Agenda for Environment Cabinet Member Meeting on Thursday, 10th March, 2011, 4.00pm
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Agenda, decisions and minutes
PDF 212 KBVenue: Council Chamber, Hove Town Hall
Contact: Tanya Davies, Acting Democratic Services Manager
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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: 95(a) Declarations of Interests 95a.1 There were none. 95(b) Exclusion of Press and Public 95b.1 In accordance with section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972 (“the Act”), the Cabinet Member 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 business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the press and 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(I) of the Act). 95b.2 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 3 February 2011 (copy attached). Minutes: 96.1 RESOLVED – That the minutes of the Environment Cabinet Member Meeting held on 3 February 2011 be agreed and signed by the Cabinet Member. |
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Cabinet Member's Communications Minutes: 97.1 There were none. |
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Items reserved for discussion (a) Items reserved by the Cabinet Member
(b) Items reserved by the Opposition Spokespersons
(c) Items reserved by Members, with the agreement of the Cabinet Member.
NOTE: Public Questions, Written Questions from Councillors, Petitions, Deputations, Letters from Councillors and Notices of Motion will be reserved automatically. Minutes: 98.1 RESOLVED – That all items be reserved for discussion. |
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Report of the Strategic Director, Resources (copy attached). Minutes: 99(i) Paddling Pool Preston Park
99.1 Councillor McCaffery presented a petition signed by 193 people concerning calling for the council to provide a paddling pool in Preston Park. She explained that she would like to suggest a water play area as an alternative to a paddling pool, as it would not need to be staffed. She asked the Cabinet Member to consider using Section 106 contributions to implement it and suggested that it would not be costly because of existing water supplies in the park.
99.2 The Cabinet Member stated that Preston Park was one of the City’s Green Flag Parks; the council was committed to maintaining our high standard and the Administration had increased in real terms the amount of spent in parks and green spaces. £138,000 had recently been spent improving the playground in Preston Park, funded from Section 106 monies, the Playbuilder grant and an Aiming High grant. The Cabinet Member advised that the council did not have the additional resources required to put in and maintain a paddling pool. He added that the possibility of an unstaffed water play area would be considered if further Section 106 money became available.
99.3 RESOLVED – That the petition be noted.
99(ii) The Compulsory Purchase of Anston House
99.4 Councillor Kennedy had submitted a petition signed by 280 people concerning calling for the council to undertake a compulsory purchase Anston House and the adjacent site on Preston Road, Brighton.
99.5 Councillor Kennedy was unable to attend the meeting.
99.6 The Cabinet Member thanked the residents who had signed the petition and noted that he had responded to a deputation from the freeholders of the site at the last Cabinet Member Meeting. He gave assurances that development of the site, at a neighbourly scale, remained a top priority and recapped some of the progress that had already been made:
§ Urban Splash had been appointed as development manager by the bank. § A highly regarded architectural practice had been appointed following an architectural competition. § Officers had met with the architects regularly and proposals were being developed. § The council’s enforcement officer had served notices requiring improvement to the condition of the office building and land by April 2012.
The Cabinet Member advised that, given the long history of the site, he was not complacent that all issues had been resolved yet, but that a compulsory purchase order would be premature, and unlikely to succeed at the present time.
99.7 RESOLVED – That the petition be noted.
99(iii) Parking restrictions, Woodland Drive lay-by
99.8 Councillor Brown presented a petition signed by 7 traders from Woodland Parade calling for the council to implement three-hourly parking restrictions in a lay-by near to their businesses to prevent cars parking there for long periods of time and instead provide parking for their customers.
99.9 The Cabinet Member stated that he would instruct officers to investigate the request as part of the next citywide traffic order proposals, with a view to introducing time limited bays to increase turn over of parking for the local shops.
99.10 RESOLVED – That the petition be noted. |
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Public Questions (The closing date for receipt of public questions is 12 noon on 3 March 2011)
No public questions received by date of publication. Minutes: 100.1 There were none. |
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(The closing date for receipt of deputations is 12 noon on 3 March 2011)
(a) 20mph speed limits (copy attached). Minutes: 101.1 The Cabinet Member considered a deputation from Mr Chris Murgatroyd, on behalf of a group of Goldsmid Ward residents, concerning 20 mph speed limits in the city.
101.2 Mr Murgatroyd noted that he had previously presented a deputation on the same issue at the Cabinet Member Meeting on 4 November urging the Cabinet Member to adopt of the Scrutiny Panel’s recommendation to implement 20mph speed limits on all residential roads and roads used by high numbers of vulnerable users. He reiterated a number of the points raised in the previous deputation, and in particular challenged the estimated costs of implementation and issues regarding enforcement and safety.
He stated that, while he had received some information from the Road Safety Team about progress, but that information had not been made available to residents about earlier speed monitoring on A and B roads. He noted that a commitment had been given to provide a further update on speed monitoring in the meeting, but that there was no report agenda. He also requested further clarity on how areas would be prioritised, particularly in relation to routes to schools.
Mr Murgatroyd urged the Cabinet Member to accept the Scrutiny Panel’s recommendation, which he felt would encourage people to think about their car use; He added that other towns and cities in the UK had already adopted similar schemes in all residential areas.
101.3 The Cabinet Member reiterated that the recommendations made in the Scrutiny Panel’s report were broadly accepted, but that Recommendation 1 was too broad in its application within an urban environment and a priority order for implementation was necessary. He advised that it had been agreed that a Speed Limit Review would inform the implementation of wider use of 20mph limits, focussing initially on schools, but also including an area wider than just adjacent to schools. He explained that changes to speed limits should be undertaken in accordance with established guidelines and with due consideration to the police position that 20mph limits should be self-enforcing; research had indicated that drivers were most likely to adhere to speed limits if they were appropriate and residents’ expectation was that drivers would comply with posted limits, frequently complaining on safety grounds where they did not.
The Cabinet Member reported that he was currently considering the recommendations of the A & B class road Speed Limit Review report and that a report would be brought to the Cabinet Member Meeting on it, along with progress on the Citywide Review, later in the year. He stated that for those reasons his decision of 16 September 2010, confirmed on 4 November would remain unchanged.
101.4 Councillor Mitchell stated that she supported the Goldsmid residents in seeking clarity about the progress of the A & B class road Speed Limit Review, due the nature of the roads in their ward, and was disappointed that it was not on the agenda. She advised that police advice on the panel’s recommendations had been misinterpreted and explained that they had said that 20mph speed limits could only be enforced where they were supported by physical engineering measures.
101.5 RESOLVED – That the deputation be noted. |
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Letters from Councillors No letters have been received. Minutes: 102.1 There were none. |
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Written Questions from Councillors (copy attached). Minutes: 103.1 The Cabinet Member reported that one written question had been received.
103.2 Councillor Kennedy had submitted the following question:
“Can Councillor Theobald please provide me with figures for the following:
§ How many new parking permits were made available following the recent extension to the Area J parking zone?
§ How many applications have been received for parking permits within the extension to the Area J parking zone, comprising the streets boundaried by Viaduct Road and Ditchling Rise?
§ How many residents are currently on the waiting lists for parking permits in the adjacent areas covered by other controlled parking zones?”
103.3 The Cabinet Member had circulated the following response:
“783 new permits were made available in the extension to the area J parking zone. This makes a new maximum for the full area J of 1120. We currently have 840 permits on issue in the full area J zone.
We have had 611 valid permit applications within the extension of the area J zone.
Area Y is adjacent to Area J and has 400 people on the waiting list. Area Q, which is also adjacent to Area J, does not at present have a waiting list.”
103.4 Councillor Kennedy was unable to attend the meeting to ask a supplementary question. |
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Notices of Motion No Notices of Motion have been received. Minutes: 104.1 There were none. |
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Street Lighting Energy Contract Report of the Strategic Director, Place (copy attached). Decision: (1) That the Cabinet Member authorises the Head of City Infrastructure to continue with the current joint arrangement with East Sussex County Council to utilise the Buying Solutions framework agreement for the city’s street lighting energy procurement.
(2) That the Cabinet Member notes that the current arrangement provides a cost effective and flexible solution; demonstrates our commitment to strategic partnership working and offers the opportunity of regular review and to improve our contract options in respect of energy procurement. Minutes: 105.1 The Cabinet Member considered a report of the Strategic Director, Place seeking approval for an extension of the council’s current arrangement for the procurement of electricity for street lighting, illuminated bollards, signs and so on (henceforth referred to as illuminated street furniture) as well as traffic signals.
105.2 The Cabinet Member advised that the existing contract provided a cost effective and flexible solution, whilst also offering the council the opportunity of regular review to ensure best value in the future.
105.3 RESOLVED - That having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the Cabinet Member accepted the following recommendations:
(1) That the Head of City Infrastructure be authorised to continue with the current joint arrangement with East Sussex County Council to utilise the Buying Solutions framework agreement for the city’s street lighting energy procurement.
(2) That it be noted that the current arrangement provides a cost effective and flexible solution; demonstrates our commitment to strategic partnership working and offers the opportunity of regular review and to improve our contract options in respect of energy procurement. |
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Lining Maintenance Contract Report of the Strategic Director, Place (copy attached). Decision: (1) That the Cabinet Member approves the award of the Road Marking and Road Stud Contract to Hi-Way Services Ltd commencing 1 April 2011 for a period of five years. Minutes: 106.1 The Cabinet Member considered a report of the Strategic Director, Place seeking approval to award a new contract for lining works throughout the City to the current provider, who was the only bidder, for the period 2011–2016.
106.2 RESOLVED - That having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the Cabinet Member accepted the following recommendations:
(1) That the Road Marking and Road Stud Contract be awarded to Hi-Way Services Ltd commencing 1 April 2011 for a period of five years. |
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Report of the Strategic Director, Place (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: (1) That, having taken into account of all the duly made representations and objections, the Cabinet Member for Environment approve the Various Controlled Parking Zones Consolidation Order 2008 Amendment Order No.* 201* and Brighton & Hove (Waiting & Loading/Unloading Restrictions and Parking Places) Consolidation Order 2008 amendment Order No.* 201* with the following amendments:
(a) The proposed relocation of motorcycle bay in Wyndham Street is to be removed from the Traffic Order due to reasons outlined in section 3.9. (b) The proposed taxi rank in Eldred Avenue is to be removed from the Traffic Order due to reasons outlined in section 3.11 (c) The proposed taxi rank in Portland Road is to be removed from the Traffic Order due to reasons outlined in section 3.14. (d) The proposed limited waiting parking in Newlands Road is to be removed from the traffic order due to reasons outlined in section 3.15. (e) The proposed waiting restrictions on Old London Road opposite the Grangeway is to be removed to allow officers to investigate concerns about possible displacement. Minutes: 107.1 The Cabinet Member considered a report of the Strategic Director, Place concerning the comments, support and objections received to an amendment Traffic Regulation Order, which contained proposals for over 150 roads.
107.2 The Cabinet Member explained that the report was in response to requests for changes to parking throughout the city from residents, businesses and Ward Councillors. The amendments included the provision of safety improvements, such as waiting restrictions to improve visibility at junctions, and often served to improve sustainable transport. The Cabinet Member advised that he proposed to make a amendment to the recommendation; the proposed waiting restrictions on Old London Road opposite the Grangeway would be deferred to allow officers to investigate concerns about possible displacement.
107.3 Councillor Mitchell asked whether any comments had been received in relation to the proposed double yellow lines for Peel Road/Reading Road/Marlow Road; she noted that it would reduce the amount of parking available, but that she had received complaints about the safety of the junction.
107.4 The Head of Network Management confirmed that two objections had been received, but that it was proposed to go ahead with the double yellow lines for safety reasons and this was supported by CityClean who had experienced access problems in the area.
107.5 RESOLVED - That having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the Cabinet Member accepted the following recommendations:
(1) That, having taken into account of all the duly made representations and objections, the Various Controlled Parking Zones Consolidation Order 2008 Amendment Order No.* 201* and Brighton & Hove (Waiting & Loading/Unloading Restrictions and Parking Places) Consolidation Order 2008 amendment Order No.* 201* be approved with the following amendments:
(a) The proposed relocation of motorcycle bay in Wyndham Street be removed from the Traffic Order due to reasons outlined in section 3.9. (b) The proposed taxi rank in Eldred Avenue be removed from the Traffic Order due to reasons outlined in section 3.11 (c) The proposed taxi rank in Portland Road be removed from the Traffic Order due to reasons outlined in section 3.14. (d) The proposed limited waiting parking in Newlands Road be removed from the traffic order due to reasons outlined in section 3.15. (e) The proposed waiting restrictions on Old London Road opposite the Grangeway be removed to allow officers to investigate concerns about possible displacement. |
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Area C (Queen’s Park) Parking Scheme Review Community Consultation Report of the Strategic Director, Place (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: (1) That, having taken account of all duly made representations and objections, the Cabinet Member approves as advertised the Brighton & Hove Various Controlled Parking Zones Consolidation Order 2008 Amendment order No. 201* (Area C).
(2) That any amendment included in this report and subsequent requests deemed appropriate by officers be added to the proposed scheme during implementation and advertised as an amendment Traffic Regulation Order.
(3) That orders be placed with contractors to make the required alterations to signs and lines and to Pay and Display machines. Minutes: 108.1 The Cabinet Member considered a report of the Strategic Director, Place concerning the proposed extension to the operation of Queen’s Park (Area C) parking zone on Sundays as requested residents, Ward Councillors and the local Hoteliers and Guest House Association.
108.2 The Cabinet Member reported that only ten objections have been received to the traffic order, which was small amount for a resident parking scheme proposal.
108.3 RESOLVED - That having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the Cabinet Member accepted the following recommendations:
(1) That, having taken account of all duly made representations and objections, the Brighton & Hove Various Controlled Parking Zones Consolidation Order 2008 Amendment order No. 201* (Area C) be approved as advertised.
(2) That any amendment included in this report and subsequent requests deemed appropriate by officers be added to the proposed scheme during implementation and advertised as an amendment Traffic Regulation Order.
(3) That orders be placed with contractors to make the required alterations to signs and lines and to Pay and Display machines. |
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Tivoli Crescent Resident Parking Scheme Consultation Report of the Strategic Director, Place (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: (1) That the Cabinet Member approves:
(a) That the extension of the Area A Residents Parking Scheme (Tivoli Crescent) be progressed to the final design and the Traffic Regulation Order advertised.
(b) That an order should be placed for all required pay and display equipment to ensure implementation of the extension of the proposed parking scheme is undertaken as programmed. Minutes: 109.1 The Cabinet Member considered a report of the Strategic Director, Place concerning the consultation undertaken for a proposed extension to the Area A Residents Parking Scheme around Preston Park Station into Tivoli Crescent.
109.2 The Cabinet Member noted that the consultation was requested and supported by nearly all residents in Tivoli Crescent on the basis that the road was a missing link to the current Area A Scheme; it was also supported by the Ward Councillors.
109.3 RESOLVED - That having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the Cabinet Member accepted the following recommendations:
(1) That the Cabinet Member approves:
(a) That the extension of the Area A Residents Parking Scheme (Tivoli Crescent) be progressed to the final design and the Traffic Regulation Order advertised.
(b) That an order be placed for all required pay and display equipment to ensure implementation of the extension of the proposed parking scheme is undertaken as programmed. |
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Lewes Road (Preston Barracks and University of Brighton) Planning Brief Report of the Strategic Director, Place (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: (1) That the Cabinet Member approves the draft planning brief as forming the basis of a public consultation exercise. Minutes: 110.1 The Cabinet Member considered a report of the Strategic Director, Place seeking approval to consult on a draft planning brief for the former Preston Barracks site and adjacent University of Brighton sites (Moulsecoomb Campus and Mithras House).
110.2 The Cabinet Member explained that the draft brief had been prepared by council officers in consultation with the University of Brighton in order to guide the future development of the former Preston Barracks site (owned by the council), the University’s Moulsecoomb campus (centred on Watts and Cockroft buildings) and Mithras House. The aim was that a partnership approach to the development, with the addition of the University’s landholdings, would provide an opportunity to secure a viable mix of land uses to help regenerate the area. The planning brief set out the potential for an imaginative approach and development partners would be expected to deliver the highest standards of design and sustainability. Public consultation would last for six weeks and a revised version of the brief would be presented to a future Cabinet Member Meeting.
110.3 Councillor Mitchell welcomed the planning brief approach and opportunities it brought. She hoped that it would result in a distinct development that would be well connected to its surroundings and accessible to members of the public. She noted that the site benefited from good transport links, but risked being hidden if the development was not open and front-facing.
110.4 The Cabinet Member invited Councillor Fallon-Khan, Cabinet Member for Enterprise, Employment & Major Projects, and Professor Julian Crampton, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Brighton, to address the meeting.
110.5 Councillor Fallon-Khan described the positive relationship between the council, the University of Brighton and other interested parties and reported that negotiations had been constructive with all parties remaining conscious of the others’ view points. He commended the work of the Project Board and stated that the development was an exciting regeneration project that he hoped it would be an example, both nationally and internationally, of what could be achieved in a challenging financial circumstances. The aim of the development was to achieve harmonisation between students, residents and the surrounding areas.
110.6 Professor Crampton reported that the council and University had formed a fruitful partnership and that planning brief offered some exciting opportunities. He advised that the University was fully committed to achieving a valuable development for the city, with sustainability priorities at the centre of the project.
110.7 RESOLVED - That having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the Cabinet Member accepted the following recommendations:
(1) That the draft planning brief be approved to form the basis of a public consultation exercise. |
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Rottingdean Conservation Area Review
Report of the Strategic Director, Place (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: (1) That the Cabinet Member approves the draft Rottingdean Conservation Area character statement and boundary changes for public consultation. Minutes: 111.1 The Cabinet Member considered a report of the Strategic Director, Place seeking approval to consult on a revised character statement for the Rottingdean Conservation Area and on changes to its boundary.
111.2 RESOLVED - That having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the Cabinet Member accepted the following recommendations:
(1) That the draft Rottingdean Conservation Area character statement and boundary changes be approved for public consultation.
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Health and Safety Annual Service Plan 2011/12 Report of the Strategic Director, Place (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: (1) That the Cabinet Member endorses the Health & Safety Annual Service Plan 2011/2012 and recommends Council to approve it. Minutes: 112.1 The Cabinet Member considered a report of the Strategic Director, Place concerning the Health & Safety Annual Service Plan required under the Health & Safety at Work Act.
112.2 RESOLVED - That having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the Cabinet Member accepted the following recommendations:
(1) That the Health & Safety Annual Service Plan 2011/2012 be endorsed and recommended to Council for approval. |
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Official Feed and Food Controls Service Plan 2011/12 Report of the Strategic Director, Place (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: (1) That the Cabinet Member agrees the Official Feed and Food Controls Service Plan 2011/2012 set out in the appendix to this report and commends it to Full Council for approval. Minutes: 113.1 The Cabinet Member considered a report of the Strategic Director, Place concerning the Official Feed and Food Controls Service Plan required by the Food Standards Agency.
113.2 RESOLVED - That having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the Cabinet Member accepted the following recommendations:
(1) That the Official Feed and Food Controls Service Plan 2011/2012 be agreed and commended to Full Council for approval. |