Issue - meetings

That the Policy Development Panel review the revised Street Naming and Numbering Policy (report of the Assistant Director Communities and Operations enclosed).

Consideration was given to the report of the Portfolio Holder for Assets and Planning and the Assistant Director Communities and Operations to consider the revised Street Naming and Numbering Policy.

The Committee received the update to the Street Naming and Numbering Policy which stated that earlier engagement would be sought with parishes and ward members regarding the naming of development sites in their areas and that suggestions would be relayed to developers before naming decisions had taken place.

The following key points were raised:

·         Members stated that decisions regarding the naming of developments still remained with the developer and could not be enforced by the council.

o   Officers advised that whilst it was acknowledged that the council could not legally enforce naming and numbering decisions upon developers, it was hoped that early engagement in the process would be influential.

·         Members stated that the collation of a list of names linked to local history would be welcomed by developers who needed to make naming decisions early.

o   Officers replied that the aim of the policy was to be helpful to developers at an early stage but also to provide clarity for the emergency services.

·         Members commented that as the list of names would be available to multiple developers simultaneously, a process needed to be in place at an early stage to manage expectations and avoid duplications.

o   Officers confirmed that checks would be made early in the process when applications were submitted to avoid duplications. Officers were well equipped to manage challenging conversations with developers should this arise.

AGREED:

That the Policy Development Panel noted the amendment of the Street naming and Numbering Policy and recommended its adoption.