Agenda and minutes

Further to the meeting of the Council held on 2^nd March, 2011, consideration was given to the above petition signed by thirty four residents of Holywell Road, Kilnhurst requesting parking space.

Resolved:-  That the receipt of the petition be noted and referred to the relevant Service within the Environment and Development Services Directorate for investigation and a report to a future meeting of the Cabinet Member.

Consideration was given to the minutes of a meeting of the Local Development Framework Members’ Steering Group held on 18^th February, 2011.

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

Andy Newton, Project Officer, to report.

-  to consider proposals for environmental improvement works to the above site.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Project Officer, relating to gateway improvement works on land adjoining Heritage Court, Outgang Lane, Laughton Common.

It was explained that this proposal related to a third phase of works, comprising a disused works compound associated with the nearby Persimmon Homes/Westbury Homes residential development; prominently situated, adjacent to the Heritage Court retail and residential development and highly visible from the B6060 Outgang Lane, a key approach to Dinnington Town Centre.

The site was currently owned by Persimmon Homes; however, by virtue of Condition 22 attached to Planning Permissions RB2004/0428, RB2005/0054 and RB2005/1170 relating to the nearby residential development, the site was identified for “community use”. These conditions also required that Persimmon landscape and maintain this and other Public Open Space sites within the larger residential development.

The current proposal, as detailed on the plan attached to the submitted report, was to restore the site as a Community Greenspace through the introduction of grass, wildflowers, trees, a foot path link, bins and interpretative signs explaining the historic, social and environmental background to the area.

The works would entail the removal of an unsightly fence and hedgerow that currently obscure the frontage of the site; and their replacement with a shrub border and decorative railing. A short section of footpath within the public highway, which fronted the site in question, would also be improved.

It was explained that Persimmon were currently in the process of transferring ownership of the site to Thurcroft Parish Council, who had indicated that they would be willing to maintain the site. However it was pointed out that, owing to the administrative deadline attached to the Gateways Programme (all works must be completed by June 2011) this transfer may not be completed by that date.

This being the case, the landscaping proposals contain a one year maintenance programme, which includes the replacement of any dead or dying plant specimens. If legal transfer occurs before the expiry of this maintenance period, Thurcroft Parish Council would assume responsibility for maintenance; if not Persimmon Homes would continue to maintain the site in accordance with the above-mentioned planning conditions.

Reference was made to the extensive consultation carried out with the local community, including residents within the immediate vicinity of the site, the ‘Friends of Laughton Common’, New Laughton Tenants and Residents Association and Thurcroft Parish Council. Local Ward Members had been involved with the project via the Dinnington Area Development Framework Steering Group. It was reported that support for the proposal was widespread.

The financial details for this project were set out in the submitted report.

Resolved:-  That the proposals be approved, and that the works be carried out during the period April to June 2011.

Tom Finnegan-Smith, Transportation Unit Manager, to report.

-  to report the results of consultations carried out on a proposed road safety scheme along Rotherham Road, Laughton Common which forms part of the Section 278 agreement with Persimmon Homes for the adjacent development.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Senior Engineer, relating to the results of consultations carried out on a proposed road safety scheme along Rotherham Road, Laughton Common which formed part of the Section 278 agreement with Persimmon Homes for the adjacent development.

It was explained that as part of the Section 278 works associated with the Persimmon Homes development at Laughton Common, there was a requirement on the developer to introduce traffic calming measures along a section of Rotherham Road.

It was proposed that these traffic calming measures would be introduced in the form of two raised junction tables (road humps):- one at the junction with Baker Street and the other at the junction with Paddington Close. In addition, it was also proposed to construct a mini-roundabout at the junction with Ascot Drive. It was confirmed that the proposals were in accordance with current regulations and guidance and would be adequately signed.

The cost of these works would be funded by Persimmon Homes. A plan of the proposed scheme was attached at Appendix A to the submitted report.

Reference was made to the consultations carried out during October 2010 with approximately 270 residents of Laughton Common, by way of a letter, plan and reply form.

It was reported that in addition statutory consultations were also carried out with the Emergency Services, Passenger Transport Executive, Parish Council and Local Ward Members

Details of the responses from the consultation were set out in the submitted report, together with the technical officer’s response to issues raised during the consultation process.

It was pointed out that the Emergency Services, Passenger Transport Executive, Parish Council and Local Ward Members had no objections to the proposals.

Details of the cost of the scheme were set out in the submitted report and it was pointed out that the Section 278 agreement for the development was specific to this location and could not be used elsewhere.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the objections to the proposed road safety scheme be not acceded to and that the objectors be informed of the decision.

(2)  That support for the scheme be reiterated and approval be granted for the works to be implemented.

Stuart Savage, Senior Engineer, to report.

-  to inform the Cabinet Member of the work undertaken by the Road Safety ETP staff between May 2010 and January 2011.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Senior Engineer, informing the Cabinet Member of the work undertaken by the Road Safety ETP staff between May 2010 and January 2011.

The following aspects were highlighted:-

Education:-

-          Crucial Crew event at Magna

-          “Choices” – interactive play for Year 7 pupils at Dinnington Comprehensive School

-          “Who’s to blame” – multi-agency package covering the consequences of an accident – for students at Maltby Academy

-          “Too much punch for Judy” – based on a true story of drinking and driving

Training:-

-          Pedestrian training for two large groups of parents and children at High Greave Infant School

-          Pedestrian training for Year 4 pupils at Dinnington Primary and Dinnington St. Joseph’s schools

Publicity:-

Provided Banners to schools bearing various messages discouraging parents from parking on school keep clear markings

Partnership working:-

-          Continued administration, and assistance with “Drive for Life” presentations for young people at various locations in Rotherham sponsored by the South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership

-          Work in conjunction with Doncaster MBC to update and re-launch advertising campaign for 11-13 years old pedestrians primarily along the A633 and A630 routes

-          Worked with South Yorkshire Police, PCSO’s and children from Swinton Fitzwilliam, Wentworth, Brampton Ellis Junior Schools an Swinton and Wath Comprehensive Schools on a project to educate drivers about driving slowly near schools, using the Smiley SID speed indicator

Reference was also made to reduced funding allocation to support ongoing work and to the loss of experienced staff.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the contents of the report, and continued excellent work of the section, be noted.

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

Brian Barratt, to report.

-                      to inform the Cabinet Member of the procurement of the YORConsult and YORCivils framework.

-                      to request approval for the relevant services within Environment and Development Services to bid for places in the frameworks.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Design and Projects Manager, informing the Cabinet Member of the procurement of the YORConsult and YORCivils frameworks (covering consultants’ services and civil engineering contractors respectively).

The report also requested approval for relevant services within Environment and Development Services to bid for places in the YORConsult and YORCivils frameworks.

Reference was made to the setting up and operation of the YORbuild contracts framework and the intention to set up two more frameworks within the YOR suite of frameworks – YORConsult, for construction related consultants and YORCivils, for civil engineering contractors.

It was explained that these frameworks would be available for use by all of the 22 Yorkshire and Humberside local authorities, other public bodies and the voluntary and community sector.

It was confirmed that these were intended to be used on a ‘call-off’ basis, and that the cost of bidding to the frameworks would be met from existing budgets.

The benefits of these arrangements for the Service and the Council were outlined.

Resolved:-  That approval be given to the submission of bids to enter the appropriate Lots of the YORConsult and YORCivils  frameworks, subject to meeting technical, financial and legal criteria.