Issue - meetings

This report requests Council approval of the boundary extension of the existing three town centre Public Space Protection Order schemes in Chatham, Rochester and Strood, as recommended by the Cabinet when it considered the report on 14 December 2021.

Background:

This report set out that Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) were an order created in relation to areas within the local authority’s jurisdiction, where activities were taking place that were, or were likely to be, detrimental to the local community’s quality of life. PSPOs imposed conditions or restrictions on people within that area.

Public consultation had been undertaken in relation to proposals to extend the boundaries of the existing PSPOs, which covered the consumption of alcohol in Chatham, Rochester, and Strood. The consultation responses were set out in Appendices 3, 4 and 5 to the report. The proposed extensions to these PSPO areas were shown in the maps at Appendix 1 to the report.

The report sought Council approval to make the extensions to the PSPO areas, as recommended by the Cabinet on 14 December 2021.

The Portfolio Holder for Resources, Councillor Gulvin, supported by the Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Housing and Community Services, Councillor Doe, proposed the recommendations set out in the report.

Decision:

The Council:

a)    Noted that although the response rate was low, those that responded to the consultation were in favour of the boundary extensions as was the Police and Crime Commissioner and Kent Police’s Borough Commander.

b)    Approved the boundary extension of the existing town centre PSPO in Chatham, as shown in the map at Appendix 1 to the report.

c)    Approved the boundary extension to the existing town centre PSPO in Rochester, as shown in the map at Appendix 1 to the report.

d)    Approved the boundary extension to the existing town centre PSPO in Strood, as shown in the map at Appendix 1 to the report.

Background:

This report set out that Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) were an order created in relation to areas within the local authority’s jurisdiction, where activities were taking place that were, or were likely to be, detrimental to the local community’s quality of life. PSPOs imposed conditions or restrictions on people within that area.

Public consultation had been undertaken in relation to proposals to extend the boundaries of the existing PSPOs which covered the consumption of alcohol in Chatham, Rochester, and Strood. The consultation responses were set out in Appendices 3, 4 and 5 to the report. The proposed extensions to these PSPO areas were shown in the maps at Appendix 1 to the report. 

Reasons:

The extension of the PSPOs should assist our Kent Police partners in addressing incidents of alcohol related ASB in the new areas over the long-term and improve the quality of life for residents, visitors and local businesses.