Agenda item

To consider a report of the Service Manager Environmental Protection.

The committee received and considered a report of the Service Manager Environmental Protection which provided a post-implementation review of the Dog-related Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO). In January 2021, a single Order had come into force within the Dorset Council area and the report provided a review of the first year of the Order’s implementation and identified key issues and recommendations for the committee’s consideration.

As set out in minute 73, D Tooke, M Roberts and D Shortell, as dog owners and on the advice of the Monitoring Officer, had requested a dispensation for the item so they could participate in the debate.

A short video was shown to the committee which provided information on the role of the dog wardens.

The committee considered the issues arising from the report and during discussion the following points were raised:

·            It was suggested that reference to ‘agricultural stock’ should read ‘livestock’

·            It was suggested that reference to ‘waste stream’ should read ‘waste bins’

·            Consideration should be given to restricting access for dogs to the working areas of the Cobb in Lyme Regis

·            Dorset Council and BCP Council could work together in order to have a comprehensive approach to beaches across both areas

·            Appropriate signage had been provided and authorised officers could provide information where available

·            Working with town and parish councils in this area was considered and where councils had opted out from applying the orders in their area, further discussion would be held to understand their reasons for doing so, as part of the review to be undertaken in 2023

·            Issues around Lyme Regis front town beach were considered and a point noted that the additional dog restriction may be required due to the number of users.  Officers were asked to continue to liaise and investigate further options for this area

·            Further consideration was required of enforcement issues

·            Issues around new developments would form part of the consultation for the review of the PSPO in 2023

·            Opportunities to bring together a residents’ panel to help develop the consultation for the next review was being considered

·            The positive relationship with town and parish councils was noted and the importance of getting information from the local areas.

It was proposed by M Roberts seconded by D Tooke

Decision

That the Place and Resources Scrutiny Committee support the following recommendations with the comments as set out in the minute above:

Recommendation 1 - Lyme Regis

To review the issues and availability of dog exercise areas in this locality. Officers to continue to work with the Town Council and other interested parties to explore options.

Recommendation 2 - Enforcement

To improve the effectiveness of enforcement, officers will continue to work with partner organisations and identify/authorise appropriate officers to assist with enforcement duties.

Recommendation 3 - Enforcement

To obtain improved local information which will help ensure a more targeted approach to patrolling and enforcement. This may include local surveys and directed community engagement.

Recommendation 4 – Public awareness

The Council’s website gives locations where restrictions are in place but does not give information about alternative locations where dog walkers can exercise their dogs without restriction. Officers should look to address this.

Recommendation 5 – Monitoring

For officers to encourage and monitor further feedback about the Order which will inform the statutory review in 2023.