Agenda item

To receive a Petition from Ms Denise Dowbiggin, notification of which has been received by the Chief Executive in accordance with the Council’s Constitution, and to consider the joint report of the Head of Governance and Head of Regeneration and Policy in accordance with the Council’s Petition Scheme.

Mrs Denise Dowbiggin formally presented a petition and addressed Council in accordance with the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 12. The petition read as follows:

"We, the undersigned, are concerned about the increasing expansion of the caravan and camp site at Gibraltar Farm, Silverdale. We recognise that a well-run site with an appropriate number of pitches (the current legal certificate is for about 60 caravans) benefits the economic life of Silverdale, helps the farm and attracts visitors. However, expansion beyond this will adversely affect an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and will, we fear, start to undermine the beauty and peace of the area – for residents and visitors alike. We call upon the Council:

(1)                    to ensure that the caravan and camp site at Gibraltar Farm is properly monitored;

(2)                    to prevent further expansion and over-use; and

(3)                    to ensure that all legal requirements as regards numbers, noise and environmental protection are met."

The petition contained more than the 200 signatures required for a local matter to trigger a debate at full Council in accordance with the Petition Scheme in the Council’s Constitution. A report had therefore been prepared to inform the debate. The Head of Regeneration and Policy responded to questions from Councillors about the report.

Councillor Hanson, as the appropriate Cabinet Member, responded on behalf of the Council and thanked Mrs Dowbiggin for attending.  Councillor Hanson, seconded by Councillor Kay, proposed the recommendations as set out in the report:

“(1)      That Council instructs the Heads of Regeneration and Policy and    Health and Housing to conduct a detailed investigation into the allegations of unlawful activity at Gibraltar Farm contained in the petition documentation, and, in consultation with the Head of Governance, to consider the expediency case for enforcement or other regulatory action under the Planning Acts and other associated legislation, having regard to the impacts on the landscape and amenities of the Arnside/Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the amenities of local residents, and any other material considerations.    

(2)        That reports be prepared for Cabinet or the relevant Regulatory Committee, as appropriate, outlining the conclusions of those investigations to enable Members to consider recommendations on how to proceed.”          

Councillor Graham put forward an amendment to the proposition in the form of an addendum, seconded by Councillor Mace, which was accepted as a friendly amendment by Councillor Hanson and her seconder:

“(3)      That presentation of a report to Cabinet or the relevant Regulatory Committee be implemented before the end of December 2011.

(4)               That Council Officers preparing the report be required to consult with the organisers of the petition during their preparation of the report

(5)               That a copy of the report be provided to the organisers of the petition in order for them to be able to supply written observations on the report when it is considered by Cabinet or the relevant Regulatory Committee.”       

On being put to the vote, the Deputy Mayor declared the proposition clearly carried.

Resolved:

(1)               That the Heads of Regeneration and Policy and Health and Housing be instructed to conduct a detailed investigation into the allegations of unlawful activity at Gibraltar Farm contained in the petition documentation, and, in consultation with the Head of Governance, to consider the expediency case for enforcement or other regulatory action under the Planning Acts and other associated legislation, having regard to the impacts on the landscape and amenities of the Arnside/Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the amenities of local residents, and any other material considerations.    

(2)               That reports be prepared for Cabinet or the relevant Regulatory Committee, as appropriate, outlining the conclusions of those investigations to enable Members to consider recommendations on how to proceed.   

(3)               That presentation of a report to Cabinet or the relevant Regulatory Committee be implemented before the end of December 2011.

(4)               That Council Officers preparing the report be required to consult with the organisers of the petition during their preparation of the report

(5)               That a copy of the report be provided to the organisers of the petition in order for them to be able to supply written observations on the report when it is considered by Cabinet or the relevant Regulatory Committee.