Issue - meetings

Tom Knight, Director of Rotherham Streetpride to report.

-           to inform the Scrutiny Panel of the Rotherham Waterways Strategy which will cover all main rivers and canals in Rotherham and include issues such as access, habitats, conservation and future maintenance.

Further to Minute No. 223 of the meeting of the Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Development Services held on 19^th February, 2007, consideration was given to a report, presented by the Director of Planning and Transportation Services, relating to the commissioning of consultants to compile a Waterways Strategy for Rotherham.

The strategy would be developed through consultation with member organisations of Rotherham Waterways Partnership, Rotherham MBC, British Waterways, Environment Agency, and Groundwork Dearne Valley.  It was noted that the Waterway’s Partnership was a sub-group of Rotherham’s Sustainable Development Partnership (LSP).  Consultation would also seek to engage other interested parties, riparian owners, community groups and ultimately the strategy could have interest from other council directorates. 

It was noted that the delivery of the projects identified by the strategy would be instigated by the Rotherham Waterway’s Partnership, but would be developed and implemented through partnership.  It was pointed out that there would also be possibilities and opportunities to work on mutually beneficial access and amenity projects on the boundaries between Rotherham and Sheffield.

It was noted that the cost would be borne equally by the Environment Agency and the Council through its SRIP allocation.

Resolved:-  That the minute of the meeting of the Cabinet Member, detailed above, relating to the development of a Waterways Strategy be noted.

Director of Rotherham Streetpride to report.

-           to report on the Strategy.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Director of Rotherham Streetpride, seeking approval to appoint Consultants to develop a Waterways Strategy for Rotherham, which was seen to be central to the Rotherham Renaissance programme.

Reference was made to the competitive tendering arrangements made by a neighbouring Local Authority and subsequent appointment of Consultants.  Consideration was therefore requested that the same Consultants be engaged.  It was pointed out that there may be opportunities for work on mutually beneficial access and amenity projects on the boundaries of the two local authorities.

Details of the joint financing arrangement with the Environment Agency for the production of the Strategy were set out in the report.

It was pointed out that this piece of work would be managed by the Director of Planning and Transportation Service, as it would form part of the Local Development Framework.  Reference was made to the potential use of canals for the transportation of heavy freight.

Resolved:-  (1)  That, in accordance with Standing Order 35(2) exemption from the provisions of Standing Order 43(5)( c) be approved, to enable the strategy to be compiled by “Yellow Book” consultants, as detailed in the report now submitted.

(2)  That the Director of Planning and Transportation be authorised to lead on this project on behalf of the Council.

(3)  That the Council’s bid, in the sum of £15,000, through SRIP for funding the project be noted.

(4)  That the brief for the strategy be submitted to the Regeneration and Asset Board for approval prior to the Consultant being engaged.

(5)  That the report be referred to the Regeneration Scrutiny Panel.