Agenda and minutes

Resolved: -  That the minutes of the previous meeting of the Cabinet Member and Advisers for Regeneration and Development, held on 13^th January, 2014, be approved as a correct record for signature by the Chairman.

Resolved:- That the action of the Cabinet Member in opening the following tender on Friday, 10th January, 2014, be noted:-

-           Bikeability Scheme.

Martin Beard, Parking Services Manager, submitted the Council’s proposed response to the Government’s consultation on various issues regarding parking.  The report had been considered by the Improving Places Select Commission on 15^th January, 2014 (Minute No. 41 refers).

The Department for Communities and Local Government intended to change the law and either prohibit or restrict the use of closed circuit television (CCTV) systems for parking enforcement and also to introduce other changes to parking enforcement law.

The primary function of the CCTV enforcement vehicle owned by this Council was enforcement in areas where there were concerns about road safety, vulnerable groups, and the prevention of traffic congestion. The effective management of vehicle parking in those locations also resulted in the generation of income.

Discussion ensued on the report and the suggested consultation response. 

Resolved:-  That the proposed response be approved for submission to the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Colin Knight, Highway Network Group Manager, submitted proposed new charges for Public path Diversion and Extinguishment Orders.

The Council had a statutory duty to investigate requests for Public Path Diversion and Extinguishment Orders and levy charges associated with making the Orders which had not been increased for a number of years.

The current charges made by neighbouring authorities were attached at Appendix A of the report submitted.

A number of Public Path Orders were already in the process of being investigated and had been advised of the charges.  It was, therefore, proposed that the price increase should come into effect from 1^st April, 2014, to ensure fairness to new and existing applicants.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the introduction of a set fee of £3,000 per order for Public Path Orders made under the Highways Act 1980 and the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 be approved.

(2)  That the new charges become effective on all new Orders made from 1^st April, 2014.

Tom Finnegan-Smith submitted proposals to implement improved pedestrian and cycle route between Morpeth Street and Clifton Lane crossroads including a contraflow cycle lane on Catherine Street.

The pedestrian route from Morpeth Street towards the Clifton Park via Percy Street would include the introduction of a flat top hump at the junction of Percy Street and Wharncliffe Street.  This would assist pedestrian movements across Percy Street and also serve as a gateway feature for drivers entering Percy Street which was part of the existing Town Centre 20 mph zone.

To improve the cycle route it was proposed to allow cyclists to access Doncaster Gate via a contraflow cycle lane on Catherine Street.  Alterations to the ‘No Entry’ signing would be made to allow access for cyclists and at the junction with Doncaster Gate signing and lining improvements would highlight the end of the cycle lane. 

Funding was available and had been identified from the Local Sustainable Transport Fund (LSTF) and the Local Transport Plan (LTP) Integrated Transport Capital Programme 2013/2014.  It was likely that the scheme would not be completed within the 2013/2014 financial year, although funding would be available from both the LSTF and LTP programmes for 2014/2015 should this be required.

Over the next six-months further work would be undertaken to review the final section of the route between the Town Centre and Clifton Park and identify whether improvements to the pedestrian crossings at Clifton lane Crossroads were feasible.  This would form part of a further report to the Cabinet Member.

Discussion ensued.  It was noted that the by-law prohibiting cycling inside of Clifton Park remained. 

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

(2)  That consultation be undertaken on the proposed scheme as shown on Drawing No. 128/19/TT507.

(3)  That the detailed design for the proposal be undertaken and, subject to no objections being received, the scheme be implemented.

Consideration was given to a report submitted by the Finance Manager concerning the budget monitoring of the Environment and Development Services Directorate Revenue Accounts for the period to 31st December, 2013, including the forecast out-turn of overspending of £383,000 to the end of the 2013/14 financial year. The submitted report included information on the variances reported by each Division of Service. 

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

(2) That the latest financial projection against budget for the 2013/14 financial year, for the Environment and Development Services Directorate, based on actual income and expenditure to 31st December, 2013, be noted.

(3) That the report be referred to the Self-Regulation Select Commission for information.