To note the Overview and Scrutiny Recommendation Tracker.

Members were referred to the Overview and Scrutiny Recommendation Tracker, pages 77 to 110 of the Agenda refer. Members were invited to review the tracker and put their comments and questions forward.

 

Overview Standing Reference Group: Sutton on Sea Colonnade Project.

 

Recommendation No 4 - ‘Explore opportunities with universities and museum services to develop the exhibition space’, page 78 and 79 of the Agenda refer.

 

• In reference to the full update on progress requested for November 2024, a Member commented that progress was falling behind at a crucial time and that the success of the project depended on securing appropriate operators.

 

• A Member drew references to the success of Lincolnshire County Council’s North Sea Observatory at Chapel Point and emphasised the need for ELDC to strengthen its position and ensure that the Colonnade building was fully utilised. In response, the Chairman confirmed that a feedback update was expected in November 2024.

 

• A Member expressed concern with the repurposing of buildings and lack of progress, and further highlighted that the intended purpose for the Campus for Future Living at Mablethorpe had moved away from a health focus and was not delivering on its original aims outlined when the Towns Fund spending was agreed.

 

• Members discussed the changes in concepts and proposed uses of the Campus for Future Living and the Sutton on Sea Colonnade.

 

• A Member further explained that the Campus for Future Living would be utilised for housing and rooms made available for community use and that the original proposals for accommodation for health students was no longer being implemented.

 

Further to a discussion, it was agreed that an update on Towns Fund Projects would be sought for the November 2024 Overview Committee Meeting.

 

• A Member commented on the reputational risk to the Council when utilising government money to build facilities without sustainable business and management plans in place.

 

• A Member commented that it was misleading that government funding had not been used for the Campus for Future Living’s original intended purpose which was to create a centre for rural health.

 

• A Member commented on complaints that had been received from residents and visitors in relation to the Colonnade.

 

To explore the issues surrounding caravan licensing and enforcement, Pages 82 to 89 of the Agenda refer.

 

• The Chairman commented on the positive progress update that had been received earlier in the Meeting.

 

How can ELDC help improve the design, quality, and choice of new and existing housing in the district.

 

Recommendation No 2 - ‘ELDC will adopt a ‘Fabric First’ approach and look to encourage new build homes to be of as high a standard as possible to minimise the need for and facilitate retrofitting in the future, page 90 of the Agenda refers.

 

• A Member expressed disappointment that new housing providers particularly along the coast were not always delivering high standards of excellence to future proof developments.  In response, the Chairman advised Members that the Planning Policy Committee could be requested to consider the issues and provide an update at a future Meeting.

 

To monitor the implementation of Magna Vitae's 5-year plan, including Key Performance Indicators, page 91 and 94 of the Agenda refers.

 

• A Member commented that the topic remained on hold until the procurement exercise was completed.

 

Recommendation No 4 - ‘To ensure MV have a continued focus on being commercial, thus reducing reliance on the Council as and when the economy grows and costs reduce in future years’, page 93 of the Agenda refers.

 

• A Member queried the definition of FMA.  In response, the Scrutiny and Policy Officer confirmed that it referred to Funding and Management Agreement.

 

• Members commented on the success of Mablethorpe swimming pool which had benefited from the Towns Fund.

 

 

Public Convenience Provision in East Lindsey.

 

• In reference to recommendations 1 to 3, pages 95 and 96 of the Agenda refer, the Chairman commented that the majority of updates were expected in January 2025. 

 

• A Member commented on the availability of the Neighbourhood Service Manager.  In response, the Assistant Director – Corporate advised Members that the Assistant Director – Neighbourhoods should be contacted in his absence.

 

• Members spoke in support of the Neighbourhoods team.

 

Partnership Scrutiny Recommendations - Transport in the S&ELCP area.

 

Recommendation No 1 – ‘Given the importance of the Bus Service Improvement Plan process in securing national investment in bus service delivery, to seek to enhance strategic collaboration with Lincolnshire County Council (as Local Transport Authority)’ page 97 of the Agenda refers.

 

• A Member expressed their disappointment with how contractors in Mablethorpe had responded to requests to improve bus services.

 

Recommendation No 3 – ‘For the SELCP to respond positively and engage with the proposals with Lincolnshire County Councils ‘Enhanced Partnership’ Plan and Scheme for Buses’, page 99 of the Agenda refers.

 

• A Member queried whether the recommendation to support operators in the transition to lower carbon vehicles especially in Boston had been addressed.  In response, the Chairman confirmed that the recommendation could remain on the tracker for further monitoring.

 

In further response, the Policy and Scrutiny Officer confirmed that Matthew Hogan, the Assistant Director – Strategic Growth and Development would be in attendance at the January 2025 Overview Committee Meeting to provide an update and answer Members’ questions.

 

• A Member expressed dissatisfaction with public transport in East Lindsey.

 

Recommendation No 5 – ‘Given their importance in developing transport strategy to deliver on social, economic, and environmental objectives,

to maintain the existing focus within the SELCP on raising awareness of the challenges and opportunities in the SELCP area with Midlands Connect, page 100 of the Agenda refers.

 

• The Scrutiny and Policy Officer assured Members that the recommendations remained in place for monitoring and for them to inform on future working practices.

 

• The Assistant Director – Corporate provided Members with clarification that Midlands Connect was an organisation responsible for strategic transport planning and that the recommendation aimed to secure an influence with Midlands Connect to improved transport infrastructure by incorporating the South and East Lincolnshire sub-region in its plans.

 

• A Member commented on the lack of rural train stations and queried whether Active Travel England was still in operation.

 

The Chairman thanked everyone for their comments.

 

No further comments or questions were received.

 

Following which it was,

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the Overview and Scrutiny Recommendation Tracker be noted.