Agenda and minutes

Consideration was given to the minutes of a meeting of the Chesterfield Canal Partnership Executive held on 11^th March, 2010.

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

The following report was submitted:-

Tourism Panel

15th March, 2010

(i)                 to note the contents of the minutes.

(ii)               to consider the report re:  Community Infrastructure Levy. (copy attached)

Consideration was given to the minutes of a meeting of the Local Development Framework Members’ Steering Group held on 19^th March, 2010, together with an accompanying report in respect of the Community Infrastructure Levy.

Resolved:  That the contents of the minutes and accompanying report be noted.

Consideration was given to the minutes of a meeting of the RMBC Transport Liaison Group held on 22^nd March, 2010.

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

Andrew Butler, Senior Engineer, to report.

-           to seek Cabinet Member approval not to proceed with the proposed junction improvement at Main Street junction with Centenary Way due to the estimated cost exceeding funds available, and to seek Cabinet Member approval to undertake the preliminary design and evaluation of an alternative means of managing traffic congestion and community severance at this location.

Further to Minute No. 21 of the meeting of the Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Planning and Transportation held on 29th June, 2009, consideration was given to a report, presented by the Senior Engineer, which sought approval not to proceed with the proposed junction improvement at Main Street junction with Centenary Way due to the estimated cost exceeding funds available.

It was reported that detailed design had been carried out and statutory undertakers had been consulted to establish costs.  It was explained that the current estimate reflected additional construction costs and costs to divert statutory undertakers’ equipment.  This revised estimate now exceeded the current allocation Rotherham had from the Local Transport Plan Strategic schemes fund in 2010/11.  Also the LTP allocations for 2011/2012 were currently unknown.  It was also pointed out that it was anticipated that there might be a cut in the region of 40% in the LTP spending.  The full financial situation was explained in detail.  Reference was made to those schemes in Rotherham included within the proposed Strategic Fund programme for 2010/11 and 2011/2012 details of which were set out in Appendix A.

It was pointed out that a decision to fund Pool Green was likely to significantly affect local programmes.

Reference was made to the original objectives of the scheme and it was suggested that officers undertake the preliminary design and evaluation of an alternative means of managing traffic congestion and community severance at this location.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the original proposal to replace the existing roundabout with a traffic light controlled crossroads not be progressed due to the uncertainty of funding.

(2)        That preliminary design and evaluation be undertaken to determine an alternative proposal.

(3)        That a further report be submitted to a future meeting of the Cabinet Member for consideration.

Andrew Butler, Senior Engineer, to report.

-           to inform Cabinet Member on the outcome of a review of all speed limits on A and B classified roads in Rotherham in accordance with Central Government guidance set out in DfT Circular 01/2006 and seek Cabinet Member approval to proceed with a programme of amendments identified in this report.

Further to Minute No. 220 of the meeting of the Cabinet Member held on 20^th April, 2009, consideration was given to a report, presented by the Acting Transportation Unit Manager, informing the Cabinet Member of the outcome of a review of all speed limits on A and B classified roads in Rotherham in accordance with Central Government guidance set out in DfT Circular 01/2006.

The report also sought approval to proceed with a programme of amendments, identified in the submitted report.

It was pointed out that the five Highway Authorities had agreed those speed limits recommended for amendment and these were listed in Appendix A attached to the submitted report. Speed limits on these roads should change before 2011 as indicated in Central Government advice.

A further list of roads, attached at Appendix B, listed roads where it was suggested that engineering measures should be implemented, subject to securing the necessary funding, to achieve a reduction in the posted speed limit.  The speed limit on these roads would be reviewed again once suitable measures had been identified and implemented. 

Those present discussed the following:-

-                      Upper Wortley Road

-                      Worrygoose Lane

-                      Old Retford Road

-                      Whiston Hill

-                      London Way

Reference was made to the cost of promoting, consulting on and implementation of the proposed Traffic Regulation Orders for those roads listing in Appendix A.  It was confirmed that funding, estimated at £50,000, had been allocated from the Local Transport Plan Integrated Transport budget for 2010/11.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the roads identified in this report at Appendix ‘A’ as requiring a change to their current posted speed limit, be statutorily consulted upon in accordance with the Local Authorities’ Traffic Orders (Procedure) (England and Wales) Regulations 1996, and implemented subject no objections being received.

(2)  That the speed limits on those roads identified in Appendix ‘B’ be reviewed once physical engineering measures have been implemented and funding identified and a further report submitted to a future meeting of the Cabinet Member.

Richard Baker, Senior Technician, to report.

-           to report receipt of two objections to a proposed Traffic Regulation Order that would see a peak time loading restriction Monday to Saturday 08:00-09:30 and 16:00-18:00 introduced on part of A633 Rawmarsh Hill, Parkgate.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Acting Transportation Unit Manager, reporting receipt of two objections to a proposed Traffic Regulation Order that would see a peak time loading restriction Monday to Saturday 08:00-09:30 and 16:00-18:00 introduced on part of A633 Rawmarsh Hill, Parkgate.

It was reported that the proposal would improve reliability and punctuality of bus services on the A633, and also assist with ensuring the right of free passage on this key congested route.

The objections were detailed in Appendix A to the submitted report.

It was explained that the proposals had been amended to alleviate pressures on Rawmarsh Hill.  The proposals were explained in detail along with the configuration of the road at this location and illustrated on Drawing No. 126/18/TT486B attached at Appendix B.

Those present discussed:-

-                      potential disadvantage to businesses

-                      amount of time needed for loading and unloading

-                      enforcement

-                      possible introduction of a time limit

-                      time to implementation

Resolved:-  (1)  That the objections to the loading restrictions be not acceded to and the objectors informed of the decision.

(2)  That the amended proposal, as illustrated on Drawing No. 126/18/TT486B, be approved and the peak time loading restriction (Monday to Saturday 08:00-09:30 and 16:00-18:00) Traffic Regulation Order be made by the Assistant Chief Executive of Legal and Democratic Services.

Chris Wilkins, Assistant Development Control Manager, to report.

-           to consider proposed amendments to the Council’s Scheme of Delegation relating to powers delegated to the Director of Planning and Regeneration in relation to the Development Control functions of the Service.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Assistant Development Control Manager, proposing amendments to the Council’s Scheme of Delegation relating to powers delegated to the Director of Planning and Regeneration in relation to the Development Control functions of the Service.

Appendix 1 to the submitted report set out the proposed scheme of delegation.

Appendix 2 to the submitted report set out the existing scheme.

The Assistant Development Control Manager highlighted and explained the proposed areas of change.

Those present discussed:-

-                      process to deal with minor amendments

-                      probity in planning

-                      notification of applications to elected members

-                      involvement and support of Parish Councils

Resolved:-  (1)  That the proposed changes to the Scheme of Delegation of power to the Director of Planning and Regeneration be supported.

(2) That the reviewed Scheme of Delegation be presented to the Planning Board for information, and Council for formal approval, being a change to Council policy.

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

-           to seek approval for the confirmation of the Article 4 (2) Direction.

Further to Minute No. 48 of the meeting of the Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Planning and Transportation held on 2^nd September, 2009, consideration was given to a further report seeking confirmation of the Article 4 (2) Direction imposed on Clifton Bank and Wellgate Terrace, in the Boston Castle Ward.

The submitted report detailed the following:-

-                      background to this Direction

-                      articles covered by the Direction

-                      the process

-                      consultation that had been carried out

-                      national and local support for the introduction of Article 4 Direction

-                      finance

-                      risks and uncertainties

It was confirmed that no written objections had been received and the residents in this area were happy for the Direction to be confirmed.

The Conservation and Urban Design Officer listed all the items that would be covered by the Direction.

Those present discussed the following:-

-                      the issue of replacement windows in a conservation area

-                      historical background to the area

-                      ways in which properties could be made more eco-friendly and measures to prevent heat loss

-                      car parking

-                      HE1 which focussed on “Heritage Assets and Climate change”

-                      lack of grants for conservation areas

-                      production of a Design Guide in support of this initiative

The Conservation and Urban Design Officer also outlined other issued raised by residents in respect of the public realm.

In view of the need to advertise the confirmation of the Direction consideration was given to requesting The Mayor to exempt this minute from the Call-in process.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the Article 4 (2) Direction, issued on 29th October 2009 and currently in force, be confirmed for the domestic properties on Clifton Bank, Nos. 2 – 28 (consecutive), and Nos. 1- 6 Wellgate Terrace, and Nos. 81 & 81A Wellgate.

(2) That, in view of the urgency to advertise the confirmation of the Article 4 (2) Direction, The Mayor be requested to consider this minutes as exempt from the Call-in process.

(The Mayor agreed the request for exemption from Call-in on 21^st April, 2010)

(THE CABINET MEMBER AUTHORISED CONSIDERATION OF THE FOLLOWING EXTRA ITEM, IN ORDER FOR THE SCHEME TO BE INTRODUCED AT THE EARLIEST OPPORTUNITY)

Paul Gibson, Senior Transportation Officer, to report.

-           to seek approval for the introduction of a bicycle salary sacrifice scheme to support sustainable travel initiatives in the Council’s Travel Plan, the second South Yorkshire Local Transport Plan 2006-11 and the sustainability and low carbon themes of the developing third Local Transport Plan.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Acting Transportation Unit Manager, seeking approval for the introduction of a bicycle salary sacrifice scheme to support sustainable travel initiatives in the Council’s Travel Plan, the second South Yorkshire Local Transport Plan 2006-11 and the sustainability and low carbon themes of the developing third Local Transport Plan.

It was reported that there was demand for a second scheme from staff who missed the previous scheme.

A brief explanation of the proposed scheme and the hire agreement was given and it was pointed out that it was intended to manage this second scheme in house.

Reference was made to the financial arrangements needed for the scheme to proceed and to income, costs and management charges.  Risks and uncertainties relating to the scheme for both the Council and employees were detailed in the submitted report.

It was confirmed that adult cycle training was available and it was pointed out it was the duty of staff to maintain their own bicycle.

Resolved:-  That the introduction of a further Bicycle Salary Sacrifice Scheme 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 relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular individual (including the Council)):-

Resolved:-  That, under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves 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).

Bernadette Rushton, Assistant Town Centre Manager, to report.

-           to consider the applications for grant.

The Assistant Town Centre Manager submitted a report seeking approval to award Rental Contribution and Capital Grant, under the Town Centre Business Vitality Scheme, to support the opening of a coffee shop in Imperial Buildings.

Reference was made to Minute No. 37 of the meeting of the Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Planning and Transportation held on 27^th July, 2010, when approval was given for the allocation of a Grant to support the opening of a coffee shop in Units 12/ 13 within Imperial Buildings. However, it was now reported that following heads of terms being agreed and some fit out works having being completed; the previous applicant was forced to pull out owing to an unanticipated change in personal circumstances.

Therefore the submitted report related to a further proposal for a coffee shop/waffle house to be launched within Units 12/ 13 within Imperial Buildings located within the Vitality Scheme area.

It was confirmed that all the planning permissions were in place and the application met the scheme’s criteria.

Those present commented on the following:-

-                      town centre footfall figures

-                      markets footfall

-                      farmers’ markets

-                      the need to redevelop the front entrance to the indoor market

Resolved:-  (1)  That Rental Contribution is awarded to this project to provide a contribution of 50% of annual rent in year one and 25% of annual rental in year two.

(2)  That a Capital Improvement Grant be awarded to this project to cover 75% of total cost of eligible works (excluding vat), up to a maximum grant payment of £7,500 to include (1) fitting out, (2) shop front sign writing and (3) the purchase of street café furniture, subject to the submission and approval of satisfactory specifications and quotations.

(3)  That a plan of the current occupancy of Imperial Building be attached to the next report relating to Town Centre Business Vitality Grant applications.

(THE CABINET MEMBER AUTHORISED CONSIDERATION OF THE FOLLOWING ITEM IN ORDER FOR THE TENDER TO BE AWARDED TO THE CONTRACTOR WITHOUT DELAY)

Director of Asset Management to report.

Further to Minute No. 200 of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 24^th February, 2010, consideration was given to a report, presented by the Director of Asset Management, seeking approval to award a tender for the design, build and re-development of Hellaby Depot.  It was explained that the redevelopment of the Hellaby site would enable the current Greasbrough Depot, Bramley Depot and Hope Street to be re-located to the new site.

It was confirmed that the tender was within budget and that a capital budget had been allocated to this project.

A plan accompanying the submitted report illustrated the vehicle parking configuration at the proposed depot, the provision of a Salt Barn, stores, MOT bay and office accommodation.

Consideration was also requested that the 7 day call-in period be waived (under rule 14 of the Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rules) to allow the contractor on site at the earliest opportunity.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the tender submitted by Mansell Build Ltd dated 16th April, 2010 in the sum of £3,100,000.00 be accepted.

(2)  That, in order to allow the contractor on site at the earliest opportunity,      the Mayor be requested to consider that this minute be exempted from the Call-in process

(The Mayor agreed the request for exemption from call-in on 19^th April, 2010.)