Agenda and minutes

-           to receive the minutes.

Consideration was given to the minutes of a meeting of the RMBC Transport Liaison Group held on 1^st December, 2008.

Resolved:-  That the content of the minutes be noted.

-           to note continuing progress and receive the minutes.

Consideration was given to the minutes of a meeting of the Rotherham Local Development Framework Steering Group held on 12^th December, 2008.

Resolved:-  That the content of the minutes be noted.

Resolved:-  That the action of the Cabinet Member on 16^th December, 2008, in opening tenders for Town Centre Accommodation and Development of vacant sites – Lot 1 Council Central Accommodation, be recorded.

Steve Hallsworth, Leisure Services Manager, to report.

-           to consider the response to the petition.

Further to Minute No. 28 of the joint meeting of the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and the Cabinet Member for Streetpride, consideration was given to a report, presented by the Leisure Services Manager, detailing the Service Area’s investigation of the issues raised in the petition, and proposed responses.

It was noted that the Bill Hawes recreation ground had been identified in the Playing Pitch Strategy as a key site and that a master plan would be developed which would take account of car parking facilities.

The report also detailed previous action the Service had taken in respect of responsibilities for litter, foul language, mud etc.

In addition it was reported that the Service Area intended to review booking arrangements during the coming year which would include consideration of developing the wording of the contractual arrangements to include what is expected of clubs and teams using Council facilities.

Resolved:-  (1)  That a boot scrape is installed next to the ‘A’ barrier at this site.

(2)  That another letter is sent to all organisers booking the site, reminding people to consider local residents and to park respectfully. 

(3)  That the Green Space Officers speak to colleagues in Parking Services once the pilot study they are undertaking in other areas is concluded, in order to explore its potential to contribute to the parking issues at Bill Hawes.

(4)  That, in the longer term, the Service Area ensures that the proposed development of a master plan for the site considers all of the identified issues.

Ken Wheat, Transportation Unit Manager, to report.

-           to inform Cabinet Member about the Robin Hood Airport Draft Master Plan and to suggest a response to Peel Airports about issues affecting Rotherham.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Transportation Unit Manager, relating to the Robin Hood Airport Draft Master Plan which the Service Area had been invited to comment upon in accordance with the Government’s White Paper 2003 “The Future of Air Transport”.

The key features of the Robin Hood Airport Doncaster Sheffield Masterplan were detailed in the submitted report, and a plan showing the overall view was attached.

Consideration was given to the following, together with the proposed responses:-

-                      the impact on Rotherham of the proposed housing development

-                      Business park expansion

-                      passenger predictions

-                      airport traffic generation and its impact on the network

-                      public transport

-                      possible FARRRS link road

Elected Members commented on:-

-                      concern that the expansion of the BusinessPark might gradually spread and include non-airport related development

-                      the need for a Rotherham postcode

-                      promotion and better use of public transport

-                      support for the airport in terms of the economic benefits it brings to Rotherham, and the region

Resolved:-  That the contents of the report be endorsed and, together with the above comments, form the response to Peel Airports.

Greg Lindley, Partnership Implementation Officer, and Stephen Smith, Assistant Development Co-ordinator, to report.

-           to note the partnership bid for European funding.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Partnership Implementation Officer, reporting the success of the Partnership bid for European funding under Interreg for the MARE project.

Reference was also made to:-

-                      Government’s response to the Pitt report

-                      the involvement of the Council in flood risk research work and partnership in the River Don Catchment-wide working

-                      Pennine Water Group/Bradford project (SKINT)

-                      Rotherham Water and Flood Risk Group

-                      Yorkshire Learning Alliance

-                      the Ursula research project

It was pointed out that the Rotherham Renaissance Flood Alleviation scheme had highlighted the need for more integrated working with partners beyond the administrative boundary of Rotherham.

Proposed flood alleviation measures for the Waverley development were also discussed.

Resolved:-  (1)  That  the role of the Council as a full partner in the MARE project under the Interreg programme be confirmed.

(2)  That involvement in joint research and action on Flood Risk reduction with Sheffield University and Sheffield City Council, and other partners, continues and developments and progress be reported to future joint meetings.

(3)  That support be given to the proposal to set up a Catchment-wide Flood Risk Action Alliance.

(4) That support be given to the proposal to set up a Rotherham Water and Flood Risk Group

(5) That support be given to involvement in the Yorkshire Learning Alliance.