To notify the Chairman of any items that appear later in the agenda in which you may have an interest.

No declarations of interest were submitted.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the Meeting held on 14^th September 2005

The Minutes of the meeting held on 14^th September, 2005 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.  (For copy see file of Minutes).

A representative of Sedgefield Police will attend the meeting to give a report on crime statistics and initiatives in the area.

Sergeant B. O’Connor was present at the meeting to give details of crime statistics in the area.

It was reported that crime statistics were as follows: -

Sergeant O’Connor explained that the total number of incidents had decreased.

It was explained that there had been an increase in burglary from garage and sheds in the Sedgefield area. The number of reports of criminal damage in Fishburn had also increased.

Detailed discussion took place in relation to anti-social behaviour. It was explained that levels of anti-social behaviour were relatively low when compared to other wards within the Borough.

Members were of the opinion that members of the public did not report incidents of anti-social behaviour as a result of the slow response of the Police to the incidents. There was also fear of further threat and intimidation.

Sergeant O’Connor explained that incidents needed to be reported in order for prosecutions to be made.

Specific reference was made to alcohol consumption, especially people under the age of 18, and the effect it had on the level of anti-social behaviour.

Concern was expressed in relation to alcohol being sold to under 18s. It was suggested that retailers be encouraged not to serve people under the age of 21. It was explained that most retailers had adopted this practice. The problem was people purchasing alcohol for consumption by people under 18.

Reference was also made to under age drinking in public houses.

It was felt that a multi-agency approach was required in order to address the problem effectively.

Concern was expressed that although a Beat Officer had been appointed for the Trimdon area they were not yet in post.

A representative of Sedgefield Primary Care Trust will attend the meeting to give an update on local health matters and performance figures.

N. Porter was present at the meeting to update the Forum on local health matters.

Reference was made to achieving patient access targets, which were submitted to the Board Meeting each month.

It was explained that patients who wished to do so should have access to a primary health care professional within 24 hours and a GP within 48 hours. Patients should also be able to make an appointment to visit a GP a week in advance.

Reference was made to the problems that Trimdon residents encountered in trying to access a GP. It was explained that it was often difficult to contact the surgery via telephone and appointments could not always be made for a week in advance.

With regard to the North East Ambulance Service it was reported that the target of response to 75% of calls to life threatening emergencies within eight minutes had not been achieved.  Actual performance was 58%.

In relation to cancer services it was reported that the number of days between referral and treatment should not exceed 62.

Concern was expressed regarding the quality of discharge notes produced by hospitals. It was anticipated that the quality of notes produced by hospitals would improve through the implementation of electronic records system.

Specific reference was made to the possible outbreak on avian flu. Members queried how the PCT would provide the public with relevant information. It was explained that any information issued by the PCT would be part of a national campaign and would be published in ‘Your Health Matters’.

Discussion took place in relation to the proposed re-organisation of the NHS.

Members were reassured that if the proposals, which included the merger of six PCTs, were accepted strong community leadership would be maintained.

Members were updated on the financial position of the PCT.

Copies of “Your Health Matters” and “PCT Life” were available at the meeting.

A representative from the Neighbourhood Services Department will be present at the meeting to give a presentation in relation to the above

It was explained that A. Farnie, Principal Development Control Manager, was present at the meeting to give a presentation on the draft Residential Extensions Supplementary Planning document. 

It was explained that throughout 2001/02 Sedgefield Borough Council had experienced a significant increase in residential extension applications. At the same time the Government had introduced a grant scheme - the planning delivery grant - which awarded those Councils who met/exceeded Government targets based on the speed of decision.

Subsequently, in order to maximise grant income, 80% of all household applications needed to be made within eight weeks. The speed of decision had become of high importance.

Sedgefield Borough Council was struggling to meet these targets and there was clear evidence that the Councils existing supplementary planning guidance note 4 adopted in 2000 had become out-of-date and required review. A decision was therefore taken in September 2003 to review the existing householder Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) and with a new supplementary planning document.

It was explained that final year students from the University of Newcastle School of Town Planning had been commissioned to review the existing SPG and identify best practice.

The first draft Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) was produced in May 2004. This document was presented to the Borough Council’s Cabinet where it was subsequently approved for public consultation. The consultation period commenced on the 30^th September 2005 and gave six weeks for comment. The consultation period would end on the 11^th November 2005.

Following the end of the consultation period a report would be produced listing the representations received, a response to the representation and a recommendation as to what changes, if any, should be made in the light of the representations.

It was anticipated that the Council would adopt the Supplementary Planning Document in April 2006. 

Members of the Forum were informed that the draft Supplementary Guidance document was more comprehensive than the existing SPG and dealt with a wide range of design issues. It provided advice on the party wall act, wildlife and building regulations.

The SPD would be split into convenient sections detailing various types of house extensions. Illustrations showing good and bad designs would also be included to act as a visual reference for prospective applicants.

Copies of the SPD were available at the Council Offices and in addition a full copy of the SPD would be available on the Council’s website. This would enable members of the public to download those parts of the SPD that they were particularly interested in.

It was explained that the new guidance refined policies, especially in relation to side extensions.

Members questioned how planning applications would be affected during the interim period between documents. In response it was explained that all planning applications would be judged against the existing SPG until the SPD was formally adopted.

Concern was expressed regarding members of the travelling community gathering on Beacon Lane, Sedgefield.

Members of the Forum were advised to contact Durham County Council.  

Concern was expressed in relation to the hazards that were present when approaching the junction at Stockton Road, Sedgefield with the trunk road A689.

It was explained that this was the responsibility of Durham County’s Highway Department.

Members were informed that a community event looking at environment, leisure and the arts and how they linked with the local strategic partnership (LSP) would be held on Thursday 17^th November, 2005 at Mainsforth and District Community Centre.

Wednesday, 11th January 2006 at Tremeduna Grange, Trimdon Village.