Agenda and minutes

 -  to note the contents of the minutes.

Consideration was given to the minutes of a meeting of the Sustainability Partnership held on 26^th January, 2011.

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

Lee Viney, Assistant Economic Strategy Officer, to report,

-  to update the Cabinet Member with progress on the joint project with Cluj-Napoca(Romania) working on engaging with people from the Roma and Disabled communities and assisting them back into employment.

Consideration was give to a report, presented by the Economic Development Officer, updating the Cabinet Member on the progress of the joint project with Cluj-Napoca (Romania) working on engaging with people from the Roma and Disabled communities and assisting them back into employment.

It was explained that the project would commence from 1^st April, 2011 and would be funded through European Regional Development fund (ERDF).

The objectives of the project were detailed in the submitted report.  It was reported that a scoping meeting between all the partners would be scheduled within the first two months of the project start.  It was expected that during the lifetime of the project the Romanian project team would make annual visits to Rotherham to look at relevant activity being delivered in the Borough and surrounding area.

Members present commented on:-

-          the need for a professional translation service

-          the need to establish networking links with existing Roma residents

-          the need to consider and appreciate cultural differences

-          the anticipated results of the project for both Cluj-Napoca and the Council

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

(2)                 That the continued work on the project be endorsed.

(3)  That the Cabinet Member continues to receive regular updates on the progress of the project and issues of interest which arise from it.

Sharon Langton, Principal Estate Surveyor, to report.

-  to seek approval to declare the above-mentioned asset surplus to the requirements of the Department of Asset Management.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Land and Property Manager, seeking approval to declare a 2.435 acres area of land to the rear of No. 22A West Park Drive, Swallownest, surplus to the requirements of the Department of Asset Management.

It was explained that the land had been managed through an agricultural tenancy for some time.  The area of land in question was highlighted on the plan accompanying the submitted report.

The Director of Planning and Regeneration had advised that although the land fell within the residential allocation in the Unitary Development Plan, in this particular instance, the site had potential for development as a local retail centre along with incidental greenspace under the electricity pylon.  Legal Services had confirmed there were no matters in the Council’s freehold title to the land which would affect a disposal.

Resolved:-  That the land to the rear of No. 22A West Park Drive, Swallownest, as now identified on the accompanying plan, be declared surplus to the requirements of the  Department of Asset Management.

Noel Bell, Planner, to report.

(i)                 to feed back the key findings of the public consultation for the South Yorkshire Residential Design Guide and the resulting changes made to the document.

(ii)               to seek authority to use the document as a best practice guide pending future consideration to its adoption (all or in part) as a Supplementary Planning Document.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Planning Manager, relating to the key findings of the public consultation for the South Yorkshire Residential Design Guide and the resulting changes made to the document.

Consideration was given to the request to use the document as a best practice guide pending future consideration to its adoption (all or in part) as a Supplementary Planning Document.

It was explained that the guide was aimed principally at housing developments of over 10 units, with its purpose being to update the existing “Better Places to Live in South Yorkshire” (2002) design guide to provide robust urban and highway design guidance (including technical standards) for planning applicants, agents, developers and designers.

The document also strongly complemented the government endorsed ‘Building for Life’ assessment approach.

The document was the result of co-operation between the four South Yorkshire local authorities and Transform South Yorkshire.

Members present commented on:-

-          the authority of the document

-          design for safety and for streets

-          modern room sizes and occupancy numbers

-          aimed to aid developers and planners as a way forward to negotiate at the pre-application stage

-          inclusion at a future date in the Local Development Framework Core Strategy

Resolved:-  That the South Yorkshire Residential Design Guide be approved for use as a best practice guide.