Issue - meetings

Report of the Anti-Social Behaviour Officer

The Committee received the report as set out on pages 205-209 of the agenda, which asked it to approve and adopt the proposed Drone and Model Aircraft Usage Policy.

The Head of Law & Governance provided the Committee with a brief summary of the report. It was explained that the policy was intended to restrict the use of unmanned model aircraft in order to avoid any potential danger to the public at large, therefore it was proposed that the public would not be authorised to fly personal aircraft or drones from any Council land unless the land is designated for such a purpose under the policy.

A Member of the Committee queried why the policy had not to their knowledge been publicised via the Council’s normal communication channels, and also noted that the report did not state how the restrictions would be enforced. The Head of Law & Governance confirmed that the policy had been drafted at short notice following a request from a Member of the Committee, therefore there had been no opportunity to carry out publicity as yet. However, subject to its approval the adopted policy would be publicised in a future edition of Letterbox magazine and on the Council’s website. With regard to enforcement, it was confirmed that any breaches of the policy would likely be dealt with through existing powers available, as a number of Officers were authorised to issue Community Protection Notices (CPNs). There would also be scope to consider any repeat offenders for action under Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) powers.

It was requested by a Member of the Committee that signage be provided in the Council’s parks and open spaces to alert the public to the restrictions introduced. The Head of Law & Governance confirmed that as a short-term measure, laminated notices could be placed on appropriate notice boards, but as a number of other prohibitions exist in respect of Council owned land, future consideration could be given to creating a composite notice covering all applicable prohibitions.

It was moved by the Chair, seconded by the Vice-Chair and

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

The proposed Drone and Model Aircraft Usage Policy be approved and adopted.