Agenda and minutes

To consider and approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on 2 November 2021, as a true and correct record of the proceedings.

Resolved:-

1.    That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 2 November 2021 be approved as a true and correct record of the proceedings.

To receive declarations of interest from Members in respect of items listed on the agenda.

Cllr Hughes declared a personal interest in respect of the Allotments Self-management Update as a close family member was currently serving as Chair of the Rotherham Allotments Alliance. Cllr Atkin declared a personal interest in respect of the Town Centre Update as a close family member was currently attending the university.

To receive questions relating to items of business on the agenda from members of the public or press who are present at the meeting.

The Chair advised that there were no members of the public or representatives of media organisations present at the meeting to ask a question in respect of matters on the agenda.

To consider whether the press and public should be excluded from the meeting during consideration of any part of the agenda.

The Chair advised that there were no items of business on the agenda that would require the exclusion of the press or public from the meeting.

To receive an update in respect of regeneration in Rotherham Town Centre.

Consideration was given to an update presentation on delivery of developments in Rotherham Town Centre associated with the Town Centre Masterplan which was adopted by Rotherham MBC in 2017. This Town Centre Masterplan set out an exciting number of developments that will transform and revitalise the town centre, with a vibrant leisure scheme on Forge Island, attractive outdoor spaces, revitalised markets complex and high-quality riverside and urban living. The update presentation provided the latest updates on these projects.

In discussion, clarification was requested around plans to highlight and celebrate local heritage sites of interest and uniqueness, such as the chapel on the bridge. The response from officers indicated that consideration would be given to sites of note and thought given to how best to link up non-retail experiences in the Town Centre.

In view of some of the goals for sustainable and green objectives in the Town Centre shifting during the implementation phase, members suggested partnering with area organisations such as the university to help drive quality in the developments over time, and to continue to look for creative ways to achieve these green and clean energy solutions over the long term.

Members requested assurances that consideration would be given to the design of the university centre with a view to attracting students. The response from officers noted the use of modern methods of construction. The service monitored the progress of similar buildings being built as pilot sites for sustainable, net zero construction in neighbouring areas, with a view to implementing similar methods.

Resolved:-

1.    That the update be noted.

2.    That consideration be given to how best to highlight and link up non-retail experiences of cultural and historical significance in the Town Centre and throughout the Borough.

3.    That consideration be given to highlighting and celebrating the chapel on a hill and other sites of local interest and uniqueness in the Borough.

4.    That consideration be given to ensuring accessibility throughout the Town Centre including appropriate provision for parking to encourage visitors from outside the Borough who wish to travel by car.

5.    That the service continue to look for creative ways to achieve green priorities and clean energy solutions in the Town Centre in the long term.

6.    That the service continue to strengthen relationships with partners and organisations in the Town Centre with a view to cooperatively driving and sustaining quality.

To receive an update on the self-management of Rotherham allotments.

Consideration was given to an update report which outlines progress associated with the transfer of operational responsibility for the management of the Borough’s allotments from the Council to a community benefit company, Rotherham Allotment Alliance (RAA). The update provided information regarding the recent achievements, activities, challenges and future steps for the management and administration of these allotments.

In discussion, Members requested clarification around the role of the Councillors who serve as directors of the RAA. The response from the Cabinet Member for Social Inclusion noted the need for a second Councillor representative to serve on the Board and welcomed any expressions of interest from Members of the Commission.  

Further clarification was requested around the parameters of the Allotments Act. The response from the Cabinet Member and officers clarified the relationship between parish councils and the RAA to explain that allotments under the jurisdiction of parish councils were outside the scope of the update.

Clarification was requested around a particular allotments site. The response from the Allotments Administrator noted the ongoing efforts to educate plot holders, to put rents back into improvements despite COVID challenges, and to move forward using the Community Payback scheme and labour arrangements whereby the RAA provides a toilet and a skip for labourers who undertake the work themselves.

Given the health and wellbeing benefits associated with allotments, members expressed interest in opportunities for external funding. The RAA Administrator and Chair described various avenues for external funding beyond the Community Payback schemes, including Serenity which supports addiction recovery and mental health. The Chair of RAA expressed gratitude for Councillors who had contributed community leadership funds to support allotments by paying for security cameras.

Members requested clarification around the future of a further site. The response from the Cabinet Member and officer noted that under the Allotments Act, if land has historically been used for a substantial length of time as allotments, the land cannot be repurposed. Therefore, a Council-owned site that has previously been used as allotments is available to the RAA should there be future increase in demand.

Members expressed interest in knowing how easy it is to make plots accessible. The response from the RAA Chair and Administrator described previous and ongoing efforts to retrofit existing plots for wheelchair access and to ensure new site plans are designed for accessibility. There was more work to do in this area, but progress had been made in respect of accessible allotments.

Toward promoting an inclusive and diverse culture among allotment holders, members inquired as to the availability of literature in multiple languages. The Administrator noted that no letters were posted out and that communications take place on social media, but that the use of multiple languages in these communications could be explored.

Members also expressed curiosity if there were any trends emerging in terms of complaints. The response from the Cabinet Member and officer noted that the Council had received no complaints from Allotment plot holders since the handover to self-administration. RAA Chair noted that any complaints  ...  view the full minutes text for item 42.

To receive findings and recommendations from a spotlight review on external funding sources for regeneration and transformation.

Consideration was given to a summary of Members’ findings from the 12 November 2021 spotlight review of external funding sources for regeneration and transformation.

Resolved:-

1.    That the findings and slide presentation be noted.

2.    That the ambition of the service in submitting bids be commended.

3.    That the feedback from the government regarding the Dinnington and Wath bids for Levelling Up Funds be circulated to Members when available.

4.    That the governance advisor liaise with the Regeneration Strategy Team to coordinate upcoming scrutiny work on markets with a view to this work feeding into the markets-related elements of future bids.

5.    That efforts to ensure Rotherham receives its fair portion of gainshare or “single pot” funds from the Mayoral Combined Authority be noted.

To consider and approve an updated scrutiny work programme.

Consideration was given to an updated work programme schedule for the remainder of the 2021/22 municipal year.

Resolved:-

1.    That the report and proposed schedule of work be noted.

2.    That authority be delegated to the Governance Advisor in consultation with the Chair and Vice-chair to make changes to the schedule of work as appropriate between meetings, reporting any changes back to the next meeting for endorsement.

To consider any item which the Chair is of the opinion should be considered as a matter of urgency.

The Chair advised that there were no urgent items of business requiring a decision at the meeting.

The next meeting of the Improving Places Select Commission will take place on 1 February 2022, commencing at 1.30 pm in Rotherham Town Hall.

The Chair announced the next meeting of the Improving Places Select Commission will take place on 1 February 2022 commencing at 1.30 pm in Rotherham Town Hall.