Article: Development, Environment and Culture Article Body There's no doubt that Barnsley has the potential to become an even more successful and distinctive 21st century market town - and we're committed to seeing that potential fulfilled. The development, environment and culture of Barnsley are at the core of our work, which is overseen by four main departments: Strategy, Growth & Regeneration - including Remaking Barnsley, Spatial & Policy Development (Local Development Framework), Green Spaces Strategy, Transport Policy, Housing Policy, Energy Efficiency, Housing Market Renewal, Green Corridor, Dearne Eco Valley and Affordable Housing. Economy, Housing & Culture including Museums and Culture, Creative Industries, Town Centre Services, Visitor Economy, Barnsley Development Agency Limited, Enterprising Barnsley, Work and Skills, Parks, Biodiversity, Countryside, Sport & Active Recreation, Bereavement Services, Trans-Pennine Trail, ALMO Commissioning, Landlord Accreditation, Private Sector Empty Homes and Disabled Facilities Grants. Planning and Regulatory Services including Food Safety, Environmental Control, Health and Safety Enforcement, Housing & Planning Enforcement, Licensing, Pollution, Trading Standards, Consumer Advice, Animal Health, Building Control, Planning Development Management, (including Planning Board functions and Planning Advice), South Yorkshire Mining Advisory Service, Development Improvement Support. Environmental Services: Highways Development Control, Highways DC 38, Highways Design, Highways Technical Support, Network Management, Transport delivery, Engineering Services, Waste Management and Recycling, Public Rights of Way, Landscape Design, Neighbourhood Pride, Dog Wardens and Pest Control. In an environment where things are always changing, we make sure that we're constantly building up the skills of our employees, and refreshing the way we work to meet each challenge. We also build solid links with other council services and external bodies playing a large role in the Leeds and Sheffield city regions. The vision of a 21st century market town is one that looks towards quality of life, personal well-being and connected communities as well as a growing the local economy. Our projects include addressing the economic climate within Barnsley, sourcing new avenues for public and private funding and growing consumer confidence. Our work within the directorate is varied, key areas of activity include: • Delivery of the Barnsley Markets Project • Developing local skills and creating new jobs with government funding. • Housing regeneration and more affordable housing • New contract delivery of services, for example, waste management • An improved and sustainable environment through strong carbon management • Helping to achieve 50% household waste recycling • New business development • Growing the visitor economy within Barnsley • Strengthening the profile of our cultural & sports offer and engagement in the arts • Working in partnership with the business sector to sustain and grow the economic prosperity of the borough • A commitment to high quality customer services Our departments co-ordinate all aspects of network management to environmental; enforcement closely working with wide-ranging services, agencies and partners. We've also involved in several exciting national projects, developing new ways of working using technology and implementing new work styles to improve people's work/life balance. Our Neighbourhood Services are key to the delivery of the council's 'Clean, Green & Safe' agenda. It provides an integrated and co-ordinated approach to the management, maintenance and development of the borough's green environment and public open spaces, focusing on delivering local priorities wherever possible. Current success - Recovery and Renewal 1995 to 2010 Our plans are certainly ambitious - but we're more than ready to meet them and that's because we pride ourselves on Barnsley's strong identity. How? Because we already have a superb track record to build from including: • Removal of Blight • Inward Investment • The establishment of BDA Ltd • Remaking Barnsley & Remaking Learning established • 8,000 jobs created, 4,000 safeguarded • £815m private investment • £380m capital development • 1,330 Business Start Up's 2008-10 • 743,000sq.m commercial floorspace • £5m invested in Business Enterprise • £5.5m investment in Visitor Economy • £40m on 9 LIFT centres • £212m Decent Homes • Barnsley has increased recycling from 3% to 30% since 2001 • The highway network has improved such that we are now only spending around 20% of our budget on reactive (pot hole) maintenance compared to over 80% in 2000. Our success has come from responding to local and national challenges - and the commitment, knowledge, experience and skills of our employees. Services The following list shows the services that provided by the division "Development, Environment and Culture". Following the links to the services below will take you to the services section of our website: Economy, Culture and Housing Carol Cooper-Smith: The overarching aim of the Service is to ensure that the housing needs of the Boroughs residents are met by enabling access by all to a home that is well maintained, warm and affordable in a peaceful and secure environment. Environmental Services Darren Richardson: Assistant Director Environmental Services Environmental Services consists of three service areas including Highways and Engineering, Neighbourhood Services and Waste Management. Planning and Regulatory Services Stephen Moralee: Assistant Director Planning and Regulatory Services The Planning & Regualtory Service area consists of the Planning Development Management, Building Control and Regulatory Services functions. Strategy, Growth and Regeneration Steve Jagger, MBE: Assistant Director Strategy, Growth and Regeneration The Strategy, Growth and Regeneration Service enables sustainable economic growth across the Borough through the development and implementation of flexible and responsive housing, transportation, planning and economic strategies and policies, with delivery through a strong partnership with the private sector.