Agenda and minutes

Consideration was given to the minutes of a meeting of the Local Development Framework Members’ Steering Group held on 14^th November, 2008.

Resolved:-  That the minutes be noted.

Consideration was given to the minutes of a meeting of the Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder held on 10^th November, 2008.

Resolved:-  That the minutes be noted.

Consideration was given to the minutes of a meeting of the Town Centre Events Group held on 24^th November, 2008.

Resolved:-  That the minutes be noted.

Consideration was given to a report listing petitions received as follows:-

(i)                   Petition in protest and opposition to the plans to build a heat and power plant (RB2008/1653) on land at the rear of Dog Kennel Hill, South Anston.

(ii)                 Richard Road Residents’ Petition:  Wellgate South Parking Scheme

The Transportation Unit Manager reported that the petition in respect of the Wellgate South Parking Scheme would be included in the report which was currently being prepared and which would be submitted to a future meeting of the Cabinet Member.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the petitions be noted.

(2)  That the petition relating to the heat and power plant be referred to the Director of Planning and Regeneration to be considered as part of the planning process.

(3)  That the petition relating to the Wellgate South Parking Scheme be noted and included in the report being prepared by the Transportation Unit.

Greg Lindley, Partnership Implementation Officer, to report.

-           to seek approval for the allocation of RERF capital for Site Investigation works needed on the proposed site for the ABLE Project at Templeborough, with match funding from the Children and Young People’s Service.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Partnership Implementation Officer, seeking approval for the allocation of £12,500 of Rotherham Economic Regeneration Fund (RERF) capital to undertake site investigation works and service checks needed on the proposed site for the ABLE Project at Templeborough, with match funding from the Children and Young People’s Services.

It was explained that the project would be a fully operational sustainable business incorporating fish farming; aquaponics; horticulture; an orchard; bee hives; rural crafts and an education centre.  Qualifications offered would ensure skills and training for future employment.

It was confirmed that the request had been scored and met the funding criteria for RERF.

Resolved:-  That  £12,500 of RERF capital be approved to match fund Children and Young People’s Services investment in Site Investigation costs for the ABLE project.

Greg Lindley, Partnership Implementation Officer, to report.

-           to seek approval for the allocation of RERF Capital to the Flood Alleviation Scheme to support the match funding, currently being bid for from the Environment Agency Yorkshire Regional Flood Defence Committee funding, for flood defences in the area of Chantry Bridge.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Partnership Implementation Officer, seeking approval for the allocation of £375,000 of Rotherham Economic Regeneration Fund capital to the Flood Alleviation Scheme to support the match funding, currently being bid for from the Environment Agency Yorkshire Regional Flood Defence Committee funding for flood defences in the area of Chantry Bridge.

The area affected would focus on the Chantry Chapel;  the junction of Corporation Street/Chantry Bridge/the Central Interchange and Bridgegate.  Initial consultation had taken place with both the Passenger Transport Executive, the Sheffield Diocese and local businesses.  The scheme proposed modest works which would enhance both Phase 1 and 2 of the overall Rotherham Renaissance Flood Defence Scheme.

It was confirmed that the request had been scored and met the funding criteria for RERF.

Resolved:-  That £375,000 of RERF capital be approved to match fund Environment Agency – Regional Flood Defence Committee funds for the Chantry Bridge Flood Defences.

Ryan Shepherd, Senior Planner, to report.

-           to provide the information in this report to inform planning and regeneration decisions in the area over the next five years.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Senior Planner, relating to the serviced accommodation needs study for South Yorkshire which was commissioned by Yorkshire South Tourism and undertaken by consultants, Marketing Planning Associates.

It was reported that the consultant report findings had been adjusted in line with the Borough boundaries and changes had been made to the report since it was produced by the consultants in 2007 in order to provide the information to inform planning and regeneration decisions in the area over the next five years.

The elements of the report which related to Rotherham were detailed at Appendix 1 to the submitted report.

Attention was drawn to the following:-

• the Renaissance Programme which referred to the provision of hotel accommodation in the town centre
• current capacity, occupancy rate and demand
• the YES project aspirations at Rother ValleyCountry Park and possible development of camping, caravanning, log cabins and/or other accommodation and self catering
• links to PPS6:  Planning for Town Centres
• verification by the Centre for Hospitality Research
• the need for some low cost provision for visiting sportsmen and families
• difficulty in determining and balancing the level and type of accommodation which might be needed

Resolved:-  (1)  That the report be received.

(2)  That the report information, with adjustments, forms part of the Local Development Framework evidence base and is taken into account as a material consideration when determining planning applications for visitor accommodation in the Borough.

(3)  That the report be referred to the Tourism Panel, the Tourism Forum and Planning Board for information.

Ken Wheat, Transportation Unit Manager, to report.

-           to report the receipt of an objection to the proposed amendment to existing parking arrangements on Domine Lane.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Transportation Unit Manager,  relating to the receipt of an objection to the proposed amendment to existing parking arrangements on Domine Lane.  A copy of the objection was appended to the submitted report at Appendix B.

Reference was made to Drawing No.  126/18/TT410A illustrating the proposals which involved the removal of some of the existing pay and display parking spaces on Domine Lane, and all of the spaces currently available on Market Street.  It was explained that the rationale was to assist the regeneration of this part of town through the Westgate Demonstrator Project by allowing access to the new building.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the objection not be acceded to.

(2)  That the objector be made aware of the decision and the reasons.

(3)  That the Assistant Chief Executive, Legal and Democratic Services, be authorised to make the Traffic Regulation Order.

(4)  That the order be implemented as part of Westgate Demonstrator Project improvements.

Ken Wheat, Transportation Unit Manager, to report.

-           to inform Cabinet Member about the consultation draft of the South Yorkshire Tram Strategy and to suggest a response to the SYPTE about issues affecting Rotherham.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by Transportation Unit Manager, informing the Cabinet Member that South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) were undertaking stakeholder consultation on the South Yorkshire Tram Strategy, which identified a short term strategy (2008 – 2011) outlining deliverable improvements to the existing tram network and a medium to long term strategy (2011 – 2021) aimed at influencing longer term planning issues.

Headlines relating to the shorter term strategy were set out in the submitted report.

It was pointed out that it was considered that the delivery of service enhancements was of most relevance to Rotherham.

Reference was made to the following:-

• the development of the Bus Rapid Transit routes
• possible extension of the Tram Train pilot between Sheffield and Huddersfield
• extension of the scope for better access into the Dearne

A copy of an extract from the Draft South Yorkshire Tram Strategy was appended to the submitted report at Appendix A.

Attention was drawn to the risks and uncertainties particularly the lack of detailed costings and financial information regarding viability.

It was explained that it was proposed that the content of the submitted report would form the basis of the Council’s response to the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive about issues affecting Rotherham.

Resolved:-  That the contents of this report be endorsed and used to form a response to the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive.

Ken Wheat, Transportation Unit Manager, to report.

-           to inform Cabinet Member about the Consultation Drafts of both the Yorkshire and Humber Rail Network Route Utilisation Strategy (RUS) and the South Yorkshire Rail Strategy and to endorse the suggested response to Network Rail and the SYPTE about issues within the drafts affecting rail services serving Rotherham.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Transportation Unit Manager, informing the Cabinet Member about the following Consultation Drafts:-

(i)                   the Yorkshire and Humber Rail Network Route Utilisation Strategy (RUS) – 2009 – 2019

This document set out the main gaps and issues identified across the Region in particular:-

-                      addressing peak overcrowding and network congestion

-                      improved regional and national links

-                      engineering works

-                      freight capacity

-                      reactionary delays

A map attached at Appendix A illustrated the geographic reach of the network and the proposed draft response to the RUS was attached at Appendix B

(ii)                 the South Yorkshire Rail Strategy (a copy of the full Strategy was made available at the meeting) – summarised at Appendix C attached to the report.

This document aimed to set out a “realistic and pragmatic” approach to developing rail in the short term to 2014, and highlighted:-

-                      capacity issues

-                      dualing of Holmes Chord; access to Rotherham Central and congestion at Swinton

-                      improved connections to adjacent regional centres and to London

-                      new lines and stations

-                      freight and track issues

It was reported that there were no direct financial implications raised by either document.  However, funding and value for money were crucial elements of the delivery plan and it was likely that significant private sector, or rail industry, funding would be needed to deliver the aspirations.

In response to both strategies it was suggested that the focus should be on deliverables and key network bottlenecks, with greater priority to the strategic rail issues in the Rotherham area and the region in general.

The issue of car parking facilities at rail stations was also highlighted.

Resolved:-  That the contents of this report be endorsed and used to form a formal response to the Rail Utilisation Strategy and to comment upon the South Yorkshire Rail Strategy.

Ken Wheat, Transportation Unit Manager, to report.

-           to seek Cabinet Member’s approval to consult on a Draft Sustainable School Travel Strategy.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Transportation Unit Manager, informing the Cabinet Member of the duty introduced by the Education and Inspections Act 2006 to produce a Sustainable School Travel Strategy.

It was reported that Sections 76 to 80 of the Act would impact on the Environment and Development Services Directorate as follows:-

• To promote environmentally sustainable travel modes for all educational journeys which may improve the physical wellbeing of those who use them and/or the surrounding environment.

• To publish a School Travel Strategy to develop the environmentally sustainable travel and transport infrastructure so that the needs of children and young people are better catered for.

• To audit any travel infrastructure that may be used when travelling to, from and between educational establishments.

It was also reported that the Transportation Unit and partners involved with education, health and environmental matters had already made good progress with many of the school travel issues targeted by the Act.

Reference was made to the short, easy to read consultation draft Strategy which had been produced, and which was appended to the submitted report at Appendix A.

Reference was made to a forthcoming joint Scrutiny Review in relation to congestion outside of schools.

Those present commented on:-

-                      the work of the Education, Publicity and Training section

-                      the number of schools promoting cycling to school and issues regarding storage, safety and training

-                      the BSF programme

-                      timing of the school day

Resolved:-  (1) That the duty introduced by the Education and Inspections Act 2006 to produce a Sustainable School Travel Strategy be noted.

(2) That authority be given for consultations to take place on the attached draft strategy in accordance with the Council’s Consultation and Community Involvement Framework.

(3) That a copy of this report be referred to the Cabinet Member for Children and Young People’s Services, the Children and Young People’s Services and Regeneration Scrutiny Panels for information.

Carole Smith, Strategic Property Manager, to report.

-           to declare the above-mentioned asset surplus to the requirements of Asset Management Service.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Strategic Property Manager, seeking approval to declare the above-mentioned asset surplus to the requirements of Asset Management Service.

A plan appended to the report illustrated the site.

It was explained that the land was currently used as a car park for the adjacent leisure/sports facility, and that an options paper would be submitted to the Regeneration and Asset Board regarding any future use.  It was noted that the adjacent facilities had recently been out of use and were due to be repaired.

Reference was made to a possible opportunity of linking this site to the proposed Bus Rapid Transit system to provide a car park/park and ride facility.  The need to check the terms of the current agreement was also highlighted.

It was pointed out that other Directorates, including the Transportation Unit, and the Area Assembly would be consulted.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the land, highlighted on the plan appended to the submitted report, be declared surplus to the requirements of the Asset Management Service.

(2)  That an options paper be submitted to a future meeting of the Regeneration and Asset Board.

Carole Smith, Strategic Property Manager, to report.

-           to declare the above-mentioned asset surplus to the requirements of Asset Management Service.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Strategic Property Manager, seeking approval to declare the above-mentioned asset surplus to the requirements of Asset Management Service.

A plan appended to the report illustrated the site.

Reference was made to the current use and condition of this building.  However, it was reported that expressions of interest had been received for its future use.

The view was expressed that there was scope with this building for joint/shared use.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the land, as highlighted on the plan appended to the submitted report, be declared surplus to the requirements of the Asset Management Service.

(2)  That an options paper be submitted to a future meeting of the Regeneration and Asset Board.

The following items are likely to be considered in the absence of the press and public as being exempt under those Paragraphs, indicated below, of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended March 2006).

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) (financial/business affairs).

Carole Smith, Strategic Property Manager, to report.

-           to request retrospective authority to appoint external agents.

Consideration was given to a report, submitted by the Strategic Property Manager, requesting retrospective authority to appoint external agents to assist the Council develop its aspiration to procure new civic accommodation in furtherance of the town centre renaissance agenda.

The background detail to the request was set out in the submitted report, together with the procedure which had been followed to select the external agent.

A full explanation was given of the course of action that had been taken.

Reference was made to the requirements of the Council’s Standing Orders and internal audit, together with advice from Legal Services.

Resolved:-  That the appointment of DTZ to provide valuation advice, as detailed in the report now submitted, be noted.

Glen John-Lewis, Acting Principal Project Manager, to report.

-           to seek authority to accept the tender for the Aston-cum-Aughton Joint Service Centre construction works on the Millstone Hill Quarry site Worksop Road Aston.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Project Manager, seeking authority to accept the tender for the Aston-cum-Aughton Joint Service Centre construction works on the Millstone Hill Quarry site Worksop Road Aston.

Details of the construction budget and cash flow details were set out in the report.

It was explained that there had been some reduction in the size of the project and in some of the materials.

It was confirmed that the expected start on site was 5^th January, 2009.

Resolved:-  That the target cost tender sum of £7,008.000 and guaranteed maximum price in the sum of £7,108,000 submitted by Mansell Build Ltd., dated 28th November, 2008, be accepted.