Environment and planning

A Review of Mobile Telecommunication Infrastructure in South Staffordshire

The review of Mobile Telecommunications Infrastructure in South Staffordshire was completed by the Partnership and Strategic Services Scrutiny Panel.

At the first meeting, the Panel agreed the following terms of reference for the review:

1.  To investigate and understand the technology and the demand of mobile telecommunications in the UK and in South Staffordshire.

2.  To gain an understanding of network operators’ needs, the concerns of residents and the scope for South Staffordshire Council to be involved in discussions around possible solutions (e.g. via mast sharing, design and location)

3.  To examine how South Staffordshire Council can best balance its role as a Local Planning Authority and its aim to protect the Green Belt.

4.  To examine the health implications of mobile telecommunications, including its infrastructure.
 

Cleansing Arrangements

The scrutiny panel sought to investigate a number of areas which impact on the condition of the environment and cleanliness in Middlesbrough; to examine current arrangements and future proposals in respect of service provision; and to determine whether any areas could be identified for improvement.

Waste and Recycling

A Task and Finish Group was established to review Gloucester City Council’s proposed waste and recycling service redesign.  The Group called on witnesses from the County Council, Enterprise, the Furniture Recycling Project
and other external parties (e.g Friends of the Earth, Emmaus) to give a wider view as to the Council’s current priorities. Local residents were also consulted at a meeting in November 2009.

In addition, the report makes suggestions that will aid the success of the scheme upon its implementation and help predict likely operational difficulties, which can therefore be addressed prior to the system ‘going live’ in February 2010. Finally, the report identifies issues that should be addressed in the future development of the scheme.

Tree Maintenance

A Task and Finish Group was established to conduct a review of Gloucester City Council’s tree policy.  The Group called on witnesses from the County Council, Gloucester City Homes, Enterprise and a Tree Warden to give a wider view as to the Council’s current priorities.