Broads Forum and similar points will not, therefore, be repeated here.
Mr. Ian White, the independent Chairman of the Review Panel, introduced his Report. He stated that his independence largely resulted from the fact that he lived in
The Head of Waterways Strategy and Safety stated that the Hazard Review also in front of the Committee completed the series of documents needed by the Authority were it required to defend its actions under the PMSC.
During the subsequent discussion, the Committee was able to benefit from the first-hand experience of at least two of its members who are themselves water skiers albeit no longer actively so. They confirmed the speeds at which each group was likely to travel, an authoritative appraisal of the safety risks involved with the sport; they also indicated, for example, that the objective of wakeboarders is to become “airborne” and to extend this as long as possible.
- A member stated that water skiers/wakeboarders had “openly and honestly” stated at a Review Group meeting that at some future date, they intended to challenge the meaning of the word “momentarily” in Speed Limit Byelaw 16(e) which is, inter alia, aimed at preventing them becoming airborne.
- Angling and waterskiing/wakeboarding are entirely incompatible and anglers just do not attempt to pursue their hobby where these activities take place;
- The effect of excessive wash on sailing craft should not be overlooked, nor, as one member testified from casual conversations, that many waterborne holidaymakers found it worrying even though they did not say so;
- the Zone arrangements should be changed to exclude the Strumpshaw Reserve;
- the intrusive effect of the sport on other river users, upon land based recreational activities and upon wildlife rendered it inappropriate on the
The Navigation Committee accepted the formal Recommendations in the report and the additional points that had been raised at the Broads Forum
****
The whole matter will be debated again at the next meeting of the Authority on 29th June.
Society Members who might wish to read the findings of the Windermere Inquiry on Waterskiing on that lake can find it on:
www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-countryside/windermere/inquiry/index.htm
***
8 Broadland Flood Alleviation Project
(i) This report is an update on the Project; Table 1 tracks the progress of major improvement schemes including enhancements.
(ii) This one provides a summary of BESL’s Planning Application to remove piling in Compartments 11 & 35 on the R. Yare.
The Chairman stated that this is a very important application in relation to protecting the interests of navigation. He noted that piling had failed more quickly than expected after setback operations; he was very concerned about the potential for erosion and thought independent advice should be sought. The Chief Executive said that there was no evidence yet of erosion even after a period of high tides and fast river flows. The Committee cautiously accepted the report and asked to have a joint site visit with the Planning Committee.
9 Reedham Quay Lease
This is a rather disturbing report about the future of Reedham Quay – some of the available options might have serious implications for public mooring there.
AGREED: that option 7.1(iii) be adopted – which at least would leave the BA in control, albeit at greater cost than hitherto.
10 Dredging Programme 2006-07
There was a prolonged debate about the proposals for Slutton’s Dyke and Jensen’s
AGREED with one dissent: That the necessary planning application(s) be supported.
11 Safety Management System (SMS)
NOTED & AGREED.
12 Navigation Account…for year ended 31st March 2007
NOTED & AGREED
13 Chief Executive’s Report
NOTED. The Gt. Yarmouth Port & Haven Commissioners had become “International Port Holdings” – although a Harbour Revision Order will be necessary to transfer their harbour responsibilities.
14 Current Issues.
None raised.
15 Date of next meeting: Thursday, 6th Sept. At Reedham Village Hall.
VHS 13/6/2007
NEWS & VIEWS of the
By Vic Standley
This report covers the Agenda Papers for the Broads Authority meeting on
11 May 2007 and includes the following Minutes:
Planning Committees 9th & 30th March
Navigation Committee 22nd March (Special Meeting)
The supporting papers for all of them can be viewed on the Authority’s web site:
www.broads-authority.gov.uk/authority/meetings.html
Click above and follow the links
SYNOPSIS of agenda items with relevant decisions added.
No. TOPIC
Chairman’s Remarks. Prof. Turner welcomed the three new members to the meeting; he also regretfully announced that Dr. J.M. Gray would be standing down as Chairman of the Planning Committee and from the Authority, and thanked him for all his work over the past few years.
4 Public Question Time No questions posed
5 Summary of Progress/Actions since previous meeting
Routine item: mainly updates, with no significant changes from previous meeting.
6 Statement of Accounts 2005/06: Annual Governance Report
This is a very formal document set (a 30 page “Annual Audit and Inspection Letter” circulated with the Agenda and a further 27-page “Annual governance report” at the meeting). In summary, it says everything was OK except for: (a) that a sound system of internal control had not yet been implemented; and (b) that the Authority’s management of its asset base needs to be improved.
Both of these matters are now receiving attention.
RECOMMENDATION: “That the report be noted.” Approved.
7 A State of the Park Report for the
This long awaited document has now been prepared and was circulated to members of the Authority. The covering report stated, inter alia, that it “…collects together existing information and necessary information about the
It is not intended to make a printed version of the Report generally available until 2009 when it will be published as part of the Broads Plan review, but an electronic version will be placed on the Authority’s web site and updated as required.
Comments made by Members included a question about how up-to-date some of the baseline information was, the nature and function of Indicators with a request that those featuring what can be done be used wherever possible. The need to qualify some targets within the bounds of reasonableness was stressed and that they should not so be over optimistic that they risked failure. In the Navigation section it was requested that the extent of lock-free water should be stated – and that the whole
RECOMMENDATION: “That State of the Park report be adopted.” Approved
8 Safety Management System:
i) Port Marine Safety Code – Development
This report reminds us that the BA is working on a plan to achieve national safety standards within the
The plan includes a provision for an annual hazard review the first of which is currently in progress. When complete, it will be presented to the Navigation Committee.
Appendix 2 gives a table of current risks showing that none is now in the “unacceptable” category.
RECOMMENDATION: “That the Authority adopts the Safety Management System and continues to support…(its)… ongoing development..” Approved.
i) Annual Safety Report 2006
This has 3 main sections: (1) A Summary of incidents reported; (2) A Table showing Death/Injury since 1993; and (3) a Table showing Fire and Explosion incidents since 1993. The latter shows a huge headline increase for 2006 (22 compared with a 13 year average of 3.3) but 19 of those were arson incidents which brings the number of “normal” incidents within the long-term average.
Some concern was expressed at the rise in the number of boat-related deaths to 2 after two years with none, although those that were not boat –related fell from 7 to 2. Of the 4 deaths reported, 3 were from drowning and 1 from heart attack.
The overall conclusion was that the
RECOMMENDATION: “That the report be noted.” Approved.
ii) Boat Safety Byelaws
This proposes the formal adoption of processes and procedures relating to the Boat Safety Scheme – such as the “Hazardous Boat” checks for visiting craft whose owners apply for a short-term licence, the procedure for any formal challenges to a refusal to issue a Certificate of Conformity or to grant Exemptions, and the Enforcement Procedures required by the Authority. A “Compliance Procedure” chart is included
RECOMMENDATION: “That the
9 Appointment of Members to Committees
This deals with the appointment of members to Planning and Navigation committees for the rest of the committee year (i.e. until July) and also powers delegated to the Chief Executive – after specified consultations – to deal with any similar vacancies resulting from recent local government elections; and with certain training matters.
RECOMMENDATION: “That the
10
11 National Park Authorities Performance Assessment: Improvement Plan
This report provides an update of progress against the 27 recommendations in the National Park Authorities Performance Assessment Review. It is really about how things are done rather than what is done. Asset Management improvements is included as no. 27 in an accompanying Table ((see item 7 above).
RECOMMENDATION: “That the report be noted.” Approved.
12 Annual Review of Strategic Priorities 2007/08
The strategic priorities for 2006/07 are reviewed together with the Authority’s achievements, including the Awards made to the BA in the last year. Progress with priorities for 2007/08 was also included together with some key dates for the future.
RECOMMENDATION: “That members note the contents of the report.” Approved.
13 Date of next meeting: 29 June 2007
The following Minutes were approved:
14 Minutes of BA meeting 23/3/07
15 Minutes of Planning Committees held 9 and 30 March 2007
Gives details of discussion on Planning Applications considered by the Committee, a summary of them, and some general items such as Government Guidance on “Development and Flood Risk” (PPS25), Councillor involvement in Planning Decisions, and the new Broads Planning Service.
16 Minutes of the
Significant items discussed included: Implementing Rights of Way Improvement Plans; New Regulations etc re Local Access Fora; Forum Effectiveness and Publicity; Flood Alleviation Scheme.
17 Minutes of Special Meeting of Navigation Committee 22/3/07.
This relates to a “closed” meeting on “Future management arrangements for dredging and disposal..” No detailed Minute is available in the public domain.
18 Minutes of
The Chief Executive introduced the recently appointed Chairman, Mr. J Bowman.
The Forum, by design, does not produce recommendations. Its published Minutes record the diverse views put forward at its meetings. The significant items discussed at the April meeting included:
· Flood Alleviation project – Flood Event 11th November 2006. Matters raised related to the efficacy of washlands,
· Managing the river valleys;
· Water Ski review;
· Rights of Way and Open Access Agreement Plan;
· Barnby Broad;
· Water Injection trial;
· Horsey Mere: Winter activities;
· Boat Census;
· Water Framework Directive;
·
· Trolling;
In presenting these Minutes, Mr. J. Bowman stressed that the Forum considered saline incursion was the most serious aspect of the November flood event, and something that the Authority needed to consider further.
22 Exclusion of the public for Navigation Committee Minutes see item 17
No further information available
23 Exempt Minute from BA Meeting 23/3/07
No further information available
24 Future Management of Dredging and Disposal – update.
No further information available
Vic Standley
13/5/07
NEWS & VIEWS of the
By Vic Standley
This report covers the Agenda Papers for the Broads Authority meeting on
23rd March 2007 and includes the following Minutes:
Broads Authority 26th January 2007 – Special & Normal meetings
Planning Committee 12th January & 9th February 2007
Navigation Committee 1st March 2007
Standards Committee 8th March 2007
This Report is based on the BA’s published Agenda and the formal recommendations for those matters that required a decision. The supporting papers for the Authority and Committee meetings can be viewed on the Authority’s website:
www.broads-authority.gov.uk/authority/meetings.html
Click above and follow the links
I did not attend the meeting, but understand that none of the recommendations was changed. I have, however, included one or two things stated at the meeting and passed on to me by another Society member.
Agenda item
Number
5 Summary of progress since previous meeting.
Matters for decision
6 Survey of Broadland Fens. Recommended that “Ecology, Land and People Ltd” carry out a survey if the fens in the
7 General Account Budget 2006/07 (Revised) – self explanatory It was confirmed at the meeting that the National Park budget is safe for the forthcoming year but there is uncertainty beyond that regarding the future rate of inflation to be allowed.
8 Local Development Scheme – submission of revised LDS and revised list of Saved Policies. Recommended approval of the revised scheme for submission to the Secretary of State and associated matters.
9 Mooring Strategy for the
10 Boat Safety Byelaws – Update and proposed interim enforcement policy. Recommended that the delegations to the Chief Executive proposed in the papers be authorised, that the enforcement proposals set out in S.3 be agreed (these are well worth boat owners noting), and that the period of validity for the Certificate of Conformity be 4 years – but see S.4 for precise information. Details of certain Amendments to Boat Safety Scheme Byelaws were given in Appendix 1. There is also a diagram (Appendix 3) illustrating the BSS Compliance process.
11 Rights of Way Improvement and Open Access policy Recommended that the BA agree the Access Plan, which is to be annexed to Norfolk County Council’s own Plan.
12 In House Planning Service: Tenders for
13
14 Appointment of members to Navigation Committee. Recommended that the term of the present membership of the Navigation Committee be extended to 21 March 2008 to bring membership of that Committee in line with the financial year. A minor change to the operative date was announced at the meeting – i.e. extension to 28th March.
15 Members Induction and Development Programme Recommended that members views be sought on a number of matters.
16 Annual Investment Strategy Recommended that the investment strategy be approved for 2007-08
Matters for information
17 Broads Bill: Update – little not already known – except that it was reported at the meeting that the Commons debate is now expected to take place on Wed. 25th April 22007.
18 Broadland Flood Alleviation Project – Summary of 1st Nov 2006 Flood Event. Basically a semi-technical explanation by the Environment Agency of the weather patterns involved, and the conclusion that the defences throughout the Broads coped well even if there was minor over-topping of the flood banks.
19 Performance Monitoring – routine item
20 Income & Expenditure 1-4-06 to 28-02-07 – self explanatory
21 Date of next meeting: 11th May 2007
Minutes for adoption
22 Special Meeting 26-01-07
23
Minutes to be received
24 Planning Committee 12/01 and 9/02 2007
25
for this meeting. Mr. Stapleton stated that this would be his last as
Chairman. It was announced at the BA meeting that the new Chairman
will be Mr Jonathan Bowman.
26 Navigation Committee 1/0202007. See also my earlier posting on Agenda
topics for this meeting.
27 Standards Committee 8/03/07
28. Urgent business – none
29. Public questions – none
30. Exclusion of the Public to consider:
31: Direct Action, Wayford Mill: Options for recovery of costs.
32: To confirm an exempt Minute of the BA Meeting on 26/1/07
33: To receive an exempt Minute of the Navigation Committee meeting
held on 1st March 2007.
END
NEWS & VIEWS of the
By Vic Standley
NAVIGATION COMMITTEE 1st March 2007
This Report complements one that will appear in the summer 2007 edition of “Harnser”.
Nothing in it necessarily represents my own views or those of the
www.broads-authority.gov.uk/authority/meetings.html and follow the links.
Readers wishing to know what decisions were made will need to consult the Minutes of each Committee – they should be published with the Agenda papers for the Broads Authority on 23rd March 2007 – as I did not attend either meeting
Agenda
Item number.
Navigation Committee 1/3/07
2 Minutes of meeting 14/12/06
6 Progress Summary. NB for latest position on:
- Flood risk assessment under the Local Development Framework;
-
- Haddiscoe Cut – repair works;
- progress with Safety DVD;
- Yarmouth Yacht Station repairs;
- Deal Ground re-development – consultation plans.
7
8 Mooring Strategy update 2007 – progress update; draft Action Plan; and Moorings Code on Conduct and Safety.
9 Broadland Flood Alleviation Project – General update: Cantley marshes, Emergency piling removal at 7-Mile House; Table of major improvement schemes; Compartment 10 Stoklesby to Gt. Yarmouth;
10 Dredging – Update and draft programme for 2007-08; report on Water Injection Trial.
11 Pegasus Boatyard, Oulton Broad: Committee’s views sought on the draft Design Brief.
12 Safety Management System:
- Boat Safety Byelaws update, including the proposed delegations, enforcement proposals and time – period for the Certificate of Conformity
- Port Marine Safety Code and Safety Management System consultees.
- Power Boat Racing programme and arrangements 2007-08.
13 Nav. Account – Income & Expenditure to 31/1/07
14 Chief Executive’s Report:
- LDF Strategy – core Framework;
-
- October flooding;
- Strategic Priorities for 2007-08;
- National Park Grant Settlement for 2007-08;
- In-house Planning Service;
- New Office Headquarters;
- National Boatmaster Licence – Transport Select Committee Inquiry;
- Coastal Lowland Catchments and
- Investors in People re-assessment.
-
15 Current Issues – Open forum
16 Date of next meeting: 26/4/07
PRESENTATION: Annual Water Plant Survey deferred from previous meeting
o-o-o-
BROADS FORUM 8/2/07
3 Progress summary: NB: item on River Basin Planning under the Water Framework Directive; Consultation document now available on Environment Agency website.
4 Chief Executive’s Report contains items on:
- Broads Bill: agreements with Environment Agency concerning pollution matters on the Broads and regarding a public right of navigation on Haddiscoe Cut; Memoranda of Understanding; Water ski-ing; Gt. Yarmouth Port Authority.
- Local Development Framework – Core Strategy.
-
- October flooding.
- Strategic Priorities 2007 – 2010;
- National Park Grant Settlement for 2007-08;
- In-house Planning Service.
- New Office Headquarters.
- Investors In People Reassessment.
5 Consultation on Development Control Policies – update. Also, provisional dates for a formal examination by Mr. Philip Goodman into the soundness of the Core Strategy.
6 Spatial strategy for the East of England – proposed revisions.
7 Mooring Strategy –progress report, including 2006-7 Action Plan, and draft “Moorings Code” leaflet including General guide, Safety and Conduct.
8 Pegasus Boatyard, Oulton Broad – Design Brief for site re-development.
9 Flood alleviation project – update. Background, Access path to Carlton Marshes, Worlingham slipway and Angling Platforms, Geldeston Disabled mooring, and other enhancement proposals.
10
11 Current Issues – Open forum.
12 Minutes of meeting held 7/12/06
14 Date of next meeting: 12/4/07
ENDS.
NEWS & VIEWS of the
By Vic Standley
This report covers the Agenda Papers for the Broads Authority meeting on
26th January 2007 and includes the following Minutes:
Planning Committees 110/11 and 8/12/2006
Navigation Committee 14/12//2006
Standards Committee 1/12/2006
The supporting papers for all of them can be viewed on the Authority’s website:
www.broads-authority.gov.uk/authority/meetings.html
Click above and follow the links
SYNOPSIS of agendas with decisions added – some routine agenda items omitted. It is regretted that this is such a long posting but it does cover a large number of meetings.
Agenda item
Number
SPECIAL MEETING. (Began at 1.30 p.m.)
3 Broads Authority Bill
Recommended that the Authority confirm its decision to promote a Bill in Parliament, and confirm agreements reached with the Environment Agency, the National and Local boating associations and British Waterski.
The agreements mentioned are legally binding on the signatories and updated copies of those been signed immediately prior to the meeting were circulated to Members of the Authority and to members of the public who were present.
The agreement with the British Marine Federation & the Royal Yachting Association contained a number of new clauses and amendments to others circulated with the Agenda papers. The changes reported are noted below – at the tine of writing they had not appeared on the BA’s web site:
FINAL AGREEMENT – PARAGRAPH CHANGES:
(4) Construction and Equipment Standards (Clause 12 of Bill)
4a: additional wording to the undertaking that Authority intends to use these provisions only to implement the Boat Safety Scheme;
(5) Compulsory Third Party Insurance (Clause 14)
Re-drafted paragraph; now contains lettered paragraphs (a to e).
The major change seems to be a firm agreement (formerly an intention) that “entry-level craft used by young people learning to sail will not need to be insured but owners will be encouraged to do so;
(6) Inspection of Vessels (Clause 16)
A new paragraph 6(d) requiring that the will be informed in writing of an intention to board and inspect the vessel and he/she may request a (free) copy of the subsequent report.
(9) Request for information as to vessels (Clause 21)
This is a new paragraph that requires the Authority to develop a process for the use of these powers, for the Navigation Committee to be consulted and that they will not be used until consultation has taken place.
(15) Discontinuance of Navigation Account (Schedule 6)
This has been re-numbered as “15” (previously “12”) and has sub-paragraphs (a to d) covering the format of the revised accounts, the process for modifying that format, and fiscal paragraphs relating to interest apportionment and the carrying forward of any underspends on the Navigation Account.
(17) Navigation Committee (Schedule 6)
Basically, a new, technical paragraph linking the Agreement on the Navigation Committee and the main Agreement.
(18) Closure of the Navigation (Schedule 6 para 12(2)
Another new paragraph elucidating the purpose and temporary closure of any waterway for recreational purposes and requiring the prior consultation with the Navigation Committee. It further provides that the exercise of these powers will not be in such a way as to deny reasonable passage through the waterway.
Appendix 1 : Boatyards
New Clause relating to Toll & BSS exemptions whilst at boatyards in specified circumstances.
Appendix 2 is the agreed format of the “Consolidated Management Statement” of accounts – appears to be similar to (if not identical with) that circulated with the Agenda papers;
Appendix 3 gives the final version of the Agreement on the Navigation Committee. It is too long to summarise beyond saying that it defines the role and advisory powers of the Navigation Committee, enables it to have – but not require – powers delegated to it by the Authority, and recognises that the Authority may delegate navigation functions to officers. It has one new clause (2.6) relating to the Nav. Com’s scrutiny and advisory role on all matters materially affecting the navigation, and concludes: “…Past experience has shown that the Authority normally accepts the Committee’s advice on matters concerning the navigation and this pattern is likely to continue.”
Appendix 4 is a draft of the revised “Registration and Payment of Toll” form 5T0206 which, inter alia, will enable tolls to be paid by cash, cheque or credit card.
Discussion:
The Chief Executive stated that the Bill had successfully passed its First Reading on the previous Tuesday 23rd January) and that the 2nd
Decision: the 2 Recommendations contained in the Agenda Peers were agreed by show of hands with no dissension.
ORDINARY MEETING (Began at 2pm)
4 Public Questions: None
5 Progress Summary. This is a routine report on decisions taken at previous meetings; Society Members may wish particularly to read updates on Navigation Tolls (Minute 35), Moorings strategy (Minute 105), Boat Safety Bye-laws (Minute 36) and Navigation Committee Minute 70 regarding the October 2006 flooding. No report was given on the flooding incidents as anticipated in Min. 70 of the Authority meeting on 24th November 2006, but one is still expected at a future date.
MATTERS FOR DECISION:
6 Proposed Revision to the Regional Spatial Strategy…
Sought members’ approval of key changes to the draft East of England Plan.
Decision: Agreed
7 Local Development Framework.
Detailed representations received by the BA on the Core Strategy and sought approval to the Authority’s response.
Decision: Agreed
8 Sediment Management Strategy and Action Plan
The Recommendation was that the Authority should adopt this Plan.
A comprehensive, 57-page Action Plan – considered and approved by the Navigation Committee – was circulated giving, inter alia, the prioritisation for sediment removal and the proposed management actions for 2007-08 - i.e. the dredging programme and which account would pay for what.
The total budget available for that year is £980,000
There is also a 40-page Appendix with 5 sub-sections covering the 5-year Work Programme, a Priority Matrix, Sediment Removal Tables, Disposal, Recovery & Reuse Tables, and an assessment of the impact of Regulation 48 of the Habitat Regulations on dredging.
The Director of Waterways was congratulated on the production of an impressive and authoritative document.
It was noted, however, that the disposal of dredgings remained a major obstacle to progress with the Strategy, but the regulatory regime involved was being addressed at national level and, it was hoped, would result in some easement of the problem.
Decision: Agreed
9
Outlined budget and operational implications for the BA’s management of this facility and possible out-sourcing to a private operator.
Decision: That the Report be NOTED and considered again when confidential Agenda item 32 was before the meeting.
10 Designation of
Recommended that this Meadow be designated as a Local Nature Reserve.
Discussion: A member proposed that designation should be deferred pending further information relating to the Deal Ground and the Utilities site, but after hearing various contrary views relating to its intrinsic nature conservation value and the views of local residents, it was decided to go ahead immediately.
Decision: Agreed
11 Performance Monitoring Report
Routine report (with a new format) on progress with agreed priorities
Decision: Agreed
12 Additional National Park Grant
Updates members on expenditure and sought authorisation for the Chief Executive to meet extra costs for the Private Bill from General Account Reserves prior to an appropriate sum being included in the Budget.
Decision: Agreed
13 Strategic Priorities 2006/07
A10-page document was circulated to Members and the public at the meeting. which slightly modified but did not essentially change the priorities listed on page 85 of the Agenda papers; and also expanded on each of its 7 elements.
The Report recommended the adoption of stated priorities for the next 3 years.
Decision: Agreed
14 Timetable of Meetings 2006/07
Self-explanatory.
Decision: Agreed
MATTERS FOR INFORMATION – all recommend that the Report be Noted:
15 Port Marine Safety Code
Sets out the background to water-skiing on the
16 Water Framework Directive: Summary
Sets out different aspects of the WFD and their inter-relationships
17 Palaeoecological Research at the Trinity
Informed members about sediment sampling and analysis in this area to investigate historical plant and zooplankton communities in relation to future decisions on restoration and management measures.
18 Progress Report on work towards Taking Planning in-house
Outlined progress towards service commencement on 1/4/2007
19 Investors in People: Re-assessment
Report on recent successful re-assessment of BA staff by “Assessment Network Ltd” In doing so, it identifies the names of the four current Directorates (Waterways, Countryside Management, Planning and Strategy, and Corporate Services) together with the BA’s 7-point management objectives.
20 Income & Expenditure to 31/12/06
Self explanatory
21 Date of next meeting: 23rd March 2007
MINUTES FOR ADOPTION
22 Minutes of the BA meeting on 24/11/06
MINUTES TO BE RECEIVED
23 Planning Committees 10/11 and 8/12/06
Includes reports on Planning decisions as well as general matters
24
Includes reports the Forum’s deliberations on: Granary Staithe, Hoveton; the Private Bill; Management of Water Skiing; Sediment Management Action Plan; Priorities 2007-10; Water Framework Directive – River Basin Planning; Reed and Sedge Growers; the “Green Boat Show”; Pegasus Boatyard, Oulton Broad; Annual Plant Survey – report on a Presentation by the Conservation Officer. Agr-Environment Scheme – report on Presentation by the Lound Catchment Officer. Cycle Hire in the
25 Navigation Committee 14/12/06
Includes reports on the Broads Bill; the Golden Galleon’s dismantling; Dredging programme; BROADS BILL – Memorandum of Understanding with Water Skiing interests; proposed exemptions from certain Boat Safety Standards; certain exemptions from Registration & Tolls.
Sediment Strategy – Action Plan; Flood Alleviation Project – General update Stokesby to North Denes (Compartment 10); Cantley (Compartment 14); Opportunities for Wetland enhancement; River Basin Planning under the WFD; Finances to 31/12/06; Tax Demand; Gt Yarmouth Yacht Station; Pegasus Boatyard, Oulton Broad; Deal Ground and Utilities site, Norwich Trowse, Norwich.
26 Standards Committee 1/12/06
Reports include: Annual Assembly of the Standards Board for
27
Matters discussed included: draft Rights of Way improvement Plan for
MATTERS FOR DECISION
28 Urgent Matters (if any) – none
29 Formal Questions (if any) - none
30 EXCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC
31 to 32 See Agenda for outline details
33 To receive the exempt Minutes of the Standards Committee 1/12/06
NEWS & VIEWS of the
By Vic Standley
This report covers the Agenda Papers for the Broads Authority meeting on
26th November 2006 and includes the following Minutes:
Planning Committees 15/9/ and 13/10 2006
Navigation Committee 26/10/2006
The supporting papers for all of them can be viewed on the Authority’s website:
www.broads-authority.gov.uk/authority/meetings.html
Click above and follow the links
SYNOPSIS of agenda items with decisions added.
AGENDA
ITEM No. DESCRIPTION
1 to 4 Formal items – Apologies for absence and suchlike.
5 Summary of Progress/Actions since previous meeting
NOTED
6 Navigation tolls 2007/08; Nav. Budgets 2006/07 & 2007/08
Lengthy report including Toll levels, use of additional funds generated & Budget Allocations. Ties in with Navigation Committee Minutes.
DISCUSSION:
Noted that expenditure for 2007’08 was forecast to exceed income and reserves thus depleted; and would need rectification at some future date.
Problem of finding spoil disposal sites to keep up with output;
DECISION: Navigation Committee’s Recommendations AGREED.
7 Annual Monitoring Report 2005/06 and progress on State of
the Park Report.
Formal report required by the Local Development Framework – perhaps mainly of interest to Planning aficionados. It also reports that work has begun with to the Broads Plan Advisory Group to prepare a “State of the Park Report” that “.. could form a baseline assessment of current conditions of the
DECISION: Recommendations Agreed.
8 Development Control: Proposed changes to delegation of
statutory Planning functions
Recommended that all new Enforcement cases be taken in-house from 1/1/2007, that existing cases be completed by District Councils until 31/12/2007; that all other Planning functions including Planning
Applications be handled by BA officers from 1st April 2007.
The complete “Scheme of Powers Delegated to Officers” - with
changes consequential upon taking Planning in-house – is included.
DECISION: Recommendations Agreed.
9 Broads Authority Bill: Update
Verbal report by Chief Executive, stating the intention formally to deposit the Bill in Parliament on the following Monday. This action was subsequently confirmed in the EDP.
10 Performance Monitoring Report
Routine monthly progress report; only 1 project – Website development – was reported as “unlikely to be delivered on time.”
DECISION: Report Noted.
11 Income & Expenditure from 1/4/06 to 30/9/06
DECISION: Report Noted.
12 Date of next meeting: AGREED – 26th January 2007
This will also be the second Special Meeting under the Private Bill procedures.
13 Minutes of the BA meetings 29/9 and 3/11/06
AGREED
14 Minutes of the Planning Committees 15th Sept. and 26 Oct.
MINUTES AGREED
15 Minutes of the Navigation Committee 26/10/2006
A synopsis of the relevant Agenda has already been placed on the website and these are the official Minutes of the meeting, including the debate on the proposed Tolls increase.
Unusually, a major item was raised – i.e. whether the Navigation Committee intended to review the then recent Flooding Event which had led to fish kills, and to riverside properties and marshes being flooded. It was agreed to raise these issues again at the January meeting of the Authority when BESL were scheduled to give a Progress Report on the Flood Alleviation Programme.
MINUTES AGREED.
16 Minutes of the Broads Local Access Committee
Dr. Keith Bacon elected Chairman; Mr Graham Downing Vice-Ch. Matters considered: Rights of Way improvements and Footpaths, Access Improvements;
MINUTES RECEIVED.
17 Minutes of the Broads Forum 21/9/06
Matters considered:
Horsey Mere – limited access; TBT in the Broads; Broads Bill; Sediment Management Strategy; Tolls; Communication Strategy; Undergrounding of Power Lines; Exhaust noise.
Also notes Presentation on 8 Lakes Strategy.
MINUTES RECEIVED.
by Vic Standley
It highlights only those items that need amplification because of discussion at the meeting; those paragraphs not so treated were noted by Members and any action will follow that indicated in the relevant paragraph.
www.broads-authority.gov.uk/authority/meetings.html and follow the links.
This was a meeting called for the sole purpose of discussing a resolution to deposit a Private Bill as is required by the parliamentary rules governing these matters; it also gave an opportunity to review a number of issues that had arisen during the course of consultations. The Solicitor stated that this was the first of two special meetings required – the second will be called in January 2007 – and that the Bill or any part(s) of it could be withdrawn at the second meeting should Members so desire. That day’s meeting, therefore, only moved the Bill to the next stage.
Members were at pains to express their support for staff who had the difficult task of dealing with these cases but considered that the inclusion of the clause would be counter-productive.
Paras 5.1 and 5.2 were noted. It was also noted that discussions on Appendix 4 (the Water- Ski-ing MoU) are ongoing.
a) Haddiscoe Cut. Members were reminded that the Cut is at present owned by the Environment Agency and could be closed by them if they should so wished. It was for this reason that the Bill proposed to transfer its ownership to the Broads Authority, and formally to extend the public right of navigation over it. The EA was willing to transfer it, but had asked that the BA accede the points mentioned in the paragraph. There was some discussion as to whether such a transfer would impact on the Memorandum of Understanding about additional dredging costs across the whole of the Broads system and it was agreed that negotiations should continue on all of these matters
b)
assured Members that the undertaking mentioned in 6.2.2 was “absolutely binding” it was agreed to proceed.
BA =
EA = Environment Agency; MoU = Memorandum of Understanding;
RYA = Royal Yachting Association;
NAVIGATION COMMITTEE 26th October 2006
This Report complements that which will appear in the Spring 2007 edition of the “Harnser”.
Nothing in it necessarily represents my own views or those of the Broads Society – it is intended only as a guide to what appears on the Broads Authority’s own website. Just click on:
www.broads-authority.gov.uk/authority/meetings.html and follow the links.
The Minutes of this meeting will be published with the next NavCom Agenda, and in the Agenda papers for the full Authority meeting on 24th November.
AGENDA.
MINUTES 7TH SEPTEMBER 2006.
- Confirmed, inter alia, that Martin Broom was elected Chairman and David Adler Vice-Chairman.
- Also a lengthy Minute regarding the Sediment Management Strategy Action Plan – worth a look.
SUMMARY OF PROGRESS SINCE THE PREVIOUS MEETING – this is self-explanatory.
Report by the Solicitor, including Appendices:
(1) setting out the terms of an agreement about the future Role of the Navigation Committee;
(2) (2) defining what is meant by Navigation expenditure and income; and
(3) a draft Memorandum of Agreement between the Authority and the navigation interests regarding:
General/Special Directions,;
Construction Standards;
Compulsory 3rd Party Insurance;
Powers to require information;
Inspection of Vessels;
Removal of Vessels;
Licensing Hire Boats;
Waterskiing and Wakeboarding;
the Provision of Information;
the Exercise of Water Resources Powers.
The Chief Executive also reported verbally, unter alia, that two lines of activity taking place:
(a) “fine tuning” the drafting and (b) informal consultations with national and local bodies on agreements governing its implementation –including access to land for the purpose of controlling vegetation.
In response to a question regarding updating of Appendix 3 “Memorandum of Understanding with Boating Interests” over time, the Solicitor stated that this was possible with the agreement of all parties.
DISSCUSSION: The need to keep tollpayers and members of the public informed of changes to the text the Bill – both before and after it was submitted to Parliament – was accepted, and timely updates are to be posted on the BA’s web site.
DECISION: Report NOTED.
NAVIGATION TOLLS 2007/08 – 2009/10.
This is a lengthy, joint report by the Chief Executive, the Director of Waterways and the Director of Corporate Services “…and constitutes the formal consultation with the Navigation Committee prior to consideration by the Broads Authority on 24 November.”
It argues that the key issues involved in setting tolls for 2007/08 are not the same as last year and lists the factors that currently apply.
Four rates of toll increase above inflation are analysed in some detail: +2%; +4% +6%; and +8%.
(Inflation, for tolls purposes, is the result of a calculation involving the Baxter Index and other factors – see para 6.2)
The Committee’s views were invited on the appropriate rate of toll increase for 2007/08 and other matters.
DISCUSSION: There was consensus around accepting the 4% above inflation option which it was thought would be acceptable to tollpayers and which would yield c�101,000 for extra dredging, the creation of extra spoil disposal sites, extending the electric charging network and other works.
The Chairman observed that the problem of finding spoil disposal sites which could be lawfully used was probably the greatest problem currently facing the Committee.
DECISION: to recommend to the Authority that tolls be increased by 6.1% for Hire Craft and 9.9% for Private Craft. i.e. based on a 4% increase plus inflation. (An outline of how inflation affects Toll calculations is given in the table attached to para 76.1 and headed “Impact of Projected Increase in Tolls…”)
DREDGING PROGRAMME 2006/07 – UPDATE
Factual progress report including a Table showing dredge site locations, original and revised budgets, unit costs of dredging where available together with the predicted volumes of material involved.
DECISION: Report noted; the summary attached to the report should be put on the Authority’s web site and kept updated. Facts about dredging circulated at the meeting should also be widely publicised.
BROADLAND FLOOD ALLEVIATION PROJECT
- General update and progress report
- Enhancements update – access paths, angling platforms, disabled mooring facilities at Geldeston etc.,
DECISION: Report noted.
BOATING SAFETY MANAGEMENT GROUP
- Update – verbal
- Development of Safety Management Systems (SMS) – progress with Safety Management System Framework
DECISION: Reports noted.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REPORT
Deals with:
- Consultation with Navigation Committee on the Agreement mentioned above;
- Boat Safety Byelaws – amendments required by Dept. For Transport;
- Mutford Lock – current condition, cost of maintenance etc
-
- Golden Galleon problem – estimated disposal cost to BA etc; The meeting was informed that this vessel is shortly to be taken to a site below St. Olave’s bridge and broken up;
- New bridge across the R. Wensum at old Jarrold’s site, St. Helen’s Wharf,
-
- Safety DVD to replace “Cruising with Confidence”;
- Works Licences – annual volume, speed with which cleared etc.
DECISION: Report noted.
CURRENT ISSUES – OPEN FORUM
Matters raised:
a) Options for the development of the Deal Ground and Utility Sites at Trowse and Thorpe were requested. It appears that they include the creation of marinas with access via the R. Yare. This aspect of the proposal was not favoured by Carrow Yacht Club – its site is at Trowse Eye, with moorings on both the Wensum and the Yare – and the latter is very narrow at that point. Details of the proposals could be seen on relevant websites.
b) Pegasus Boatyard at Oulton Broad. A Member voiced concern at proposals that would spell the end of traditional boatyards on this Broad and also see the erection of a 7-storey building that would spoil sailing conditions there. He hoped that the Committee would be able to have an input when the Planning application was considered.
c) It was also suggested that if the cost of achieving the long-term renovation of Mutford Lock was likely to be in the region of £1m, it would be worth looking into the possibility that building a new lock near the Brooke Marine site might give better value for money.
BROADS AUTHORITY MEETING 29th september 2006
Firstly, may I apologise for a factual error that appears in the current issue of the “Harnser” regarding the elected Vice-Chairman of the Broads Authority. It should, of course, read Mr. AT Coe and not as printed in the magazine.
This report covers the Agenda Papers for the Broads Authority meeting on 29th September 2006 and includes the following Minutes:
Navigation Committee 7th September
Planning Committees 21st July and 18th August
The papers for all of them can be viewed on the Authority’s website:
www.broads-authority.gov.uk/authority/meetings.html
The “Committees Forums” page which then opens has a navigating column on the left-hand side; scroll down 4 spaces below a green box also headed “Committees and Forums” and click on either “Broads Authority” or whichever committee is required. On the resulting page, use the “Related Links” column on the right hand side, to find the meeting date sought. A click on the agenda topic should open the item required.
SYNOPSIS for 29/9/06 in agenda order. To keep readers fully up to date I have added the Authority’s decision in relevant cases.
Summary of Progress
This is a regular meeting-by-meeting summary of action taken since the previous meeting.
In this edition, inter alia:
- the move to new premises is scheduled for early 2008.
- progress with works specifically funded by the recent tolls increase is also reviewed.
During discussion on this item, it emerged that the BA is encountering difficulties in attracting sufficient Members to serve on its Planning Committee – possibly, as one Member observed, a result of now having a smaller pool of people eligible to serve on it.
MATTERS FOR DECISION
Upper Thurne Water Space: Interim Management Plan
Report basically recommended the Authority to adopt this Plan. A summary of responses is included as Appendix 2, and the Broads Forum’s comments as Appendix 3.
The 3 Recommendations listed were ADOPTED with the proviso that if the Hickling Sailing Club’s problem noted in Recommendation (iii) could not be resolved, the matter should be referred back to a subsequent meeting of the Authority.
Private Bill
A separate report by the Chief Executive was circulated with the printed Agenda papers. He recommended the Authority to:
- welcome agreement on the high level principles mentioned in his report;
- note the outcome of the meeting with Barry Gardiner MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Bio-diversity, Landscape and Rural Affairs) and agree that the Authority should not pursue the name change originally proposed;
- in the light of significant concerns of boating organisations, to consult further about the proposal to amend its general duty to include references to sustainable development before deciding whether or not to include it in the Bill.
These recommendations were AGREED.
Boat Safety Byelaws.
This item relates to the formalisation of Bylaws legally necessary to cover the introduction of the Boat Safety Scheme from April 2007.
It notes the comments made by the Department of Transport, and includes a revised version of the Byelaws which identifies the changes required; they are fairly extensive but mainly semantic.
Significant points and changes include:
- that the Byelaws will apply in the Navigation Area only;
- limiting the Authority’s actions under Clause 12 to the removal or sale of a boat where a person is convicted of an offence under byelaw 4 requiring compliance with the standards.
The report was AGREED subject to a slight technical amendment to the definition of “exempt motor vessel” in Clause 3 (Interpretation)
Mutford Lock: Transfer of Freehold
The Recommendation calls for the Authority to confirm its wish to complete the transfer of ownership to the BA. It updated members on the present legal position and the financial implications involved.
AGREED – although there was some apprehension about the financial implications..
Communication /strategy
This 22-page document recommends the adoption of this strategy and action plan. It gives a detailed protocol governing members and officers as recommended by an independent review. AGREED
Land at How Hill: Lease renewal and Service Level Agreement
Contents of report self-evident from its title – AGREED.
Strategic Risk Register
“This report appends the Authority’s Strategic Risk Register, which was set up in 2004 in order to identify, assess and manage key financial and operational risks…” The current proposal deals with non-financial risks to the BA – such as a failure connected with its infrastructure responsibilities, the consequences of serious flood, sponsored activities etc. In each case it identifies, inter alia, the nature of the Authority’s vulnerability, what would trigger damage limitation activity, the controls already in place, the name of the responsible officer and an indication of the likelihood and potential impact of each identified risk.
AGREED
The
This is a report by the Chief Executive on the rebranding exercise and recommends that it be taken forward to the next stage.
AGREED
Membership of the Sustainable Development Fund
Deals with filling a vacancy in the SDF Panel.
(See Minutes when published for name of the person appointed.)
MATTERS FOR INFORMATION
Performance Monitoring Report against priorities 2006-07
This is another meeting-by-meeting progress check using a “traffic-lights” system.
In-house Planning Service – Progress Report
Stated to be on-course for a transfer of responsibilities in April 2007.
Report NOTED
MINUTES for Adoption:
AGREED
MINUTES to be received
Navigation Committee 7-9-06; see also Agenda papers for further information. Items covered included:
Election of Chairman and Vice Chairman; Sediment Management Survey; Dredging programme; Flood Alleviation; Boat Safety Management; Safety DVD; Private Bill; Maintenance of the Navigation Area; Boat Safety Scheme; New Tolls System; Local Development Framework Strategy; Norwich Yacht Station; Bridge at Jarrold development (R. Wensum);
Planning Committee 21-7-06 – see also Agenda papers for further information on Planning Applications and general planning matters.
Planning Committee 18-8-06 -� - ditto-
Exclusion of the public - no published reports, but the following confidential items were listed for consideration:
- Golden Galleon – report by Head Ranger (Navigation)
- Standby arrangements for maintaining emergency cover- Report by Director of
Corporate Services and Director of Human Resources.
End of report.
REPORT ON
JUNE & JULY 2006
By Vic Standley
This Report complements that which will appear in the Autumn edition of the “Harnser” and covers Broads Authority meetings held on 30th June and 28th July 2006, one meeting of the Broads Forum on 8th June, and one of the Navigation Committee on 22nd June. It is intended only to be a guide to what appears on the Broads Authority’s own website and nothing in it necessarily represents my own views or those of the Broads Society.
Some items were discussed at between one and three meetings and some at all of them. Only a flavour of an item’s content is given – hopefully enough for readers to judge whether to seek further detail – and this report is arranged for ease of reference on the BA’s website.
Routine items – such as the proceedings of the Planning and of the Standards Committee, Financial Reports, Performance Monitoring and Boat Safety Management (as distinct from the Boat Safety Scheme itself) – are not summarised below. Everything can, of course, be viewed on the Authority’s web site:
www.broads-authority.gov.uk/authority/meetings.html
The “Committees Forums” page which then opens has a navigating column on the left-hand side; scroll down 4 spaces below a green box also headed “Committees and Forums” and click on either “Broads Authority” or whichever committee is required. On the resulting page, use the “Related Links” column on the right hand side, to find the meeting date sought. A click on the agenda topic should open the item required.
To find out what was actually decided at each meeting it is necessary to consult the relevant Minutes. These can normally be found with the agenda papers of the subsequent meeting but are also printed with those of the Broads Authority –its own Minutes for the 28th July will be published with the Agenda papers for the 29th September.
Items discussed at all meetings during the quarter
Private Bill. The Report by the Chief Executive to the July meeting listed 4 recommendations to which a further 5 were added in n a Supplementary Report (all accessible on the BA web site). You can see a note of what was agreed in the Chief Executive’s Report to the Navigation Committee held on 7th September 2006.
Navigation Tolls – use of additional funds
This Report updates progress with projects funded from the extra money raised from the 13% toll increase in the current year.
Moorings Strategy
This is an update of progress made with the provision of 24-hour moorings.
BA June meeting only.
Environmental Stewardship Scheme (Full Authority 30/6/06)
Broads Authority staff continue to be involved in this Scheme despite some earlier fears that they might not. The published report gives the latest position.
The
This is a Defra-led programme which “…targets a programme of practical and developmental work…(for the)…restoration of SSSI shallow lakes within the
BA July meeting only
Election of Officers for the forthcoming year:
Chairman: Professor RK Turner;
Vice-Chairman: Mr AT Coe.
Boat Safety Scheme (Nav. Committee + BA)
It was reported verbally that Byelaw approval is imminent subject to minor changes, and that the Authority fully expected to proceed with their compulsory introduction in April 2007.
Committee membership (Full authority)
This report lists the members of various committees as they were at on 13th July 2006; the relevant names for the ensuing year should appear in the Minutes.
Local Development Framework – Core Strategy (Full authority)
This lengthy report deals with the development of the core strategy, responses made in the recent Consultation, Workshop Outcomes, etc.,
This item consists of the Minutes of its meeting on 27th June. Deliberations had included Rights of Way Improvement Plan for
Additional Project Expenditure 2006-07 (Full Authority)
An additional £141,000 has become available in the General Account from an inflation award originally deleted by Defra but subsequently restored and from other savings. The report identifies bout 18 one-off projects (listed in an Appendix) that will not generate ongoing expenditure. They are all stated to be within the spirit of the new integrated working arrangements and contribute to that purpose.
New Waterways Directorate (Forum only) In April 2006, and as part of the BA’s internal re-organisation, a new department called the “Waterways Directorate” was hived off from the Field Services Department. The latter is now known as “The Countryside Management Directorate” and includes Tourism matters.
The new Waterways Directorate has a broader role than the old Navigation Department, will encompass that function plus nature conservation in relation to water-bodies, public enjoyment, and understanding of the
Hickling (Navigation Committee)
The Chief Executive’s Report included an item that throws further light on the “Lakes Programme” mentioned earlier by giving information on the current condition of Hickling Broad
Barton Broad Water Space Management Plan
(
The Report recommends that the Authority adopt the Plan (which it did), gives background information about the Consultation process and the comments received, and outlines the next steps to be taken. It is linked with the Upper Thurne Plan mentioned below.
Upper Thurne Interim Management Plan (
This was not discussed by the Authority per se, but the Minutes of the indicated Committees were accepted. For recorded comments made by members of the forum and Navigation Committee, see their respective Minutes.
Sediment Management (Full Authority + Nav. Committee)
The Report sets out progress in the development and content of the Strategy, and the development of a long-term Action Plan
Dredging Programme (Nav. Committee)
This Report sets out Works completed in 20065-06 and progress with the current year’s programme.
Safety Report (Nav. Committee)
This gives an Accident summary and other Statistics/information.
Ownership of the Navigation Area (Nav. Committee)
Members received a Report by the Solicitor summarising the principles involved.
