Agenda and minutes

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Senior Research and Spatial Analysis Officer stating that the draft Local Plan Annual Monitoring Report 2014 is now ready for general publication, although the submission of the document to central Government is no longer required.

The Annual Monitoring Report is intended to cover progress in achieving the programme published in the Local Development Scheme, together with the monitoring of performance in implementing the policies supporting Rotherham's strategy for spatial development as well as the findings of Sustainability Appraisal monitoring. Annual Monitoring Reports are required to cover the financial year preceding December publication - this tenth Report covers the period 1st April 2013 to 31st March 2014. It sets out a monitoring framework which is evolving incrementally as the first round of planning documents and policies are prepared and additional ones are brought forward in the future.

There have been some significant changes from earlier years’ reports, as the requirement for reporting on regional and national indicators has been changed or removed completely (although a few core indicators do remain). The indicators are now aligned with local priorities and the core policies of the Core Strategy under seven broad themes (referred to in the report). For all the indicators measuring the strategic themes and policies contained in the Core Strategy, the performance over the year showed that:-

-          22 indicators have improved;

-          19 indicators have shown no significant change from the baseline or updated data is unavailable;  and

-          13 indicators have declined or are not on target.

Reference was made to a number of key projects which, due to their large scale and potential impact, are mentioned in more detail within the Annual Monitoring Report (e.g.: Waverley development; Rotherham town centre).

Resolved:- (1) That the report be received and its contents noted.

(2) That the publication of the Local Plan Annual Monitoring Report 2014, as now submitted, be approved.

The following item is 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 (Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person, including the local authority)

Resolved:- That, under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (information relates to financial or business affairs, including those of the Council and is commercially sensitive).

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Procurement Category Manager concerning the tenders received for Damp Proofing Works in this Council’s housing stock. Members noted that the expenditure is funded from the Housing Revenue Account. Details of the evaluation process were included within the report. The schedule of rates pricing had been based on the works being undertaken at an average of 515 dwellings per year.

Resolved:- (1) That the report be received and its contents noted.

(2) That the tender submitted by Rentokil (a national company with an established operation locally in Rotherham) for the provision of Damp Proofing Works in this Council’s housing stock be accepted, in accordance with the details contained in the report now submitted.

(3) That the contract shall begin on 1st January 2015, for an initial period of two years, with an option to extend the contract annually for two more years ending on 31st December 2018, subject to annual monitoring and satisfactory performance.

Further to Minute No. 16 of the meeting of the Cabinet Member and Advisers for Safe and Attractive Neighbourhoods held on 16th June 2014, consideration was given to a report, presented by the Commercial Manager concerning the tenders received for the district heating works, as described in the submitted report, which will include the upgrading of the pipework from a one to a two-pipe system and the fitting of new radiators and thermostatic controls to the district heating properties located at:-

: Mason Avenue, Aston

: Mansfield Road, Swallownest

: Hampstead Green, Kimberworth Park;

: Vale Road, Thrybergh

Details of the evaluation process were included within the report. The invitation to tender for these works had been offered via the ENorth Framework, an EU compliant agreement which is open for local authorities to access. The works would be funded from the capital programme element of the Housing Revenue Account.

Resolved:- (1) That the report be received and its contents noted.

(2) That the tender submitted by Denton and Nickels, Doncaster, in the sum of £648,734.81, be accepted for the district heating works to Council properties, in accordance with the details contained in the report now submitted.

(3) That the contract works shall begin during January, 2015 and be substantially completed by 31st March 2015.