Agenda and minutes

-           to consider the minutes of the Panel meeting.

Consideration was given to the minutes of the meeting of the Transport Liaison Panel held on 20^th March, 2007.

The following amendment was made:-

Minute No. 18(ii) Paragraph 3 last sentence to read:-  “Also the PTE’s would have more powers . . . . .”

Resolved:-  That, with the above amendment, the minutes be received.

Consideration was given to the minutes of the meeting of the RMBC/Leisure Joint Service Centre Project Board held on 30^th March, 2007.

Resolved:-  That the minutes be received.

Resolved:-  That the action of the Cabinet Member on 10^th April, 2007, in opening the following tenders be recorded:-

Land off Moorlands Crescent, Whiston

Ecology Development Officer to report.

- to present an appraisal of the work undertaken to date to establish a Local Wildlife Site System for the Borough, and recommend proposals to undertake the next stage of work and to signpost future work.

Further to Minute No. 242 of the meeting of the Cabinet Member held on 5^th April, 2006 and Minute No.43 of the meeting held on 5^th July, 2006, consideration was given to a report, presented by the Ecology Development Officer, which set out an appraisal of the work undertaken to date to establish a Local Wildlife Site System for the Borough.

The report provided details in respect of:-

Stage 1 (now complete):-

-          completion of botanical survey work by external consultants (300 sites surveyed and mapped)

-          preparation of a draft Local Wildlife Site System Framework and Guidelines

-          preliminary establishment of an informal Local Wildlife Site Panel to administer the system (comprised of key Council officers, local experts and statutory bodies)

-          practical application of the selection criteria for Rotherham to baseline information held in  Biological Records Centre

Stage 2 (progression):-

-          detailed surveying and mapping of candidate sites (preferred Options B)

-          formalisation of the Rotherham Local Wildlife Site Panel (following guidance from Natural England)

-          proposed consultation

-          integration within the planning system

It was emphasised that this was a substantial piece of work and would be submitted as part of the evidence base of the Local Development Framework.

Members present discussed:-

-          The involvement of local Ward Members to identify sites

-          Scrutiny work on the use and cost of consultants across the Council

-          Implications for development

-          Integration with the UDP until the production of the LDF

-          Brownfield sites which were turning into wildlife habitats

Resolved:-  (1)  That the progress achieved towards development of a Local Wildlife Site System for Rotherham be noted.

(2)  That work proceed with the preferred Option B (as now detailed in the report submitted) to commission external ecological consultants to complete the detailed survey work and mapping of the candidate Local Wildlife Sites.

(3)  That the principle of formalised administration of the Local Wildlife Site Panel by way of a Memorandum of Agreement and supporting Terms of Reference document be agreed, and the Director of Planning and Transportation be responsible for agreement of both documents.

(4)  That agreement in principle be given to the production of a Supplementary Planning Document to tie the new Local Wildlife Sites System into the Local Development Framework., and a report be presented to a future meeting setting out details of additional resources required to progress this area of work.

Schemes and Partnerships Manager to report.

-           to propose remedial works to planters and paving.

Consideration was given to a report relating to a proposal to carry out limited remedial works to planters and paved surfacing within Walker Place, which had been damaged by subsidence.

Details of the proposals, together with the cost of the scheme and proposed funding, were set out in the report.

Reference was made to the overall plan for the Town Centre Renaissance, which would include this area.

It was emphasised that the scheme must be a “do minimum” repair carried out to make the area safe.

Resolved:-  That the proposed repair scheme within Walker Place be approved and implemented, subject to capital funds being made available.

Transportation Unit Manager to report.

-           to report receipt of petition.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Transportation Unit Manager, relating to the receipt of a petition, containing one hundred and eight signatures, requesting controlled pedestrian crossing facilities outside Kimberworth CommunitySchool, Kimberworth Road, Rotherham.

It was reported that it was proposed to carry out a pedestrian/vehicle survey outside the school, in accordance with the agreed procedure for assessing a request for a controlled crossing (Minute No. 182 of the meeting of the Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Development held on 6^th February, 2006 refers).

It was noted that if the results suggested installation of a controlled pedestrian crossing then the location would be included on a priority list of locations.

Resolved:-  (1) That the request for a controlled pedestrian crossing be noted and a pedestrian / vehicle survey undertaken.

(2) That the lead petitioner be informed of the procedure for the installation of controlled pedestrian crossing and the result of the survey when completed.

(3)  That a further report be submitted to a future meeting detailing the results of the survey.

Transportation Unit Manager to report.

-           to report receipt of a petition re: parking problems.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Transportation Unit Manager, relating to the receipt of a petition, containing fifteen signatures, and seven associated pieces of correspondence, regarding parking problems on Vesey Street, Rawmarsh, and requesting a residents’ parking scheme on this road.

It was noted that demand for parking on this street was also generated from users of the allotments at the bottom of the road.  It was also pointed out that nearby parking on Rectory Street was now no longer available.

It was reported that currently priority was being given to the introduction of parking controls in and round the town centre.  Therefore resources did not allow investigation of this small scheme at the present time.  However, it was proposed to add the request to the database of potential streets for future consideration.

Resolved:-  That consideration be deferred pending a site visit.

Network Principal Engineer to report.

-           to report the investigation of residents’ concerns about the current condition of roads and footways across the estate.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Network Principal Engineer, relating to receipt of a petition containing one hundred and ninety nine signatures from residents within the Woodland Drive estate raising concern about the current condition of the roads and footways.

The report detailed the investigation which had been carried out and photographs and a plan of the estate were also submitted at the meeting.

It was pointed out that strengthening of the carriageway on Woodland Drive, which was now part of a bus route, and the resurfacing of the footways at the eastern end of Windmill Road and The Baulk, formed part of the medium term programme for maintenance.

It was noted that the condition of the footways on Wright Street and the carriageway of White Gate had deteriorated since the last condition survey.  It was therefore proposed that surveys due on these areas and four other streets on the estate be brought forward to that an accurate priority could be given to them in considering future maintenance programmes.

Also the Area Manager and Area Co-ordinator in Streetpride’s Community Delivery Unit had been made aware of the petition and concerns so that consideration could be given to appropriate maintenance requirements pending the more extensive future proposals.

Resolved:-  That the lead petitioner be informed of the process used to prioritise programmed maintenance and the priorities for future maintenance on the Woodland Drive estate, North Anston, as set out in the report.

Transportation Unit Manager to report.

-           to report an amendment to the pedestrian crossings to be included in the 2007/2008 LTP Capital Programme.

Further to Minute No.  252 of the meeting of the Cabinet Member held on 2^nd April, 2007, consideration was given to a report, presented by the Transportation Unit Manager, relating to an amendment to the pedestrian crossings to be included in the 2007/2008 Local Transport Plan Capital Programme.

It was explained that a previously approved Sector Scheme on the A618 Aughton Road, which incorporated the B6503 Rotherham Road, Swallownest, was currently under construction, and it was therefore proposed to incorporate the funding of the B6503 as part of that approved scheme.

It was also proposed to include the next highest ranking crossing location to the programme and this was on High Street, Kimberworth outside Winter HillSchool where it was proposed to introduce a zebra crossing.

Resolved:-  (1)   That the zebra crossing on Rotherham Road Swallownest outside Swallownest Primary School be removed from the list and funded instead as part of the sector scheme on the A618 Aughton Road, Aughton.

(2)  That the zebra crossing request on High Street Kimberworth outside Winter HillSchool be included in the list of pedestrian crossings to be implemented as part of the 2007 / 2008 Integrated Transport Capital Programme.

Planner to report.

-           to outline a timetable of delivery of proposed Affordable Housing Interim Planning Statement.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Planner, Forward Planning, relating to the timetable for the delivery of the proposed Affordable Housing Interim Planning Statement by Autumn 2007, together with a detailed action plan.

Reference was made to:-

-                      Housing Market Assessment

-                      % of affordable housing

-                      Section 106 agreements

-                      Consultation

-                      Density and design issues

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

Development Control Manager to report.

-           to consider TSY’s Design Quality Audit of housing schemes in the four South Yorkshire Local Authorities.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Planning Manager, relating to Transform South Yorkshire’s Design Quality Audit of housing schemes in the four South Yorkshire local authorities.

It was explained that TSY were undertaking a project entitled “The Design Quality Audit” which would look at the approaches taken by each of the four South Yorkshire local authorities to manage, assess and promote design quality in new housing development.

The objective was to form Action Plans for change for each authority to ensure the highest possible standards of design quality at local and sub-regional level.  Each authority would be assessed against their design policies and practice over the last 2 years.  Also two case studies would be carried out to try to identify best practice lessons.

Reference was made to:-

-                      Required commitment to the project

-                      Involvement of the Design Champion

-                      Use of CABE’s ‘Building for Life’ assessment criteria, and involvement of Epic housing management

It was proposed that a Project Team be established to report the findings and implement and monitor the ensuing action plans, with regular updates being given to the Design Champion.

Resolved:-  That the contents of the report be noted and support be given to the project.

General Manager Markets to report.

-           to consider allowing a one day trial Farmers’ Market by Wales Parish Council.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Markets General Manager, relating to receipt of a request for permission to allow a one day trial operation of a Farmers’ Market by Wales Parish Council on 5^th May, 2007 at the Recreation Ground Kiveton Park.

It was noted that plans for the market were well advanced and concern was expressed that this may set a precedent.  It was emphasised that permission was essential in order to protect the Rotherham Markets Franchise.

It was reported that Sheffield’s Markets Manager had been consulted due to the proximity of this proposed market and no objections had been raised.

The view was expressed that if this was a successful event then Wales Parish Council should be advised to apply for a market on a bi-monthly basis, rather than monthly.

Resolved:  (1)  That permission only be given for a one day trial Farmers’ Market on 5^th May, 2007 organised by Wales Parish Council at the Recreation Ground Kiveton Park. 

(2)                   That Wales Parish Council be advised that the impact of the market will be monitored and a further report submitted to the Cabinet Member for consideration.

(3)  That Wales Parish Council be advised that should permission be sought for any future Farmers’ Markets this should be with a view to the markets being held on a bi-monthly basis rather than monthly.

Service Accountant to report.

-          

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Service Accountant (Environment and Development Services), detailing the performance against budget for the Environment and Development Services Directorate’s Revenue, Fee Billing and Trading resources for the period April 2006 to March, 2007.

It was reported that the Directorate was currently on tract to achieve a balance budget.  However, it was pointed out that the final outturn position would be reported to the May meeting of the Cabinet Member.

Reference was made to on-going pressures which were being managed within the Directorate.

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

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

To consider attendance at the following:-

Health and Safety EXPO – NEC Birmingham – Tuesday, 22^nd May, 2007

Consideration was given to attendance at the following:-

-           Heath and Safety EXPO – NEC Birmingham – 22nd May, 2007

Resolved:-  (1)  That approval be given for arrangements to be made for the members of the Health, Welfare and Safety Panel to visit the EXPO.

-           RTPI – Planning for World Class Sport – 26^th June, 2007 – London

Resolved:-  (2)  That approval be given for the attendance of Councillor S. Walker and one other Councillor.

Local Development Framework Manager to report.

-           to report the consultation response.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Local Development Framework Manager, relating to a proposed response to the consultation by the operators of Robin Hood Doncaster Airport on proposed changes to controlled airspace.

It was reported that, under the Town and Country Planning (Safeguarding Aerodromes, Technical Sites and Military Explosive Storage Areas) Direction 2002, the Council as Local Planning Authority, was required to formally consult the Airport about planning applications that involve high buildings/structures and wind energy proposals that could prejudice airport operations.

It was pointed out that the consultation referred to:-

-                      The Aerodrome Safeguarding Plan

-                      The Windenergy Safeguarding Plan

It was emphasised that these safeguarding arrangements concerning the control of surface development would not change under the latest Controlled Airspace proposal which dealt specifically with airspace and air traffic control arrangements.

Reference was made to:-

-                      the growth in passenger numbers since the opening of the airport and to projected user numbers to 2010.

-                      The proximity of military aircraft bases and airspace requirements

It was proposed that the airport moves to operating in Class D airspace, which would enable identification of all aircraft in and around the airport, and would provide a safe and expeditious flow of all aircraft through continuous controlled airspace into the national airways system

It was noted that the Air Traffic Services Manager had indicated that the proposals were unlikely to affect aircraft departures or holding patterns over the Borough.

The Senior Adviser added that there was considerable aircraft movement over the Maltby Ward area.  However, to date there had been no problems or complaints reported.

Resolved:-  (1) That Robin Hood Airport (Doncaster Sheffield) Air Traffic Services be informed that, insofar as there are no adverse effects on the environment of the Borough, the Council supports the establishment of Controlled Airspace to assist the safe and efficient operation of the airport .

(2)       That copies of the report be forwarded to Dinnington, Firbeck, Gildingwells, Letwell, Maltby and Laughton-en-le- Morthen Parish Councils for information.

(The Chairman authorised consideration of the following item in order to process the matter related to.)

Further to Minute No. 238 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 Transportation Unit Manager, detailing the results of consultation with Local Ward and Parish Councillors following receipt of a petition, containing one hundred and ten signatures, requesting the removal of a pedestrian traffic island outside Nos. 60/62 Grange Lane, Maltby.

It was reported that only one response, supporting the removal of the pedestrian island, had been received, and this was detailed in the report submitted.

Reference was made to the risks if the island was removed.

It was noted that the provision of a traffic scheme along this road was part of the Maltby Sector Concept Plan (Minute No. 33 of the meeting of the Cabinet Member for Economic and Development Services held on 4^th July, 2005 refers.)

Resolved:-  (1)  That the results of the consultation exercise be noted.

(2)  That support for the scheme be reiterated.

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)).

Markets General Manager to report.

-           to report on the termination of all indoor market stall tenancies.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Markets General Manager, relating to the termination of all indoor market stall tenancies in accordance with the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954, and the offer of new tenancies subject to revised terms, including the annual rent review.

The revision included the following aspects:-

-          Increase in tenants’ public liability requirement

-          3% rent increase (noting that this had been discussed and agreed by the Market Traders’ Consultative Meeting held on 21^st February, 2007)

-          inclusion of a clause allowing the termination of the tenancy by either party with 6 months notice

-          proposal not to offer new tenancies to any tenant more than 3 months in arrears of rent.

Those present discussed the following issues:-

-          Audit requirements and problems with the Invoicing system

-          Current arrears situation and potential further bad debts

-          The need to change the effective dates of the agreement

-          Current policy for notification and collection of arrears

The Director of Rotherham Investment and Development Office reported further that improvements to the notification and collection of arrears process had been discussed and agreed with Sundry Debtors section of Financial Services, which included the appointment of an officer one day per week to collect debts, and also monitoring on a weekly/fortnightly basis, with follow-up after one month.

Resolved:-  (1)  That section 25 notices be issued to all indoor traders.

(2)  That  a rent increase of 3% for the Perimeter Stalls, Island Stalls and Store Units in the Centenary Market Hall from the 1st October 2007 be approved.

(3) That new revised tenancies be offered to all tenants who are no more than 3 months in arrears of rent (as detailed in the report now submitted).

(4) That the new arrangements be monitored and a report submitted to the Cabinet Member in October, 2007.

(5) That a report in respect of the new arrangements agreed with Sundry Debtors Section be submitted to a future meeting.

Partnership Implementation Officer to report.

-           to consider the appointment for the future Wetland Management including a dowry payment and grant contribution.

Further to Minute No. 261 of the meeting of the Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Development Services held on 2^nd April, 2007, consideration was given to a report, presented by the Partnership Implementation Officer, seeking approval to the appointment of an external partner for the future management of the wetland to be created as part of the Flood Alleviation Scheme at Centenary Riverside.

It was explained that the 5ha site, forming the balancing pond for the flood alleviation scheme, would be managed as a wildlife site with community access.

It was noted that a dowry fund had been established with would produce sufficient return to sustain the management programme.

It was reported that the proposed partner had also submitted a bid to WRG Communities Challenge for funding for the principal planting/landscaping interpretation costs to enhance the Council’s scheme delivery on this site.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the preferred partner to manage the Centenary Riverside Wetland Area be appointed and agreement be given to an endowment payment, as detailed in the report now submitted.

(2)  That a public match contribution to WRG Communities Challenge be approved, as detailed in the report now submitted.