Agenda and minutes

Andy Kidder, Service Accountant, to report.

-           to report on performance against the revenue budget for the     Environment and Development Services Directorate as at the end of October 2008, and to provide a forecast outturn for the whole of the 2008/09 financial year.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Principal Accountant, detailing the performance against the revenue budget for the Environment and Development Services Directorate as at the end of October 2008 and to provide a forecast for the whole of the 2008/09 financial year.

Attention was drawn to the forecast outturn position of an overspend.  It was explained that this was primarily due to a combination of anticipated energy cost price increase and the net shortfall on Planning Service fee income.

Measures to address the position were detailed in the submitted report.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the forecast outturn position of an overspend of £711,000 for the Environment & Development Services Directorate based on expenditure and income as at October 2008 be noted.

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

Maria Underwood, Licensing Officer, Streetpride, to report.

-           to consider a request for permission to place tables & chairs on the highway on Effingham Street in Rotherham under Section 115E of the Highways Act 1980 and report receipt of an objection during the consultation undertaken.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Licensing Officer, Streetpride, relating to a request for permission to place tables and chairs on the highway on Effingham Street in Rotherham, under section 115E of the Highways Act 1980.

The report set out details of an objection received during the consultation undertaken.

It was considered that the granting of a licence would contribute to the aims of the Council in encouraging a livelier street scene within the town centre.

Elected Members present commented on:-

-                      the need to restrict the licence to Effingham Street only

-                      the need for a clearly marked boundary

-                      impact on partially sighted people

-                      Rotherham’s current street scene and economy

Resolved:-  That the application for a licence to place tables and chairs on the highway at Effingham Street be approved and the objector be informed of the decision.

Bob Stock, Streetpride Principal Network Engineer, to report.

-           to summarise issues relating to the controls on the placing of advertising boards on the public highway.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Network Principal Engineer, Streetpride, relating to the controls on the placing of advertising boards on the public highway.

A copy of guidance notes, compiled and published in 2004, was appended to the report.

Elected Members commented on:-

-                      number of partially sighted people

-                      issues with traders on Millgate and All Saints Square over spilling onto the highway

-                      the need to monitor and enforce the policy

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

(2)  That the policy be reiterated and checks be made on the position of existing advertising boards for compliance with the current guidance.

Andy Newton, Project Officer, to report.

-           to consider proposed environmental improvements.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Project Officer, detailing proposed environmental improvements between Doncaster Road/Eastwood View and Doncaster Road/Herringthorpe Valley Road, EastDene.  It was explained that these works would also further enhance proposed Quality Bus Corridor improvements in the area, previously approved by the Cabinet Member for Streetpride, and include the following:-

(i)                   upgraded street lighting

(ii)                 gateway style street name signage

(iii)                new footway treatment throughout, including the introduction of tegula edging and details

(iv)                selective landscaping improvements

It was explained that the works would be funded from the Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder programme together with Local Transport Plan monies.

Resolved:-  That the proposed works be approved and the funding arrangements be noted.