Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Portfolio Holder for Customer and Community Services.

Decision

That the following changes to the Household Recycling Centre (HRC) Vehicle Access Policy:-

(a)  That sole vehicle visits are limited to 12 visits per year, this is currently unlimited. Sole vehicles are when there is only one vehicle belonging to a household and this vehicle requires a permit. This vehicle cannot be commercially registered, or sign written.

(b)  That weekend access for limited entry permits is allowed and increase visits to six per year. Limited entry permits are defined by the policy for where there is more than one vehicle belonging to a household or the vehicle is commercially registered, or sign written. Currently only three visits are permitted.

(c)  That dual crew cab, ‘pick up’ type vehicles are added to in the ‘needs a permit’ list That an annual declaration for permit renewal is required rather than automatic renewal of all permits

It is anticipated that these changes will be implemented from 1 April 2022 after appropriate communication with residents.

Reason for the decision

Evidence provided from public consultation and officer assessment had identified that the existing vehicle access policy requires refinement. The amendments sought to provide a fairer approach to accessing HRCs by legitimate users to deposit their household waste alongside limiting the potential for trade waste abuse.

Decision - Household Recycling Centre (HRC Vehicle Access Policy) - Dorset Council

Cabinet considered a report that outlined proposed amendments to the current Household Recycling Centre (HRC) Vehicle Access Policy.

The Portfolio Holder for Customer and Community Services advised that the cross-party Place and Resources Overview Committee considered the report on the 19 October 2021 and their recommendations were acknowledged within the report and added to the report’s recommendation.

In response to questions, members were reminded that this policy review was about vehicle types using the facilities not the type of waste that could be disposed of on these sites.  In respect to the request from Place and Resources Overview committee regarding support for town and parish councils, the Portfolio Holder informed members that this matter was outside of the report’s scope, but she would be happy to discuss this further with the councillor concerned outside of the meeting.

The Cabinet membership indicated that they were “minded to” support the report’s recommendations and the Portfolio Holder made the following decision.

Decision

That the following changes to the Household Recycling Centre (HRC) Vehicle Access Policy: -

(a)  That sole vehicle visits are limited to 12 visits per year, this is currently unlimited. Sole vehicles are when there is only one vehicle belonging to a household and this vehicle requires a permit. This vehicle cannot be commercially registered, or sign written.

(b)  That weekend access for limited entry permits is allowed and increase visits to six per year. Limited entry permits are defined by the policy for where there is more than one vehicle belonging to a household or the vehicle is commercially registered, or sign written. Currently only three visits are permitted.

(c)  That dual crew cab, ‘pick up’ type vehicles are added to in the ‘needs a permit’ list

(d)  That an annual declaration for permit renewal is required rather than automatic renewal of all permits

It is anticipated that these changes will be implemented from 1 April 2022 after appropriate communication with residents.

Reason for the decision

Evidence provided from public consultation and officer assessment had identified that the existing vehicle access policy requires refinement. The amendments sought to provide a fairer approach to accessing HRCs by legitimate users to deposit their household waste alongside limiting the potential for trade waste abuse.

Decision - Household Recycling Centre (HRC Vehicle Access Policy) - Dorset Council

To consider a report of the Contracts Team Leader.

The committee received a report of the Contracts Team Leader which provided an update of the Dorset Council policy to manage the types of vehicles which could access household recycling centres to deposit household waste.  The proposals had been subject to a period of public consultation and the proposed amendments were presented for consideration.

Councillors considered the issues arising from the report and during discussion, the following points were raised:

·            Clarification on what was meant by a ‘sole vehicle’

·            Further consideration as to whether a charge could be made for more than 12 visits a year

·            A further conversation could be held following the meeting as to how the council could support town and parish councils and other community groups with waste issues.  However, it was noted that the current position was that this waste was commercial in nature and Dorset Council could not subsidise the service.  A request was made for this position to be examined

·            A request made for guidance to be included in the policy for waste in connection with second homes used as holiday lets

·            A discussion around fly tipping would be welcomed

·            Links could be included on the Dorset Council website to provide useful information available in this area.

It was proposed by C Jones seconded by A Starr

‘Minded to’ Recommendation

That the Place and Resources Overview Committee have reviewed and acknowledged the results from the public consultation and support the following amendments to the permit scheme and recommend these to Cabinet:

1.    That sole vehicle visits are limited to 12 visits per year, this is currently unlimited. Sole vehicles are defined by the policy as vehicles which are the only vehicle belonging to a household, that is not sign written, not commercially registered and requires a permit. – see Infographic 1 in report.

2.    That weekend access for limited entry permits is allowed and increase visits to six per year. Limited entry permits are defined by the policy for where there is more than one vehicle belonging to a household or the vehicle is commercially registered, or sign written. Currently only three visits are permitted. - see infographic 1 in report

3.    That dual crew cab, ‘pick up’ type vehicles are added to in the ‘needs a permit’ list

4.    That an annual declaration for permit renewal is required rather than automatic renewal of all permits.

The Executive Director of Place, having heard the debate, confirmed the ‘minded to’ Recommendation to Cabinet, under delegated powers on behalf of the informal meeting of the Place and Resources Overview Committee.