Agenda for Environment Cabinet Member Meeting on Thursday, 19th February, 2009, 4.00pm
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Agenda, decisions and minutes
PDF 216 KBVenue: Council Chamber, Hove Town Hall. View directions
Contact: Tanya Massey, Democratic Services Officer
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Procedural Business
(b) Exclusion of Press and Public - To consider whether, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted, or the nature of the proceedings, the press and public should be excluded from the meeting when any of the following items are under consideration.
NOTE: Any item appearing in Part 2 of the Agenda states in its heading either that it is confidential or the category under which the information disclosed in the report is exempt from disclosure and therefore not available to the public.
A list and description of the categories of exempt information is available for public inspection at Brighton and Hove Town Halls.
Minutes: 102a Declarations of Interests
102.1 The Cabinet Member declared a personal and prejudicial interest in Item 116, a report from the Director of Environment concerning the approval of a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) in relation to the Ship Street part of the North Street Mixed Priority Route (MPR) scheme, as he owned property in the vicinity.
102.2 Councillor Davey declared a personal, but non-prejudicial interest in Item 114, a report of the Director of Environment concerning approval of the scheme for the National Cycle Network Route 2 Cycle Link, as he worked for a cycle training organisation.
102.3 Councillor Davey also declared a personal, but non-prejudicial interest in Items 115 and 116 for the same reason.
102b Exclusion of Press and Public
102.4 In accordance with section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972 (‘the Act’), the Cabinet Member for Environment] considered whether the press and public should be excluded from the meeting during an item of business on the grounds that it was likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the press or public were present during that item, there would be disclosure to them of confidential information (as defined in section 100A(3) of the Act) or exempt information (as defined in section 100I(1) of the Act).
102.5 RESOLVED – That the press and public be not excluded from the meeting. |
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Minutes of the previous meeting Minutes of the meeting held on 27 January 2009 (copy attached). Minutes: 103.1 RESOLVED – The minutes of the meeting held on 27 January 2009 were approved and signed by the Cabinet Member as a correct record. |
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Cabinet Member's Communications Minutes: 104.1 The Cabinet Member informed the meeting that as he had declared an interest in Item 116, the Leader of the Council had nominated the Cabinet Member for Finance to take this Item and that he would leave the room during consideration of this Item. The item would be brought forward to the beginning of the substantive agenda. |
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Items reserved for discussion (a) Items reserved by the Cabinet Member
(b) Items reserved by the Opposition Spokesperson
(c) Items reserved by Members, with the agreement of the Cabinet Member.
NOTE: Public Questions, Written Questions form Councillors, Petitions, Deputations, Letters from Councillors and Notices of Motion will be reserved automatically. Minutes: 105.1 RESOLVED - That all the items be reserved for discussion. |
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Report of the Acting Director of Strategy & Governance (copy attached). Minutes: 106(i) Petition – Public right of way, east of Blue Lagoon public house
106.1 Councillor Kemble had submitted a petition signed by 109 people concerning re-opening a public right of way to the east of the Blue Lagoon public house.
106.2 Councillor Kemble was unable to attend the meeting.
106.3 RESOLVED – That the petition be noted and a written response be provided.
106(ii) Petition – 20mph speed limit, Goldsmid Ward
106.4 Councillor Davis presented a petition signed by 372 people requesting implementation of a 20mph speed limit at the eastern end of Goldsmid Ward.
106.5 The Cabinet Member explained that the council had recently commissioned a speed limit review of all A and B class roads in the city. This was due to be completed in the next few months and would contribute to safer roads for all. Once the work was completed focus would move to the remaining C class roads in the city, hopefully in the next 12 months, and this would include the area that was the subject of the petition.
106.6 RESOLVED – That the petition be noted.
106(iii) Petition – Road issues, Shirley Street, Hove
106.7 Councillor Davis presented a petition signed by 29 people concerning parking problems, speeding vehicles and flooding in Shirley Street, Hove.
106.8 In reference to speeding vehicles, the Cabinet Member referred back to his response to the preceding petition.
106.9 With regard to residents being unable to park with a resident permit after 6pm, the Cabinet Member stated that the controlled parking zone for the road was effective until 8pm. Resident permit holders could park in the vast majority of the spaces available and approximately half of these spaces available were resident permit holder only parking. The council would continue to monitor parking in the area and look into the resident permit allocations for the Area N parking scheme.
106.10 The Cabinet Member explained that flooding at Sackville Road end of Shirley Street was caused by a very flat section of road that could not drain the water away naturally. The highway engineers would check the levels of road to see if they could make the water drain away by some engineering solution. Once this investigation had been completed, officers would respond to directly to Councillor Davis.
106.11 RESOLVED – That the petition be noted.
106(iv) Petition – Parking restrictions, Southdown Avenue & Grantham Road
106.12 Councillor McCaffery had submitted a petition signed by 77 people concerning opposition to proposed parking restrictions in Southdown Avenue & Grantham Road.
106.13 Councillor McCaffery was unable to attend the meeting.
106.14 RESOLVED – That the petition be noted.
106(v) Petition – Controlled parking, Preston Park Avenue
106.15 Councillor McCaffery had submitted a petition signed by 30 people concerning opposition to controlled parking in Preston Park Avenue.
106.16 Councillor McCaffery was unable to attend the meeting
106.17 RESOLVED – That the petition be noted.
106(vi) Petition – Parking, Stroudley Road
106.18 Councillor Davey presented a petition signed by 29 people concerning replacing disabled parking bays with visitors parking bays in Stroudley Road.
106.19 The Cabinet Member stated that the New England Quarter development had high sustainability credentials and the levels of car parking within it were therefore generally quite low. In particular, the number of spaces provided for disabled drivers on the site had been less than expected. Taking this into account, alongside the council’s strong commitment to providing equal access for people, especially those with mobility difficulties, officers were reluctant to go ahead with this request. However, in the light of residents’ concerns, officers would consider the monitoring of these parking bays as part of the Travel Plan process for the area.
106.20 RESOLVED – That the petition be noted.
106(vii)Petition – Parking restrictions, Stanford Ward
106.21 Councillor Bennett presented a petition signed by 28 people requesting the introduction of parking restrictions in areas of Stanford Ward.
106.22 As the petition related to Item 112 on the agenda, Councillor Bennett elected to speak during consideration of the Item.
106.23 RESOLVED – That the petition be noted. |
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Public Questions (The closing date for receipt of public questions is 12 noon on 12 February 2009)
No public questions received by date of publication. Minutes: 107.1 There were none. |
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Deputations (The closing date for receipt of deputations is 12 noon on 12 February 2009)
No deputations received by date of publication. Minutes: 108.1 There were none. |
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Letters from Councillors (i) Hangleton & Knoll Ward petitions. Letter from Councillor Barnett (copy attached).
(ii) Children’s Play Area, Wolseley Park. Letter from Councillor Hawkes (copy attached). Additional documents: Minutes: 109(i) Letter – petitions relating to Hangleton & Knoll Ward
109.1 A letter was received from Councillor Barnett regarding two petitions relating to traffic issues in Hangleton & Knoll Ward that had previously been presented to the Environment Committee (for copy see minute book).
109.2 With regard to the first petition the Cabinet Member explained that officers had checked the collision record for Elm Drive, Rowan Avenue and Moyne Close for the last three years and found that there had been 6 injury causing collisions during the period all involving children, most of them travelling to and from Goldstone primary. Therefore, officers would engage with the school and offer child pedestrian training as soon as possible. Furthermore, officers would also investigate the potential for further measures in the vicinity to assist children getting to and from school safely.
109.3 With regard to the second petition the Cabinet Member stated that currently on Laburnum Avenue there was a school keep clear marking on one side of the road which could be enforced between the hours of 8.30-9.30am and 2.00-4.00pm, except in August, when parking causes problems. In response to the petition the council put the site on the list to monitor for a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) for single yellow lines on the other side of the road (Mon – Fri 8am-6pm). Officers would investigate the request, liaise with the road safety team and, if appropriate, would be advertising it later in the year as part of the next amendment traffic order for restrictions outside of controlled parking zones.
109.4 The Assistant Director for Sustainable Transport added if the usual five minutes observation time allowed before a fixed penalty notice is given continued to exacerbate the problem, officers could look at alternatives and tailor an appropriate solution.
109.5 RESOLVED – That the letter be noted.
109(ii) Letter – funding for the play area in Wolseley Park
109.6 A letter was received from Councillor Hawkes requesting that the rundown children’s play area in Wolseley Park be considered for extra funding from a recent Government grant (for copy see minute book).
109.7 The Cabinet Member explained that a lot of people had requested that the funding be spent on play facilities in their locality and although he welcomed the £1.1m, it would not be enough to meet everyone’s expectations. He stated that it was his duty to ensure that the money was spent wisely across the city as a whole. Officers would be completing a study, in conjunction with colleagues in Education, to determine where the greatest needs for play facilities were and the condition of current playgrounds. When the study had been completed the council would be clear on where to invest this money and ensuring that is was invested fairly.
109.8 RESOLVED – That the letter be noted. |
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Written Questions from Councillors No written questions have been received. Minutes: 110.1 There were none. |
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Notices of Motion No Notices of Motion have been received. Minutes: 111.1 There were none. |
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Resident Parking Schemes Consultation
Report of the Director of Environment (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: (1) That the Cabinet Member for Environment approves:
(a) That no restrictions will be proposed in this report for the Stanford Area due to opposition amongst residents and businesses in the area.
(b) That the whole of The Martlet area and Preston Park Avenue area be progressed to final design and the Traffic Regulation Order advertised, subject to the amendments outlined in this committee report.
(c) That Millers Road, Compton Road & Inwood Crescent residents be contacted again by letter drop to ensure that they are aware a scheme will be progressed around them and to give them a further opportunity to decide whether to be in or outside of this scheme.
(d) That the Preston Park Station area be progressed to the final design and the Traffic Regulation Order advertised, subject to the amendments outlined in this committee report. This design may or may not include Millers Road, Compton Road & Inwood Crescent depending on the results of the letter drop.
(e) That an order should be placed for all required pay and display equipment to ensure implementation of the proposed parking schemes are undertaken as programmed. Minutes: 112.1 The Cabinet Member considered a report from the Director of Environment concerning the results of the residents parking schemes consultation and subsequent proposals (for copy see minute book).
112.2 The Cabinet Member explained that the report consisted of the consultation results for resident parking schemes requested by members of the public and Ward Councillors at a number of meetings. The purpose of the report was to consider the outcome of the second stage of the public consultation for the Stanford, Preston Park Avenue, The Martlet, and Preston Park Station areas. These areas were the first schemes to be looked at as part of the resident parking scheme timetable agreed at Environment Committee on 24 January 2008.
112.3 Councillor Jayne Bennett informed the Cabinet Member that a number of residents in Stanford Ward would be disappointed with the proposals as they were in favour of single yellow line restrictions. Residents would also have been happy with free parking in some areas. She asked what alternative measures could be considered in these areas.
112.4 The Cabinet Member commented that officers had undergone two rounds of consultation in efforts to draw up the right proposals; it would be difficult to find an alternative to controlled parking and most people seemed to be happy with the proposals.
112.5 The Senior Traffic Engineer referred to paragraph 4.52 of the report and added that officers could consider the use of double yellow lines, but would need to look at individual locations at the request of residents.
112.6 RESOLVED - That having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the Cabinet Member accepted the following recommendations:
(1) That the following be approved:
(a) That no restrictions will be proposed in this report for the Stanford Area due to opposition amongst residents and businesses in the area.
(b) That the whole of The Martlet area and Preston Park Avenue area be progressed to final design and the Traffic Regulation Order advertised, subject to the amendments outlined in this committee report.
(c) That Millers Road, Compton Road & Inwood Crescent residents be contacted again by letter drop to ensure that they are aware a scheme will be progressed around them and to give them a further opportunity to decide whether to be in or outside of this scheme.
(d) That the Preston Park Station area be progressed to the final design and the Traffic Regulation Order advertised, subject to the amendments outlined in this committee report. This design may or may not include Millers Road, Compton Road & Inwood Crescent depending on the results of the letter drop.
(e) That an order should be placed for all required pay and display equipment to ensure implementation of the proposed parking schemes are undertaken as programmed. |
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Real Time Bus Information via Text Message/SMS (Short Messaging Service)
Report of the Director of Environment (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: (1) That the Cabinet Member for Environment approves the implementation of the SMS at a charge of 25p per message for the service ensuring that the service does not create financial implications for the council. The 25p is in addition to a standard text message charge.
(2) That the Cabinet Member for Environment delegates to the Director of Environment authority to put in place the necessary arrangements to implement the SMS scheme. Minutes: 113.1 The Cabinet Member considered a report from the Director of Environment concerning implementation of a Real Time Bus Information service via text message/SMS service and the associated charge (for copy see minute book).
113.2 The Cabinet Member explained that the service would enable the public to access real time information whilst at the bus stop and on the move. It would provide an added facility to the already successful real time information system and would help in achieving access to bus information in places where on street displays were not available. It would greatly encourage people to use the bus services in Brighton and Hove and contribute towards the council’s commitment to improve the economic, environmental and social viability of the city.
113.3 Councillor Mitchell sought assurance that the introduction of the text message service would not replace further extension of the real time signs. She also sought clarification of the need to charge for the service.
113.4 The Assistant Director for Sustainable Transport confirmed that real time signs would continue to be rolled out, but that this would help in areas of the city without the signs. He explained that the service had been tested with other local authorities in the region and that an appropriate charge was necessary to maintain value for money.
113.5 RESOLVED - That having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the Cabinet Member accepted the following recommendations:
(1) That the implementation of the SMS at a charge of 25p per message for the service be approved, ensuring that the service does not create financial implications for the council. The 25p is in addition to a standard text message charge.
(2) That authority be delegated to the Director of Environment to put in place the necessary arrangements to implement the SMS scheme. |
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National Cycle Network Route 2 Cycle Link
Report of the Director of Environment (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: (1) That the Cabinet Member for Environment notes the consultation results which indicate an overall support for the scheme as consulted, and;
(2) That the Cabinet Member for Environment instructs Officers to begin implementation of the scheme, to include advertising the associated Traffic Regulation Order and Notice under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 of the intention to convert part of the footway for use by both cyclists and pedestrians. Minutes: 114.1 The Cabinet Member considered a report from the Director of Environment concerning the results of the public consultation on the National Cycle Network Route 2 Cycle Link and the subsequent proposals (for copy see minute book).
114.2 The Cabinet Member explained that the report followed consultation on the proposed seafront link between Palace Pier and the Marina. The route along Madeira Drive and next to the sea was potentially more attractive, spacious and safer. People using the route would be able to get healthier, travel to work, or just use it for leisure. It could also help to reduce obesity, especially in children, congestion, and improve the city’s air quality.
114.3 Councillor Mitchell supported the route, which ran through her ward, as it was a natural continuum of the cycle route that could benefit leisure users and traders in the vicinity. She requested that the consideration of an upper route along Marine Parade be prioritised to address the needs of commuters. She also sought clarification on the status of cycling along the under cliff walk.
114.4 Councillor Ian Davey supported the proposals and emphasised the need to consider comments from all respondents. He echoed the need for a route along Marine Parade to satisfy demand in the area.
114.5 The Assistant Director for Sustainable Transport explained that while the results of the consultation favoured the lower route along Madeira Drive, officers were prepared consider viability of a route along Marine Parade almost immediately.
114.6 He added that he would write to Councillor Mitchell regarding the under cliff walk as currently there was a ban on cycling, but that officers looking into the possibility of removing this, subject to health and safety considerations.
114.7 RESOLVED - That having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the Cabinet Member accepted the following recommendations:
(1) That the consultation results which indicate an overall support for the scheme as consulted be noted, and;
(2) That Officers be instructed to begin implementation of the scheme, to include advertising the associated Traffic Regulation Order and Notice under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 of the intention to convert part of the footway for use by both cyclists and pedestrians. |
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North Street Mixed Priority Route (MPR) - Clock Tower junction/ North Street Quadrant
Report of the Director of Environment (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: (1) That the Cabinet Member for Environment approves The Brighton & Hove (Dyke Road, North Street & Western Road Bus Priority) (Traffic Regulation) Order 2004 Amendment Order No. * 200*.
(2) That the Cabinet Member for Environment approves the preferred scheme for the Clock Tower junction/North Street Quadrant scheme as detailed in Appendices A1 and A2.
(3) That the Cabinet Member for Environment agrees that officer delegated powers to issue highway licenses for table and chairs and Advertising Boards are revoked within the area delimited within the green line shown in Appendices in A1 and A2, in order to more effectively control street furniture at the North Street Quadrant to prevent obstruction to pedestrians, especially those people who are disabled.
(4) That the Cabinet Member for Environment authorises the Director of Environment to begin implementation of the preferred scheme during 2008/09 and ensure its completion during 2009/10, within the budgets available. Minutes: 115.1 The Cabinet Member considered a report from the Director of Environment concerning proposals for the Clock Tower junction/North Street Quadrant part of the North Street Mixed Priority Route (MPR) scheme (for copy see minute book).
115.2 The Cabinet Member explained that report set out proposals for much needed improvements to both road safety and the environment at the busy Clock Tower/North Street Quadrant junction. The proposals formed part of the second phase of the Mixed Priority Route for the North Street corridor and would complete the project. Following thorough consultation, they included high quality landscaping and pedestrian cross improvements.
115.3 In response to queries from Councillor Mitchell the Project Manager confirmed that following consultation the planters present the original design had been removed, the number of seats had been reduced to one, the steps to the clock tower had been slimmed down and that an additional pedestrian crossing had been added. The crossings had also been made wider.
115.4 The Assistant Director for Sustainable Transport added that the design had been extensively remodelled to reduce congestion.
115.5 Councillor Ian Davey was pleased that officers had taken the results of the consultation on board, but asked that some cycle parking be included in the design.
115.6 The Cabinet Member stated that this was an area primarily for pedestrians, but that cycle parking could be considered at a later date following implementation.
115.7 RESOLVED - That having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the Cabinet Member accepted the following recommendations:
(1) That the Brighton & Hove (Dyke Road, North Street & Western Road Bus Priority) (Traffic Regulation) Order 2004 Amendment Order No. * 200* be approved.
(2) That the Cabinet Member for Environment approves the preferred scheme for the Clock Tower junction/North Street Quadrant scheme as detailed in Appendices A1 and A2.
(3) That officer delegated powers to issue highway licenses for table and chairs and Advertising Boards be revoked within the area delimited within the green line shown in Appendices in A1 and A2, in order to more effectively control street furniture at the North Street Quadrant to prevent obstruction to pedestrians, especially those people who are disabled.
(4) That the Director of Environment be authorised to begin implementation of the preferred scheme during 2008/09 and ensure its completion during 2009/10, within the budgets available. |
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North Street Mixed Priority Route (MPR) - Ship Street Traffic Regulation Order
Report of the Director of Environment (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: (1) That the Cabinet Member for Environment approves the Brighton & Hove (Ship Street) (One- Way traffic) Order 200*, the Brighton & Hove (Waiting & Loading/Unloading restrictions and parking places) Consolidation Order 2008 Amendment Order No.* 200*, the Brighton & Hove Various Controlled Parking Zones Consolidation Order 2008 Amendment Order No.* 200*.
(2) That the Cabinet Member for Environment approves the preferred scheme for Ship Street as detailed in the Appendix A and authorises the Director of Environment to start implementation of the preferred scheme during 2008/09 and to complete it during 2009/10, within the budgets available. Minutes: 116.1 The Cabinet Member for Finance considered a report from the Director of Environment concerning proposals for the Ship Street part of the North Street Mixed Priority Route (MPR) scheme (for copy see minute book).
116.2 Councillor Davey had declared a personal but non-prejudicial interest in this report.
116.3 The Cabinet Member for Finance stated that for continuity, she was maintaining her role in considering matters on Cabinet Member decisions relating to Ship Street as Councillor Theobald had a declared interest in the item.
116.4 She explained that after a lot of careful consideration of the issues that the proposed improvements had raised, especially regarding road safety, the report addressed objections received to the Traffic Order that had been required to implement them. The proposals for Ship Street were part of the second phase of the Mixed Priority Route Scheme in North Street and included the introduction of a one-way (southbound) route for traffic, together with improvements for pedestrians and cyclists.
116.5 The Opposition Spokesperson, Councillor Mitchell, wished to point out that the scheme in question had not formed part of the original consultation process and that one of the original proposals would have served to reduce the number of casualties further.
116.6 The Assistant Director for Sustainable Transport commented that the scheme had been developed as part of the ongoing process of consultation and that it would reduce the number of casualties. He added that casualty reduction was an important factor for the whole of the North Street corridor.
116.7 Councillor Ian Davey echoed Councillor Mitchell’s remarks, but was delighted at the inclusion of contra-flow cycling and the cyclist controlled traffic light; he sought assurance that the cycle lane would not be blocked by parked cars.
116.8 The Assistant Director for Sustainable Transport explained that the cycle would not be segregated, but it would be enforced.
116.9 RESOLVED - That having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the Cabinet Member for Finance accepted the following recommendations:
(1) That the Brighton & Hove (Ship Street) (One- Way traffic) Order 200*, the Brighton & Hove (Waiting & Loading/Unloading restrictions and parking places) Consolidation Order 2008 Amendment Order No.* 200*, the Brighton & Hove Various Controlled Parking Zones Consolidation Order 2008 Amendment Order No.* 200* be approved.
(2) That the preferred scheme for Ship Street as detailed in the Appendix A be approved and the Director of Environment be authorised to start implementation of the preferred scheme during 2008/09 and to complete it during 2009/10, within the budgets available. |