Agenda and minutes

Please note that a copy of the Action Plan is provided separately for Members.

Consideration was given to the minutes of the meeting of the Town Centre Management Group held on 5^th February, 2007.

Resolved:-  That the minutes be received.

-           to note the minutes and emerging issues.

Consideration was given to the minutes of the meeting of the Local Development Framework Members’ Steering Group held on 23^rd February, 2007.

Resolved:-  That the minutes of the above meeting be noted.

-           to receive the petition.

Consideration was given to a report relating to the receipt of a petition from residents in the Aughton area in respect of road safety issues.

The Transportation Unit Manager explained the background to the on-going works in this area.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the petition be acknowledged and receipt of the petition be noted.

(2)  That the Transportation Unit Manager investigate the issues raised with a view to a further report being submitted for consideration at the 2^nd April, 2007 meeting of the Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Development Services.

-           to receive the petition.

Further to Minutes Nos.  12  and 33 of meetings of the Cabinet Member for Economic and Development Services held on 2^nd June, 2003 and 4^th July, 2005 respectively, consideration was given to a report, presented by the Transportation Unit Manager, relating to the receipt of a petition containing one hundred and ten names, together with related photographs, from residents in the Maltby area in respect of the traffic island which has been installed on Grange Lane, Maltby.  It was pointed out that the scheme was part of the Maltby Sector Concept Plan.

The Transportation Unit Manager reported that the petition requested that the pedestrian island under construction outside No. 60/62 be removed as the petitioners considered that the location was dangerous.

However, it was reported that the 85%ile speed of vehicles on this road was in excess of the 30 mph speed limit.  It was also reported that there was a large amount of pedestrian activity in this area.  Reference was made to the original scheme, and consultation, and to analysis of accident statistics for this location.

It was pointed out that if the pedestrian island was not constructed then an uncontrolled crossing point for pedestrians would be removed and the possibility of vehicles performing an overtaking manoeuvre along this section of road would remain.  The scheme was in line with objectives set out in the South Yorkshire Local Transport Plan for improving road safety and providing facilities for vulnerable road users and pedestrians.

The Cabinet Member stated that he had made two visits to this location to view the scheme.

For the above reasons the following decisions were made:-

Resolved:-  (1)  That the petition requesting the removal of the traffic island from the scheme be not acceded to.

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

(3)      That the any objections to the construction of the pedestrian island, received following consultation with the Local Ward and Parish Councillors, will be reported to a future meeting.

(Councillor Robinson declared an interest in the above item being a member of Maltby Town Council and being involved in the original Maltby Concept Plan.)

Assistant Town Centre Manager to report.

-           to report on the year’s programme for Town Centre events.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Assistant Town Centre Manager, relating to proposed town centre events to be held in 2007/2008.

The report highlighted the key benefits of the events to the Town Centre and to the wider community.

Key factors against which events could be benchmarked and prioritised were set out in the report.

Reference was made to the teams within the Directorate which contributed to the events programme, and also to the role of Rotherham Renaissance PR and Marketing Group.

The following events, which were a mix of established and new events, were highlighted:-

• Festival Market
• Rotherham Walking Festival
• Rotherham by the Sea
• 800^th Anniversary of the Royal Markets Charter
• Farmers’ Market
• Bollywood
• Further Big Screen Events:-  e.g. Royal Opera House productions;  sporting events
• Rotherham in Bloom
• Rotherham Show
• Christmas activities:-  Switch-on;  Aviemore Reindeer; Santa’s Grotto: Access to Shopping; Christmas Craft and Collectables Market; Live Festive Entertainment

Members commented on the need for more input from retailers and for national sponsorship.

Resolved:-  That the programme of events, detailed in the appendix to the report, be supported.

Streetpride Principal Network Engineer to report.

-        to summarise Rotherham’s performance in providing street lighting, highway maintenance, winter maintenance and street cleansing services.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Principal Network Engineer, which summarised Rotherham’s performance in providing Street Lighting, Highway Maintenance, Winter Maintenance and Street Cleansing Services during 2005/2006 compared to a number of comparable local authorities.

It was noted that the overall performance was good.

The following aspects were highlighted:-

Re:-  Street Lighting Services:-

• The % of orders completed by the electricity supplier under a Service Level Agreement, which was now much higher than in other areas.

Re:-  Highway Maintenance Services:-

• Number of defects identified – it was explained that the Services’ inspection regime was particularly rigorous.

• Third Party claims – this measure was being re-examined as currently authorities calculated output in different ways.

Re:-  Winter Maintenance Services:-

• It was reported that it was difficult to draw comparisons in this Service due to different geographical influences.  Reference was made to the time to complete salting treatments and recent decisions made in respect of the way the service was delivered.

Re:  Street Cleansing Services:-

• Reference was made to the APSE Performance Networks Awards 2006 when the Council was recognised as the overall best performer.

Resolved:-  That the survey results, together with Rotherham’s performance on street cleansing as the best performer in the country, be noted.

Planner to report.

-        to consider the policies and requirements of the PPS and discuss the implications.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Local Development Framework (LDF) Manager, relating to the publication of Planning Policy Statement 3 (PPS3): Housing, which would replace Planning Policy Guidance Note 3.

The general implications and new requirements in PPS3, together with its implications for the LDF production, the planning function, development control and delivery of housing objectives and targets, were detailed in the report.

It was pointed out that the mechanisms required to meet the requirements of PPS3 were complex and would require completion of the following two key pieces of work, for which further detailed guidance was awaited from Government:-

• The Strategic Residential Land Availability Assessment
• The Strategic Housing Market Assessment

In relation to the above reference was made to:-

• The commissioning of Fordham Associates to look at the mix of housing type to inform the LDF housing work
• Production of an interim Planning Statement on Affordable Housing
• Delivery of a 5 year rolling programme of housing supply and demonstration of a further 10 year’s worth
• The need to take note of the Regional Spatial Strategy and the implications of Sheffield’s housing market
• Issues of asset management
• Prioritisation of previously developed land
• Brownfield/Greenfield issues
• Planning Delivery Grant – use of and re-naming of
• Affordable vs. prestigious housing

Resolved:-  That the contents of the report, and the implications of PPS3, be noted.

Network Regulation Engineer to report.

-        to propose an increase in long term parking charges, but to maintain the current charges for short term parking.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Network Regulation Engineer, detailing a proposal to increase long term parking charges to help maintain the economic operation and infrastructure of the car parks, and to actively support Local Transport Plan targets and objectives in terms of parking.   The proposals were also aimed at helping to support town centre businesses, promote regeneration and economic growth.

Accordingly it was proposed that short term parking tariffs would remain at their present level, and it was also pointed out that the extension of the Controlled Parking Zone would also favour short term parking.  The increase would contribute to the cost of improving the car parking infrastructure overall.

Reference was made to recent publicity supporting short stay car parking as opposed to long stay, in order to help boost the economy of the town.

Resolved:-  That the proposed charges, detailed in the report submitted, be approved and implemented with effect from 1^st April, 2007.

Transportation Unit Manager to report.

-        to consider the proposal to provide a layby on Steadfolds Lane, Thurcroft.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Transportation Unit Manager, detailing a proposal to provide a lay-by on Steadfolds Lane, Thurcroft (illustrated on Drawing No.  126/10/A attached to the report).

It was pointed out that the lay-by was proposed to complement the recently completed, and well used, Thurcroft Trail on the old colliery railway and would provide a parking area for those using the trail.  It was noted that the lay-by would be of particular benefit to disabled users by providing a smooth surface for them to park on to access the trail.

The cost would be met from the Local Transport Plan Integrated Transport Programme for 2007/2008.

Resolved:-  (1)  That 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 2007/08.

-        to consider attendance.

Consideration was given to attendance at the following:-

CIWM 2007 Exhibition:  12 – 14^th June, Paignton

Resolved:--  (1)  That approval be given for the attendance of two Councillors (noting the difference in cost for a delegate and for a visitor).

The Emergency Planning Society – Annual Conference – 18^th – 19^th June, 2007 – Torquay

Resolved:-  (2)  That approval be given for the attendance of two Councillors.

The following items are 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 the 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 items of business on the grounds that they involve 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) (information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular individual, including the Council)).

Business Development Manager to report.

-        to review the role for the Brampton Business Centre within the Business Incubation Strategy and the implications this has on future lease arrangements.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Business Development Manager, RIDO, relating to a review of the role for the Brampton Business Centre within the context of the Council’s Business Incubation Strategy and the implications this would have on the future lease arrangements.

Details of the background to this issue were reported with particular reference to:-

• The progress in negotiations with the George Ellis Trust
• New lease arrangements
• Options analysis

Consideration was given to the two Options identified in the report., noting the need to balance the current and future needs of tenants with the cost to the Council and the impact on the Council’s reputation in the area of business incubation. 

Resolved:-  (1)  That the Director of RiDO seek to agree a new lease expiring on 31 March 2009 (3 years from the date of expiry of the existing lease).

(2)  That support be given to the tenants of the Business Centre to facilitate relocation to suitable alternative premises, including other Business Centres and commercial property.

(3)  That a meeting be arranged with existing tenants to ensure they are fully informed of the future proposals for the Centre.

(4)  That the financial implications of a managed exit from the Brampton Centre be noted.

(5)  That the report be referred to the Regeneration and Asset Board as requested under Minute No. 62  of the Regeneration and Asset Board held on 18th October, 2006.

Parking Services Manager to report.

-        to note the report and confirm cancellation of an non-compliant Penalty Charge Notices.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Network Regulation Engineer, relating to the outcome of a recent Judicial Review in respect of Penalty Charge Notices issued by local authorities under Decriminalised Parking Enforcement.

It was reported that the content of some notices has been ruled as non-compliant with the Road Traffic Act 1991 in that they did not contain information in respect of both the time the offence happened and the time the ticket was issued.

The Cabinet Member was advised that currently the Council was following the findings of the Judicial Review and advice from the DfT, together with further advice from the Council’s own Legal Services.

Reference was made to the number of outstanding cases which required cancellation as a result of this judgement.

The financial implications for the Council were detailed in the report.

For the above reasons the following decisions were made:-

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

(2)  That confirmation be given for any non-compliant Penalty Charge Notices to be cancelled in accordance with the legal advice contained within the report now submitted.