Agenda and minutes

-         to receive the minutes.

Consideration was given to the minutes of the above meeting.

Resolved:-  That the minutes be received.

-         to receive the minutes.

Consideration was given to the minutes of the above meeting.

Resolved:-  That the minutes be received.

-         to consider and receive the minutes.

Consideration was given to the minutes of the Tourism Panel held on 26^th April, 2004 as follows:-

Tourism Panel

Monday, 26th April, 2004

Present:- Councillor G. Smith (in the Chair); Councillors Boyes, Littleboy and Walker together with:-

 Guy Kilminster, Manager, Libraries, Museums & Arts

Marie Hayes, Commercial and Promotional Manager

Sarah Myers, Tourism Manager

Richard Poundford, Head of RiDO

1.           Apologies for Absence

Apologies for absence were received from:-

Councillor J. Austen                         Advisor, Education, Culture & Leisure Services

Mr. C. Scott                                       Rotherham Chamber of Trade

Julie Roberts                                    Town Centre and Markets Manager

2.           Minutes of the previous meeting held on 26th January, 2004

The Panel received and noted the minutes of the previous meeting held on 26^th January, 2004.

3.            Matters Arising

There were no matters arising from the previous minutes.

4.           Tourism Action Plan

The Tourism Manager gave an update on the development of the Tourism Action Plan 2004-2005.

It was reported that this was now in draft form and Members were asked for their comments.

The plan aimed to identify areas that the Tourism Service should be developing.

The draft would be sent out to various consultees.

Resolved:-  That a draft copy of the Tourism Action Plan 2004-2005 be sent to members of the Tourism Panel for their comments.

5.           Tourism Update

The Tourism Manager gave an update on the following tourism issues:-

(i)            Mr. Tony Munford, Archivist

The Tourism Manager referred to the recent death of Mr. Tony Munford, and asked that condolences of this Panel be conveyed to his family.

Resolved:-  That the Panel’s condolences be conveyed to Mr. Munford’s family.

(ii)           South Yorkshire Tourism Co-ordinator

It was reported that the above post was due to commence within the next three weeks.  The aim of the post was to co-ordinate the tourism offices within South Yorkshire.

Resolved:-  That the information be noted.

(iii)          Rotherham Visitor Information Centre – Staffing and Opening Times

The Tourism Manager reported that on the basis of the footfall recorded it had become apparent that the opening hours of the Centre were not sustainable.  Also it was not possible with the existing complement of staff to undertake all the required tasks e.g. familiarisation visits, stock taking etc.  The facility had to operate as a commercial entity and it was therefore necessary to manage it within the budget available.

It was, therefore, proposed that the opening times should be reduced at the quietest times as follows:-

Monday to Friday              -              9.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.

Saturday                            -              9.40 a.m. to 3.00 p.m (or 4.00 p.m.)

It was pointed out that the operation of the Centre was due for review after a year of opening.

It was also reported that there was a need to address staff morale, staff training, expectations and work to obtain the Charter Mark.

Members referred to the following:-

-                  the need for changes to staff contracts

-                  the welcome customers received

-                  the customer focus of staff  ...  view the full minutes text for item 368.

Town Centre and Markets Manager to report.

-         to consider the implementation of a new pricing structure for Rotherham Street Market.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Markets Operations Manager, relating to a proposal to implement a new pricing structure for Rotherham Street Market.

An explanation was given of the current pricing policy, and reference was made to the national down turn in markets popularity which was having an adverse effect on traders and on occupancy levels of the street market.

The issue had been discussed with the Markets Consultative Committee where it was agreed that the current rules for trading on Effingham Street were unrealistic and it was agreed that a new pricing structure was needed. 

Details of the proposed charges were set out in the Appendix to the report.

It was pointed out that the annual outside rent reviews were due on 24^th May, 2004.

It was also pointed out that the new prices should help to generate interest from new traders and improve the sustainability of the market.

Resolved:-  That the following rent structure be introduced:-

(1)  £17.75 for traders who stand on other RMBC markets

(2)  £17.75 for casual traders up to a maximum of three weeks (following which the trader must join either of the categories at (1) above or (3) below).

(3)  £30.00 for traders who do not stand on other RMBC markets.

Town Centre and Markets Manager to report.

-         to review the rent levels of all outdoor market stalls and associated payments from 1^st April, 2004.

Consideration was given to a report presented by the Markets Operations Manager relating to a review of the rent levels of all outdoor market stalls and associated payments (e.g. storage) with effect from 1^st April, 2004.

It was reported that the issue had been discussed with the Markets Consultative Committee.

The review covered all stalls on the outdoor markets held at the Centenary Markets Complex, Town Centre Street Market and the district markets at Wath and Rawmarsh.

It was pointed out that the proposed increases were required in order to maintain the quality of service delivery, overall efficiency and operating sustainability of the markets.

Resolved:-  (1)  That an increase of 2% in stall rent for Mondays General Market be effective as from 1^st April, 2004.

(2)  That an increase of 4% for all other Outdoor Market rents and charges be effective as from 1^st April, 2004.

Transportation Unit Manager to report.

-         to consider a replacement Development Control Line.

Consideration was given to a report presented by the Transportation Unit Manager relating to a proposal to replace a Development Control Line at the B6059 Dog Kennels Lane.

Reference was made to an outline planning application which had been received that would be compromised by a DCL inherited from the former highway authority (South Yorkshire County Council).  It was suggested that a revised DCL be imposed allowing the applicant greater flexibility without compromising unduly the Council’s duties and responsibilities.

Members were referred to the plan accompanying the report (Drawing No. 5082 – 16).

Members were advised that in view of the Council’s transportation policies, which reflect the regional and national emphasis on better management of existing road space and travel demand rather than the provision of additional capacity, it was considered most unlikely that future road improvement proposals, which would require all of the land protected by the DCL in this location, would be justified.

The revised DCL was an attempt to balance often conflicting aims of road improvement schemes in the economic, social and environmental context.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the Development Control Line affecting Dog Kennels Lane, Kiveton Park, be revised as indicated on the attached plan (Reference No. 5082/16).

(2)  That the Planning and Transportation Service review the desirability, or otherwise, of retaining other lines inherited from the former South Yorkshire County Council and report to a future meeting thereon as necessary.

Head of Streetpride Service to report.

-         to report on ‘response times’ across a range of Streetpride services during the last quarter.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Head of Streetpride Service, relating to the response times across a range of twenty six key Streetpride Services during the period January to March 2004.

It was noted that the data illustrated a continuing improvement compared to the previous quarter against a background of continuously rising demand for most of the services.

Reference was made to the following issues:-

-                  Streetlight out

-                  Quality of grass cutting/recent weather conditions

-                  Frequency of emptying litter bins in the town centre on Saturdays

-                  Fine notices for littering

Members were advised that action was continuing to be taken in areas where targets were not met and that a short action plan had been agreed with Enterprise plc regarding the grass cutting.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the report be noted and Streetpride continue to monitor performance response times and report to the Cabinet Members and Advisors on a quarterly basis.

(2)  That the Head of Streetpride Service follow up the issue of frequency of emptying litter bins in the town centre on Saturdays and investigate fine notices for littering.

Acting Schemes and Partnerships Manager to report.

-         to report a proposal to build 50m of footway.

Consideration was given to a report presented by the Assistant Engineer relating to a proposal to build a short length of footway to improve access for pedestrians to the new burial ground on Rotherham Road at Laughton en le Morthen.

It was reported that the footway was needed as it was expected that mourners from the adjacent church would walk to the burial ground, and the Parish Council had requested the construction of short length of footway and also had indicated a willingness to contribute to the cost.

Members were referred to the proposals that were illustrated on Drawing No. 126/15/LBG/01 accompanying the report, which involved changing approximately 50m of verge into footway.

The proposal was in line with the Council’s policy of improving pedestrian safety and the Council’s element of the cost could be met from the Local Transport Integrated Transport Capital Programme for 2004/2005.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the necessary consultations be undertaken regarding the proposals.

(2)  That authority be given for the detailed design to be carried out and, subject to no objections being received, the scheme be implemented.

(3)  That the scheme be funded from the Local Transport Plan Transport Programme for 2004/2005 with a contribution from Laughton en le Morthen Parish Council.

(4)  That the Parish Council be informed of the decisions.

Acting Schemes and Partnerships Manager to report.

-         to report receipt of and consider objections to the proposal to introduce traffic calming measures.

Further to Minute No. 143 of the meeting of the Cabinet Member and Advisors for Economic and Development Services held on 29^th September, 2003,           consideration was given to a report, presented by the Engineer, Road Safety, relating to the receipt of objections to the proposal to introduce traffic calming measures on Addison Road and Dale Hill Road, Maltby and Braithwell Road and Rotherham Road.

It was reported that there had been extensive consultation with residents on the Community Plan and Concept Plan.  Members were referred to the proposals that had been influenced by those consultations and these were illustrated on Drawing No. 122/U315 appended to the report.

A response to each of the objections was given.

Members were advised that the proposed works would provide a safer road environment by reducing vehicle speeds and assist pedestrians to cross the road.  The scheme would be funded from the Local Transport Plan Integrated Transport Capital Programme for 2004/2005.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the objections be not acceded to and the objectors be informed of the reasons.

(2)  That support for the scheme be reiterated and the scheme be implemented.

Head of Planning and Transportation Service to report.

-         to report performance against national and local targets.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Head of Planning and Transportation Service, relating to the Services’ performance against national and local targets compared with figures for 2002/2003.

It was noted that in all three categories performance had improved over last year, despite a 12% increase in the number of applications received.

Members were referred to figures for the last quarter and March 2004 which were significantly higher than local targets and exceeded national targets.  It was also pointed out that the number of applications received in the first quarter of 2004 was 24% higher than the same quarter in 2003.

Statistics relating to BVPI 109:  Speed of Planning Decision were set out in a table within the report, together with data on the number of applications received.

Members acknowledged the hard work of the section in the light of the increasing workload.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the performance be noted.

(2)  That the report be presented to the Planning Board for information.

(3)  That a further report be submitted to the Cabinet Members and Advisors for Economic and Development Services in six months time.

Business Development Manager, RiDO, to report.

-         to inform Members of results, achievements and key activities from the Business Development areas of RiDO.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Business Development Manager RiDO, informing Members of the results, achievements and key activities from the Business Development Team for 2003/2004.

Members were advised of the following key achievements:-

-                  over 1,400 jobs created

-                  an occupancy rate of 95% for the two business centres

-                  formation of a new Business Development Team  under the new RiDO

-                  implementation of SRB6 and Objective 1 M30 programmes

-                  the additional of the JOBMatch service

-                  work on the ODPM National “Working With Business Project”

-                  increase in the conversion rate for business conference enquiries

Reference was also made to work on the Moorgate Crofts Centre which was due to open in Spring 2005, and to the value of tourism in relation to businesses.

It was pointed out that the statistics contained in Table 1 set out the outputs needed for the Council to access external funding.

Resolved:-  That the report be noted.

Head of Streetpride Services to report.

-         to inform Members of the measures to be taken to promote the fact that the Council accept motor vehicles surrendered for disposal.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Head of Streetpride Service, relating to measures to be taken to promote the fact that the Council accepts motor vehicles surrendered for disposal at no cost to the owner.

It was reported that additional resources had been made available to deal with abandoned vehicles and a new contract with a contractor was enabling the Council to tackle the problem of abandoned vehicles.

The initiative would enable the Council to protect the environment and street scene from the nuisance cause by abandoned and unwanted vehicles.

Members were advised that the service was already being publicised though the Council’s Website, Service Statement leaflets, press releases and general publicity.

Resolved:-  That the report be received and the Service publicised further.

(The Chairman authorised consideration of the following items in order to process the issues referred to.)

-         to receive the minutes.

Consideration was given to the minutes of the meeting of the Health, Welfare and Safety Panel held on 22^nd April, 2004 as follows:-

Health, Welfare and Safety Panel

Thursday, 22nd April, 2004

-         to receive the minutes.

Consideration was given to the minutes of the above meeting.

The following issues were raised and an update given:-

-                  Markets Regeneration Study

-                  Churchills, All Saints Square

Resolved:-  That the minutes be received and updates noted.

-         to report the opening of tenders for various schemes.

It was reported that the Cabinet Member on 10^th May, 2004 opened the tenders received for the following schemes:-

-                  Supply of Street Lighting Lanterns

-                  Hired Plant and Machinery

-                  Offers for the sale of land at Zamor Crescent, Thurcroft

Resolved:-  That the action of the Cabinet Member be noted.

Transportation Unit Manager to report.

-         to update Members on further study work on Supertram Extensions.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Transportation Unit Manager, UPDATING Members on discussions with the Department of Transport and further study work on Supertram Extensions.

Members were informed that the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive and their consultants had discussed extensions to the supertram network with the DfT and arranged further study work.

A copy of the full Consultants’ report was available at the meeting, a summary of which appended to the report to Members.

The main issues arising from the study included:-

-                  the strongest performing tram extension (taking into account the cost/benefit ratio) appeared to be that between Royal Hallamshire Hospital/Sheffield University and Rotherham Parkgate via Rotherham Town Centre, with potential to fund the Government’s required 25% local contribution

-                  further work required re:  how Waverley can be best connected into Sheffield and Rotherham, and in particular how that would best serve Rotherham’s regeneration aspirations.

-                  Costs and value

It was pointed out that it was important for the four South Yorkshire local authorities to indicate the direction in which they wished to go for inclusion into the Local Transport Plan Annual Progress Report, which had to be submitted to Government Office by the end of July 2004.

Members expressed concern at their lack of involvement in meetings to discuss these issues.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the outcomes of the further study work and discussions with the DfT as summarised in the report be noted.

(2)  That the report be referred to the Cabinet and to the Regeneration Scrutiny Panel for information.

(3)  That Members’ concerns about representation at South Yorkshire level be  conveyed to the SYPTE.

Section Engineer to report.

-         to advise Members of suggested alternatives for the above road scheme.

Further to Minute No. 342 of the meeting of the Cabinet Member and Adviser for Economic and Development Services held on 17^th February, 2004, consideration was given to a report, presented by the Section Engineer, relating to the above scheme.

It was reported that as a result of the planning process residents had suggested an alternative junction layout at the A57/Goosecarr Lane junction and a 50-mph speed limit along the length of the new road.

Members were advised that these suggestions had been investigated and a detailed assessment showed that there would be a reduction in the scheme benefits by approximately 40%, and to progress the alternatives would delay the programme and may result in a loss of Government funding for the scheme.

For the above reasons the following decisions were made:-

Resolved:-  (1)  That the amendments to the scheme suggested by the residents of Todwick as part of the planning application consultation process be not acceded to.

(2)  That the previously approved scheme be progressed.

(3)  That Todwick Parish Council be informed of the decisions.

Forward Planning Officer to report.

-         to inform Members of the need for a South Yorkshire sub-regional perspective to be fed into the preparation of the draft Regional Spatial Strategy.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Forward Planning Manager, relating to the need for a South Yorkshire sub-regional perspective to be fed into the preparation of the draft Regional Spatial Strategy.

The report detailed the work carried out to date and Members’ views were requested.

It was pointed out that the spatial vision for South Yorkshire would influence the emerging Regional Spatial Strategy, the Local Development Frameworks and Local Transport Plan.  The draft report, prepared by the South Yorkshire Partnership, contained five core themes:-

-                  economic development

-                  transport

-                  settlement

-                  urban areas

-                  rural areas

It was pointed out that it would also be necessary to weave housing and environmental issues into the strategy.

Reference was made to:-

-                  growth in South Yorkshire

-                  Finningley airport

-                  the need for internal and external connectivity particularly rail

-                  emphasis on centres

Consideration was given to proposed amendments to the paper to reflect Rotherham’s needs, including:-

-                  reference to Rotherham’s economic achievements

-                  reference to Rotherham’s centre and its relationship to Retail World

-                  positive references to the potential for regeneration in Rotherham town centre

-                  Rotherham’s scope to promote a growth strategy for population and employment

-                  addressing the conflict between reducing the need to travel whilst using mobility to ensure the sustainable future role for outlying settlements

-                  shorten the Transport Vision

Reference was also made to the timetable established by Government which was very demanding and required a strategy to be submitted by December 2004.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the information contained in the report be noted.

(2)  That the Leader be briefed on the issues referred to above prior to the meeting of the South Yorkshire Spatial Study Members’ Working Group on 19^th May, 2004.

-         to consider attendance.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Business Development Manager, seeking authorisation for the attendance of the Leader, as president of EIRA, and one other Member to attend the general assembly and board meeting for EIRA on 15^th to 17^th June, 2004.

It was pointed out that EIRA was an organisation of international states with industrial economies and operated to share best practise and lobby the EU for the benefits of their communities.  It was emphasised that it was important that Rotherham continued to raise its profile on the international stage and EIRA provided a suitable forum.

Resolved:-  That approval be given for the attendance of the Leader, the Cabinet Member for Economic and Development Services, and an appropriate officer, to attend the EIRA Board Meeting and General Assembly in Vasteras, Sweden on 15^th to 17^th June, 2004.

The following items are likely to be considered in the absence of the press and public as being exempt under the paragraphs, indicated below, of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972:-

Resolved:-  That, under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in those Paragraphs, indicated below, of Part I of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972:-

Development Co-ordinator to report.

-         to report for information purposes on proposed feasibility works being taken forward in Rotherham Town Centre through the Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder initiative.

(Exempt under Paragraph 9 of the Act – report contains information relating to the disposal of land)

Further to Minute No. 258 of the meeting of the Cabinet Member and Advisors for Housing and Environmental Services held on 10^th May, 2004, consideration was given to a report, presented by the Development Co-ordinator, explaining the procurement process for the appointment of consultants to undertake a range of preliminary works to inform the implementation of the Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder Initiative in Rotherham Town Centre.

It was pointed out that Housing Services were taking overall responsibility for the co-ordination and delivery of the Pathfinder with RiDO taking the lead on the Town Centre activity.

The work would include studies to support the implementation of a housing demonstrator project, a Living Over the Shops initiative and acquisition strategy in the Westgate area and an examination of potential delivery vehicles.

Resolved:-  That the attached CP1 and procurement processes in respect of the Town Centre Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder be noted.

(Exempt under Paragraph 9 of the Act – report contained contractual information)

Economic Strategy Officer to report.

-                  to consider a contribution from CERB towards the cost of implementing the Town Centre Housing Renewal Pathfinder programme.

(Exempt under Paragraph 8 of the Act – report contains financial information)

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Development Team Manager, relating to the need for CERB funding to contribute towards the cost of implementing the Town Centre Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder programme.

Funding was needed to cover the cost of feasibility works and the preparation and submission of Stage 2 bids until Pathfinder funding was approved for all elements of the project.  It would be used to develop strategies and implement practical solutions to restructure and renew housing markets.

Reference was made to the current position of the CERB budget and slippage.

Resolved:-  That approval be given for £250,000 capital from the 2004/2005 CERB budget to contribute towards the costs of carrying out advance design and feasibility studies for the preparation of funding bids under the Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder Programme.

(Exempt under Paragraph 8 of the Act – report contained financial information)

Head of Streetpride Service to report.

-                  to report on the evaluation of the tenders received and obtain approval to accept themost suitable tender.

(Exempt under Paragraph 9 of the Act – report contains contractual information)

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Head of Streetpride Service, relating to the evaluation of the tenders received for a Construction Partner, (OJEC Category G).

Members were informed of the tenders invited, the independent interview, evaluation, analysis and scoring process.

Details of the evaluations were set out in a table contained within the report and which illustrated that Ringway ranked first in respect of price, quality and interview performance.

It was pointed out that the Council’s in-house Schemes Delivery Team had traditionally won in the region of £1.7m of schemes in this category on an ad hoc basis in the past and that the new arrangements allowed for the team to be given a similar amount of work under the new contract.  This would ensure the viability of the in-house team making it available to deal with emergencies and winter maintenance.

Resolved:-  That  the Council enter into a contract with Ringway Highway Services for five years, for the delivery of Streetpride Construction Services.

(Exempt under Paragraph 9 of the Act – report contained contractual information)

Head of RiDO to report.

This item was withdrawn at the request of the report author.

Project Officer to report.

-                    to consider an application for grant aid.

(Exempt under Paragraph 5 of the Act – application for grant aid)

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Project Officer, relating to an application for SRB grant aid received from the owner of Midland Court for the erection of a 1.5m vertical rail fencing and entrance gates to the main frontage of the property.

It was reported that the works were eligible for grant aid and that in accordance with the criteria three quotations for the work had been obtained.   The financial viability of the company and its ability to match fund grant aid had been confirmed with Financial Services. The works would improve the appearance and security of this prominent building.

Resolved:  (1)  That SRB grant aid be offered to the applicant as indicated on the attached proposed offer of grant aid.

(2)  That SRB grant be awarded following the satisfactory completion of works and the submission of a receipted invoice by the applicant.

(Exempt under Paragraph 5 of the Act – report referred to the recipient of grant aid)

Project Officer to report.

-                    to consider an application for grant aid.

(Exempt under Paragraph 5 of the Act – application for grant aid)

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Project Officer, relating to an application for grant aid for proposed improvements to the Walker Mausoleum.  It was reported that this Grade 2 Listed Building and surrounding burial ground were dedicated as Public Open Space in 1968 under the 1906 Open Spaces Act and thus the Council was responsible for its upkeep.

The works included restoration to the mausoleum and surrounding boundary wall and railings.

It was noted that the Coroner’s Office had been consulted regarding the proposed works.

The specification for the proposed works had been discussed and agreed with the Education, Culture and Leisure Programme Area, and the Conservation Officer had been consulted.

It was pointed out that Education, Culture and Leisure would continue to maintain the site under the terms of the 1968 legal agreement.

It was proposed that a local contractor carry out the works.

Resolved:-  (1)  That SRB funding be made available as indicated in the report now submitted.

(2)  That the current financial profile of Project 3.5 be noted.

(Exempt under Paragraph 5 of the Act – report related to an application for grant aid)

Project Officer to report.

-                    to consider an amended application for grant aid.

(Exempt under Paragraph 5 of the Act – application for grant aid)

Further to Minute No. 141 of the meeting of the Cabinet Member and Advisors for Economic and Development Services held on 12^th August, 2002, consideration was given to a report, presented by the Project Officer, relating to an application for SRB grant aid from AFP Van Hire Ltd towards the cost of constructing a brick and rail boundary wall.

It was reported that owing to technical difficulties in construction it was necessary to amend the works and thus to reduce the offer of grant aid.

Members were given an up to date position statement of the Single Regeneration Budget expenditure.

Resolved:-  (1)  That a revised offer of SRB grant aid be offered to the applicant, as indicated in the report now submitted.

(2)  That SRB grant be awarded following the satisfactory completion of works and the submission of a receipted invoice by the applicant.

(3)  That the current financial profile of Project 3.5 be noted.

(Exempt under Paragraph 5 of the Act – report related to an application for grant aid)