Agenda and minutes

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

Resolved:-  That the minutes be received.

Consideration was given to the minutes of a meeting of the Cabinet Member and the Area Assembly Chairs and Vice-Chairs held on 7^th March, 2007, relating to the use of community buildings.

Resolved:-  That the minutes be received.

The following report was submitted:-

Tourism Panel

19th March, 2007

Assistant Development Control Manager to report.

-           to consider updating the scheme of delegation.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Assistant Development Control Manager, which set out proposed amendments to the Council’s Scheme of Delegation relating to the powers delegated to the Director of Planning and Transportation Service.

It was pointed out that the proposed changes were primarily those of clarification and would address some anomalies in the current scheme.

Particular reference was made to:-

• the proposed creation of  a new section for ‘Other Application Types’ to include e.g. Listed Building, variation of condition, tree felling applications which needed to be dealt with within a six weeks timeframe, including consultation.

• Applications for prior approval for telecommunications apparatus.

Members present expressed concern about applications for prior approval for telecommunications apparatus and the proposal that these applications, generating more than five objections, would not be considered by the Planning Board (as with other applications).  It was pointed out that the Planning Board currently met every two weeks, and that there should be sufficient time to get such applications to the Planning Board (perhaps under emergency powers).

Resolved:-  That, subject to the above concerns being noted, the proposed changes to the Scheme of Delegation be presented to the Planning Board, Cabinet and Council for approval, being a change to Council policy.

LTP Delivery Manager to report.

-           to outline the capital programme for 2007/2008.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Local Transport Plan (LTP) Delivery Manager, detailing the proposed LTP capital programme for 2007/2008, as part of the county-wide programme.

Reference was made to the specific allocations for Integrated Transport schemes and for Maintenance for 2007/2008.

Details of the following were also attached to the report:-

- Proposed Integrated Transport Programme – Appendix A

- Proposed Bridge Assessment and Strengthening Programme – Appendix B

- Proposed Structural Maintenance Programme – Appendix C

- Proposed Street Lighting Programme – Appendix D

Members made the comment that some schemes, upon implementation, were not the schemes Members thought had been agreed during the consultation process.  This had, on occasions, resulted in Members’ not being informed that amendments had been made to schemes as a result of the consultation.

Reference was also made to the funding for rural transport in the south of the Borough and the cessation of funding.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the specific allocations for Integrated Transport schemes and for Maintenance for 2007/08 be noted.

(b)        That the principle of the proposed programme, set out in the appendices, be agreed as the basis for detailed design and implementation during 2007/08.

Transportation Unit Manager to report.

-           to report receipt of the petition and the results of investigations.

Further to Minute No.  263 of the meeting of the Cabinet Member held on 2^nd February, 2004, and Minute No. 83 of the meeting held on 4^th September, 2006, consideration was given to a report, presented by the Transportation Unit Manager, relating to the receipt of, and results of an investigation into, a petition containing four hundred and eighty two signatures requesting improved road safety measures on the A618 Aughton Road and Main Street, Aughton.

Reference was made to the injury accident record at this location, together with two recent fatalities.

It was reported that as a result of previous investigations into road safety issues in this area a number of schemes had been designed to address some of the concerns.   Particular reference was made to the proposal to construct a zebra crossing near to the Aughton Early Years Centre and a further three central refuges located near to the junction of Westfield Avenue, Aughton Avenue and adjacent to the Wetherby public house.

As the above scheme was currently being implemented it was suggested that its effect on the injury accident record be monitored at 3, 6 and 12 month intervals after completion of the scheme.

Members present pointed out the need for schemes to be completed quickly once works had commenced.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the request for improved road safety measures be noted and that the current proposed road safety measures be monitored, as detailed in the report submitted, to ascertain their effectiveness.

(2)  That the lead petitioner be informed of the proposed measures and the monitoring process thereafter.

Engineer to report.

-           to consider the outcomes of the Study

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Transportation Unit Manager, relating to the outcome of the Accident Investigation and Prevention Study into accidents on the A618 Pleasley Road in Guilthwaite.

A copy of the study report was made available at the meeting.

An explanation was given of the background to the need for this study.

It was reported that the study had identified four main problems and had put forward five recommendations, and these were detailed in the report submitted.

It was also pointed out that the study recommended that the existing speed limit be reduced from the national speed limit to 50 mph.

Having considered the recommended treatments it was considered that four would have a positive impact whilst the fifth (the removal of the climbing lane) would introduce some dis-benefit.

It was pointed out that there may be an expectation that the proposed treatments would lead to the removal of all accidents at this location, and it had to be acknowledged that the treatments could only seek to reduce their number and severity.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the necessary consultations be undertaken regarding the proposed treatments.

(2)        That detail design be carried out and, subject to no objections being received, the recommended treatments and speed limit reduction be implemented.

(3i)       That the proposed scheme be funded from the LTP Integrated Transport Capital Programme for 2007/08.

(4)        That an evaluation and cost benefit analysis be carried out on the recommendation to remove the existing climbing lane.

Assistant Town Centre Manager to report.

-           to seek permission for alcohol to be consumed at tables & chairs set out in All Saints’ Square at specified Big Screen events.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Assistant Town Centre Manager, requesting consideration of the making of an application for a Temporary Events Notice which would give permission for alcohol to be consumed at tables and chairs set out in All Saints’ Square at specified Big Screen events.

It was reported that this request had arisen from feedback gathered through formal surveys at last year’s events.

Details of the proposed, exclusive, live relay of events, from the Royal Opera House and the Last Night of the Proms, were set out in the report.

It was pointed out that the Town Centre Manager currently held the premises license for All Saints’ Square which allowed entertainment but not the sale or consumption of alcohol.

Reference was made to the Alcohol Exclusion Order and it was explained that this gave powers to the Police to deal with drink related nuisance.

It was, therefore, acknowledged that the consumption of alcohol would contradict the principles of this Order.  However, the events would be managed by the Town Centre Management Team, assisted by trained Security Industry Authority registered staff, and attendees would have to adhere to the entrance and ejection policy.

Members present expressed unease at the contradiction and asked that the events and the granting of the Temporary Events Notice be closely monitored, and also that it be emphasised clearly in any publicity that consumption of alcohol at events was permitted on a temporary basis only.

Resolved:-  (1)  That support be given for an application for a Temporary Events Notice with a view to allowing alcohol to be consumed at specified Big Screen events as set out in the report now submitted.

(2)  That close monitoring take place of the consumption of alcohol at tables and chairs in All Saints Square at these events.

Service Accountant to report.

-           to report performance for the period April, 2006 to February, 2007.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Finance and Accountancy Manager, detailing the performance against budget for the Environment and Development Services Programme Area Revenue, Fee Billing and Trading Resources for the period 1^st April, 2006 to 28^th February, 2007.

It was reported that at this stage the Directorate was forecast to achieve a balanced budget by the end of the financial year.

Attention was drawn to:-

Asset Management:-  unfounded utility price increase

Streetpride:-  ground maintenance costs

It was reported that approval had been given (Minute No. 229 of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 28^th March, 2007) to a bid to the Council’s contingency reserve to offset the above pressures.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the anticipated outturn position for the Environment & Development Services Directorate budgets as at end February 2007 be noted.

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

-           to consider attendance at:-

LGC Conference – “Strengthening the Role of Councillors – Developing strong and successful communities through effective local leadership” – 7^th June, Earls Court, London.  (information attached)

Consideration was given to attendance at the following:-

LGC – “Strengthening the Role of Councillors – Developing strong and successful communities through effective local leadership” – 7^th June, 2007 – London

Resolved:-  That the Planning Board and Regeneration Scrutiny Panel be invited to consider nominating Elected Members to attend.

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

Network Regulation Engineer to report.

-           to consider the petition and covering report.

Further to Minute No. 237 of the meeting of the Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Development Services held on 19^th March, 2007, consideration was given to a report, presented by the Network Regulation Engineer, relating to the outcome of investigation into issues raised in a petition objecting to the provision of four temporary car parks.

It was noted that the temporary car parks were required to enable development on the present St. Ann’s car park site.

A summary of the background to this issue was given.

The planning and democratic processes which had been followed to date, and their outcome, were detailed.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the objections to the building of the proposed temporary car parks be not acceded to in view of the fact that the proposals have been subject to full, detailed planning and democratic processes.

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

A copy of the petition will be available at the meeting.

Consideration was given to receipt of a petition, containing three hundred and eighty eight signatures, in respect of Planning Application No.  RB2007/0155.

Resolved:-  That the petition be received and referred to the Director of Planning and Transportation Services for inclusion in the planning process.

A copy of the petition will be available at the meeting.

Consideration was given to receipt of a petition in respect of Planning Application No.  RB2007/378.

Resolved:-  That the petition be received and referred to the Director of Planning and Transportation Services for inclusion in the planning process.

It was reported that the Cabinet Member, on 29^th March, 2007, had opened the one tender received in respect of:-

-           Templeborough to Rotherham Flood Alleviation Scheme Wetland                          Management Partner.

Resolved:-  That the action of the Cabinet Member be recorded.

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 relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular individual (including the Council)):-

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)).

Director of Rotherham Streetpride Service to report.

-           to report revised arrangements.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Network Regulation Engineer, relating to proposed revised arrangements for the use of parking scratch cards and parking permits.

Resolved:-  That consideration be deferred pending further investigation of this matter and a report to a future meeting of the Cabinet Member.

Town Centre and Markets Manager/Programmes Officer to report.

-           to consider RERF funding for the introduction of a Town Centre Safety Management project and the subsequent delivery of a Town Centre Crime Action Plan.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Town Centre, Tourism and Markets Manager, relating to the proposed introduction of a Town Centre Safety Management project and the subsequent delivery of a Town Centre Crime Action Plan.

It was pointed out that these proposals underpinned the aims of the Rotherham Renaissance programme.

The proposals would also aim to address the fear of crime which had been identified as a top concern of local people and town centre businesses had indicated that increasing business crime had a negative affect on individual businesses and on the vitality of the wider town centre.

Reference was made to the establishment of the Rotherham South Safer Neighbourhood Team which maximised the combined resources of the Police and Neighbourhood Management.    Reference was also made to the establishment in October 2006 of a Neighbourhood Action Group for the town centre, and to the outcome of the appointment of consultants who had recommended that a three year Action Plan be drawn up.

Consideration was therefore given to a revenue contribution from RERF to support the Town Centre Safety Management Project, including the recruitment and set up costs of a Town Centre Safety Manager for 3 years commencing April 2007 (job description attached to the submitted report).  It was explained that one of the tasks of the Town Centre Safety Manager would be to deliver, in partnership, a Business Watch membership scheme.

The Economic Strategy Manager reported on the current position of RERF, and reported that the allocation for 2007/2008 had yet to be received.

Resolved:-  That approval be given for £158,763 revenue, which is the balance remaining from the 2006/07 RERF revenue allocation, to support the Town Centre Safety Management Initiative, as detailed in the report now submitted.

General Manager, Markets, to report.

-        to report on the annual review of Rotherham Markets Miscellaneous Charges in accordance with audit requirements.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Markets General Manager, relating to the annual review of Rotherham Markets Miscellaneous Charges in accordance with audit requirements.

Reference was made to the following existing items and proposed increased charges:-

• Out of hours access
• Electricity recharge
• Lease assignment administration fee
• Car boot administration fee
• Wentworth Farmers’ Market licence fee

It was reported that it was proposed to introduce a new category of fee for document completion (for documents not relating to market services).

Resolved:-  That the annual review of Rotherham Markets Miscellaneous Charges as detailed in the report now submitted, including the additional fee for document completion (non-market related),  be approved.

General Manager, Markets, to report.

-           to consider the proposed rent review.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Markets General Manager, relating to the review of rent and storage fees on all Council outdoor markets.

It was confirmed that the proposed fees had been discussed with the market trader representatives.

Resolved:-  That an increase of 3% for stall rents and storage charges be effective from 1^st April, 2007.

General Manager, Markets, to report.

-           to review the Market Trader Car Parking Fees from 1st April 2007.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Markets General Manager, relating to a review of the car parking fees for market traders.

It was reported that although it was proposed to increase the fees by 10% per annum this equated to a daily charge of £1.20.

Resolved:-  That approval be given to an increase of 10% for Car Parking fees from £287.32 per annum to £316.00 per annum be effective from 1st April 2007.

General Manager, Markets, to report.

-        to report on the annual review of Fairs Charges in accordance with audit requirements.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Markets General Manager, relating to an annual review of charges for Fairs held on sites owned (or maintained by) the Council.

It was reported that the proposed increase had been discussed with representatives of the Showman’s Guild at a meeting held on 7^th March, 2007.

Reference was made to increasing costs for operators and therefore it was proposed that the increase be agreed for a two year period.

Resolved:-  That an increase of a minimum 1.5% per annum be approved, as itemised in section 7 of the report now submitted, effective from 1st April 2007 and 1st April 2008.

(The Chairman authorised consideration of the following item in order to consider the recommendations of the Panel)

-           to receive the notes of the meeting of the Complaint Panel and to note the Panel’s decisions and recommendations.

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

Consideration was given to a report of a Stage 3 Complaint Panel held on 22^nd March, 2007, together with the recommendations therefrom.

Resolved:-  That the report be received and recommendations endorsed.