Minutes:
Minute No. 19 - 4(6)(a)
Karl Battersby, Director Planning and Transportation, reported that a few Parish Councils had taken up his offer to visit to discuss any general planning issues or to do a presentation. He reminded Parish Councils present that this offer still stood should they wish him to attend any of their meetings in the future.
Minute No. 19 – 4(7)(c)
A visit had been made to Ravenfield Parish Council to discuss various options for improvements to Ravenfield Crossroads. Various proposals had now been considered and this information would be shared with the Parish Council.
Minute No. 20(3)
An update was provided on the available facilities for plastic recycling in Rotherham, background to recycling plastic, what was recyclable and recycling centre locations.
A copy of the full answer would be appended to the minutes and circulated to all Parish Councils.
Minute No. 20(4)
An update was provided on the contribution of derelict properties to the new dwelling figure, which was set in the Regional Spatial Strategy. The Regional Spatial Strategy figures took account of clearance and vacancy rates. The annual contribution from a reduction in the vacancy rate for Rotherham was set at zero as the local vacancy rate was below the 3.5% Regional Spatial Strategy target for vacant properties (Rotherham vacancy rate at 2006 was 2.6% - Regional AMR 2006). As it was difficult to eliminate these factors in the long term, the gross figures given in the Regional Spatial Strategy were indicative. The net figures were the building target that Rotherham had to meet. Current net figures in the Draft Regional Spatial Strategy were 750 dwellings per annum for 2004-11 and 20011-16, 950 dwellings per annum for the period 2004-21. These figures were subject to change in the Proposed Changes to Regional Spatial Strategy, expected in September, 2007. Rotherham’s Local Development Framework would apportion the final Regional Spatial Strategy new dwelling requirement to identified growth areas in the borough in line with a sustainable settlement hierarchy.
Minute No. 21(a)
Discussions had take place and a response had been copied to the Chairman of the Parish Council regarding the provision of a footpath.
In summary, the provision of a footpath was unacceptable for the numbers of people that used it and the significant amount of money required to bring it up to acceptable standards. A footpath in this location did not demonstrate value for money.
Whilst it was acknowledged the recent weather had attributed to the damage to the road surface along this stretch, there was another access point to the cemetery further along the A57.
A representative from Anston Parish Council asked if the housing development in this locality could contribute to the pavement via a Section 106 agreement as vehicles may pass down this road to get to the new development.
The Director of Planning and Transportation agreed to take back these suggestions and consider the requests further.
With regards to the speed limits through villages, a representative from Todwick Parish Council asked what action was being taken to reduce speeds and prevent accidents.
The Transportation representative confirmed that the national speed limit on the A57 had been reduced to 50 mph and a review of all “A” and “B” class roads would take place over the next two to three years.
The Director of Planning and Transportation confirmed that national guidance had been received to review all speed limits rather than reactions to individual circumstances.
Minute No. 22
The Director of Planning and Transportation was not in receipt of any training suggestions, but welcomed any topics. It was suggested that training for Planning Board Members and Parish Councils be kept separate to the Area Assemblies, as often the Area Assemblies were used as a consultation tool.
In addition, a Completed Developments Tour was to be arranged during September for the Planning Board to consider completed developments and view in their localities. Any developments that Parish Councils thought were positive or negative could be added to the list for visiting.