Decision details

Purpose of Report: To seek approval as to whether or not to seal and make operative the Draft Public Spaces Protection Order.

The Executive Member is asked to note the content of the report and agree the officer recommendation.

Resolved:           That Option 1 be approved i.e. sealing and making operative the draft Public Spaces Protection Order (Annex 1 of the report).

Reasons:     (i)    The Council has a duty under Section 17 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 to implement crime reduction strategies in an effort to reduce overall crime in their administrative area. This order will support that obligation.

  (ii)    Two formal representations concerning the draft order have been received, however following a site meeting with residents and Guildhall Councillors it is considered that the concerns raised from the representations have been addressed.

(iii)     With due regard to the Public Sector Equality Duty under section 149 of the Equality Act 2010, the Council has identified that there is one positive and six negative impacts of this gating scheme which involve mobility and access issues.  Some of the negative impacts can be mitigated by design and installation options. Public Spaces Protection Orders must also be reviewed every three years, or on demand, which can accommodate any change in local circumstances.  It may be considered that the positive impact of additional security to residents increasing peace of mind and providing a safe area to the rear of the properties justifies the negative impacts.