Agenda for Environment, Transport & Sustainability Cabinet Members Meeting on Tuesday, 4th October, 2011, 2.00pm

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Agenda, decisions and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber, Hove Town Hall. View directions

Contact: Tanya Davies  Acting Democratic Services Manager

Items
No. Item

19.

Procedural Business

    (a)   Declarations of Interest by all Members present of any personal interests in matters on the agenda, the nature of any interest and whether the Members regard the interest as prejudicial under the terms of the Code of Conduct.

     

    (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:

    19(a)      Declarations of Interests

    19a.1     There were none. 

    19(b)      Exclusion of Press and Public

    19b.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). 

    19b.2     RESOLVED - That the press and public be not excluded from the meeting.

20.

Minutes of the previous meeting pdf icon PDF 112 KB

    Minutes of the Meeting held on 5 July 2011 (copy attached).

    Minutes:

    20.1               RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 5 July 2011 be approved as a correct record.

21.

Minutes of the Special Meeting, 17 August 2011 pdf icon PDF 56 KB

    Minutes of the Special Meeting held on 17 August 2011 (copy attached).

    Minutes:

    21.1               RESOLVED – That the minutes of the Special meeting held on 17 August 2011 be approved as a correct record.

22.

Cabinet Members' Communications

    Minutes:

    22.1               There were none.

23.

Items reserved for discussion

    (a)   Items reserved by the Cabinet Members

     

    (b)   Items reserved by the Opposition Spokespersons

     

    (c)    Items reserved by Members, with the agreement of the Cabinet Members.

     

    NOTE: Public Questions, Written Questions from Councillors, Petitions, Deputations, Letters from Councillors and Notices of Motion will be reserved automatically.

    Minutes:

    23.1               Councillor West explained that Item 36, a report concerning the Citywide Parking Review, would be brought forward on the agenda to be considered after Item 31 and that petitions 24(i) and (vi) would be taken with Item 36.

     

    23.2               RESOLVED – That all items be reserved for discussion.

24.

Petitions pdf icon PDF 76 KB

    Report of the Strategic Director, Resources (copy attached).

    Minutes:

    24(i)       Parking Problems and Controlled Parking

     

    24i.1      See Item 36.

     

    24(ii)      Bus stops at Wilson Avenue

     

    24ii.1     Councillor Morgan presented a petition on behalf of Councillor Mitchell signed by 311 people calling for the provision of a bus shelter and accessible bus stop at the bus stops outside City College (southbound) in Wilson Avenue, and the Sadler Way bus stop.  The petition also asks for improvements to the 21 bus service.

     

    24ii.2     Councillor Davey explained that the council’s contract for the supply and maintenance of bus shelters with Clear Channel Adshel required the contractor to supply five additional shelters each year, at locations chosen by the council. The locations in Wilson Avenue were on the council’s list of locations at which shelters had been requested and decisions would be taken in the autumn on the basis of the usage of the bus stop, its general surroundings, and the exposed nature of the site. The request for accessible bus stops would be considered and the decision would depend on upon available funding. A copy of the petition’s covering letter had been sent to Brighton & Hove Buses from them to consider the comments about Service 21.

     

    24ii.3     RESOLVED – That the petition be noted.

     

    24(iii)     Road safety, Chesham Street

     

    24iii.1    Councillor Morgan presented a petition on behalf of Councillor Turton signed by 27 people calling for the Eastern Road end of Chesham Street to be blocked off for safety reasons due to the volume and speed of traffic in this small residential area.

     

    24iii.2    Councillor Davey explained that the council took an evidence-based approach to dealing with requests for traffic calming, road closures or other measures to reduce the effects of traffic on residents. Within available resources, the council was currently looking at roads or junctions where there had been a number of injury-causing collisions in a three year period.  Chesham Street was relatively short and did not extend directly to the A259; traffic flows and average speeds were therefore lower than in some neighbouring roads and no collisions had been recorded in either Chesham Street or at the junction with Eastern Road. If Chesham Street were closed to through traffic, drivers that used it would be displaced to other streets in the neighbourhood instead, having a detrimental effect on those streets. Therefore, the council had no plans to alter the layout of Chesham Street; however, residents were encouraged to contact the Transport team or their ward councillors with suggestions that would not impact on neighbouring streets.

     

    24iii.3    RESOLVED – That the petition be noted.

     

    24(iv)     A gardener for Withdean Park

     

    24iv.1     Mr Stuart Derwent presented a petition on behalf of the Friends of Withdean Park signed by 435 people calling for the council to provide a gardener for Park, on a part-time basis, to carry out maintenance to protect the former National Lilac Collection.

     

    24iv.2     Councillor West stated that the council appreciated and supported the work of the Friends of Withdean Park and advised that gardeners visited the park five times a week during the summer to carry out routine maintenance. He explained that funding to the city’s parks had changed significantly over the years and that, in the current financial climate, it was not possible to dedicate additional resources to the park. He advised that the council was working to create more natural wildlife areas in parks.

     

    24iv.3     RESOLVED – That the petition be noted and a written response be provided to Mr Derwent concerning the current level of support to Withdean Park.

     

    24(v)      Student Safety! Pedestrianise Pelham Street

     

    24v.1      Ms Julia Horbaschk presented a petition signed by 794 people calling for safety issues in Pelham Street to be addressed using traffic calming measures and for the council to continue a dialogue with the City College to determine the best way forward.

     

    24v.2      Councillor Davey reported that he had met with Phil Frier, Principal of City College, and students to discuss the matter, and that North Laine residents had also raised concerns. He confirmed that discussions would continue and officers would meet with staff and students to consider how to proceed.

     

    24v.3      RESOLVED – That the petition be noted.

     

    24(vi)     Residents’ parking in Round Hill conservation area

     

    24vi.1     See Item 36.

     

    24(vii)    Queens Place, Brighton

     

    24vii.1    Councillor Deane presented a petition signed by 5 people calling for the council to investigate the impact of business activities on residents on Queens Place.

     

    24vii.2    Councillor Davey confirmed that he would ask officers to investigate the concerns.

     

    24vii.3    RESOLVED – That the petition be noted.

     

    24(viii)   Replacement of parking bay with taxi bays in The Avenue, Bevendean

     

    24viii.1   Councillor Marsh presented a petition signed by 705 people calling for the council to reconsider the decision to remove two parking bays and replace them with two taxi rank places in The Avenue, Bevendean, as residents were concerned about the loss of parking places.

     

    24viii.2   The Parking Infrastructure Manager acknowledged the large number of signatures and explained that the Taxi Forum argued that it would take time for the taxi rank to become established. He stated that use of the rank would be monitored and if was not regularly used, proposals to remove it would be added to the next Amendment Traffic Order.

     

    24viii.3   RESOLVED – That the petition be noted.

25.

Petitions debated at Council

25a

Keep The Level a green open space pdf icon PDF 63 KB

    (i)           Draft extract from the proceedings of Council on 21 July 2011 (copy attached).

     

    (ii)         Report of the Monitoring Officer (copy attached).

    Additional documents:

    Minutes:

    25a.1     Councillor West considered a petition that had been presented by Mr Adrian Morris and that was referred following a Full Council debate on 21 July 2011 concerning The Level and opposing plans to create a new skate park in the northern area of the park. The petition had been signed by 2,498 people.

     

    25a.2     Councillor West advised that the petition had been debated at length at Council and explained that the decision on the Masterplan for The Level had been made at the previous Cabinet Members Meeting in July. He reported that the bid had subsequently been submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund and that a response was anticipated in January 2012. He acknowledged the ongoing concerns of some residents in relation to the location of the skate park, but stated that the decision had been taken on the basis on the consultation results, which indicated a clear preference to move it north of the Rose Walk. He stated that the council would continue to work closely with residents and urged people to support the bid for funding.

     

    25a.3     Councillor Morgan submitted a letter from Mr Morris to Councillor West.

     

    25a.b     RESOLVED – That the petition be noted.

     

25b

Save The Big Lemon Bus pdf icon PDF 55 KB

    (i)           Draft extract from the proceedings of Council on 21 July 2011 (copy attached).

     

    (ii)         Report of the Monitoring Officer (copy attached).

    Additional documents:

    Minutes:

    25b.1     Councillor Davey considered a petition that had been presented by Ms Jackie Chase and that was referred following a Full Council debate on 21 July 2011 concerning the Big Lemon Bus and calling for the council to level the playing field in the local bus industry. The petition had been signed by 2,316 people.

     

    25b.2     Councillor Davey advised that part of the issue was the tendering process for supported bus routes; the council had sought to make it accessible to smaller operators and encouraged them to bid for the contracts. He reported that officers had met with the Big Lemon Management to specifically discuss the tendering process to ensure that, in addition to following the legal requirements, local and smaller companies were made aware of them; the Corporate Procurement Team was also on hand to assist smaller operators. To ensure that small businesses could bid for contracts, the council tendered individual services rather than whole network services.

     

    Councillor Davey also reported that the Office of Fair Trading would complete its Local Bus Services Market Investigation later in the year.

     

    25b.3     RESOLVED – That the petition be noted.

26.

Public Questions

    (The closing date for receipt of public questions is 12 noon on 27 September 2011)

     

    No public questions have been received as of 7 September 2011.

    Minutes:

    26.1               There were none.

27.

Deputations pdf icon PDF 70 KB

    (The closing date for receipt of deputations is 12 noon on 27 September 2011)

     

    (a)     Deputation concerning proposed yellow lines between Maresfield and Cowfield Roads – Mrs Jenny Gearing (Spokesperson).

    Minutes:

    27.1               Councillor Davey considered a deputation from Ms Jenny Gearing opposing proposed yellow lines between Maresfield and Cowfield Roads because of the parking problems it would create for residents without driveways in which to park and suggesting that other solutions to the parking problems in Manor Hill be considered.

     

    27.2               Councillor Morgan confirmed the problems that would be created for residents if the proposed double yellow lines were introduced.

     

    27.3               Councillor Davey advised that the report at Item 31, which dealt with the request for double yellow lines, recommended for them not to be implemented; he hoped that residents would be happy with the decision.

     

    27.4               RESOLVED – That the deputation be noted.

     

28.

Letters from Councillors

    No letters have been received as of 7 September 2011.

    Minutes:

    28.1               There were none.

29.

Written Questions from Councillors

    No written questions have been received as of 7 September 2011.

    Minutes:

    29.1               There were none.

30.

Notices of Motion

    No Notices of Motion have been received.

    Minutes:

    30.1               There were none.

31.

Citywide Amendment Traffic Order: various traffic changes to Controlled Parking Zones (CPZ) and areas outside of CPZ pdf icon PDF 110 KB

    Report of the Strategic Director, Place (copy attached).

    Additional documents:

    Decision:

    2.1       That the Cabinet Member for Transport & Public Realm , having taken into account of all the duly made representations and objections, approves 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 removal of disabled parking bays in Prince’s Terrace, Stirling Place, Denton Drive and Haig Avenue, are to be removed from the Traffic Order as these bays are still required by local residents.

     

    b)             The proposed double yellow lines in Manor Hill are to be removed from the Traffic Order due to reasons outlined in section 3.4

     

    c)              The proposed motorcycle bay in Stroudley Road is to be removed from the Traffic Order due to reasons outlined in section 3.9.

     

    d)             The proposed double yellow lines at the junction of Brownleaf Road and Abinger Road are to be removed from the Traffic Order due to reasons outlined in section 3.10

     

    e)             The proposed limited waiting in Matlock Road is to be removed from the Traffic Order due to reasons outlined in section 3.11.

     

    f)                The proposed change to parking arrangements in Victoria Road is to be removed from the traffic order due to reasons outlined in section 3.12.

     

    g)             The proposed extension to double yellow lines in Friar Road are to be removed from the Traffic Order due to reasons outlined in section 3.16.

     

    h)              The proposed motorcycle bay in Coleman Street is to be removed from the Traffic Order due to reasons outlined in section 3.17.

     

    i)                The proposed double yellow lines in Tongdean Rise are to be removed from the Traffic Order due to reasons outlined in section 3.18.

     

    j)                The proposed double yellow lines in the access road to Kingsmere, London Road are to be removed from the Traffic Order due to reasons outlined in section 3.19

     

    k)              The proposed double yellow lines in Oakdene Close are to be removed from the Traffic Order due to reasons outlined in section 3.20.

     

    l)                The proposed double yellow lines in Braybon Avenue are to be removed from the Traffic Order due to reasons outlined in section 3.21.

     

    m)           The proposed double yellow lines on Roedean Road from the A259 to the junction of The Cliff and Roedean Crescent are to be removed from the Traffic Order due to reasons outlined in section 3.22.

    Minutes:

    31.1               Councillor Davey considered a report of the Strategic Director, Place concerning comments, support and objections received to an amendment Traffic Regulation Order, which contained proposals for overall 150 roads.

     

    31.2               Councillor Davey advised that the report responded to requests from residents, businesses and ward councillors and that the amendments included the provision of safety improvements and often helped to improve sustainable transport.

     

    31.3               Councillor Peltzer Dunn requested that officers provide him with details of any changes within his ward, Wish. He questioned the recommendation not to proceed with double yellow lines in Roedean Road as he felt it would tackle safety issues associated with coaches parking in the road. He stated that the designated coach park on Madeira Drive had on average been only a third full and that coaches were instead parking in Roedean Road to avoid the charge; by implementing the double yellow lines, coaches would be encouraged to park on Madeira Drive and safety issues would also be addressed.

     

    31.4               Councillor Davey explained there was a wider issue about coach parking in the city and that the possibility of a coach park as part of the Black Rock development was under consideration, but that funding had not yet been identified; he felt that it would be premature to implement double yellow lines in Roedean Road without a long-term strategy in place and advised that a report on coach parking would be brought to a future meeting.

     

    31.5               The Head of City Infrastructure explained that she understood that provision at Madeira Drive was not sufficient and that if coaches were prevented from parking in Roedean Road they would find other roads to park in.

     

    31.6               RESOLVED That, having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the following recommendations were accepted:

     

    (1)    That the Cabinet Member for Transport & Public Realm , having taken into account of all the duly made representations and objections, approves 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 removal of disabled parking bays in Prince’s Terrace, Stirling Place, Denton Drive and Haig Avenue, are to be removed from the Traffic Order as these bays are still required by local residents.

    b)         The proposed double yellow lines in Manor Hill are to be removed from the Traffic Order due to reasons outlined in section 3.4

    c)          The proposed motorcycle bay in Stroudley Road is to be removed from the Traffic Order due to reasons outlined in section 3.9.

    d)         The proposed double yellow lines at the junction of Brownleaf Road and Abinger Road are to be removed from the Traffic Order due to reasons outlined in section 3.10

    e)         The proposed limited waiting in Matlock Road is to be removed from the Traffic Order due to reasons outlined in section 3.11.

    f)            The proposed change to parking arrangements in Victoria Road is to be removed from the traffic order due to reasons outlined in section 3.12.

    g)         The proposed extension to double yellow lines in Friar Road are to be removed from the Traffic Order due to reasons outlined in section 3.16.

    h)          The proposed motorcycle bay in Coleman Street is to be removed from the Traffic Order due to reasons outlined in section 3.17.

    i)            The proposed double yellow lines in Tongdean Rise are to be removed from the Traffic Order due to reasons outlined in section 3.18.

    j)            The proposed double yellow lines in the access road to Kingsmere, London Road are to be removed from the Traffic Order due to reasons outlined in section 3.19

    k)          The proposed double yellow lines in Oakdene Close are to be removed from the Traffic Order due to reasons outlined in section 3.20.

    l)            The proposed double yellow lines in Braybon Avenue are to be removed from the Traffic Order due to reasons outlined in section 3.21.

    m)       The proposed double yellow lines on Roedean Road from the A259 to the junction of The Cliff and Roedean Crescent are to be removed from the Traffic Order due to reasons outlined in section 3.22.

32.

Speed Limit Review (A&B Class Roads) pdf icon PDF 81 KB

    Report of the Strategic Director, Place (copy attached).

    Additional documents:

    Decision:

    2.1       That the Cabinet Member for Transport & Public Realm notes the Officer recommendations from the City Speed Limit Review as set out in Appendix A.

     

    2.2       That the Cabinet Member for Transport & Public Realm approves the recommendations to proceed with speed limit reductions as set out in Appendix A, reference numbers 2,3,5,6,7,8 and 17, and approves the advertising of the necessary Traffic Regulations Order(s).

    Minutes:

    32.1               Councillor Davey considered a report of the Strategic Director, Place concerning a review of the speed limits on the A & B Class roads and resulting recommendations for reducing speed limits in identified areas.

     

    32.2               Councillor Davey explained that the council was considering a large 20mph speed limit in the central area of the city, but that the recommendations in relation would be considered as part of the wider scheme at a later date.

     

    32.3               In response to a question from Councillor Morgan, the Road Safety Manager explained that it would cost approximately £22,000 to implement the recommendations and that it would have little impact on implementation of other schemes.

     

    32.4               In response to a question from Councillor Peltzer Dunn, the Road Safety Manager advised that consultation had taken place with the previous Administration and that the report from the review had been placed in Members’ Rooms. He agreed to provide a written list of the councillors consulted.

     

    32.5               Councillor Peltzer Dunn welcomed the report in general, but questioned why Holmes Avenue and Nevill Avenue had not been included as part of the 20mph limit recommended in the vicinity of Blatchington Mill School.

     

    32.6               The Road Safety Manager explained that the review was focussed on A and B Class roads only as instructed by the Department for Transport. He advised that there was an error in Appendix A, and that Recommendation 2 within the appendix was recommended for a speed limit reduction straight away (see 32.7(2)).

     

    32.7               RESOLVED That, having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the following recommendations were accepted:

     

    (1)         That the Cabinet Member for Transport & Public Realm notes the Officer recommendations from the City Speed Limit Review as set out in Appendix A.

     

    (2)         That the Cabinet Member for Transport & Public Realm approves the recommendations to proceed with speed limit reductions as set out in Appendix A, reference numbers 2,3,5,6,7,8 and 17, and approves the advertising of the necessary Traffic Regulations Order(s).

33.

Speed Limit review 20mph Speed Limits pdf icon PDF 91 KB

    Report of the Strategic Director, Place (copy attached).

    Additional documents:

    Decision:

    2.1       That the Cabinet Member for Transport & Public Realm approves that the Central Area and Western Area schemes set out in Appendix 1 be progressed to final design and that the TRO be advertised.

    Minutes:

    33.1               Councillor Davey considered a report of the Strategic Director, Place concerning review of the speed limits on the city’s non-A and B Class roads and the resulting recommendations.

     

    33.2               Councillor Davey explained that the review undertook a pilot study in three different areas of the city to assess the effectiveness of 20mph speed limits and that it was intended that formal consultation would take place on proposals to implement speed limit reductions in the central and western areas identified in the report.

     

    33.3               Councillor Morgan noted the scrutiny panel review of 20mph speed limits and advised that he was supportive an incremental approach to speed limit reductions.

     

    33.4               Councillor Peltzer Dunn welcomed consultation on speed limit reductions in the areas identified.

     

    33.5               RESOLVED That, having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the following recommendations were accepted:

     

    (1)         That the Cabinet Member for Transport & Public Realm approves that the Central Area and Western Area schemes set out in Appendix 1 be progressed to final design and that the TRO be advertised.

34.

Parking Annual Report 2010/11 pdf icon PDF 65 KB

    Report of the Strategic Director, Place (copy attached).

    Additional documents:

    Decision:

    2.1       That the Cabinet Member for Transport & Public Realm endorses the publication of the Parking Annual Report for 20010/11 under the provisions of the Traffic Management Act 2004.

     

    2.2       That the Cabinet Member for Transport & Public Realm authorises the Head of City Infrastructure to produce and publish the report which will be made available on the Council’s website.

    Minutes:

    34.1               Councillor Davey considered a report of the Strategic Director, Place concerning of the third Parking Annual Report 2010/11 on the performance of Parking Services for submission to the Department for Transport, Traffic Penalty Tribunal and for general publication under the provisions of the Traffic Management Act 2004.

     

    34.2               RESOLVED That, having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the following recommendations were accepted:

     

    2.1       That the Cabinet Member for Transport & Public Realm endorses the publication of the Parking Annual Report for 2010/11 under the provisions of the Traffic Management Act 2004.

     

    2.2       That the Cabinet Member for Transport & Public Realm authorises the Head of City Infrastructure to produce and publish the report which will be made available on the Council’s website.

35.

George Street Petition - Consultation Results

    Verbal update from the Project Manager, City Regulation & Infrastructure.

    Minutes:

    35.1               Councillor Davey considered a verbal update from the Project Manager, City Regulation & Infrastructure concerning a survey undertaken following receipt of a petition requesting that George Street summer opening hours be amended.

     

    35.2               The Project Manager reported that a letter had been sent to all traders and residents in George Street asking if they wanted the council to carry out formal consultation regarding opening hours for the street; this approach was taken to assess public feeling before spending resources on a formal consultation. 17 responses were received from the 100 letters sent; 7 were not in favour of further consultation, while 10 were in favour. Hove Business Association supported a formal consultation, however, officers felt that the low response rate was indicative of public interest and the decision had been made not to take the matter any further.

     

    35.3               Councillor Peltzer Dunn agreed that the rate of response showed that a change to the opening hours was not strongly desired by businesses or residents.

     

    35.4               RESOLVED – That the update be noted.

36.

Citywide Parking Review pdf icon PDF 78 KB

    Report of the Strategic Director, Place (copy attached).

    Additional documents:

    Decision:

    2.1       That the Cabinet Member for Transport & Public Realm:

     

    (a)     Approves the urgent programme of reviews and/or consultation on extensions to parking schemes as described in Appendix A, timetabled in Appendix B and set out in the plan drawing, Appendix C;

     

    (b)     Instructs officers to review the timetable in Appendix B and the resources required to implement it and, if possible, to accelerate this timetable.

     

    (c)     Agrees that the programme of reviews set out in Appendices A, B and C of the report will replace the former timetable of parking reviews agreed on 24th January 2008;

     

    (d)     Notes the summary of requests for parking consultations and parking issues raised by residents & other stakeholders set out in appendix D.

     

    (e)     Instructs officers to undertake a city wide review of parking management and to report back on progress within six months of commencement.

    Minutes:

    36.1               Councillor Davey considered a report of the Strategic Director, Place concerning proposals to review the way the council manages parking and proposals to take immediate action to address the most urgent areas of parking demand in the city as identified by residents, ward members and other stakeholders.

     

    36.2               Councillor Davey explained that he would hear from the petitioners and Councillor Pissaridou before opening up the debate to opposition spokespeople.

     

    36.3               Mr Robert Rosenthal presented a petition signed by 424 people concerning parking problems in the area north of London Road Station and calling for the council to implement an urgent review and re-consult residents in relation to joining a controlled parking scheme (CPZ) to prevent the ongoing problems caused by displacement.

     

    36.4               Councillor Deane presented a petition signed by 276 people concerning parking problems in the Round Hill area and calling for the council to re-consult residents on membership of the Area J Extension CPZ to tackle the problem of displacement.

     

    36.5               Councillor Pissaridou, ward councillor for Wish ward, stated that the report did not propose a broad strategic review, but instead concentrated on urgent parking reviews in specific areas. She advised that it was unfair not to include areas of Wish ward for priority review and described the specific problems experienced by residents in the Wish Park area, which was a popular place for visitors to the seafront and lagoon to park and suffered from displacement from the adjoining CPZ; the level of parking resulted in significant safety issues for residents, including the elderly, disabled and children. She highlighted concerns raised by the Ombudsman in relation to a previous consultation on parking in the area and stated that residents were not properly supported by the council during the process, which she felt was flawed. She called on the council to listen to residents and include the Wish Park area as a priority for re-consultation.

     

    36.6                Mr Don Odair, resident of the Wish Park area, stated that the problems experienced by residents needed to be considered more urgently than the proposed citywide review would allow. He explained that there was significant pressure on the roads in the area from residents, visitors to the seafront and park and from vehicles left there for long periods of time. He urged the council to include the area in the priority group.

     

    36.1               Councillor Davey noted the petitions and acknowledged that parking was an emotive issue in the city that required the council to balance the needs of residents. He explained the report proposed a strategic and long-term approach to parking management, as well tackling some more urgent areas. He noted that all political Groups were supportive of a review and that the timetable agreed in 2008 had been abandoned in 2010 despite consultation having already been undertaken in some areas. He recognised the problems in the Wish Park area, but advised that there was no clear solution; he felt that extending the neighbouring light touch scheme would not solve all the problems and he did not have evidence of support for a scheme up to Boundary Road. He called for ward councillors and residents to work together with officers, possibly in a working group, to enable the best solution to be identified for the whole ward; if a consensus was achieved, consultation could proceed after the initial priority areas were completed. With regard to the citywide review, he advised that officers would engage with stakeholders across the city, along with Overview & Scrutiny involvement, and that the proposals represented the responsible way forward.

     

    36.2               Councillor Morgan stated that the report dealt with changes to the existing timetable for parking reviews and was vague in relation to the citywide review. He welcomed the opportunity for Overview & Scrutiny involvement in the review and advised that the Environment & Community Safety Overview & Scrutiny Committee would contribute, but did not have the resources to undertake the whole review. He reported that ward councillors for Wish and South Portslade had not been approached in relation to determining a boundary for a CPZ in the problematic area described by Councillor Pissaridou causing the area to drop off the priority list. He stated that the report raised too many questions and urged the Cabinet Member to withdraw it and bring back two separate reports; a report on the priority areas with clear reasons for proceeding with some areas and not others, and a more detailed report on proposals for the citywide parking reviews.

     

    36.3               Councillor Peltzer Dunn stated that he had hoped there would be a review of all CPZs in the current year, but that the report lacked clarity as it did not state when the citywide review would begin. He questioned the length of the timetable for the review of the priority areas and noted that any action would take place under a new Administration. As ward councillor for Wish ward, he reported that the views of residents living between Saxon Road and Boundary Road were not known as they had never been consulted and that residents living Saxon Road and Boundary Road were misled would have voted differently in the previous consultation if they had known that the adjoining scheme was going to be implemented. He questioned why the Wish Park area was the only area adjacent to the seafront that did not have a CPZ, forcing residents to put up with congestion and road safety issues, when they could be included in a light touch scheme at little cost. He urged the Cabinet Member to undertake a full citywide review before proceeding with the identified priority areas.

     

    36.4               Councillor Davey stated that the budget set by the previous Administration did not provide for a full review to take place in 2011/12 and that no terms of reference for the review were set. He advised that the proposals presented a way forward, allowing people to contribute to the review and also addressed problems in specific areas.

     

    36.5               In response to a question from Councillor Peltzer Dunn regarding the timetable for the citywide review, the Lead Commissioner, City Regulation & Infrastructure explained that the process for the review was being determined; it would start within the current year and be completed within one year.

     

    36.6               Councillor Davey advised that he would add an additional recommendation instructing officers to review the timetable for the priority areas and accelerate it if possible within resources (see 36.13 (b)), and that the report back on the citywide review after six months would be an update on progress (see 36.13 (e)).

     

    36.7               RESOLVED - That the Cabinet Member for Transport & Public Realm noted the petitions and, having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, accepted the following recommendations:

     

    (a)    Approves the urgent programme of reviews and/or consultation on extensions to parking schemes as described in Appendix A, timetabled in Appendix B and set out in the plan drawing, Appendix C;

     

    (b)    Instructs officers to review the timetable in Appendix B and the resources required to implement it and, if possible, to accelerate this timetable.

     

    (c)    Agrees that the programme of reviews set out in Appendices A, B and C of the report will replace the former timetable of parking reviews agreed on 24th January 2008;

     

    (d)    Notes the summary of requests for parking consultations and parking issues raised by residents & other stakeholders set out in appendix D.

     

    (e)    Instructs officers to undertake a city wide review of parking management and to report back on progress within six months of commencement.

37.

Old Shoreham Road cycle facilities pdf icon PDF 92 KB

    Report of the Strategic Director, Place (copy attached).

    Decision:

    2.1       The Cabinet Member for Transport & Public Realm gives approval to proceed with detailed design of OSR cycle facilities as detailed in this report. 

     

    2.2       The Cabinet Member for Transport & Public Realm gives approval to advertise the proposed cycle facilities in a TRO and that if any objections are received they would be considered at a Special Environment, Transport & Sustainability Cabinet Members Meeting on 9 November 2011.

    Minutes:

    37.1               Councillor Davey considered a report of the Strategic Director, Place concerning the results of consultation for Old Shoreham Road (OSR) cycle facilities and seeking permission to proceed with the implementation of the scheme, including the advertising of any necessary Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs).

     

    37.2               Councillor Davey explained that the proposals would provide a high-quality segregated cycle route that would improve safety and encourage cycling. He reported that 75% of respondants were in favour the proposed scheme, which had received national and local praise from professional cycling organisations, campaigners and cyclists, and that funding had been secured from Sustrans to proceed with the project.

     

    37.3               Councillor Morgan welcomed the scheme, which had been part of the council’s original Cycle Demonstration Town programme of work.

     

    37.4               Councillor Peltzer Dunn welcomed the physical separation between cyclists and other road users in the route, but highlighted concerns about the shared space at the railway bridge and suggested using different coloured surfaces.

     

    37.5               The Principal Transport Planner noted the concerns and advised that consideration would be given to the best surface treatment for the railway bridge when finalising the detailed design for the scheme.

     

    37.6               RESOLVED That, having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the following recommendations were accepted:

     

    (1)         The Cabinet Member for Transport & Public Realm gives approval to proceed with detailed design of OSR cycle facilities as detailed in this report. 

     

    (2)         The Cabinet Member for Transport & Public Realm gives approval to advertise the proposed cycle facilities in a TRO and that if any objections are received they would be considered at a Special Environment, Transport & Sustainability Cabinet Members Meeting on 9 November 2011.

38.

Permission to tender for supported bus network pdf icon PDF 78 KB

    Report of the Strategic Director, Place (copy attached).

    Additional documents:

    Decision:

    2.1       That the Cabinet Member for Transport & Public Realm authorises the competitive tendering process to begin based on the proposed routes contained in Appendix 2.

     

    2.2       That a report be brought to a future Environment, Transport & Sustainability Cabinet Members Meeting for consideration once tenders from prospective contractors have been analysed and recommendations for the future Supported Local Bus Network have been formulated.

    Minutes:

    37.1               Councillor Davey considered a report of the Strategic Director, Place seeking approval to go out to competitive tender for supported bus network contracts to commence in September 2012.

     

    37.2               Councillor Davey explained that the current batch of supported bus network contracts would expire in September 2012 and would be retendered and followed on from the Area Network Review in July & August 2011, which involved a full consultation process with elected members, user groups, and community groups and data assimilated from requests made by members of the public.

     

    37.3               In response to a question from Councillor Morgan, Councillor Davey confirmed that the number and detail of the routes to be supported would be dependant upon the budget available.

     

    37.4               RESOLVED That, having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the following recommendations were accepted:

     

    (1)         That the Cabinet Member for Transport & Public Realm authorises the competitive tendering process to begin based on the proposed routes contained in Appendix 2.

     

    (2)         That a report be brought to a future Environment, Transport & Sustainability Cabinet Members Meeting for consideration once tenders from prospective contractors have been analysed and recommendations for the future Supported Local Bus Network have been formulated.

39.

Highways Winter Service Plan 2011-12 pdf icon PDF 89 KB

    Report of the Strategic Director, Place (copy attached).

    Additional documents:

    Decision:

    2.1       That the Cabinet Member for Environment & Sustainability approves the Brighton & Hove City Council HighwaysWinter Service Plan 2011/12 as attached at Appendix A to this report.

    Minutes:

    37.1               Councillor West considered a report of the Strategic Director, Place concerning the council’s 2011-12 Highways Winter Service Plan.

     

    37.2               Councillor West thanked officers for their work on the Service Plan and also for their ongoing work during adverse weather conditions. He stated that the council response had improved considerably during the last winter and that the improvements recommended by the scrutiny panel had been implemented. He reported that the new gritters had been received and would further improve the council’s response to snowfall.

     

    37.3               The Head of Highway Operations summarised the report and explained that the Service Plan also served as a business continuity tool. She reported that significant changes had been implemented since 2009 and that it was necessary to continue working collaboratively with partner organisations during adverse winter weather. She advised that there were no plans to increase the number of grit bins because it would not be possible to fill more than the existing amount, but there were already sufficient numbers throughout the city.

     

    37.4               Councillor Peltzer Dunn congratulated officers on the improvements made and thanked the scrutiny panel, which had demonstrated the value of Overview & Scrutiny involvement in policy review and development.

     

    37.5               Councillor Morgan reported that the Environment & Community Safety Overview & Scrutiny Committee had recently reviewed the Service Plan and thanked officers for their work. He highlighted the need for the area surrounding the new Whitehawk Hub to be added to the gritting list due the number of community services.

     

    37.6               The Head of Highway Operations added that no new roads had been added to the list for gritting because, although the new gritters would be better, they would not be faster; however, the Whitehawk Hub area was a priority area for pavement clearing.

     

    37.7               Councillor West noted the concerns about the Whitehawk Hub area and advised that the council would continue to learn from its experiences. He urged councillors to engage with their constituents during the winter to help them understand how they can help themselves during heavy snowfall.

     

    37.8               RESOLVED That, having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the following recommendations were accepted:

     

    (1)         That the Cabinet Member for Environment & Sustainability approves the Brighton & Hove City Council HighwaysWinter Service Plan 2011/12 as attached at Appendix A to this report.

40.

Permission to Consult on Communal Recycling Trial pdf icon PDF 75 KB

    Report of the Strategic Director, Place (copy attached).

    Additional documents:

    Decision:

    2.1       That the Cabinet Member for Environment & Sustainability endorses proposals to consult with residents in the identified streets on the introduction of communal recycling.

    Minutes:

    40.1               Councillor West considered a report of the Strategic Director, Place seeking permission to consult with residents in the area on introducing a communal recycling trial an area of Brunswick and Adelaide Ward.

     

    40.2               Councillor West explained that residents in city centre locations had considerable problems with the usability of the current approach to recycling and that it had a negative impact on recycling rates. To address this, the council’s waste strategy set out a commitment to trial community recycling and Brunswick and Adelaide ward was put forward for a trial through the Community Waste Forum.

     

    40.3               Councillor Morgan welcomed the proposal for a pilot and requested more information about the types of bins, the impact on staffing and possible loss of parking places. He queried how the council would prevent cross-contamination.

     

    40.4               Councillor West stated that cross-contamination was a concern and that educating residents was essential to the success of community recycling.

     

    40.5               In response to questions from the Opposition Spokespeople, the Head of City Infrastructure made the following comments:

     

    §         The trial would last one year and the bins proposed for the trial would be the 1100 litre black bins used at recycling sites across the city.

    §         Recycling rates would be measured before the trial and then during to see if there was an increase, and residents would be surveyed about ease of use.

    §         Cross-contamination would also be monitored and levels evaluated against any increase in recycling rates due to improved ease of use. Cross-contamination was not a significant problem at other recycling sites in the city.

    §         There would be no impact of staff.

    §         The issue of lost parking spaces would be carefully considered in order to minimise impact on residents.

     

    40.6               RESOLVED That, having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the following recommendations were accepted:

     

    (1)         That the Cabinet Member for Environment & Sustainability endorses proposals to consult with residents in the identified streets on the introduction of communal recycling.

 


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