Agenda item

To remove the Cumulative Impact Assessment Policy

Members considered the proposed removal of the Cumulative Impact Assessment Policy (CIA) report to members presented by Councillor Humphrey

Members asked questions and made comments as follows:

·         Councillor Tierney stated that when the CIA was first proposed a number of years ago, he opposed the policy, as he did believe it would resolve the issues. He added that the community of Wisbech have requested that the issue of anti-social behaviour caused by street drinking needs to be addressed. He added that whilst he appreciates that the CIA policy was not introduced for that reason specifically; many people hoped it would address the issue, but it has not.

·         Councillor Tierney added that the policy protects businesses that are not operating correctly and prevents new businesses from opening. He added that it also distracts the council from addressing the problems it needs to deal with.

·         Councillor Tierney expressed the view that there needs to be policies in place that challenge the problems that Wisbech has. He added that Wisbech Town Council did not support the policy because in their opinion, the policy does not work and he will support the proposal of the removal of the Cumulative Impact Assessment Policy, so real measures can be taken to solve the problem.

·         Councillor Sutton stated that in his opinion, he does not agree with the comments made by Councillor Tierney. Councillor Sutton stated that the policy was never intended to stop street drinking. He added that the policy was introduced for licensing applications to prove that the three licensing objectives would not be affected and he added that he will not be supporting the proposal to remove the policy.

·         Councillor Hoy expressed the opinion that all premises in Wisbech that apply to sell alcohol are faced with objections from Public Health who have shown concerns over additional premises selling alcohol in Wisbech which will add to the cumulative effect. She added that street drinking has reduced slightly due to the work that the council has been undertaking and also a greater police presence. She stated that the homeless hub has also helped by engaging with the street drinkers.

·         Councillor Hoy expressed the view that she believes there is a solution to the problem and she will be working with the Cabinet members to find a satisfactory resolution.

·         Councillor Booth stated that in his opinion, the policy should not be removed. He added that the consultation responses that were received were in favour of keeping the policy, including Public Health. He added that he is pleased to hear that further work is being undertaken to try and find a solution. He stated that the policy is in place to be used in conjunction with other legislation, which in his opinion is not being utilised fully.

·         Councillor Benney stated that the purpose of the 2003 licensing act was to open up the sale of alcohol to the general public, to enable the public to choose when they drink. He expressed the opinion that the policy goes against that.

·         Councillor Humphrey stated that a Cumulative Impact Policy cannot be put in place unless there is evidence of issues and problems in a specific location. He added that in his opinion, the policy has helped whilst it has been in place and he added that there is a misconception with regard to street drinking. He stated that he respects the views of Wisbech Town Council and the conclusion that the licensing committee came to. He expressed the view that he is grateful for the action that Wisbech Town Council are taking with regard to enforcement and compliance. He stated in his personal opinion, he was content with keeping the policy but he is happy to work with the revised policy.

It was proposed by Councillor Humphrey, seconded by Councillor Lynn and decided that that Council APPROVE the removal of the Cumulative Impact Assessment Policy (CIA)

Councillor Patrick left the Council Chamber at 17.39pm