Decision details

Decision:

(1)    That the variation of the existing town centre Public Spaces Protection Order, as set in Appendices 1 and 2 to the report submitted to the Executive, including the extension of geographical area and variation in behaviours, be approved.

(2)    That the proposed actions set out in Appendix 3 to the report, which aimed to address the outstanding actions raised during the review of the Public Spaces Protection Order, be approved.

Reasons:

(1)   The Council had demonstrated that it had undertaken the statutory process to be satisfied on reasonable grounds that:

·       activities had taken place that had a detrimental effect on the quality of life for those in the localities identified, or it was likely that activities would take place and that they would have a detrimental effect, and

·       the effect or likely effect of those activities:

o   was, or was likely to be, persistent or continuing in nature,

o   was, or was likely to be, unreasonable, and

o   justified the restrictions being imposed.

(2)   The PSPO review highlighted behaviours that were not appropriate for inclusion in a PSPO and would be better addressed with other tools or existing powers.

(3)   The PSPO review presented evidence of a lack of awareness of the existing PSPO and an absence of a robust enforcement policy to respond appropriately to breaches.

Other options considered and rejected by the Executive:

None

Details of any conflict of interest declared by the Leader or lead councillors and any dispensation granted:

None.