Agenda and minutes

Schemes and Partnerships Manager to report.

-                  to consider the provision of off road cycle and pedestrian facilities between Whiston and Aughton.

(Large scale plans of the proposals will be made available at the meeting.)

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Schemes and Partnerships Manager, relating to a proposal to implement a highway improvement scheme along the A618 Pleasley Road between Whiston and Aughton for the benefit of cyclists and pedestrians.

Large scale plans of the proposals were displayed at the meeting (Drawings Nos.  122/A618.25/HT503-1 and 122/A618.25/HT503-2).  It was reported that the status of the footway would be changed to that of cycleway to accommodate both cycling and walking.

It was noted that the proposals would contribute to the aims and objectives of the Local Transport Plan by providing and promoting cycling and walking facilities in Rotherham.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the proposed walking and cycling facilities identified on Drawings Nos. 122/A618.25/HT503-1 and 122/A618.25/HT503-2 be approved.

(2)  That the scheme be funded from the Local Transport Plan Integrated Transport Capital Programme for 2004/2005.

(3)  That detailed design of the proposals and the necessary consultation be undertaken and, subject to no objections being received, the scheme be implemented.

Schemes and Partnerships Manager to report.

-                  to consider a request for waiting restrictions.

(please note that the plan referred to is not available electronically)

Further to Minute No.  313 of the meeting of the Cabinet Member and Advisers for Economic and Development Services held on 15^th March, 2004, consideration was given to a report, presented by the Schemes and Partnerships Manager, relating to the investigations undertaken following receipt of a petition, containing eighty eight signatures from advanced driving instructors, regarding indiscriminate parking on Doncaster Road, Clifton.

It was reported that vehicles appeared to be parked indiscriminately for long periods and obstructed the safe passage of vehicles, particularly buses along that route.

Consideration was therefore given to a proposal to introduce a time limited parking area outside of the Test Centre (two hours in four – subject to gaining the support of South Yorkshire Police) and to extend the existing ‘no waiting at any time’ restrictions on both the north and south side of Doncaster Road.  (The proposals were illustrated on Drawing No.  126/18/TT369.)  The additional waiting restrictions would assist the free and safe movement of traffic, particularly buses.

Members referred to the current pinch point on Doncaster Road and to the location of the Test Centre.

Resolved:-  (1)  That approval be given to the proposal to introduce waiting restrictions and consultations on the proposal be commenced.

(2)  That the lead petitioner be informed of this decision.

(3)  That the Head of Planning and Transportation Service discuss the location of the Test Centre with the Driving Standards Agency (part of the DfT).

Schemes and Partnerships Manager to report.

-         to consider the installation of a Puffin Crossing on Tickhill Road, Maltby adjacent to the new MaltbyCrags School.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Schemes and Partnerships Manager, relating to a proposal to provide a puffin crossing scheme for the benefit of school children attending the new Maltby Craggs School on the A631 Tickhill Road.  Approval was sought to include the proposal in the Maltby Sector Plan.

It was reported that the section of Tickhill Road where the school was being constructed was within a 40 mph speed limit and Government advice recommended that a signalled crossing facility would be provided.  It was pointed out that the scheme met the PV2 assessment criteria and it was proposed that the crossing would be installed prior to the opening date of the new school in April 2005. 

The cost would be funded from the Local Transport Plan Integrated Transport Plan for 2004/2005.

Resolved:-   That approval be given for the inclusion of the proposed Puffin crossing scheme on Tickhill Road in the Road Safety Concept Plan and, subject to a satisfactory outcome to further investigation and consultation with the emergency services, the scheme be implemented.

Partnership Implementation Officer to report.

-                  to update Members and seek in principle agreement to next actions.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Partnership Implementation Officer, relating to the development of the above project and consideration was requested of agreements needed with Magna Trust, the potential involvement of UK Steel Enterprise and the submission of a CP1 Capital Projects form.

A copy of the Templeborough Gateway Masterplan accompanied the report. (Drawing No. M3925/04 Rev D) which illustrated the various elements and locations of the proposed facilities.

A detailed explanation was given of each of the components and partnership arrangements.

It was reported that, as part of the Masterplan, the Council was seeking to develop a starter Business Centre within Magna, along with Events space.

Reference was made to various funding streams, land acquisitions and possible exchanges.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the Masterplan proposals and the intended submission of an outline planning application for the Magna BusinessPark by Renaissance South Yorkshire be noted.

(2)  That support be given in principle to the Phase 1 Magna Business Centre and Events Space proposal, and the position on the funding bids and preparation of the Business Plan be noted.

(3)  That the two location options available for the Business Centre be noted and it be noted that this will involve either:-

(i)  an agreement with Magna Trust to secure a site next to Magna either by purchase, or by a land exchange for Council owned land around the eastern entrance to Magna

or

(ii) an agreement with Renaissance South Yorkshire for land purchase/exchange on the Mayer Parry site option (if they purchase this from Corus).

(4)  That the intention to enter into an agreement with Magna Trust for the Events Space Project for the Council to undertake a capital project management role and grant funding management for delivery of the Events Space be noted.

(5)  That the option of the involvement of UK Steel Enterprise to deliver a Business Innovation Centre be noted.

(6)  That the submission of a CP1 Capital Projects Form be noted.

(7)  That further update reports be submitted to Members.

(8)  That this report be referred to the Regeneration Board.

Partnership Implementation Officer to report.

-         to update Members on current progress relating to the Business Vision Centre and to seek approval to the placing of an OJEC advert.

Further to Minute No. 39 of the meeting of the Cabinet Member and Advisors for Economic and Development Services held on 26^th July, 2004, consideration was given to a report, presented by the Partnership Implementation Officer, relating to the current progress of the Business Vision Centre proposal and the procurement of a lead partner.

It was pointed out that the proposal had grown out of the work at CENT (Magna) and digital learning work across South Yorkshire.  The concept of providing an integrated package via the engagement of a series of partners to provide specialism in particular aspects of business change was explained.  The aim was to provide a total solution to enable business growth for small to medium sized businesses.

The funding details were set out in the report, including the Council’s contribution.

Members sought confirmation of the benefits for the wider community.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the progress so far in relation to securing external funding and partner organisations be noted.

(2)  That approval be given to the process for the engagement of lead partner including Official Journal of the European Union (OJEC) advertisement.

(3)  That the cross programme working methodology including the engagement of Legal and Democratic Services be agreed.

(The Chairman authorised consideration of the following item following its Call-in by Performance and Scrutiny Overview Committee on 24^th September, 2004)

Schemes and Partnerships Manager to report.

-         to consider the options (i), (ii) and (iii) described in the report for progressing the traffic-calming scheme on Middle Lane.

Pursuant to Minute No. 40 of the meeting of the Cabinet Member for Economic and Development Services held on 9^th August, 2004 and Minute No. 34 of the meeting of the Performance and Scrutiny Overview Committee held on 24^th September, 2004, consideration was given to a report presented by the Schemes and Partnerships Manager relating to the proposed introduction of a traffic calming scheme on Middle Lane.

Members were asked to consider three options for the way forward taking into account recommendations made at the meeting of the Performance and Scrutiny Overview Committee.

Each of the options was described in the report and the Schemes and Partnerships Manager explained the advantages and disadvantages.

Reference was also made to current accident statistics along Middle Lane and its junctions.  It was also pointed out that the original scheme was not intended to reduce the volume of traffic and that the proposed measures were to improve the safety of pedestrians and other vulnerable road users.

Comparison was made between the installation of a Zebra crossing and a Puffin Crossing, and with a signalled control crossing.  Members were advised that the guidelines and evidence supported the provision of a Zebra crossing in a 30 mph zone.

It was reiterated that investigations were already being undertaken regarding the Clifton Lane junction and Walker Lane (Minutes Nos. 32 of 26^th July, 2004 and 41 of 9^th August, 2004 refer).

Resolved:-  (1)  That approval be given to Option III (the implementation of the scheme in accordance with the decision set out at Minute No. 40 of the meeting of the Cabinet Member held on 9^th August, 2004, including the installation of a Zebra crossing outside the school on a trial basis).

(2)  That the effectiveness of the Zebra crossing and the mini-roundabouts be reviewed over a twelve months period and a further report submitted to a future meeting of the Cabinet Member and Advisers for Economic and Development Services.

(3)  That the Performance and Scrutiny Overview Committee be advised of the decisions.

(Please note that the Call-in procedure does not apply to the above decision.)

The following items are likely to be considered in the absence of the press and public as being exempt under those 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 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972.

Head of Planning and Transportation Service to report.

-                  to present a summary of the findings and recommendations of the Retail Study and to seek endorsement  of its use in informing planning decisions.

(Exempt under Paragraph 9 of the Act – report relates to land and property issues)

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Head of Planning and Transportation Service, summarising the findings and recommendations of the Rotherham Retail and Leisure Study that had been carried out by Consultants.

Members were also asked to consider endorsing the Study for use in informing planning decisions.

Members’ attention was drawn to the Appendix to the report, which listed specific sites and gave a comparison of the Retail and Leisure Study site recommendations with other initiatives such as the Pathfinder and current Unitary Development Plan allocation.

Members expressed concern about the following:-

-                      reference to the smaller town centres not performing well

-                      possible impact of the recommendations of the Study on the development of Express Park, Manvers

-                      ambiguous wording within the report

-                      shift of the town centre and links to Retail World at Parkgate

-                      no apparent reference to rural areas

-                      reference to the development of a supermarket at Swallownest

Resolved:-  That the Head of Planning and Transportation Service amend the report in the light of the comments made and the revised report be submitted to a future meeting of the Cabinet Member and Advisors for Economic and Development Services for consideration.

(Exempt under Paragraph 9 of the Act – report referred to land and property issues)

Executive Director, Economic and Development Services, to report.

-                  to report on the performance against budget for the Economic and Development Services Programme Area.

(Exempt under Paragraph 8 of the Act – report relates to expenditure)

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Finance and Accountancy Manager, Economic and Development Services, relating to the performance against budget of the Economic and Development Services Programme Area for the period April to August, 2004/2005.  It was reported that it was expected that the budget would achieve breakeven by the end of the financial year.

However, reference was made to the following:-

-                      the Commercial Properties portfolio

-                      possible underspend on transportation (transport and air quality)

-                      Office Accommodation

-                      potential pressures re:  winter maintenance

The Head of Planning and Transportation Service explained the reasons for the anticipated underspend.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the anticipated outturn position for the Economic and Development Services Programme Area Budgets as at August 2004 be noted.

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

(Exempt under Paragraph 8 of the Act – report contained information relating to expenditure)

Valuer to report.

-                  to update Members on current rent arrears.

(Exempt under Paragraph 9 of the Act – report relates to land and property matters)

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Principal Valuer, relating to details of rent arrears for properties held within the Commercial Property Account.

Members noted the current annual income and the arrears position as at 26^th August, 2004.  It was noted that this was around the normal level of arrears.

The Appendix to the report detailed individual properties for which rent was two quarters or more in arrears.

Members made specific reference to individual properties and lessees and enquired what action was taken and within what timeframe.  Members also requested a comment on the progress on each arrears identified to be made in the next report.

The view was expressed that the pursuance of the recovery of arrears was not speedy enough and that debtors were given too much leeway. 

Resolved:-  (1)  That the report be received.

(2)  That arrears reports be submitted to the meeting of the Cabinet Member and Advisors for Economic and Development Services on a quarterly basis, the reports to include details of actions being taken regarding each of the property arrears.

(3)  That Legal Services be asked to commence action to recover arrears as quickly as possible.

(Exempt under Paragraphs 7 and 9 of the Act – report related to business affairs of organisations other than the Local Authority and land and property issues)