Agenda and minutes

Consideration was given to the minutes of the meeting of the Health, Welfare and Safety Panel held on Friday, 15^th October, 2004 as follows:-

Health, Welfare and Safety Panel

15th October, 2004

Streetpride Group Engineer to report.

-         to receive a description of the Yorkshire Bus Initiative LTP major bid and its links with the current Quality Bus Corridor Programme.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Streetpride LTP Delivery Manager, relating to the above Major Scheme bid submitted to the Department for Transport in the South Yorkshire Local Transport Plan Annual Progress Report in July, 2004.

Details of how this project linked to the current Quality Bus Corridor programme in Rotherham were explained.

Members were advised that the Yorkshire Bus Project was a joint initiative with West Yorkshire PTE, South Yorkshire PTE, York City Council and First Group.

The aims of the project were:-

-                      to deliver a series of “step change” improvements to key public transport corridors in West and South Yorkshire

-                      improve bus services on the core and secondary bus networks

-                      to achieve a uniform standard of excellence across the region

-                      to increase public transport patronage by 30%

The proposals were aimed to reduce delays and improve journey time reliability.

The accompanying plan illustrated the current QBC’s and future programme and reference was made to the Objective 1 related programme.

Details of the costs were set out in a table contained within the report.  It was pointed out that the proposals would place additional burden on design, construction and legal resources both in Rotherham and across South Yorkshire.

It was noted that the timescales were tight and that a decision about the scheme bid was expected from the DfT in December, 2004.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the Yorkshire Bus Initiative – Local Transport Plan Major Scheme bid be supported.

(2)  That the links with the Quality Bus Corridor programme be noted.

Streetpride Group Engineer to report.

-         to consider a proposal for the renewal of a bridge and associated highway improvements.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Streetpride LTP Delivery Manager, relating to a proposal to improve the B6463 Todwick Road, Dinnington, between North Anston Trading Estate and Church Lane, Dinnington, as part of the regeneration proposals for the former Dinnington Colliery site.

The proposals were illustrated on Drawing No. 122/U301/HT1 accompanying the report.

It was explained that the current road was the only all-purpose link between Dinnington and the A57 at Todwick Crossroads and the only route to the M1 Junction 31.  The current road was substandard and lacked modern day facilities for all road users, including pedestrians and cyclists.   Particular reference was made to the condition of the TodwickRoad RailwayBridge and to the summary of the structural condition of the bride.  It was pointed out that that currently  temporary traffic signals controlled one-way traffic across the bridge.

Reference was made to the regeneration of the former Dinnington Colliery Site and the need to improve accessibility.

Consideration was given to the following three options:-

-                      Impose a weight restriction or close the bridge

-                      Retain the current one way traffic flows

-                      construct a new bridge with associated highway improvements

The advantages and disadvantages of each of the options were given.

The report detailed approximate costs and timescales and reference was made to discussions with Renaissance South Yorkshire regarding funding the scheme.  It was also pointed out that a Section 106 agreement for the first phase of the Dinnington Colliery site obliged the developer to make a significant contribution to the cost of off site improvements, including towards the bridge replacement.

Resolved:-  (1)  That approval be given to Option 3 for the improvement of the B6463 Todwick Road, Dinnington, as shown on drawing No. 122/U301/HT1, and authorisation be given to the continuation of detailed design work.

(2)  That a further report be submitted to a future meeting following the completion of the detailed design and conclusion of the funding arrangements.

Schemes and Partnerships Manager to report.

-         to seek approval for details design and the implementation of a Puffin Crossing.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Streetpride Schemes and Partnerships Manager, seeking approval to undertake detailed design and the implementation of a signalised pedestrian crossing on Rotherham Road, Parkgate.

It was pointed out that Rotherham Road (A633) formed part of the Rotherham to Dearne Quality Bus Corridor.

The proposals and location were illustrated on Drawing No.  126/5W1/TT12.

It was reported that consultation had been carried out with SYPTE and South Yorkshire Police, both of which had been fully supportive of the proposals.

Members raised the following issues:-

-                       impact on traffic backing up on Rotherham Road

-                       consultation with Ward Members

-                       design of the proposals and the need for a full sized bus lay-by for the relocated bus stop

-                       sight lines

-                       request from the local transport user group for a crossing for pedestrians and for people with disabilities

-                       distance between the proposed crossing and roundabout

-                       current priorities within the LTP and current policies

Resolved:-  (1)  That approval be given to the principle of a signalised pedestrian crossing at the location shown on Drawing No. 126/5W1/TT12, and further design work be undertaken subject to:-

(i)         consultation with the appropriate Ward Councillors

(ii)         an approach being made to the adjoining land owner regarding the acquisition of land to facilitate a full sized bus layby.

(2)  That any objections be reported to a future meeting of the Cabinet Member and Advisers for Economic and Development Services.

Transportation Unit Manager to report.

-         to inform Members of Cycle Training and Information.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Transportation Unit Manager, relating to a project to provide cycling training and information for Council employees and members of the public in Rotherham to encourage them to travel more by bicycle.

It was reported that the initiative was primarily aimed at inexperienced cyclists and that cycle training had been identified as a cost effective means of addressing this issue.

Reference was made to a small-scale trial of cycle training that had been provided by CTC accredited trainers from Sheffield Pedal Pushers.  Summary of feedback from participants was attached as an Appendix  to the report.

A copy of an information Leaflet “Confident Cycling” was also considered.

Reference was made to:-

-                   the LTP targets

-                   obstacles to cyclists

-                   measuring cycle use

-                   visibility of cyclists

-                   further promotion with retailers

-                   the current cycling map

Resolved:-  That the cycle training and information project be endorsed.

Trees and Woodlands Officer to report.

-         to seek approval of the plan.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Trees and Woodlands Officer, relating to the new management plan for Bassingthorpe Spring, Kimberworth Park.

The Plan (copy provided at the meeting) outlined the Council’s general position regarding the proposed long term development of the woodland and included a detailed work programme for the next five years.

It was reported that the Plan was a requirement of fulfilling the Heritage Lottery Fund Award “Fueling a Revolution – The Woods that Fuelled the Steel Country”

Reference was made to the location of this woodland, its access by local communities, its recreational and amenity value and its wildlife content.   It was reported that there had been extensive public consultation about the Plan and a good response had been received.  

Reference was made to problems with off-road vehicles, vandalism and rubbish tipping and to the identified measures within the plan and appropriate remedial measures to address these issues.

Resolved:-  That the Bassingthorpe Spring Woodland Management Plan 2004-2009 be approved.

Trees and Woodlands Officer to report.

-         to report receipt of the petition.

Consideration was given to a report relating to the receipt of a petition from residents at Rookery Road, Swinton, requesting the removal of all sixteen mature roadside lime trees in a short cul-de-sac serving properties 22 to 52 Rookery Road, Swinton.

It was reported that a detailed tree survey would be undertaken and that there would be a short period of consultation with residents and a treework programme would be formulated.

Resolved:-  (1)  That Streetpride carry out a detailed tree survey and prepare a recommended programme of works taking into account residents’ concerns.

(2)  That a further report be presented to a future meeting outlining the results of the consultation with local residents and detailing the programme of tree work for consideration.

Head of Planning and Transportation Service to report.

-         to consider the appointment of Historic Environment Champions.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Forward Planning Manager, relating to correspondence received from English Heritage which asked Local Authorities to appoint historic environment champions at Member/Senior officer level.

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

(2)  That a champion be appointed and the Cabinet Member for Economic and Development Services considers a suitable appointment.

(3)  That the report be referred to the Regeneration Board for information.

Head of Planning and Transportation Service to report.

-         to consider incentive measures to fill the vacant post.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Executive Director, Economic and Development Services, relating to the post of Development Control Manager, that had remained vacant since March, 2004.

It was reported that the post had been advertised and that none of the applications had been successful.

Due to the poor response rate, and to the pressing need to fill this post consideration was, therefore, requested of a proposal to re-advertise the post with an incentive payment.  Details of the proposal were set out in the report. 

An explanation was given of measures that had been taken or considered to fill this post and it was pointed out that the continuing vacancy would have a negative impact on the performance of the Development Control Team against the national Best Value Performance Indicator (BVPI 109) that fed into the Council’s CPA rating.

Members expressed the following concerns:-

-                       impact on existing staff

-                       development of existing staff for promotion

-                       grade of the post

-                       reasons for the poor response to advertising

-                       retention of staff

Resolved:-  That, noting the concerns expressed, the use of an incentive payment, as detailed in the report now submitted, be approved.

Forward Planning Manager to report.

-         to report the detailed results of Forward Planning’s Customer Satisfaction Survey.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by The Forward Planning Manager and the Assistant Planner, relating to the results of Forward Planning’s Customer Satisfaction Survey.

A copy of the survey questions and an analysis of the results were appended to the report.

It was pointed out that there had been a 62% response to the survey and that the overall result was positive.

In response to the comment that the service may be too conservative, it was reported that as well as its regulatory role the service was taking steps to become more pro-active.  It was pointed out that there was an issue of cross Council integration of the Forward Planning Service into all services.

Resolved:  That the conclusions of Forward Planning’s Customer Satisfaction Survey be noted.

Economic Strategy Manager to report.

-         to update Members on the development and progress of the Rotherham Construction Project.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Economic Strategy Manager, updating Members on the development and progress of the Rotherham Construction Project.

Members’ attention was drawn to the following three elements:-

-                   the project group which brought together key partners and funders

-                   the success of an NRF funding bid to recruit a post to co-ordinate and bring the partnership together, to be based within RIDO’s Development Team

-                   closer working with the Academy of Construction Trades with the co-ordinator working tow day per week with the Academy.

Those present supported the continued development of this project.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the progress of the Rotherham Construction project and the recruitment of a Construction Co-ordinator for the Borough be noted.

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

Head of Streetpride to report.

-         to report performance response times for the period July to September 2004.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Head of Streetpride, relating to the performance response times for the third quarter of 2004.

It was noted that in comparison to the previous quarter the overall statistics were showing a sustained improvement, and most were now achieving 100%.

Members’ attention was drawn to response times for the following areas of the service:-

-                   Street light out

-                   Fly tipping

-                   Traffic lights

Reference was made to the praise from Area Assemblies for the Streetpride service, and to the need to promote further the appointment of Streetpride Champions and for all Council staff to be its ambassodors.

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

(2)  That Streetpride continues to monitor performance response times and report on a quarterly basis to the Cabinet Member and Advisers for Economic and Development Services.

Transportation Unit Manager to report.

-         to propose a consultation methodology and to update Members on progress.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Transportation Unit Manager, updating Members on progress and relating to the proposed methodology for consultation on the proposed Waverley Link Road options.

It was proposed to issue questionnaires to between 8,000 and 10,000 households and to hold three public exhibitions at different venues in the Woodhouse Mill, Orgreave, Handsworth, Catcliffe and Treeton areas.  A copy of the proposed questionnaire, which set out the four options for ranking, was appended to the report.

Reference was made to the cost, timing and level of consultation.  Members’ commented on the need for a review of the Council’s strategy on consultation.

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

(2)  That approval be given to the methodology for consulting the public regarding the Waverley Link Road options, as detailed in the report now submitted.

(3)  That the report be referred to the Regeneration Board and to the Planning Board for information.

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 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972.

Head of Streetpride to report.

-                  to seek approval to extend the contract with Mouchel Parkman for Engineering Consultancy services for two years from 1^st January 2005.

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

Further to Minute No. 11 of the meeting of the Cabinet Member and Advisers fro Economic and Development Services held on 17^th December, 2001, consideration was given to a report, presented by the Head of Streetpride, seeking approval to the extension of the existing Consultant Partnering arrangements for a further two years under the provisions of the existing contract.  Members were referred to the Statement on behalf of MouchelParkman that was appended to the report and noted the attendance of the Business Unit Director responsible for the Partnership in Rotherham.

Reference was made to the number and value of commissions that had been undertaken by MouchelParkman during the contract period.  The benefits of the partnering arrangement were highlighted and it was pointed out that from time to time the Council had received work from MouchelParkman.

It was reported that MouchelParkman had now set up an office in Rotherham thus adding to Rotherham’s economic growth.  Reference was also made to the community contribution and to the sponsorship that had been offered.

Resolved:-  That the Council’s current partner, MouchelParkman, who provide engineering consultancy services, be retained for a further two years, from 1^st January, 2005 to 31^st December, 2006, as provided for under existing contractual arrangements.

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

Executive Director, Economic and Development Services to report.

-                  to report on performance against revenue budget to September 2004.

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

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Executive Director, Economic and Development Services, detailing the performance against budget for the Economic and Development Services Programme Area Revenue, Fee Billing and Trading budgets for the period April to September, 2004/2005.

Attention was drawn to the following emerging cost pressures:-

-     Commercial Properties portfolio

-     office accommodation

It was reported that at this stage in the financial year the overall position showed a projected break-even position.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the anticipated outturn position for the Economic and Development Services Programme Area Budgets as at September, 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 financial information)