Agenda and minutes

The following report was submitted:-

Health, Welfare and Safety Panel

11th July, 2008

The following report was submitted:-

Tourism Panel

14th July, 2008

Consideration was given to the minutes of the meeting of the Local Development Framework Members’ Steering Group held on 21st July, 2008.

Resolved:-   (1) That the development work and emerging issues be noted.

(2)  That the minutes be received.

Consideration was given to the minutes of a meeting of the Town Centre Events Group held on 28th July, 2008.

Resolved:-  That the minutes be received.

Consideration was given to the minutes of a meeting of the Clifton Park Restoration Project Board held on 30th July, 2008.

Resolved:-  That the minutes be received.

-           to receive the petition.

Consideration was given to a petition regarding issues at Longfellow Drive.

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

(2)  That regarding Longfellow Drive:-

(i)  the Director of Culture and Leisure Services be asked to investigate the issue relating to the provision of a children’s play area.

(ii)  the Transportation Unit Manager investigate the issues relating to road safety.

(3)  reports on each of the above be submitted to a future meeting of the Cabinet Member.

ZaharaSiddique, Place Shaping Officer, to report.

-           to report production of a Fair Access Housing Design Protocol.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Neighbourhood Investment Manager, relating to the production of the Fair Access Housing Design Protocol which, following input from the Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, now included reference to all vulnerable groups in order to address their housing needs.

It was explained that the Protocol had been produced to represent an agreed approach to delivering standard housing, which was flexible in design to meet the needs of all communities in Rotherham.

It was anticipated that the Protocol would be used in the planning process and used as reference to demonstrate how housing developers had met the Fair Access requirements in the Design and Access Statement element of a planning application.

The Protocol was welcomed as long as it took into consideration the acceptable design needs with some degree of flexibility for the disabled.

Resolved:-  That the contents of the report be noted and the Fair Access Design Protocol approved insofar as the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Development Services is concerned.

Steve Hallsworth, Business Manager – Leisure & Greenspaces, to report.

-           to report re:  petition opposed to the draft proposals.

Further to Minute No. 54 of the meeting of the Cabinet Member on 28th July, 2008, consideration was given to a report, presented by the Business Manager, Leisure and Greenspaces, relating to the receipt of a petition opposed to the element of the draft proposals for the Herringthorpe Leisure Site that identified the sale of land for development.

The report summarised the contents of the petition and provided a response to the issues raised.

It was reported that full details of the outcome of the information providing process, which concluded at the end of May, 2008, would be reported to the Cabinet on 3^rd September, 2008.

Resolved:-  That issues raised be noted and that the objections be taken account of as part of the decision making process for the future development of the Herringthorpe Leisure Site.

Elenore Fisher, Cultural Services Manager, to report.

-           to report on the South Yorkshire Joint Committee on Archives.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Cultural Services Manager, relating to the future administration, management and preservation of the county wide archives.

Details of the background to the establishment of the Joint Committee were given in the report and reference was made to the previous South Yorkshire agreement which would cease on 1st April, 2009.  It was noted that Rotherham and Doncaster Councils had withdrawn from the Committee in 2005 and 2008 respectively.

The reasons why it was considered important that the county wide archives were retained and permanently preserved for the use of local residents and organisations, together with details of Options A to F, and the financial implications of each option, were set out in the report.

Consideration was, therefore, given to rejoining the Joint Committee under the umbrella of various options.

Resolved:-  That approval be given to Rotherham MBC rejoining the South Yorkshire Joint Committee on Archives agreement under options C and E as detailed in the report now submitted, subject to a successful bid to the budget process for 2009/10 being achieved.

Stuart Savage, Senior Engineer, to report.

-           to outline proposed footway links.

Consideration was given to a report and accompanying plan (Drawing No. 126/Cramfit2) presented by the Senior Engineer, relating to a proposal to construct two footway links on Cramfit Road, connecting North Anston to the Bluebell Wood Hospice and the Thurcroft Trail.

It was noted that the scheme could be funded between the Local Transport Plan Integrated Transport Programme and Sustrans and details of the phasing of the scheme were set out in the report.

Resolved:-  (1) That detailed design be carried out and, subject to no objections being received, the scheme be implemented.

(2)        That the scheme be funded from the Local Transport Plan Integrated Transport Programme for 2008/09 and Sustrans.

Jane Muffett, Customer Services Manager, to report.

-           to report the appointment of a school crossing patrol.

Further to Minute No. 105 of the meeting of the Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Development Services held on 2nd October, 2006, consideration was given to a report, presented by the Customer Services Manager, relating to the unsuccessful search for permanent funding for a School Crossing Patrol at the above location.

It was reported that, following instruction from the Director of Asset Management in December, 2006, a permanent School Crossing Patrol had been appointed resulting in an anticipated projected overspend in the 2008/2009 Facilities Services Revenue Budget and in subsequent years.

The Cabinet Member was unhappy with the plans to not appoint a replacement School Crossing Patrol at other sites if they became vacant, but preferred to seek alternative funding from within the Directorate.  However, until a permanent funding source had been identified and the budget allocation established, the Cabinet Member supported the actions to rectify the overspend in the Facilities Services Revenue budget.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the appointment of a School Crossing Patrol serving RudstonPreparatory School be noted.

(2) That the projected overspend of £1,200 in the 2008/09 Facilities Services Revenue budget and £2,400 per annum thereafter be also noted. 

(3) That it be noted that the only available option to contain the projected overspend in 2008/09 in the Facilities Services Revenue budget and thereafter was not to appoint a replacement at other sites each year until the overspend was fully compensated for.

Stuart Savage, Senior Engineer, to report.

-           to report receipt of objections to the proposed zebra crossing.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Senior Engineer, relating to the receipt of ten objections to a proposed zebra crossing outside WinterhillSchool.

It was reported that the objections were based mainly on the re-siting of a bus stop that was required as part of the proposal, though objections were also raised regarding the need for a zebra crossing and the actual location of the crossing.

Reference was made to:-

·              the pedestrian/vehicle survey.

·              consultation exercise on proposed location.

·              meeting with representatives of residents, South Yorkshire Police and WinterhillSchool.

·              letters of objection from residents and an adjacent business.

A summary of the main objections, together with the Technical Officer’s response on each point, was set out in the report.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the objections to the proposed scheme be not acceded to and the scheme be implemented.

(2)  That the objectors be informed of the decision.

David Phillips, Principal Highway Engineer, to report.

-           to seek approval for the scheme to be resubmitted for planning permission and to seek approval to continue with the appointment of JMP Consulting in respect of specialist  consultancy work for the project, until the completion of the statutory procedures.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Schemes and Partnership Manager, seeking approval for the above scheme to be re-submitted for planning permission

The report also sought approval to continue the appointment of JMP Consulting in respect of specialist consultancy work for the project, until the completion of the statutory procedures, subject to regular review and until it was considered that other arrangements were more beneficial.

It was reported that Planning, Legal and Financial Services had been consulted and had supported the recommendations.

It was also reported that all finance, following approval, would be projected towards the anticipated start date.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the scheme be re-submitted for planning permission as soon as possible.

(2)  That in accordance with Standing Order 38.2 approval be given for exemption from Standing Order 47.6.3 (requirement to obtain at least three written quotations for contracts with an estimated value between £20k and £50k) and JMP Consulting be appointed to provide specialist advice up to and including completion of the statutory procedures, including any public enquiry associated with the scheme, subject to regular review.

(3)    That the Director of Streetpride review from time to time the need for the continuance of the arrangements with JMP Consulting and whether the company continued to provide value for money.

Robin Lambert, Markets General Manager, to report.

-           to consider an application to hold a new funfair on the Greasbrough Recreation Ground, from the 10th to the 13th September.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Markets General Manager, relating to receipt of an application to hold a new four day funfair on Greasbrough Recreation Ground, from the 10th to the 13th September, 2008, but with some degree of flexibility on dates to take account of ground and weather conditions.

The anticipated income from the fair was noted.

Details of the consultation that had taken place were set out in the report.  It was noted that, although no objections had been received, there were some concerns about noise, anti-social behaviour and street car parking.  Reference was made to the good track record of other funfairs staged by this operator.

Resolved:-  That the application to hold a four day funfair on Greasbrough Recreation Ground, be approved on a trial basis.

Peter Thornborrow, Conservation and Urban Design Officer, to report.

-           to consider the proposed action to prevent further deterioration of a grade II listed building.

Further to Minute No. 66 of the Planning Board held on 7th August, 2008, consideration was given to a report, presented by the Project Officer, relating to measures to address the long term disrepair and vacancy of the above important listed building.  It was pointed out that the Council had the option of exercising its statutory powers in order to address the long-term disrepair of this building. 

It was reported that the Planning Board had resolved to serve an Urgent Works Notice and subsequently a Repairs Notice on the owner of the building, under Sections 54 and 48, and recovery of expenses under Section 55, of the Planning (Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas) Act 1990. 

Reference was made to the possibility of Compulsory Purchase.

Resolved:-  That Minute No. 66 of the Planning Board held on 7th August, 2008 relating to the serving of an Urgent Works Notice, in the first instance, on the owner of the George Wright Building under sections 54 and 48 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, and the possibility of the serving of a Repairs Notice as a pre-requisite to compulsory purchase, be noted.

Chris Wilkins, Assistant Development Control Manager, to report.

-           to consider ownership and future management and maintenance of the balancing pond.

This item was withdrawn.

Robin Lambert, General Manager Markets, to report.

-           to consider an application to hold an additional funfair on the bonfire Ground in Wath, from the 10th to the 13th September, or 18th to 22nd September 2008.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Markets General Manager, relating to the receipt of an application to hold an additional four day funfair on the Bonfire Ground in Wath, from either 10th to 13th September, or 18th to 22nd September, 2008 to take account of ground and weather conditions.

The anticipated income from the fair was noted, but it was suggested that consideration be given to the introduction of a cancellation fee in the next financial year.

Details of the consultation that had taken place were set out in the report.  It was noted that, although no objections had been received, there were some concerns about noise, anti-social behaviour and street car parking.  Reference was made to the good track record other funfairs staged by this operator.

Resolved:-  That the application to hold a four day funfair on the bonfire ground in Wath, on either of the dates suggested, be approved.

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 consideration of the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in those paragraphs (detailed below) of Part I of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended March 2006) (business/financial).

ZaharaSiddique, Place Shaping Officer, to report.

-           to outline a phasing programme.

(Exempt under Paragraph 3 of the Act - contains contractual and financial information)

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Quality and Design Co-ordinator, relating to research which was commissioned to devise a medium to long term approach to realising the ambition and potential in Rotherham for building a new population base in the town centre, taking into account Housing Market Renewal funding opportunities and market conditions.

Reference was made to the current nationwide downturn in the residential market.

The report set out a phasing programme based on site potential which would form part of the evidence base to assist in preparing the Local Development Framework Core Strategy and site allocation development plan documents.

The Cabinet Member asked that due regard be given to housing allocation in the town centre to maintain the balance and maximise other opportunities.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the completion by Knight Frank Residential Research of a Residential Forward Strategy for Rotherham Town Centre be noted and the subsequent observations by the Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods on car parking be included as a basis for ongoing prioritisation of investment.

(2)  That the Residential Forward Strategy form part of the evidence base to assist in preparing Local Development Framework documents.

(3)  That the report be referred to the Local Development Framework Steering Group.

(Exempt under Paragraph 3 of the Act – financial/business affairs)

Julie Roberts, Town Centre Manager, to report.

-           to recommend issue of licences.

(Exempt under Paragraphs 1 and 3 of the Act – information relating to individuals/contains contractual and financial information)

Further to Minute No. 33 of the meeting of the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Development Services held on 16th August, 2008, consideration was given to a report, presented by the Town Centre and Markets Manager, which set out recommendations for traders to whom licences would be issued for the purpose of siting a mobile catering unit in the town centre for the period 1st October to 31^st December, 2008.

Reference was made to the revised application procedure and to the three months licence period.

Consideration was given to the five applications received from traders for a licence to site a mobile catering unit in the town centre for the period 1st October to 31^st December, 2008 and information provided on each application request.

Resolved:-    (1)  That subject to the specific conditions, detailed in the report submitted, a licence be granted to the following for the period 1st October to 31st December, 2008:-

Messrs. M.,and C.;  Mrs. H.;  Mr. C./Miss G.                                                   

(2)  That the application from Miss W. be refused for the reasons detailed in the report now submitted.

(Exempt under Paragraphs 1 and 3 of the Act – identity of individuals/financial and business affairs)

Ian Smith, Director of Asset Management to report.

-           to request the Novation of Carey Jones Design Services.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Worksmart Manager, relating to a request for the novation of Carey Jones Design Services from the OJEU Lot 1 (Civic Accommodation in Rotherham Town Centre) bidder to the Council.

It was reported that the Council’s Legal Services partners had confirmed that the recommendation was in accordance with the OJEU procedure.  It was noted that the novation would afford the Council close control of its fit-out works and simplify the financial arrangements.

Resolved:-  (1)  That, subject to the Assistant Chief Executive, Legal and Democratic Services, approving the terms and conditions of the contract between Evans of Leeds and Carey Jones Interiors, approval be given to the novation of the contract to the Council

(2)        That Carey Jones Interiors to carry out Stage C works.

(3)        That Carey Jones Interiors be retained for the remainder of the Council’s fit out works, but that further works are only instructed on approval of each project stage.

(Exempt under Paragraph 3 of the Act – financial/business affairs)

Consideration was given to a report presented by the Cultural Services Manager, which provided a progress update on the Big Lottery Fund Project and sought approval to suspend Standing Orders for the purpose of fitting out the building.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the progress to date be noted.

(2)  That suspension of Standing Order 48.2.1be approved and Opening the Book be appointed to carry out internal fit works at Mowbrary Gardens Library.

(Exempt under Paragraph 3 of the Act – financial/business affairs)