Agenda and minutes

Resolved:-  That the action of the Cabinet Member in opening the following tenders on 3^rd January, 2007 be recorded:-

-           Floor Covering

Partnership Implementation Officer to report.

-           to establish ownership of the route of the gas main diversion.

Further to Minute No. 235 of the meeting of the Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Development Services held on 22^nd March, 2006, consideration was given to a report, presented by the Partnership Implementation Officer, which set out progress to date of the Templeborough to Rotherham Flood Alleviation Scheme (TRFAS).

Consideration was also requested for authority to pursue a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) to facilitate the acquisition of interest and rights needed to provide the preferred diversion alignment for the DOGSTAR gas main (part of the implementation of the TRFAS).

A plan attached to the report illustrated the land required.  It was reported that the preferred alignment was a cart track to the north side of the freight rail line at Centenary Riverside area.

It was noted that enquiries and searches to date had been unable to clarify ownership of this track, thus a request was being made for the making of a CPO in order to provide a wayleave for the gas main diversion for Corus.

The approval was needed to ensure the successful delivery of this key stage of the Rotherham Renaissance and the wider regeneration objectives of economic, social and environmental benefits which it will deliver to the Borough.

Resolved:-  (1)  That approval be given to the making of a Compulsory Purchase Order pursuant to the provisions of Section 226(1)(a) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990(“TCPA”) (as amended by the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004) and having regard to the Human Rights Act 1998. Such Order to be entitled “Rotherham Borough Council (Templeborough to Rotherham Flood Alleviation Scheme – Cart Track) Compulsory Purchase Order 2007” and to authorise the acquisition of land and interests shown edged red on the plan attached as Appendix 1 to the report now submitted.

(2) That, if the landowner of the Cart Track is identified during the course of the CPO, the Council pursue the said acquisition of land and interests by agreement at the same time as continuing with the promotion of the CPO in case such agreement cannot be reached.

(3) That the Head of Legal and Democratic Services be authorised to affix the common seal of the Council to the said Compulsory Purchase Order.

(4) That the Head of Legal and Democratic Services submit the said Order to the Secretary of State for confirmation.

(5)  That, if the Cart Track is compulsorily acquired, the Council pay the compensation either to the Landowner (if known) or into Court in accordance with s5(3) and Schedule 2 Compulsory Purchase Act 1965.

Major Applications, Minerals and Waste Manager, to report.

-           to consider bids from Treeton and Orgreave Parish Councils.

Further to Minute No. 191 of the meeting of the Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Development Services held on 21^st February, 2005, consideration was given to a report, presented by the Major Applications, Minerals and Waste Manager, relating to requests received for funding from the Orgreave Community Fund submitted by Treeton and Orgreave Parish Councils.

Details of the bids for funding were set out in the report.  It was noted that the majority of the bids were for funding to extend previously approved schemes.

The report also included the current position of the fund, and details of previous bids and allocations made.

Resolved:-  (1)  That £15,000 be released to Treeton Parish Council comprising a further contribution to the funding of a Community Capacity Officer (£10,000) and for fencing works at Washfield Lane playing fields (£5,000).

(2)  That £27,100 be released to Orgreave Parish Council for various projects which form part of a scheme of environmental improvements throughout the Parish.

Principal Highway Engineer to report.

-           to report on the details proposed for ‘Gateway’ Improvements in Swinton for this financial year 2006/7 and so seek approval to proceed with the works subject to Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder (HMRP) funding being made available.

Further to Minute No. 165 of the meeting of the Regeneration and Asset Board held on 17^th May, 2006, consideration was given to a report, presented by the Principal Highway Engineer, which set out details of proposed ‘Gateway’ improvements in Swinton for 2006/2007, funded by the Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder.

It was reported that the proposed works would be on, or adjacent to, the A6022.  The proposed works in the four identified locations consisted primarily of new tarmac surfacing and ‘Tegular’ block paved edge to the public footway, together with repair works to kerbs and other miscellaneous repair type works.

The locations included:-

-                      Rookery Road

-                      Broomville Street (it was reported that the HMRP Pathfinder Steering Group had not yet approved this proposal due to a planning application having been submitted)

-                      Bridge Street car park

-                      South side of Bridge Street/Rowms Lane (near to New Station Road and Talbot Road)

Resolved:-  That approval be given for the works in Swinton (on or adjacent to the A6022 at Rookery Road, Broomville Street and New Station Road/Talbot Road) forming part of the ‘Gateway’ Improvement Plan for 2006/7 to be implemented, subject to HMRP funding being made available.

Network Manager to report.

-           to inform Members of a proposal to change the arrangements for procuring sponsorship on roundabouts etc.

This item was withdrawn for further information from Legal Services.

Transportation Unit Manager to report.

-      to report the receipt of an objection relating to the proposed pedestrian walkway along Manor Road Bridge, Kiveton Park Station.

Further to Minute No. 82 of the meeting of the Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Development Services held on 4^th September, 2006, consideration was given to a report, presented by the Transportation Unit Manager, relating to the receipt of an objection to the proposal to create a pedestrian walkway along Manor RoadBridge at Kiveton Park Station.

Details of the objection were set out in the report.

An outline of the proposed works was given, and a detailed plan was appended to the report.  Reference was made to the width of colour carriageway to be provided for pedestrian facilities.  It was pointed out that the proposal would still allow large vehicles use of the full width of the bridge, whilst improving facilities for walkers and cyclists crossing the bridge.

It was pointed out that the proposal was in line with the Local Transport Plan objectives for improving road safety, particularly vulnerable road users, e.g. pedestrians, and funding was available from the Local Transport Plan Integrated Transport Programme for 2006/2007.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the objection to the installation of a pedestrian walkway along Manor RoadBridge at Kiveton Park Station be not acceded to.

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

(3)  That Wales Parish Council be informed of the above decisions together with the reasons.

Transportation Unit Manager to report.

-      to consider a proposal to provide a number of flashing amber warning lights on the approach to school crossing patrol sites throughout the borough.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Transportation Unit Manager, relating to a proposal to provide a number of flashing amber warning lights on the approach to school crossing patrol sites throughout the borough.  It was reported that the request to investigate the existing provision had arisen out of the Facility Services’ duty of care.

It was explained that the proposal would be in line with the Department of Transport guidelines as set out in the Traffic Signs Manual Chapter 4 regulations.  An outline of the guidelines and assessment criteria was given by the Transportation Unit Manager.

It was reported that all current school crossing patrol sites were currently being investigated, and that it was expected that between 15 and 20 sites would meet the guidelines for the provision of flashing amber warning lights.

The estimated costs, together with proposed funding from the 2006/2007 Local Transport Plan Integrated Transport Programme, were set out in the report.

It was pointed out that the proposal was in line with the objectives set out in the 2^nd South Yorkshire Local Transport Plan, and associated Road Safety Strategy.

The Director of Asset Management explained the recent incorporation of the Schools Crossing patrols into his Department, and outlined the training now provided, together with uniforms.  Reference was made recruitment difficulties, driver abuse and occasional assaults.

Resolved:-  (1)  That steps be taken to ensure that the site assessment criteria is clearly set out and the necessary consultations be undertaken regarding the proposed scheme.

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

(3) That the scheme be funded from the Local Transport Plan Integrated Transport Programme for 2006/07.

Transportation Unit Manager to report.

-      to consider a proposal to provide a pedestrian refuge to assist pedestrians to cross Broom Lane, Broom.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Transportation Unit Manager, relating to a proposal to provide a pedestrian refuge to assist pedestrians to cross Broom Lane (in the vicinity of Ledsham Road).

The proposal was illustrated on the accompanying plan (Drawing No.126/5E1/A).

It was explained that the proposal had arisen from observations of pedestrians using the existing centre hatchings as a half way point to cross Broom Lane.  The proposed scheme would provide a pedestrian refuge and dropped kerbs to improve the safety with which pedestrians, and people with mobility impairment, cross the road.

It was reported that funding was available from the Local Transport Plan Integrated Transport Programme for 2007/2008.

It was noted that consultation had already been carried out with the Police, Local Ward Members and the Passenger Transport Executive and no objections had been received.  It was proposed therefore to now consult with local residents.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the necessary consultations be undertaken regarding the proposed scheme and local Ward Members be informed of the outcome.

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

(3) That the scheme be funded from the Local Transport Plan Integrated Transport Programme for 2007/08.

Countryside Planning Assistant to report.

-           to report the progress towards agreed work outputs of the South Yorkshire Forest Partnership so far this financial year.

Further to Minutes Nos. 243 and 120 of meetings of the Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Development Services held on 3^rd April, and 16^th October, 2006 respectively, consideration was given to a report, presented by the Countryside Planning Assistant, relating to the South Yorkshire Forest Partnership outputs for 2006/2007.

The Appendix to the report detailed the progress made against service delivery elements set out for the SYFP for 2006/2007.

It was pointed out that the results indicated that the South Yorkshire Forest Partnership was delivering significant benefits to the Council in return for its financial contribution.  The Director of Planning and Transportation reported that as the original five year Memorandum of Agreement had now lapsed, and due to the financial positions of the respective Councils who were members of the Partnership, it was proposed to review financial contributions on an annual basis.  Reference was made to the possible future re-shaping of the Partnership.

It was also noted that the SYFP was working closely with Forward Planning and contributing to the production of the Local Development Framework.  Also the activities of the Partnership were contributing to urban regeneration, woodland planting, wood fuel, education and community involvement and engagement.

It was reported that an all Members seminar had been arranged for 13^th March, 2007 to raise awareness of the wider activities of the Partnership.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the content of the South Yorkshire Forest Partnership Service Delivery 2006/2007 Progress Report be noted.

(2)                 That the arrangements for an all Member Seminar to raise awareness and share the benefits to Rotherham of the South Yorkshire Forest Partnership be noted.

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

Principal Traffic Officer to report.

-           to consider the objections received.

Further to Minute No. 170 of the meeting of the Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Development Services held on 18^th December, 2006, consideration was given to a report, presented by the Transportation Unit Manager, setting out the result of further consultation and a site visit to Brook Hill, Thorpe Hesley.

An aerial photograph of the area was provided at the meeting for reference.

It was confirmed that there had been no objections from either of the properties likely to be most affected by the proposal to create a designated Disabled Persons Parking Place on Brook Hill.

Reference was made to:-

-                      The width of the B6086 road at this location

-                      Parking space available for residents and visitors

-                      Pedestrian access to the school and location of the school crossing

-                      Volume and type of traffic using the road

The Director of Planning and Transportation confirmed that the case was genuine and that the “no waiting” restrictions were being enforced resulting in the disabled person being served with parking tickets.

Resolved:-   (1)  That the previous objections (as referred to in Minute No. 170 of 18^th December, 2006) be not acceded to.

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

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

Further to Minute No. 146 of the meeting of the Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Development Services held on 13^th November, 2006, consideration was given to a letter, received from the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive, in respect of service changes in the Flanderwell and Bramley areas, with effect from 28^th January, 2007.

Resolved:-  That the contents of the letter be noted.

Consideration was given to correspondence received in respect of training workshops for councillors in respect of:-

-                      Making the most of Scrutiny – 6^th March, 2007 - Manchester (or 16^th October, 2007 – London)

-                      Leisure, culture and the arts: an Executive Briefing – 16^th March, 2007 – London (or 8^th November, 2007 – York)

-                      Regeneration: an Executive Briefing – 16^th March, 2007 – London (or 20^th September, 2007 – Manchester)

-                      Sustainability and Sustainable Development:  an Executive Briefing – 24^th April, 2007 – York (or 21^st November, 2007 – Bristol)

Resolved:-  That the information be made available for interested members.

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 (as amended March 2006).

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 Paragraph 3 of Part I of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Council).

Director, Asset Management to report.

-           to consider the method of dealing with the assessments of National Non Domestic Rating assessments of properties for which the Council has payment responsibility.

(Exempt under Paragraph 3 of the Act - information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular individual (including the Council)

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Director of Asset Management, setting out a proposed method of dealing with the assessments of National Non Domestic Rating assessments of properties for which the Council has payment responsibility.

Consideration was given to three options, which were detailed in the report.

Reference was made to the preferred method of dealing with these assessments and to previous savings made.

It was confirmed that the Head of Legal Services and the Strategic Director of Finance were satisfied with the proposal in that it would discharge the Council’s fiduciary duty to act in the best interest of the council tax payer and the community.

The detail of the report was commended.

Resolved:-  That approval be given to the appointment of Gerald Eve, Rating Consultants, in respect of Council properties on the 2005 Rating List, by way of exemption from Standing Order 44 (contracts valued at £50,000 or more).

Programmes Manager to report.

-           to report the mid year 2006 monitoring position of the fund.

(Exempt under Paragraph 3 of the Act - information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular individual (including the Council)

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Programmes Manager, detailing the mid year position of the Rotherham Economic Regeneration Fund (RERF).

It was reported in summary that the fund was showing spend behind original profile against all funding sources, and that this situation was reflected in the  achievements against the planned outputs.

Activity on individual projects was detailed in the Appendix to the report, together with the specific projects which were identified.

It was reported that the Knowledge Diffusion project was changing the way it was being delivered, which was now via ASD Lighting, Keepmoat/Bramall Construction/Rotherham Chamber/Jobsmatch with Sheffield HallamUniversity.

Reference was made to the situation with Brampton Business Centre, and it was noted that the Regeneration and Asset Board had requested a full report.

Resolved:-  That the report be noted.

-           to receive the notes and consider the recommendation

(Exempt under Paragraph 2 – information which is likely to reveal the identity of an individual)

Consideration was given to the notes of a Stage 3 Complaint Panel held on 10^thJanuary, 2007.

Attention was drawn to the recommendation of the Panel that a compensation payment be made to the Complainant.

Resolved:-  (1) That the notes of the discussion and decisions of the Panel be received.

(2)               That the Director of Planning and Transportation Service arranges for the recommended compensation payment to be made to the Complainant.

(The Cabinet Member authorised consideration of the following urgent item in order for the necessary works to be undertaken)

Consideration was given to a report in respect of urgent repair work to the green roof system at Moorgate Crofts Business Centre.

Resolved:-  That a further report be submitted for consideration by the Cabinet Member.