Agenda and minutes

Transportation Unit Manager to report.

-           to increase public awareness about the dangers of speeding.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Transportation Unit Manager, relating to a proposal to increase public awareness, particularly amongst younger drivers, about the dangers of driving at inappropriate speed.

It was explained that it was proposed to carry out an advertising campaign by attaching information posters to lighting columns in areas frequented by young drivers on a regular basis, such as bars and nightclubs.

Examples of the ‘hard-hitting’ messages to be used on the posters were included with the report.

Reference was made to the national figures re: number of people killed on Britain’s roads and the number who were seriously injured every year.  It was pointed out that of the casualties a disproportionate number involved the 17 to 25 year age group.  In addition it was reported that in Rotherham during the last 3 years this age group had accounted for 16 fatalities, 125 serious injuries and 1,295 slight injuries – which was 40% of the total number of people killed and seriously injured in collisions and that this age group formed 9.6% of the population of Rotherham.

It was also proposed to roll out the campaign to target residential streets and to repeat the campaign three times a year, starting in February 2007 with “For my Valentine”.  The campaign would also tie in with the Yorkshire and Humberside Road Safety Campaigns for 2007.

Resolved:-  (1)  That approval be given for the poster campaign to be undertaken.

(2)  That the outcome of the campaign be reported to a future meeting of the Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Development Services.

Countryside and Rights of Way Officer to report.

-           to monitor report for 2006/2007.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Finance and Accountancy Manager, detailing the performance against budget for the Economic and Development Services Programme Area Revenue, Fee Billing and Trading resources for the period April to the end of October, 2006.

It was reported that as at the end of October the Programme Area was likely to achieve an underspend against its total net revenue budget.

Reference was made to the following:-

RiDO:-  current underspend due to receipt of funding from Transform South Yorkshire;  cost pressures re:  outdoor markets rental income.

Planning and Transportation:  identification of cost pressures re:  Land Charges.

Asset Management:-  projected underspend due to surplus from Rotherham Construction Partnership fee income;  increased utility prices and cleaning charges in office accommodation.

Streetpride:-  pressures re:  car parking budget;  ground maintenance.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the anticipated outturn position for the Economic & Development Services Programme Area Budgets as at end October 2006 be noted.

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

Area and Environmental Planning Team Leader to report.

-           to suggest a consultation response.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Area and Environmental Planning Team Leader, outlining a suggested response to a consultation by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on ‘Statutory Guidance for Natural England on Regional Planning and Associated Matters’.

It was explained that Natural England was a new body formed from an amalgamation of English Nature, parts of the Countryside Agency and DEFRA’s Rural Development Service.

It was proposed that Natural England work in partnership with the Environment Agency and the Forestry Commission to be a champion for the natural environment, and would be required to consult on Regional Spatial Strategies and on certain planning applications.  It was noted that the Secretary of State had a duty to provide guidance to Natural England “as to the exercise of any functions of Natural England that relate to, or affect, regional planning and associated matters”.

This current consultation related to the proposed draft guidance.

Reference was made to the importance of the continued involvement of Natural England in the production of the Local Development Framework, the related Sustainability Appraisal, determination of planning applications, biodiversity and natural environment issues.

Resolved:-  That the Borough Council’s response to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) consultation on ‘Statutory Guidance for Natural England on Regional Planning and Associated Matters’, as set out in section 7 of the report now submitted, be submitted, and stressing the desire for continued involvement of Natural England in the preparation of the Authority’s Local Development Framework and assistance in the determination of relevant planning applications to help secure the protection and enhancement of biodiversity.

Transportation Unit Manager to report.

-           to report the objection to the 40 mph limit and reasons why this has been promoted.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Transportation Unit Manager, relating to the receipt of an objection to the proposed introduction of a 40mph speed limit on the currently de-restricted section of Kiveton Lane, Todwick.  A plan illustrating the section of road under consideration was appended to the report.

It was reported that the objection was that the proposed 40mph was not low enough.  However it was supportive of efforts to achieve a reduction.

It was explained that the length of Kiveton Lane had few properties with direct frontages onto the road, and coupled with DFT guidance it was deemed that a 40mph limit was the most appropriate.

It was also pointed out that the proposed scheme included passive calming measures such as red surfacing and ‘dragon’s teeth’ markings, and that a Vehicle Activated Sign was already in place on the approach to Todwick.  It was suggested that a similar Vehicle Activated Sign be installed at the Kiveton end of this stretch of road.  However, in view of the cost it was proposed to implement the scheme, as now detailed, and to monitor its effect.

It was noted that the proposal was supported by South Yorkshire Police and the Safety Camera Partnership.

Reference was made to Minute No. 116  of the meeting of the Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Development Services held on 16^th October, 2006, relating to new DfT guidance on the review of speed limits on A and B roads.

Resolved:-  (1)  That, for the reasons given in the report now submitted, the objection be not acceded to.

(2)  That the objector be informed of the decision.

(3)                   That the Head of Legal and Democratic Services be authorised to make the Traffic Regulation Order, and that the Order be implemented.

(4)                   That the Transportation Unit Manager monitors the scheme once implemented and submit a report to a future meeting should the installation of a further Vehicle Activated Sign on the approach to Kiveton Park be deemed necessary.

Countryside and Rights of Way Officer to report.

-           to present the Rotherham Rights of Way Improvement Plan.

Further to Minute No. 163 of the meeting of the Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Development Services held on 9^th January, 2006, consideration was given to a report, presented by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act Officer, relating to the requirement under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 to publish a Rights of Way Improvement Plan by November, 2007, and which must be updated every ten years.

It was reported that the Draft Plan had been out to consultation during the period January to April 2006.

Details of responses, comments and suggestions received were set out in the report.

It was pointed out that the Rights of Way Improvement Plan had been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Rotherham Highway Asset Management Plan (HAMP), and further to Minute No. 66 of the meeting of the Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Development Services held on 31^st July, 2006, the report summarised the assessment and identification of gaps in service, together with recommendations for improvement and options for future service provision.

It was noted that there would be resource implications in the recommendations and that a paper had been prepared to bid for funding as part of the Medium Term Financial Strategy process.

Mr. John Harker, Chair of the Rotherham Local Access Forum, also attended the meeting, and gave a brief background to the legislation which set up local access forums, and to their role in helping local authorities to improve access to the countryside, in particular for persons with a disability. 

Reference was made to the Council’s vision and policies e.g. 

-                      Sustainability:- working towards a more integrated transport network

-                      Equalities and diversity:-  develop, protect and promote rights of way for recreation, exercise and access to local services

-                      improving and developing strategic links between communities and residential areas.

-                      Regeneration

-                      Links to the 2^nd South Yorkshire Local Transport Plan

It was pointed out that there were currently two vacant places on the Rotherham Local Access Forum available for Elected Members.

The work of the Council’s Rights of way team, and the Plan, were commended.

Those present referred to :-

-                      urban footways and alleyways and to the importance of these for local access, and to the need to be guided by regulations.

-                      use of paths and criteria on which closure requests were determined

-                      common lands

Resolved; (1) That approval be given to the publication of the Rotherham Rights of Way Improvement Plan.

(2)                           That the general recommendations for action, set out in the report, be agreed for incorporation within the HAMP and the Improvement Plan.

(3)                           That the Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Development Services seek appropriate Member representation to fill the two vacant places on the Rotherham Local Access Forum.

(4)    That the praise, now expressed by the Chair of the Rotherham Local Access Forum, for the work of the Rights of Way Team and for the preparation of the first Rights of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 156.

Transportation Unit Manager to report.

-           to outline the extents of the proposal and seek approval for detailed design and consultation.

Further to Minute No. 166 of the meeting of the Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Development Services held on 9^th January, 2006, consideration was given to a report, presented by the Transportation Unit Manager, detailing progress made with regard to an extension to the existing Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) and Residents’ Parking in and around the town centre.

Approval was requested to undertake further detailed consultation about the proposals and in respect of the necessary traffic regulations.

It was pointed out that five drawings detailing the proposals had been made available in the Members’ Room prior to, and these were also made available at the meeting re:-

·                    Town Centre extended parking zone                                      126/18/TT391

·                    Eastwood North residents parking zone                                126/18/TT414

·                    Eastwood South residents parking zone                                126/18/TT415

·                    Wellgate North residents parking zone                                 126/18/TT416

·                    Wellgate South residents parking zone                                 126/18/TT417

Details for each of the zones, together with hours of operation, charges and enforcement arrangements, were set out in the report.

It was explained that it was proposed to tackle the overall project and necessary consultation in phases, commencing with the Eastwood North and South zones, together with the changes to the controlled parking in the core town centre.

It was pointed out that in the extended town centre zone it was proposed to introduce a further 11 blue badge parking spaces located close to the central core of the town.  Reference was made to the provision of designated disabled parking spaces in the Residents’ parking schemes and it was explained that a process already existed in Social Services to deal with such requests.

Resolved:-  (1)  That approval be given for detailed consultation to be undertaken regarding the proposals as outlined in the report now submitted.

(2)  That the detailed design work be commenced.

(3)  That a further report identifying the results of the consultation exercises, costs and financing etc, and reviewing the proposed schemes, be submitted to a future meeting of the Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Development Services.

(4)                    That the report now submitted be referred to Regeneration and Asset Board for information.

(The Cabinet Member authorised consideration of the following item in order for places to be reserved.)

Consideration was given to attendance at the following seminar:-

APSE Seminar:  the Local Government White Paper – Strong and Prosperous Communities:  But what does it mean for Service Delivery? – 25^th January, 2007 – Manchester.

Resolved:-  That approval be given for the attendance of two Councillors.

The following item is likely to be considered in the absence of the press and public as being exempt under Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended March 2006) (information relates to financial or business affairs):-

Resolved:-  That, under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended March 2006) (business or financial affairs of any particular person (including the Council)).

Principal Network Engineer to report.

-           to outline work being undertaken to extend join highways procurement and seek approval for appropriate participation in future arrangements.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Network Principal Engineer, outlining work being carried out to extend joint procurement in the highways field in South Yorkshire.

It was reported that during the drafting of the 2^nd South Yorkshire Local Transport Plan a joint working group of maintenance officers (the Highways Special Interest Group) was set up to look at opportunities for joint working which might lead to improved service delivery, more efficient operation of the network and cost savings through economies of scale.

To date the group had identified the possibility of letting joint programmes for a variety of surface treatments, and consultation had already taken place with Calderdale MDC, who manage a similar joint contract on behalf of three local authorities.  It was pointed out that the work to prepare, let and manage such a contract would require arrangements for sharing the work, or the costs incurred by a lead authority, across all parties.  Thus the intention was to prepare a joint contract to be let for surface dressing for the 2007 season.

Reference was made to the present contract arrangements within Rotherham for the delivery of the surface dressing programme, and to the need to explore further the potential of this suggestion with the Contractor.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the work on joint procurement being undertaken by the South Yorkshire Special Highways Interest Group be supported.

(2)                   That where appropriate, and potentially beneficial financially, Rotherham seek to take advantage of joint procurement initiatives.

(3)        That, should any problems arise from the discussions with the present contractor, a further report be submitted to a future meeting of the Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Development Services.

(The Chairman authorised consideration of the following extra, urgent item, in order for the legal process to be commenced.)

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Schemes and Partnerships Manager, relating to an opportunity to purchase an area of land in respect of the above scheme in advance of the serving of the Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPO’s).  The area of land under consideration was illustrated on a plan which was made available at the meeting.

It was reported that the present owner wished to build a new boundary wall and had suggested negotiations with the Council to sell an area of land in advance of the serving of the CPO’s.  If this was concluded then the owner would build the new wall along the new boundary, as required by the scheme.

It was pointed out that this would minimising disruption to the land owner, adding to security during the works, and reduce the overall cost to the Authority.

Details of the cost of purchasing the land were set out in the report, together with the proposed funding source.

However, it pointed out that the Department for Transport (DfT) had confirmed entry status for the scheme and that the CPO was likely to be the subject of a Public Inquiry.  Also there was a slight risk that the Secretary of State would not confirm the scheme Order, or may amend the scheme boundary.  It was also noted that the scheme was subject to final approval from the DfT when the tendered scheme costs are available.

Resolved:-  That the Council enters into negotiation with the land owner and purchases the land required for the A57 improvement scheme.

(Exempt under Paragraphs 2 and 3 of the Act – identify of an individual/business and financial affairs of any particular person (including the Council)