Agenda and minutes

Councillor Wileman in the Chair.

Councillor Woodward declared an interest in relation to her position as co-chair of Chasewater Friends an organisation that supports the work at Chasewater.  

Councillor Francis declared a non-pecuniary interest as he lives on Cannock Chase, is a member of the Stafford Agricultural Society and friends with Farmer who farms on the Chase.        

Councillor Fisher declared an interest as co-Chair of Chasewater Friends

Councillor C Atkins as the Lead Member for the Call In rehearsed with the Committee her reasons for the Call In and the passion expressed within the community in relation to this issue, in particular the correspondence received by many Members.  Also that many Members of the public had felt they had not been engaged with and the Member raised the issue of a number of groups who it was felt would be dis enfranchised.  The cutbacks within the Rangers Service were also highlighted.  It was felt that harnessing the enthusiasm of the local residents such be support to preserve the area for future generations

The reasons for the Call in were detailed as

The Cabinet approach appears piecemeal and lacked evidence of a long term plan for the protection and conservation of the Cannock Chase Special Area of Conservation.

The plans did not fully address the needs of people living with a range of disabilities.

Despite the County Council's focus on volunteering both before and during the pandemic, the plans did not incorporate a role for volunteers in the protection and conservation of the site.

No evidence had been presented to demonstrate that closing car parks and directing people into larger car parks would change the behaviour which is impacting adversely on the SAC. Nor has the environmental impact of expanding some car parks been assessed.

The lack of an ecological assessment of some areas over the last five to ten years raised concerns about the evidence base for these plans.

Councillor Greatorex in the Chair

Councillor Ian Parry detailed the scrutiny undertaken by the Prosperous Staffordshire Select Committee who had received detailed reports on two occasions and made recommendation before the decision by Cabinet.  As part of their first consideration of these proposals, Member had also received representation from the Safe Cannock Chase group, who had been invited to present their views as the Committee felt it was important. 

Following their consideration the Committee were convinced that the Cabinet Members proposals were sound and that they would preserve the most vulnerable areas of Cannock Chase for future generations.  However it was recognised the groups of people who access the Chase and the scale of consultation exercise and the level of people who had been able to express their views was considered.  Therefore the Cabinet Member was asked to reassess this submit a further report to the Select Committee which they did.  This further review and actions taken satisfied the Members of the Committee. 

Councillor Wilson, Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture, addressed the Committee.  She referred to the detailed scrutiny process which had been undertaken and her disappointment that some of the issues being raised had not been raised earlier as she felt she had been willing and open I relation to answering any queries.  It was highlighted the importance of Cannock Chase and the responsibility both legally and morally to protect it for further generations in the face of increasing demand and reasons for the development of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 34.