URL: https://democracy.canterbury.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1709

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: Councillor Nolan, Cabinet Member for Community Engagement, Safety and Enforcement introduced the report that summarised the geography of the expired PSPO and proposed the two options available to the council to create a new one.    The two options for Cabinet to consider in section 5 of the report were:     1. To start consultation in April for a new PSPO to be created by autumn.     or     2. To gather evidence from the summer and feedback from the new 'Seaside Code’, and then to start consultation after summer for a new PSPO to be created by next spring.    There would be a period where there is no PSPO in place as the existing Coastal Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) ended on 31 March 2026. The new ‘Seaside Code’ will be developed and piloted over the summer period.    Evidence gathering and consultation would take place based on Cabinet’s decision. Findings would be reported back to Overview, Cabinet and Full Council for a decision on the future PSPO.     The Director of People and Head of Locality Services provided clarification on both options where necessary. Cabinet noted the comments from the Overview Committee and the following points were made:    Whilst option 1 would be the quickest option for the implementation of a new PSPO, the majority view was that more time should be taken to review the effectiveness of the seaside code.  Emphasis was placed on early engagement and the importance of taking sufficient time to gather evidence whilst ensuring residents and partners were aware of other tools and measures available to deal with ASB.  Issues and concerns involving ASB behaviour and actions of young people fell outside the scope of a PSPO. There was a need to ensure these gaps are addressed through alternative approaches.  Geographic differences were highlighted. Consideration of whether different PSPOs may be required for different locations could be explored.   Support was expressed for the more nuanced and evidence-led approach within option 2, with emphasis on proactive partnership working and engagement with frontline stakeholders.  Officers advised the seaside code is intended to be introduced by May half term to allow for testing and refinement ahead of the main summer period. Feedback from coastal councillors was welcomed.   Examples of similar codes from neighbouring authorities were referenced, including the use of situational signage for specific risks, which could be effective.  The concerns about certain activities raised by Overview Committee could be reflected within the code.  A slight amendment to the wording of the resolution in option 2 was agreed to reflect that the decision making would consider ‘whether’ a PSPO was required.       It was then proposed, seconded and when put to vote RESOLVED:    To gather evidence from the summer and feedback from the new 'Seaside Code’, and then to start consultation after summer on whether a new PSPO be created by next spring (option 2).    Record of the voting:   For (9): Councillors Baldock, Castle, Charlotte Cornell, Chris Cornell, Dawkins, Hazelton, Nolan, Ricketts and Sole   Against (0): None   Abstained (0): None    Reason for decision:  Option 2 allows more time for evidence gathering over the spring/summer periods to capture any new or emerging issues which will then be used as part of the consultation process. In the interim there are other tools and enforcement powers that will be used to tackle ASB at the coast so that the impact of not having a PSPO will be minimal.   

Date of Decision: April 20, 2026