Agenda and minutes

Consideration was given to the minutes of the meeting of the Local Development Framework Members’ Steering Group held on 22^nd February, 2008.

Resolved:-  That the minutes be received.

- to receive the petitions as listed in the report and refer to the appropriate Director of Service for investigation and report to a future meeting.

The Cabinet Member received the following petitions which had been referred by the Council on 5^th March, 2008:-

(i)                   a number of concerns re:  inappropriate plans for building of flats at 48 Station Road, Laughton Common – containing 92 signatures

(ii)                 Redevelopment of MasbroughPark – containing 87 signatures

(iii)                Proposed development of School Street/Wood Street, Thrybergh – containing 30 signatures

Resolved:-  That the petitions be received and referred to the appropriate Director of Service for investigation and report back to a future meeting.

Marie Hayes, Commercial and Promotions Manager, to report.

-           to consider proposed fees and charges.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Director of Culture and Leisure Services and the Events and Promotions Service Manager, which set out in detail the annual review of Culture and Leisure fees and charges for 2008/2009.

Resolved:-  That the fees and charges as set out in the report submitted be approved.

Phil Rogers, Director of Culture and Leisure Services, to report.

-           to outline plans to engage people of Rotherham in the celebration of 2012 Olympics.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Director of Culture and Leisure Services, outlining plans to engage the people of Rotherham in the celebration of the 2012 Olympics via a structured programme of activities, events and themes.

The programme covered the period 2008 to 2013.

Reference was made to bids for external funding to support:-

-                      Volunteer Co-ordinators

-                      Sports Mentor

-                      Scholarship Programme

-                      Apprenticeship Scheme (in conjunction with DC Leisure)

Those present commented on:-

-                      The City Region’s proposals

-                      Costs

-                      Activities for aged 50+

-                      Involvement of DC Leisure

-                      Schools PE and Sport Performance (Minute No. 122 of the Regeneration Scrutiny Panel held on 14th March, 2008 refers)

Resolved:-  That the programme be welcomed and the report noted.

Ken Wheat, Transport Unit Manager, to report.

-           to approve the review of the Major Schemes Business Case.

Further to Minute No.  4 of the meeting of the Cabinet Member held on 23^rd May, 2005, consideration was given to a report, presented by the Transportation Unit Manager, seeking approval for a review of the Transportation Major Scheme Business Case for the Waverley Link Road with the work being undertaken by MVA Consultancy under the terms of the call-off transport modelling contract between MVA and Rotherham and Sheffield Councils.

The Transportation Unit Manager reported on progress to date and gave a full and detailed explanation of the reasons for the request to investigate alternative alignments.

Reference was made to the funding available for the scheme both within Rotherham’s Local Transport Plan allocations and financial support from the DfT.

Resolved;-  That a review of the Transportation Major Scheme Business Case for Waverley Link Road be approved for the reasons detailed in the report now submitted.

Ken Wheat, Transportation Unit Manager, to report.

-           to consider proposed junction alteration.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Transportation Unit Manager, relating to a proposal to alter the junction priority and layout of the B6067 Front Street/Well Lane, Treeton, as part of the Section 278 Agreement with Jones Homes for the housing development off High Hazel Road.

The Transportation Unit Manager explained the proposals in detail with reference to Drawing No. 129/FrontSt, which was appended to the report.

Resolved:-  (1)  That: approval be given for the detailed design to be carried out and for the scheme to be implemented;

(2)        That the scheme be funded from the Local Transport Plan Integrated Transport Programme for 2008/09 with a contribution from Jones Homes.

Ken Wheat, Transportation Unit Manager, to report.

-           to consider objections received to the Traffic Regulation Order.

Further to Minute No. 61 of the meeting of the Cabinet Member held on 18^th August, 2005, consideration was given to a report, presented by the Transportation Unit Manager, informing the Cabinet Member of objections/representations received to the proposed closure of gaps in the central reserve on the A631 East Bawtry Road between Whiston crossroads and Worrygoose roundabout (i.e. the town’s outer orbital route) and the introduction of a signal controlled crossing with purpose built right turn facilities (as illustrated on Drawing No. 126/48/TT71 attached to the report)

It was reported that the proposals had been formally advertised and a public consultation exercise was run with the opportunity to make representations until the end of January 2008, and that 1500 leaflets had been distributed in the locality (copy of which was appended to the report).

Objectors were concerned about:-

-                      increased traffic on residential roads

-                      longer journey times

-                      increased congestion at Worrygoose roundabout

-                      speed limit on the A631

However, it was pointed out that one of the primary reasons for the proposal was that an analysis of the accident and injuries record over the last 5 years had identified accidents directly at the gaps.  It was also proposed that the A631 be prioritised in the review of all speed limits of A and B classified roads which would commence shortly.

The proposals would be funded from the Local Transport Plan 2008/2009.

Resolved:-  (1)  That, for the reasons set out in the report submitted, the representations/objections be not acceded to.

(2)  That the Assistant Chief Executive, Legal and Democratic Services, be requested to make the Order as advertised.

(3)  That each objector, or person who made a representation, is informed of the decision and the reasons.

(4)  That the speed limit on the A631 East Bawtry Road be reviewed as a matter of priority when the review of speed limits throughout the Borough is undertaken.

Dave James, LTP Manager, to report.

-           to consider a proposed programme of works.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Local Transport Plan Delivery Manager, which set out the proposed Local Transport Plan Capital Programme for 2008/2009 as part of the county wide programme.

Appendices to the report detailed the following:-

The following schemes were highlighted:-

-                      A57 maintenance works

-                      Rotherham to Thrybergh QBC - proposed bus lane - Whinney Hill, Dalton

-                      Rotherham to Dearne QBC – Rawmarsh Circle improvements Bus Rapid Transit southern route

-                      East Bawtry Road/Leasegate Road, Whiston junction improvements and puffin crossing

-                      Wellgate/Hollowgate maintenance and improvement works

-                      Ravenfield Crossroads (reference was made to the Task and Finish Group)

-                      Main Street, Rotherham – roundabout improvements

-                      Middle Lane, Clifton traffic calming 

-                      Fitzwilliam Road/Mowbray Gardens – gap closure

Resolved:-  (1)  That the  specific allocations for Integrated Transport and for Maintenance for 2008/09 be noted.

(2)        That the principle of the proposed programmes detailed in the appendices to the report now submitted be agreed as the basis for detailed design and implementation during 2008/09.

Ken Wheat, Transportation Unit Manager, to report.

-           to consider proposed highway improvement.

Further to Minute No. 300 of the meeting of the Cabinet Member held on 21^st May, 2007, consideration was given to a report, presented by the Transportation Unit Manager, requesting “in principle” approval for the scheme shown on the drawing at Appendix A to the report, and for the commencement of detailed design and negotiations to acquire land needed for an improvement to the junction between Centenary Way, Masbrough Road and Main Street junction at Pool Green.

It was pointed out that this location was one of four junctions along the A630 Centenary Way that were identified for signalisation as part of the syITS, and that consultants JMP had been commissioned to develop an Urban Traffic Control system for Rotherham town centre.

It was reported that the scheme might require land outside the current highway limits and was also not considered to be deliverable within the timescale of syITS which is mainly funded from the Objective 1 programme.

It was however, reported that an allocation from the Local Transport Plan Strategic Schemes Capital Pot for 2008/2009 had been secured to enable the scheme to be designed and developed.  Funding from other sources would also be sought.

Reference was also made to development proposals in the vicinity forming part of the Town Centre Renaissance.

Resolved:-  (1)  That approval be given to the principle of the scheme, as shown in draft form at Appendix A on drawing number M076011-104 - Signal Controlled Crossroads Arrangement Masbrough Street.

(2) That detailed design and negotiations commence to acquire any land needed for the highway improvement, and a further report be submitted to a future meeting of the Cabinet Member.

Ken Wheat, Transportation Unit Manager, to report.

-           to report results of an investigation into temporary road safety measures.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Transportation Unit Manager, which set out the result of an investigation into temporary road safety measures on A630 Centenary Way while funding is being sought for a major maintenance scheme.

A brief resumé was given of the background to the problems related to the material used in the road construction.

It was reported that in the light of the DfT not now dealing with ‘exceptional’ maintenance schemes, a request for funding from the Regional Funding Allocations had been submitted to the Regional Assembly.  However the outcome of the bid would not be known until April/May 2008 and there then would also need to be a further submission to the DfT.

In the meantime it was considered that some interim road safety measures were needed and consideration was given to four options which were detailed in the report.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the speed limit on a section of the Centenary Way, as indicated on the drawing attached as Appendix A, be reduced to 40mph on a temporary basis.

(2)        That improved warning signing, in the form of vehicle activated signs, be implemented.

(3)        That a twelve months review of the effectiveness of the works is undertaken.

Greg Lindley, Partnership Implementation Officer/Chris Majer, Programmes Officer, to report.

-           to request funding for flood alleviation scheme Phase 1.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Partnership Implementation Officer, seeking approval for £248,482 of Rotherham Economic Regeneration Fund capital to be used to underwrite a potential shortfall in funding for the Rotherham flood alleviation scheme.

It was explained that the reason for the request was the unforeseen costs due to the floods of June 2007 and additional legal fees relating to the diversion of the Dog Star gas main, which has used the contingency element of the budget.

Additional funding has been sought from Objective 1 and Yorkshire Forward, to cover this shortfall. Decisions on these applications are expected in 2008/09 financial year.  However delivery on the scheme needed to continue and therefore an application for RERF funding had been submitted.   It was pointed out that should funding be secured from external sources then the level of RERF required would be reduced accordingly.

Resolved:-  That approval be given for £248,482 capital from Rotherham Economic Regeneration Fund., noting that should further funding be approved from external sources, then the amount of RERF required will be reduced accordingly.

Representatives from the users of Town Centre Spaces attended the meeting for consideration of the following five items:-

Bernadette Rushton, Assistant Town Centre Manager, to report.

-           to note report and agree recommendations.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Assistant Town Centre Manager, which set out revisions to the general policy for the administration and management of town centre spaces.

It was explained that the policy was based on the Council exercising its powers under part VIIA of the Highways Act 1980 by granting licenses to commercial and not for profit organisations to use designated pitches within the town centre for the purposes of street trading, promotional activities, events and charitable collections.

The proposed key changes to the policy were highlighted and reference was also made to current issues and difficulties.

It was reported that the review process had covered:-

-                      types of use

-                      number, location and uses permitted on pitches

-                      electricity supply/use of generators

-                      booking procedure

-                      payments

-                      consultation which had been carried out and meetings that had been held

Resolved:-  That approval be given to the following:-

(1)  categorisation of the activities under the 6 headings, as set out in the report now submitted, and to make policy provisions accordingly (categories including Promotions/ Charitable Collections/ Events and Entertainment/ Mobile Catering Units/ Fairground Rides/ Musical Entertainment and Busking).

(2)               removal of pitches 5, 6, 8, 9, 15 (as shown on appendix 1 to the report now submitted).

(3)  creation of 4 new pitches (on Effingham Street x 3 and on Main Street x 1) as shown in appendix 1 to the report.

(4)  the revision of the permitted uses associated with each pitch as shown in appendix 2 to the report.

(5)  revision of the application & booking procedure be revised as set out in the report.

(6)               periodic review of the location of pitches & permitted activity (as appropriate) in line with Town Centre Redevelopments.

(7)  in respect of (4) above should an application be received from a mobile catering unit which is deemed to contribute positively to the town centre offer, the use of a pitch not designated for food trading may need to be considered;  such applications should be determined via a report to the Cabinet Member.

Bernadette Rushton, Assistant Town Centre Manager, to report.

-           to note report and agree recommendations.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Assistant Town Centre Manager, which set out proposed revisions to the policy for (i) Promotions and (ii) Charitable Collections.

Reference was made to consultation carried out which highlighted issues of public perception, annoyance, being pressurised to donate and direct debits.

Attention was also drawn to the current legislation and to the provisions of the Charities Act 2006 which will come into effect in 2009.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the policies for ‘Promotions’ and Charitable Collections as detailed in the report now submitted be approved.

(2)  That the policies relating to Fund Raising Activities be reviewed in 12 months time (in light of the changes proposed as part of the Charities Act 2006).

Bernadette Rushton, Assistant Town Centre Manager, to report.

-           to note contents of report and agree recommendations.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Assistant Town Centre Manager, which set out recommended revisions to the current policy relating to Mobile Catering Units.

Reference was made to the consultation which had been carried out with the town centre businesses and members of the public.  This consultation had confirmed the positive impact of the units on the town centre in terms of encouraging use of public space, choice, affordability etc.

Reference was also made to proposals in the Town Centre Renaissance Masterplan for the possible remodelling of “market square” and the Public Realm Strategy.  This would provide scope for a further review of the spaces allocated to mobile catering units at some time in the future.

The report detailed the following:-

-                      consultation results

-                      proposed continuation and location of mobile catering units

-                      future implications for the location of pitches for food trading

-                      legislation for the control of mobile catering units in the town centre and the Council’s right to make changes to its policy to reflect changes in circumstances

-                      the need for a fair and open applications process and assessment criteria, including involvement of Environmental Health

-                      croposed change to the licence period from 1 month to 3 months

-                      food trading as part of a town centre event or specialist market, noting that these were not restricted under this policy

The operators commented on the following issues:-

-                      their need for security of tenure and a longer period of licence

-                      Renaissance programme

-                      range of food on offer

-                      competition

-                      criteria

-                      appeal process

-                      year round loyalty in all weathers

-                      their investment in their trailers

-                      some form of protection for existing traders

Resolved:-  (1)  That food trading be licensed to continue at it’s current level but that further expansion of this activity be prohibited.

(2)  That food uses be removed from pitches 11 & 12 (College Street) (as identified in the appendix/plan to the report considered at Minute no. 224) with the exception of pitch 11 on Tuesdays.

(3)  That the Council continues to exercise it’s powers under Section VII A of the Highways Act 1980 to control the location of Mobile Catering Units in the Town Centre.

(4)  That criteria for determining applications, including some provision to protect existing traders, be developed as per the headings detailed in the report and to form part of the policy and a formal application process, be implemented.

(5)                 That Licences be issued for a period of three months.

(6)  That in respect of (1) above where an application is received for a mobile catering unit, which is deemed to contribute positively to the town centre offer and where permission would increase the current level of trading, the outcome should be determined via a report to the Cabinet Member.

Bernadette Rushton, Assistant Town Centre Manager, to report.

-           to note contents of the report and agree recommendations.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Assistant Town Centre Manager, setting out recommended revisions to the policy for:-

(i)                   Fairground Rides

(ii)                 Events and entertainment

(iii)                Musical Entertainment

(iv)                Busking

The results of the consultation which had been carried out with members of the public and businesses on the contribution these activities make to the town centre were detailed in the report.

Specific reference was made to health and safety issues around the use of generators and the need for risk assessment.

It was pointed out that 3 new pitches were proposed solely for the use by Fairground Rides.

It was reported that the Town Centre Management Team had been working with the Commercial and Promotions Team in Culture and Leisure Service to ensure a consistent, robust application process.

The following issues were raised by a fairground operator:-

-  size of Trees next to some of the pitches on Effingham Street

-  prices for fairground rides

Resolved:-  That the recommendations, as detailed in the report now submitted, relating to:-

(i)     Fairground Rides

(ii)    Events

(iii)                            Musical Entertainment & Busking

be approved.

Bernadette Rushton, Assistant Town Centre Manager, to report.

-           to note contents of the report and agree the recommendations.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Assistant Town Centre Manager, relating to a proposed increase in the rental level for town centre pitches as part of the review of the associated Town Centre Spaces Policy.

The report detailed the following:-

-                      comparative fees charged by Rotherham Markets

-                      comparative fees charged in other towns and cities

-                      comparative fees associated with operating from permanent premises in the town centre

-                      consultation which had been carried out

A summary of the proposed fee increases was set out in Appendix 1 to the report.

The town centre traders made reference to:-

-                      size of footfall in the town centre

-                      cost of generators and fuel

-                      their charges

Resolved:-  (1)  That the rent increase for town centre pitches as identified in Appendix 1 to the report now submitted be approved.

(2) That the exemptions made for ‘Regular Traders’, Not for Profit Organisations and Town Centre Businesses, as detailed in Appendix 1 to the report, be approved.

(3)  That the previous right to trade on the 6th day of any week for free be now removed.

(4)  That the fees be implemented from 1st April, 2008 for all new bookings, with the exception of ‘Regular Traders’ whereby fees are applicable from 1st May, 2008.

-           to consider attendance at the Safety and Health Expo – 13^th to 15^th May, 2008 – NEC Birmingham.

Consideration was given to the attendance of Members of the Health, Welfare and Safety Panel at the Safety and Health Expo which was being held from 13^th to 15^th May, 2008 at the NEC Birmingham.

Resolved:-  That approval be given for the Panel to visit on one of the days.

The Chairman authorised consideration of the following item in order to respond to the correspondence and facilitate access to funding:-

Reference was made to correspondence from Cycling England which asked that the Council consider the nomination of a Cycling Champion, which would then facilitate applications for funding.

Resolved:-  That Councillor Barron be appointed as the Council’s Cycling Champion.