Agenda and minutes

-         to note the action of the Cabinet Member.

Resolved:-  That the action of the Cabinet Member, on 14^th February, 2005, in opening offers for the following be recorded:-

-           KivetonPark Depot, Hard Lane, KivetonPark.

Minerals Officer to report.

-           to report changes to Central Government guidance.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Minerals and Waste Officer, relating to consultation by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister on Minerals Policy Statement 1 (MPS1) and Planning Policy Statement 10  (PPS 10).

The key policies of MPS1 were outlined, together with the implications for the Minerals Planning Authority.    It was noted that the new guidance would act as a framework updating and bringing together policy and guidance relating to general minerals development and the obligations of the MPS.  Reference was also made to the implications for the Local Development Framework.

PPS10 related to planning for sustainable waste management and how this could be achieved.  An outline was given of the implications for the Waste Planning Authority, policy development and its relevance in determining planning applications.

It was pointed out that the documents had been discussed with colleagues in Environmental Health Services in order that a joint response could be submitted to the ODPM.

Resolved:-  That the report be noted and the consultation response appended to the report now submitted be supported.

Senior Economic Development Officer to report.

-           to acquire site for the Dinnington Incubation Centre.

Further to Minute No. 306 of the meeting of the Cabinet Member for Economic and Development Services held on 1^st March, 2004, consideration was given to a report, presented by the Senior Economic Strategy Officer, relating to a proposal to develop a business incubator at Dinnington to cater for business start ups and early stages of business growth in the south of the Borough.

Members were advised that an opportunity had arisen to acquire a site for the development from Yorkshire Forward.   It was pointed out that funding could be made available through Renaissance South Yorkshire in the current financial year.

Reference was made to the Business Support and Incubation Strategy produced by Zernike UK Ltd, and to the Dinnington Incubator Feasibility Study carried out by Angle Technology Ltd.

It was pointed out that the development of an incubator at Dinnington was included in the South Yorkshire Investment Plan.   

Resolved:-  (1)  That the funding and site disposal to the Council, as now reported, be welcomed in principle and Yorkshire Forward notified accordingly.

(2)  That relevant officers negotiate details and terms with Yorkshire Forward and Renaissance South Yorkshire.

(3)  That the acquisition of the site be supported.

(4)  That the report be referred to the Property Board.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

Nick Ward, Planner, to report.

-        to report requirement to allocate sites in the Local Development Framework.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Planner (Forward Planning),  relating to the draft planning circular on planning for Gypsy and Traveller sites published by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Members were advised that the draft circular was seen as an important step in addressing the under provision of authorised sites countrywide.  The proposed new circular aimed to address the issue of the increasing number of illegal encampments on public land and unauthorised camps on private land.

Reference was made to key changes compared to Circular 1/94 including:-

-                       change to the definition of “gypsy”

-                       requirement that the Local Authority identifies suitable sites for Gypsies and Travellers in their Development Plan Documents (LDF)

-                       criteria against which plans for sites not allocated in the LDF will be judged

-                       how local housing assessments will help assist quantifying the level of need

-                       local authorities responsibilities under the Race Relations Act

-                       advice on how local authorities should seek to engage with Gypsies and Travellers

A copy of the Council’s proposed full response was attached to the report.

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

(2)  That the proposed response to the Consultation paper be endorsed.

Schemes and Partnerships Manager to report.

-        to report on the proposal to install two vehicle activated signs on Moor Lane North and Moor Lane South.

Further to Minute No.  122 of the meeting of the Cabinet Member for Economic and Development Services held on 19^th November, 2004, consideration was given to a report, presented by the Schemes and Partnerships Manager, informing Members of a proposal to install two Vehicle Activated Signs, one on Moor Lane North and one on Moor Lane South, approaching Ravenfield Crossroads.

The proposals were illustrated on Drawing No.  129/B6093.

Reference was made to the number of Personal Injury Accidents at the junction and recorded speed of vehicles travelling through the junction.

Members asked that the installations be reviewed and monitored as to their effectiveness.

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 installation of Vehicle Activated Signs in these locations be monitored, and their effectiveness be reported to a future meeting.

(Councillor Hall left the meeting for consideration of the following item.)

Schemes and Partnerships Manager to report.

-        to consider traffic flows around Clifton following concerns from some residents.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Schemes and Partnerships Manager, relating to the receipt of a petition from residents on Walker Lane, Clifton, expressing concern about vehicles “rat-running” on the road.

Reference was also made to the Wharncliffe Street/Doncaster Road crossroads, and to claims of a significant increase in the volume of traffic on Middle Lane following changes to the traffic signals at the Clifton Lane junction.

It was reported that in order to respond to these concerns several manual traffic surveys had been carried out, specifically at the following junctions:-

-                      Walker Lane/Wharncliffe Street & St. Ann’s Road (Appendix 1 to the report)

-                      Doncaster Road/Clifton Lane Wharncliffe Street junction (Appendix 2)

-                      Doncaster Road/St. Ann’s Road (Appendix 3)

-                      Doncaster Road/Middle Lane (Appendix 4)

The Schemes and Partnerships Manager highlighted the findings and where possible made comparisons with the results of surveys carried out in 1999.

In the light of the survey results regarding Walker Lane Members considered a proposal to close Walker Lane at its junction with Wharncliffe Street, and for a turning head to be provided.

It was reported that the findings of the survey indicated that the junction of Doncaster Road/Clifton Lane/Wharncliffe Street was operating satisfactorily.

Resolved:-  (1)  That Walker Lane be closed by Traffic Regulation Order at its junction with Wharncliffe Street and a turning head be provided.

(2)  That detailed design and implementation of the Walker Lane closure be undertaken in 2005/2006.

(3)  That the signalised Doncaster Road/Wharncliffe Street junction remains in its current configuration.

(Councillor Hall rejoined the meeting at the conclusion of the above item.)

Schemes and Partnerships Manager to report.

-        to report proposal to construct pedestrian crossing point and associated works.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Schemes and Partnerships Manager, relating to the result of an assessment into the provision of a pedestrian crossing point on Whitehill Lane, Brinsworth, close to Whitehill Road.

The proposal was illustrated on Drawing No.  129/ML/SK/Brin/01 appended to the report.  It was pointed out that as part of the scheme it was proposed to provide a lay by on Mendip Rise to replace a short section of existing parking that would be lost.  The Chairman stated that following a site visit it was considered that the whole of the area to the rear of the Police Station ought to be covered with tarmac for parking purposes.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the proposal, including the provision of an area of tarmac to the rear of the Police Station, be approved and the necessary consultations be undertaken.

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

(3)  That the scheme be funded from the Local Transport Capital Programme for 2005/2006.

Schemes and Partnerships Manager to report.

-        to report on the provision of marked on carriageway route as part of wheelchair friendly trail.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Schemes and Partnerships Manager, relating to a proposal to construct an on road walking route as part of plans by the Public Rights of Way Team to develop a wheelchair friendly trail at Ulley reservoir.

The proposal, which included a marked pedestrian way across the viaduct, together with signs and minor verge works, was illustrated on Drawing No.  ML 09/11/04NTS.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the proposal be approved and the necessary consultations be undertaken.

(2)  That detailed design 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 Integrated Transport Capital Programme 2005/2006.

Transportation Unit Manager to report.

-           to receive and note the feasibility study.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Transportation Unit Manager, outlining the results of a feasibility study into potential improvements to Grange Lane, Templeborough.

Members were advised that the study was carried out under the Rotherham to Sheffield QBC programme to address capacity issues at Junction 34(S), and to explore the potential for improving air quality on Bawtry Road by redirecting HGV traffic in particular.

It was noted that a full scheme and a lower cost option had been explored (the Executive Summary being appended to the report now submitted) and the Transportation Unit Manager appraised Members of the costs, benefits and drawbacks associated with each scheme.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the conclusion of the study be noted, there being no transport economic case for the improvement of Grange Lane, Templeborough at the moment.

(2)  That the release of the report to relevant interested parties in the areas concerned be approved.

Transportation Unit Manager and Partnership Officer to report.

-           to offer qualified support for a new road scheme in Doncaster.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Transportation Unit Manager, relating to receipt of a request from the Coalfields Community Campaign asking for Rotherham’s views on the Finningley and Rossington Regeneration Route Scheme (FARRRS) in Doncaster.

The report provided Members with background information about the Scheme, and the Transportation Unit Manager highlighted the benefits of the road scheme.

It was, however, pointed out that the Local Development Framework process in Doncaster to ascertain and confirm the need for expansion of development in the south east of Doncaster and in the vicinity of the airport had not yet been concluded.  Also the South Yorkshire Local Transport Plan “Annex E” process and prioritisation for ‘major’ schemes had not been completed.

It was therefore proposed that, in the light of the uncertainties relating to FARRRS and the need for future information about the impact of the road scheme, there was a need to qualify Rotherham’s position.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the Coalfields Communities Campaign be informed that the Council offers its qualified support to FARRRS for the reasons stated in the report now submitted.

(2)  That a copy of the report be provided for Councillor S. Wright, as Rotherham’s representative on the Coalfield Communities Campaign.

Streetpride Principal Network Engineer to report.

-        to consider bin relocation as requested by residents to reduce problems of nuisance behaviour.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Schemes and Partnerships Manager, relating to the receipt of a petition from residents requesting the relocation of a salt bin due to problems of nuisance from youths.

It was reported that the residents had suggested an alternative site for the relocation of the bin and that in the light of this the bin had already been relocated.

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

(2)  That the relocation of the bin be confirmed and petitioners informed accordingly.

Schemes and Partnerships Manager to report.

-                to report objections to the proposed relocation of a bus stop.

(Three members of the public and Councillor Nuttall attended for consideration of this item.)

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Schemes and Partnerships Manager, relating to the receipt of objections to the proposed relocation of a bus stop on Union Street, Harthill.

A plan illustrating the proposed site for the relocation of the bus stop, with annotated comments and cross section of the proposed footway was appended to the report (Drawing No.  129/U90.1).

Councillor Nuttall, at the invitation of the Chairman, referred to:-

-                   previous location of this bus stop

-                   health and safety issues

-                   letter from the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive supporting the objections to the moving of the bus stop (April 2004)

-                   issues regarding the raised path for elderly, disabled and people using wheelchairs

-                   parking issues and the visibility line

-                   possible solution by removing the bus box

In response the Schemes and Partnerships Manager reported that an EMail had been received from the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive on 28^th February, 2005, giving support to the relocation of the bus stop to the proposed new location outside Nos. 100/102 Union Street.  It was also pointed out that the issues concerning the slope of the footpath were not significantly different to those at other bus stop locations.

The members of the public, at the invitation of the Chairman, made the following comments:-

-                   current users and usage of the Post Office

-                   parking and congestion, particularly on school days

-                   deliveries

-                   accident statistics

-                   close proximity of the current bus stop to the roundabout and the speed of approaching traffic

-                   problems with the bus box

-                   provision of litter bins

-                   provision of bus shelter

-                   safe handling of passengers

The Chairman reported that he had visited the location independently and supported the proposed relocation.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the objections to the relocation of the bus stop on Union Street, Harthill, be not acceded to.

(2)  That support for the scheme be reiterated.

(3)  That the issues now raised concerning the slope on the footpath be re-examined.

(The Chairman authorised consideration of the following items in order to progress the matters referred to.)

Consideration was given to attendance at the following:-

(1)   CLES Annual Conference - Connecting Regeneration - 30th & 31st March, 2005, Salford

Resolved:-  That the conference be not attended.

(2)        Planning Compensation – April, 2005

Resolved:-  That the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Planning Board be authorised to attend.

The Schemes and Partnerships Manager presented a report relating to receipt of a petition regarding air pollution and traffic congestion around Davian’s Fish and Chip shop.

It was reported that the environmental issue had been referred to the appropriate Service Area, and that the illegal parking in this vicinity had been referred to South Yorkshire Police to investigate.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the report be received and the request to South Yorkshire Police to investigate illegal parking be noted.

(2)  That the Secretary of the Clifton Community Partnership and Councillor Wootton be informed accordingly.

(3)  That the Cabinet Member for Housing and Environmental Services be informed of the action taken with regard to the issue of traffic congestion.

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.

Project Officer and Programmes Officer to report.

-           to request that the CERB approval remains in place.

(Exempt under Paragraph 5 of the Act – information relates to financial assistance provided by the Council)

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Economic Strategy Officer, relating to the CERB spending profile of the Moorgate Crofts project.

It was noted that the CERB allocation met the match funding requirements of the External Funding Approvals and that the external funding needed to be accessed first.  Therefore the CERB allocation needed to remain in place until the project was financially secured.

Members therefore considered that the CERB funding be allocated for spend in the 2005/2006 financial year.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the position on CERB expenditure be noted.

(2)  That the £225,000 capital approval remains in place to be spent in 2005/2006 financial year against the Moorgate Crofts Redevelopment.

(Exempt under Paragraph 5 of the Act – report related to provision of financial assistance)

Economic Strategy Manager to report.

-           to consider Council’s future role in the project.

(Exempt under Paragraph 9 of the Act – information relates to potential negotiations regarding the acquisition of assets)

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Economic Strategy Manager, outlining the development of the React Project and the Council’s involvement in this.

A brief background to the project was given and reference was made to the changed role of the React Project.

Members considered four options with regard to the Council’s future role in the project.  The advantages and disadvantages of each option were explained and an assessment summary was appended to the report.

Members referred to RCAT’s previous involvement, and also to possible claw back.

Resolved:-  (1)  That support be given to the suggestion that the Council resigns from the React Joint Venture Company, and the Cabinet Member for Economic and Development Services and the Executive Director for Economic and Development Services resign as Directors, and the matter be considered by the Cabinet.

(2)  That provisional approval be given to Option 4 and officers pursue negotiations with the relevant parties regarding buying out Rotherham Chamber’s equitable interest in Reresby House (Option 4), including negotiating with Government Office regarding potential claw back.

(3)  That a further report be submitted to a future meeting of the Cabinet Member and Advisors for Economic and Development Services.

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

Schemes and Partnerships Manager to report.

-           to request suspension of Standing Order 35(2).

(Exempt under Paragraph 8 of the Act – information relates to provision of goods of services)

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Schemes and Partnerships Manager,  relating to a proposal to purchase a Traffic Controls Remote Monitoring System for new traffic signal installations.

Consideration was requested that the contract be exempted from the provisions of Standing Order 35(1) in view of there being only two specialist suppliers of this equipment in the UK.

It was reported that two quotations had been obtained and assessed and together with comments from other local authorities and Siemens was identified as the preferred supplier.

In addition both the Head of Legal Services and the Head of Financial Services were in agreement with the request.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the contract for the purchase of a traffic control Remote Monitoring System be exempted from the provisions of Standing Order No. 35(1).

(2)  That the Siemens Traffic Controls Remote Monitoring System be purchased, installed and commissioned.

(3)  That the purchase of the system be completed in the current financial year 2004/2005.

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