NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL
ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC PROTECTION COMMITTEE
13 September 2000
PRESENT:- Councillor Gosling in the Chair.
Councillor P Kirk (vice-chair), Appleyard, Berry, Billam, Mrs Bromby, Ellis, England, Fordham, M Kirk, Long, Metcalfe, Regan, Rocks, Sherwood, Smith, Swift, Wardle and Wood.
Councillor Grant attended the meeting under the provisions of Standing Order 40(b).
The committee met at Pittwood House, Scunthorpe.
152 DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY OR NON-PECUNIARY INTERESTS -
There were no declarations of pecuniary or non-pecuniary interests from members in respect of items on the agenda.
PETITIONS - In accordance with Standing Order 38, it was reported that four petitions had been received as follows:-
153 (99) PARKING RESTRICTIONS, THORNGARTH LANE, BARROW-UPON-HUMBER - This petition had been submitted by local residents of Thorngarth Lane, Barrow-upon-Humber, requesting the provision of parking restrictions along the full length of Thorngarth Lane due to the potential dangers arising from parked vehicles, and the obstruction of access to properties. Representatives of the petitioners attended the meeting and one addressed the committee on the subject matter of and background to the petition.
The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a corresponding report which provided further background information on the petition and commented upon the concerns and requests of the petitioners.
Resolved - (a) That the petition be received; (b) that approval be given for the advertising of an Order for 'No Waiting at any time' and that subject to no objections being received that the Order be made, and (c) that the petitioners be informed of this action.
154 (100) MARTIN'S CLOSE, BARROW-UPON-HUMBER - This petition had been submitted by local residents of Martin's Close, Barrow-upon-Humber requesting more parking spaces and new speed humps in the close.
The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a corresponding report which provided further background information on the petition and commented upon the concerns and requests of the petitioners.
Resolved - (a) That the petitioners be informed that Martin's Close is considered inappropriate for installation of speed humps, and (b) that the request for additional parking be referred to the Social and Housing Services Committee for consideration.
155 (101) STATHER ROAD, BURTON-UPON-STATHER - This petition was submitted by local residents of Stather Road, Burton-upon-Stather requesting the removal of 'No waiting at Any Time' parking restrictions outside no's 62 to 68 Stather Road due to there being inadequate parking facilities near to their properties. Representatives of the petitioners attended the meeting and one addressed the committee on the subject matter of and background to the petition.
The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a corresponding report which provided further background information on the petition and commented upon the concerns and requests of the petitioners.
Resolved - That the Director in consultation with the Lead Member for Transport (Councillor P Kirk) be authorised to progress this matter by seeking a compromise with residents and the Parish Council.
156 (102) REINSTATEMENT OF BUS FROM CAISTOR ROAD TO CASTLEDYKE SCHOOL, BARTON-UPON-HUMBER - This petition was submitted by local residents and users of the former service requesting the council to reinstate the bus service from Caistor Road to Castledyke School in Barton-upon-Humber.
Representatives of the petitioners attended the meeting but declined the opportunity to speak on the understanding that a representative would be allowed to speak at a future meeting when an investigatory report on the matter would be considered.
Resolved - (a) That the petition be received, and (b) that the Director of Environment and Public Protection prepare a comprehensive investigatory report on the matter for consideration at a future meeting.
157 (103) HUMBERSIDE POLICE ACTIVITIES UPDATE - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report informing the committee of a number of highways and transportation activities currently being undertaken by Humberside Police, together with relevant enforcement and casualty statistics.
A representative of Humberside Police attended the meeting and gave an oral update on the activities.
Resolved - That this report, and the oral update given by the Police representative be received, and that the Director of Environment and Public Protection be authorised to continue to provide support for joint initiatives and accident prevention campaigns.
158 (104) PUBLIC TRANSPORT : RURAL TRANSPORT PARTNERSHIP - Further to minute 2507, the Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted
a report seeking approval for the draft action plan for the North Lincolnshire Rural Transport Partnership.
The report explained that the partnership was required to submit an Action Plan to the Countryside Agency after six months. Approval of this plan by the Agency would enable the partnership to proceed. The draft Action Plan had now been prepared and consultees had been invited to respond by 14 September, 2000.
The most important parts of the draft Action Plan were attached as appendices to the report. Appendix 1 contained the list of projects, which had been identified following consultations carried out by the Rural Transport Partnership Worker, with an indication of when they would be implemented. Appendix 2 showed projects, which could proceed in 2000/01, assuming that the Countryside Agency approved the Plan.
The Countryside Agency required that the Action Plan was compatible with the council's own policies. The work of the partnership emphasised the importance of social inclusion and would complement the measures, which the authority was already taking. Approved partnership schemes would receive 75% funding from the Countryside Agency.
Associated resource implications were also outlined in the report.
Mr Bill Flanagan, Rural Transport Partnership Worker attended the meeting and gave a short presentation on the content of the North Lincolnshire Rural Transport draft Action Plan.
Resolved - (a) That Mr Flanagan be thanked for his presentation, and (b) that the North Lincolnshire Rural Transport Partnership draft Action Plan be endorsed.
159 MINUTES - Resolved - That the minutes of the proceedings of this committee of 8 June, 2000 and the special meeting of 4 August, 2000 having been printed and circulated amongst the members, be taken as read and correctly recorded and be signed by the chair.
SUB-COMMITTEE PROCEEDINGS - The minutes of the proceedings of the following sub-committee were received and, where necessary, approved and adopted.
Sub-Committee
160 Planning Sub-Committee of 16 June, 14 July and 11 August, 2000
161 Licensing Sub-Committee of 9 June, 2000
162 (105) LAND RECLAMATION PROJECTS MANAGEMENT TEAM - Resolved - That the minutes of the above Management Team held on 4 July, 2000 be received, and where necessary approved and adopted.
163 (106) HUMBERSIDE FIRE AUTHORITY - Resolved - That the minutes of the meetings of the authority held on 26 May and 31 July, 2000 be received.
164 (107) OUTSTANDING ITEMS - The Director of Corporate Affairs and the Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a joint report which identified outstanding items of business from this committee with an indication of when they were to be addressed.
Resolved - (a) That the report be noted; (b) that a report as required by minute 2811 'Energy Management Initiatives and Energy Consumption in Office Accommodation Buildings' be submitted to a future meeting, and (c) that a report as required by minute 984 'Action on Irresponsible Dog Ownership - Update' also contain clarification on the position/responsibilities of Parish/Town Councils and the public with regard to public open spaces.
165 (108) BUDGET CARRY FORWARDS - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report informing the committee of planned additional work to be undertaken this year as a result of budget savings (£158k) made in the previous financial year (1999/2000).
The Director suggested how the carry forward could be used to fund specific issues over a one year period which were identified and explained in the report.
Resolved - That the report be noted.
166 (109) STAFF SECONDMENTS TO THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report advising the committee of progress on a scheme to promote staff secondments in the directorate to assist voluntary sector organisations.
The report indicated that the voluntary sector organisations would gain some additional assistance through the scheme, and it would contribute towards the council's Priorities of Social Inclusion and Community Leadership. Officers would also gain a valuable personal development opportunity in line with Investors in People principles. A number of worthwhile opportunities and initiatives had been identified and were detailed in the report, together with associated resource implications.
Resolved - That the progress made so far on implementing staff secondments to the voluntary sector be endorsed.
167 (110) DIRECTORATE OF ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC PROTECTION - ACCOUNTANCY ASSISTANT - GRANT SUPPORT - A joint report was submitted by the Director of Environment and Public Protection and the Director of
Corporate Affairs seeking approval to establish an additional Accountancy Assistant post within the finance team of the directorate, in order to deal with the increasing number of regeneration grant claims, and to avoid claims being submitted too late which could have considerable cost implications for the council.
Associated resource implications were outlined in the report.
Resolved - (a) That the establishment of the post of Accountancy Assistant graded scale 3 - 6 within the Environment and Public Protection Finance Team be approved and adopted, and (b) that it be referred to the Community, Commercial and Corporate Affairs Committee for approval.
168 (111) LOCAL QUALITY OF LIFE INDICATORS - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report seeking approval of the work of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR), Local Government Association (LGA) and the Improvement and Development Agency (IdeA) recommending a menu of local indicators of sustainable development.
The Director's report provided a menu of 29 indicators covering promoting economic success, meeting social needs and protecting and enhancing the environment. Consultation was currently taking place within the authority and with Local Agenda 21 partners with a view to deriving a locally relevant set of indicators by March 2001.
Resolved - That the DETR menu of indicators be developed into a locally relevant and widely publicised set measuring progress towards the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of North Lincolnshire.
169 (112) CORPORATE COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE PROGRESS REPORT - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report updating the committee regarding complaints relating to this committee, which had been received during the period of 1 April, 2000 to date.
Details of the 5 complaints received were outlined in appendix 1 of the report, with issues to be addressed and planned changes to service delivery.
Resolved - (a) That the introduction of remedial actions identified in the report as being necessary through the evaluation of complaints be supported, and (b) that officers be congratulated on the small number of complaints received to-date.
170 (113) EXAMINATION SUCCESS - The Director of Environment and Public Protection reported the following examination successes within his directorate in-so-far as this committee was concerned -
Rebecca Shanks - Business Location Assistant - HNC Business Studies
Joanne Dale - Personnel Assistant - Certificate in Personnel Practice (also student of the year).
Elaine Comerford - Senior Personnel Officer - NVQ Level III in Personnel.
Janet Austin - Administrative Assistant - RSA I and 2 - Desktop Publishing.
John Knights - Quality Standards Officer - Diploma in Business Excellence.
David Johnson - Housing Technician - HNC Building Studies.
Resolved - That a letter be sent by the chair on behalf of this committee to the above officers congratulating them on their achievements.
171 (114) CEMETERIES AND CREMATORIUM COMPUTER SYSTEM - A report was submitted by the Director of Environment and Public Protection advising the committee of progress on computerising cremation and burial records.
The report explained that in order to provide a more complete service to the public and to increase efficiency within the office, it was considered desirable to enter back information that currently only existed as records in the various paper registers that were required by law and which would take a long time to search effectively. It was, therefore, envisaged that the cost of entering the addition information was likely to be significant and it was decided to evaluate a number of options for carrying out the task. These options were outlined in detail in the report together with associated resource implications.
Resolved - (a) That the progress and expenditure to date be noted, and (b) that members views on whether work should proceed on further cemetery records, and if so how it should be phased, be forwarded to the Director of Environment and Public Protection for further consideration.
172 (115) FOOD STANDARDS AGENCY PROPOSALS FOR THE NATIONAL AUDITING OF FOOD LAW ENFORCEMENT - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report apprising the committee of the recent proposals issued for consultation by the Food Standards Agency (FSA), that would introduce a scheme for setting and auditing standards for the enforcement of food law by local authorities.
The report explained that the White Paper "The Food Standards Agency - A Force to Change" highlighted the need for stronger links between central and local Government on food law enforcement, and identified a key role for the Food Standards Agency in overseeing Local Authority enforcement activities to help raise standards of food law enforcement and ensure consistency.
Following extensive discussions with Local Authority organisations, cabinet groups and the food industry a scheme had been developed which would set and monitor enforcement standards in respect of food law enforcement work. It was proposed that the standards would be confirmed to Local Authorities by September, 2000.
The Director in his report summarised the enforcement standards that covered four main areas:-
- Local Authority enforcement service planning guidelines;
- A food law enforcement standard;
- Arrangements to monitor Local Authority enforcement activity;
- Arrangements to audit Local Authority enforcement activity;
and outlined service delivery and associated resource implications.
Resolved - (a) That following confirmation of the enforcement standards in September, 2000 a Food Service Plan be drawn up by the Food Safety and Quality Standards Service Units and brought back to a future meeting of this committee for approval; (b) that a further report be submitted once proposals have been confirmed, identifying staffing implications and detailing resource and budgetary impacts, and (c) that a further report be drafted if there are significant changes from the proposals outlined in this report.
173 (116) NEW FOOD SAFETY LEGISLATION - LICENSING OF BUTCHERS' SHOPS - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report apprising the committee of the Food Safety (General Food Hygiene) (Butchers' Shops) Amendment Regulations 2000.
The report explained that following an investigation into the cause of the E Coli 0157 outbreak in Central Scotland in 1996 the Pennington Group, an investigative government body, which made a number of recommendations to prevent a recurrence. One of which was the selective licensing of butchers' shops, and premises handling raw meat alongside ready to eat foods, because of the risk of cross contamination caused through poor handling and hygiene practice. This factor in the group's opinion was the main cause of the outbreak which resulted in 21 deaths.
The Food Safety (General Food Hygiene) (Butchers' Shops) Amendment Regulations 2000 made this recommendation a legal requirement and introduced, for the first time, the selective licensing of butchers' shops.
The regulations introduced a statutory licensing scheme for retail butchers' shops and other retail food outlets, including mobile shops and market stalls, that handled and sold unwrapped raw meat together with ready-to-eat foods from the same premises. Mixed businesses selling a range of goods, such as supermarkets, would need a licence where they operate butchery service outlets.
The Regulations came into force on 1 May 2000 and the proprietors of relevant businesses would have until the 1 November 2000 to obtain a licence. Licensing, which was annual, would be subject to satisfactory hygiene conditions being in place including compliance with existing food hygiene legislation, the operation of documented food safety management controls, in line with a recognised industry standard of HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) and enhanced staff hygiene training requirements. A premise would be required to pay a charge of £100 to the council on receipt of a licence.
The council had discretionary powers under the Regulations to suspend and revoke any licence that had been issued when the licensing conditions had been breached. Licence holders had a right of appeal against any such decision.
The director in his report outlined associated work to be undertaken as a consequence of the Regulations. This would have a considerable impact on existing resources necessitating the provision of additional resources to maintain the enforcement unit's operational performance and to enable the processing of applications in the required timescales. Additional staffing resources required were detailed in a further report on this meetings agenda (minute 197 refers).
Resolved - That subject to approval of the recommendations contained in the exempt report entitled "Proposed Restructuring of the Admin and Technical Support Function for the Food and Safety Unit", the required additional resources identified in para 4.1 of the report, be approved.
174 (117) TRADING STANDARDS CONFERENCE HELD AT BRIGHTON ON 19 - 22 JUNE, 2000 - The Cabinet member for Health and Public Protection and Lead member for Waste Reduction and Energy Conservation (Councillors Barkworth and Rocks) submitted a report on the content and outcome of the above conference.
Resolved - That the report be noted.
175 (118) PROPOSED POLICY FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF 'A' FRAMES AND OTHER DISPLAYS IN THE HIGHWAY - Further to minute 331 of the former Highways and Transportation Sub-Committee, the Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report seeking approval of proposed public guidelines for the management of 'A' frames and other displays on the highway.
The report detailed the proposed guidelines and outlined associated legal enforcement implications for the authority.
Resolved - (a) That the proposed guidance for the management of 'A' frames and other displays in the highway as detailed in appendix A to the report be approved; (b) that the authority prosecute persistent offenders in appropriate cases, and (c) that the Director investigate the legal position with regard to people, especially children, in fancy dress on or adjacent to the highway encouraging people to enter or use retail/leisure facilities.
176 (119) CITIZEN'S CHARTER PERFORMANCE INDICATORS - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report informing the committee of the Citizen's Charter Performance Indicators relating to highway maintenance for the year 1999/2000. Appendices 1, 2 and 3 of the report gave details of the un-audited indicators for street lighting and footway and carriageway pothole repairs.
Resolved - (a) That the report be noted, and (b) that officers be congratulated in the performances to-date.
177 (120) PRIORITISATION CRITERIA FOR STRUCTURAL HIGHWAY IMPROVEMENT SCHEMES - Further to minute 762 of the former Development and Environment Committee, the Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report seeking approval for a revised prioritisation criteria for proposed improvement schemes on the council's Principal Road Network.
The report explained that funding for specified maintenance improvements on the Principal Road Network was received from central government annually in the form of supplementary credit approvals. Local highway authorities bid for this funding through the Local Transport Plan (LTP) process.
In order to maximise the level of funding received it was necessary to demonstrate that the council had a robust maintenance policy that was consistent with both its own stated transport objectives and priorities and also the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions' (DETR) requirements. Appendix A to this report contained a proposed prioritisation criteria which met these requirements.
Resolved - That the proposed prioritisation criteria contained in appendix A of the report be approved and that these be used as the basis for establishing future programmes of structural maintenance work on the Principal Road Network in North Lincolnshire.
178 (121) TRAFFIC REGULATION ORDERS FOR CYCLING FACILITIES - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report seeking approval for the making of relevant Traffic Regulation Orders to allow the use of existing footpaths by both pedestrians and cyclists.
The report explained that as part of the Local Transport Plan for 2000/2001, a number of cycling schemes had been identified. It was proposed that some of these schemes would utilise existing footpaths, making them dual use and will therefore require Traffic Regulation Orders. The Local Transport Plan programme for Cycling facilities in North Lincolnshire was attached as appendix 1 of the report.
In addition to the above an opportunity had arisen to include cycling facilities within a highway specified maintenance scheme, at the Queensway/East Common Lane, junction in Scunthorpe. Due to limited road space it was proposed to extend existing footpaths and verge area to provide cycling facilities. A plan of the proposals was attached as appendix 2 of the report.
Resolved - That approval be given for the necessary Traffic Regulation Orders to be advertised and that subject to no objections being received that these be implemented.
179 (122) PROPOSED CHANGES TO SPEED LIMITS - A161 EPWORTH, BELTON AND CROWLE - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report seeking approval for the extension of existing 30 mph speed limits on the A161 at the following locations:
- Northern and Southern approaches to Crowle
- Northern and Southern approaches to Epworth
- Newbigg and Brewery Road, Crowle,
and approval for the introduction of a 40 mph speed limit on the A161, between Epworth and Belton.
The above proposals were explained in the report and were identified on the plans attached in appendix 1.
Resolved - That approval be given for the necessary Order for the new 40 mph speed limit to be made, together with changes to the existing Orders for the 30 mph limits, and that subject to no objections being received that these be implemented.
180 (123) TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT : (i) PROPOSED CHANGES TO TRAFFIC REGULATION ORDER - CLIFF AVENUE, WINTERTON (ii) PROPOSED CHANGES TO SPEED LIMITS - CLEATHAM ROAD, KIRTON-IN-LINDSEY AND GAINSTHORPE ROAD, HIBALDSTOW - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report seeking approval for:-
- Changes to an existing Traffic Regulation Order on Cliff Avenue, Winterton.
- The provision of a 40 mph speed limit on Cleatham Road, Kirton-in-Lindsey.
- The provision of a 40 mph speed limit on Gainsthorpe Road, Hibaldstow.
The report commented upon each proposal and were identified on plans attached as appendices.
Resolved - (a) That approval be given for the advertising of an Order and changes to existing Orders in respect of Cliff Avenue, Winterton, and that subject to no objections being received that the Order be made, and (b) that proposals for the introduction of 40 mph speed limits on Cleatham Road, Kirton-in-Lindsey and Gainsthorpe Road, Hibaldstow be approved, and that subject to no objections being received that these be implemented.
181 (124) PROPOSALS FOR A 20 MPH SPEED LIMIT AND TRAFFIC REGULATION ORDERS, GRAMMAR SCHOOL ROAD AND SPRINGBANK, BRIGG - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report seeking approval for:-
- The implementation of a 20 mph speed limit on Grammar School Road, Brigg, and
- the introduction of Traffic Regulation Orders to restrict waiting in Springbank, and to make ‘School Keep Clear’ markings enforceable, in Grammar School Road, Brigg.
The report explained that concern had been expressed by the schools, residents and Brigg Town Council with regard to road safety in the Grammar School Road area of the town. Studies had revealed a number of issues including the speed of vehicles, current accident levels, allegations of "rat running" and the general congestion and problems for school bus services. All of which were exacerbated by indiscriminate parking, which in turn creates potential danger to pedestrians travelling to and from the school sites in this area.
The above proposals were identified on plans attached as an appendix to the report.
Resolved - (a) That approval be given for the advertising of the Order for the new 20 mph speed limit and that subject to no objections being received that the Order be made, and (b) that an Order for the restriction of waiting as shown in appendix 1 be advertised and that subject to no objections being received the Order be made.
182 (125) FEES HIGHWAY CONTROL - The Director of Environment and Public Protection referred to minute 117 of the former Development and Environment Committee and submitted a report seeking approval for an increase in the fees levied for the supervision of new estate road developments and within highway works and for enquiries regarding local land charges.
The report explained that research undertaken by officers from the Directorate of Environment and Public Protection into the fees charged by other authorities indicates that the fees currently levied by North Lincolnshire Council were significantly less than the national average, and therefore an increase in fees charged for the supervision of new estate road developments and within highway works should be considered.
In addition, since 1996 the cost of administering Section 38 and 62 agreements had increased in line with inflation but there had been no corresponding increases in charges.
The Director in his report explained the reasons for increases in specific charges which were detailed in appendices 1 and 2 of the report, and recommended that they be effective from 1 October, 2000.
Resolved - (a) That the increase in fees as described in appendix 2 of the report be approved with effect from 1 October, 2000; (b) that discretion be given to the Director, after consultation with the appropriate Cabinet member, to apply a lower percentage fee (4%) for developments over £100,000 (subject to the limits detailed in appendix 2) and to determine appropriate fees for schemes less than £15,000, and (c) that any additional income generated be used to fund the backlog of street lighting specified maintenance work.
183 (126) NEW FOOTWAYS - UPDATE ON PRIORITISED PROGRAMME - Further to minutes 1926 and 2158, the Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report informing the committee of amendments to the council's prioritised list of new footway proposals.
The report explained that the original list of new footways contained 24 schemes. Since the compilation of the original list an additional 16 requests had been received, prioritised and added to the list.
The current list, including details of the schemes already completed, was attached as appendix A to the report. The list required amending from time to time as new proposals were identified, additional background information was received in respect of existing proposals or in light of budgetary influences. A list of the criteria against which requests for new footways were assessed was attached as appendix B.
Resolved - (a) That the updated prioritised programme for new footways as detailed in the report be noted, and (b) that the Director of Environment and Public Protection be authorised to add to or amend the programme in accordance with the requirements of the approved prioritisation criteria as and when additional information is received.
184 (127) WATERS’ EDGE, BARTON-UPON-HUMBER - AFTER USE PARTNERSHIP - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report seeking approval of proposals for securing after use funding for the Waters’ Edge land reclamation scheme and for additional related projects.
The report reminded the committee that the council had received an amount of £5.74 million as Supplementary Credit Approvals (SCA) from the Contaminated Lands Branch of the Department of the Environment Transport and the Regions (DETR) which must be spent on reclamation of the Waters’ Edge project. To complete the full scheme, after - use funding of £4.00 million was required with £1,175.000 of Landfill Tax Credit Funding from Wastewise Limited already secured for various projects.
The Director in his report explained that an After - Use Partnership was to be established to manage and oversee the process of securing funding for the Waters’ Edge Scheme after - use, comprising members and officers of the Council’s Land Reclamation Projects Management Team other relevant officers and associated external organisation and consultants.
It was proposed that the Partnership initiated a concerted effort to secure contributions to the Waters’ Edge after - use proposals from public bodies such as English Nature and Yorkshire Forward, from the private sector (both local and National) and from waste tip operators (as part of the Landfill Tax Credit Scheme) Appendix 1 of the report listed the possible contributors, although it was expected that more would be identified as the scheme progressed. The Council was already in correspondence with ICI, MTM/Meristem and Albright and Wilson as former occupiers of the site.
Additionally, the after - use partnership was currently assembling a bid for the Economic Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Objective 2 Transitional Funding INTERREG and Objective 3. This bid would centre on the Waters’ Edge scheme, but included additional projects in Barton and at Alkborough Flats which contributed significantly to the Barton Regeneration proposals at the heart of the SRB process. The bid was expected to be submitted to GOYH in September 2000. Appendix 2 showed details of the individual projects within the overall bid, and included a copy of the CD-ROM bid submission.
The bid would be submitted as soon as GOYH requested submissions, probably in September 2000, with acceptance of successful bids expected in January 2001. Thereafter, the individual projects would be on a fast-track spend, for completion within two years. Financial make-up of successful bids was expected to be 35% ERDF award, 40% public sector contribution and 25% private sector contribution.
Resolved - (a) That the proposals for the after - use partnership and Objective 2 Transitional Fund, INTERREG and Objective 3 bids as outlined in the report be approved and (b) that regular progress reports be submitted to the Land Reclamation Projects Management Team as the after - use funding initiative progresses; (c) that the proposals be reviewed in a year to ensure after - use funding is on target, and (d) that the proposals be referred to Education and Leisure Services Committee in view of the cross-Directorate involvement.
185 (128) PROPOSED DIVERSION OF PUBLIC FOOTPATH 35 BARTON-UPON-HUMBER -The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report seeking approval for the making of an order to divert Public Footpath 35, Barton-Upon-Humber, to allow authorised development to take place. The legal background to the diversion order was summarised in an appendix to the report.
The report explained that as part of the remediation and after-works at the Waters’ Edge Reclamation Site, Barton-Upon-Humber, clay and topsoil were to be excavated from fields south of Far Ings Lane, in the vicinity of Blow Wells Plantation. It was proposed that there should be a three-year lease from the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust for this purpose. Ponds and reedbeds would then be created from the resultant excavations. Planning permission for carrying out this work was granted by North Lincolnshire Council’s Planning Sub-Committee on 11 August 2000.
Public Footpath 35 ran through the fields in question and would need to be diverted. This would involve bringing it on to the southern boundaries of the fields to leave sufficient room for the ponds. The proposed diversion, although slight, was necessary if the work was to proceed.
Resolved - (a) That approval be given to the making of an order unders section 257 of the Town and Country Planning Act; (b) that if no objections are made to the order, or if any so made are then withdrawn, the Council confirm the order; and (c) that if irreconcilable objections are lodged a further report be submitted to the committee.
186 (129) GREENWAY - DEVELOPMENT OF THE ISLE OF AXHOLME ACCESS PROJECT - Further to minute 2159 of the Highways and Transportation Sub-Committee, the Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report on progress of the above project and sought approval to proceed with submissions for its funding.
The report reminded the committee that north to south through the Isle of Axholme ran a disused railway line and it was proposed that it should form the basis of an access project or ‘Greenway’. Details of feasibility work already carried out and to be undertaken by consultants, together with funding committed by the Countryside Agency (£20k) and through this year’s Local Transport Plan (£33k) were outlined in the report.
The Director in his report indicated that the project was now to be known as the Isle of Axholme Access Project (IAAP) at the preference of the Countryside Agency and set out and commented upon additional anticipated funding for the project over a six year timescale.
Resolved - (a) That the progression of the project, in line with approved expenditure be approved, and (b) that approval be given for the preparation and the formal submission of SRB, Objective 2 Transitional Funding and, if appropriate, Landfill Tax bids for this Project.
187 (130) KEADBY MODIFICATION ORDER - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report seeking approval for the making of a modification order to add a route to the Definitive Map and Statement as a public footpath, running along the western bank of the River Trent, in the Parish of Keadby with Althorpe as identified on a plan appended to the report.
The report summarised the applicant’s and landowner’s case together with the legal background to the modification order and associated resource implications.
Resolved - (a) That approval be given to the making of a definitive map modification order under section 53(2) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to add the route to the definitive map and statement, and (b) that the Director of Environment and Public Protection be authorised to confirm the order in the event of no objections being received, but if objections are received a further report will be submitted to the committee.
188 (131) PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY - DECISION BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report informing the committee of two recent decisions by the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions and sought approval to act on the Secretary of State’s instructions. The legal background to the decisions was appended to the report.
The report explained that the two decisions reached by the Secretary of State were concerning (i) a public footpath between High Street and the River Torne, Wroot the decision being:-
"that there is insufficient evidence that the definitive map of rights of way should be modified to show a footpath from High Street to the River Torne, Wroot. He does not propose, therefore, to give any direction to North Lincolnshire Council to make an order and consequently dismisses your appeal"
and (ii) an application to delete Public Footpath 43, Epworth, between the southern end of Fishings Lane and Public Footpath 44, with the decision being:-
"North Lincolnshire Council to make an order under section 53(2) of an Schedule 15 to the 1981 Act to modify the definitive map and statement for the area, to delete that part of footpath 43 between the southern end of Fishings Lane, across Fishings Field to the northern bank of the River Torne, as proposed in the application dated 15 May 1998".
Resolved - (a) That the Secretary of State’s decision in respect of the alleged public footpath between High Street and the River Torne, Wroot be noted; (b) that an order be made to comply with the Secretary of State’s instructions in respect of Public Footpath 43 Epworth, (c) that if objections are made to the order during the statutory period following the order’s advertisement, a further report be submitted to the committee, and (d) that if no objections are made to the order during the statutory period following the order’s advertisement, the order be confirmed by the Director of Environment and Public Protection and the definitive map and statement be altered accordingly by modification order.
189 (132) ADOPTION OF HIGHWAYS - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report informing members of the findings of research into the status of Littlemarsh Lane (Goxhill) and North Moors Road (Keadby), and sought approval for their inclusion in the draft List of Highways Maintainable at the Public Expense.
Location plans were appended to the report together with an analysis of the relevant sources of evidence consulted. It was against this background that it was suggested that the two roads be added to the draft list of streets as a Maintainable Public Highway.
Resolved - That the sections of Littleworth Lane and North Moors road as described in the appendices to the report be accepted as Highway Maintainable at the Public Expense and added to North Lincolnshire Council’s draft list of Streets.
190 (133) DEVELOPMENT CONTROL - USE OF CONSULTANTS - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report, in accordance with Financial Standing Order 10.17.3, informing members of the engagement of consultants to provide specialist advice in the development control team, details of which were set out in the report. The Director updated the committee at the meeting by informing members of an additional use of consultants by the Development Plan Teams - David Lovejoy Associates for work undertaken in relation to mineral permissions.
Resolved - That the report be noted.
191 (134) STREET NAMING IN NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report inviting members to adopt street names for new roads in North Lincolnshire, details of which were set out in the report.
Resolved - That the following street names be approved and adopted:-
Development off Scawby Road - "The Dell"
Broughton
Development off Off Battle Green
Epworth - "Paddock Close"
192 (135) REGENERATION PROGRAMMES - The Director of Environment and Public Protection presented a report informing the committee of the progress of the three government funded regeneration programmes in North Lincolnshire for 1999/2000 and confirming allocations for 2000/2001.
The government had awarded grants of £9.1m through the Single Regeneration Budget as contributions towards the regeneration of schemes in North Lincolnshire and the report contained detailed information about how the grants were being utilised within each of the areas designated.
Resolved - That progress on the three regeneration programmes for 1999/2000 be noted.
193 (136) RURAL REGENERATION - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report seeking approval to support economic regeneration activity across North Lincolnshire through community development, revitalising market towns, and to investigate measures which would help sustain village shops and the rural post office network.
The Countryside Agency and Yorkshire Forward announced on 12 August 2000 that they were to inject £340,000 into the market town of Brigg to develop the Market Towns Initiative. Brigg was one of the only six market towns across the region to receive funding and this would release the potential to level in a further £650,000 of private voluntary and public sector funding to be used to revitalise the town through a programme of social, economic, environmental and community projects. The Brigg initiative would be taken forward by an independent community partnership, details of which were set out in the report.
The report also gave details of on-going work with partners involved in rural regeneration and information regarding the successful North Lincolnshire Resurgo SRB6 programme and the contribution it would make to rural regeneration.
The report also referred to developments which were threatening rural post offices, and action being taken to address the position, and advised members of the North Lincolnshire Interim Rural Strategy which was currently under review by the Farming and Rural Conservation Agency, with a view to producing a Draft Strategy for consultation purposes.
Moved by Councillor Regan and seconded by Councillor M Kirk -
(a) That approval be given for the setting up of a partnership in Brigg to implement projects which fully develop the potential of the Market Towns Initiative, (b) that an elected member from the Environment and Public Protection Committee be nominated to represent North Lincolnshire Council on the Brigg Market Towns Initiative partnership, (c) that support be given to the continuing development of joint working practice with other agencies to ensure cohesive responses to identified needs, and (d) that support be given to exploring the implications of changes in the social and economic structure of rural areas in North Lincolnshire and developing measures to sustain rural post offices and other rural businesses.
Moved by Councillor Sherwood and seconded by Councillor Billam as an amendment - The motion with the substitution in part (b) of the words "a local elected member" for the words "an elected member".
Amendment Lost
Motion Carried
194 (137) RESURGO NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report informing members of the successful outcome of the funding bid made by the council to the Regional Development Agency on 19 May 2000, on behalf of the North Lincolnshire Strategic Partnership, for support from the
Government’s Single Regeneration Budget (SRB Round - 6), and sought approval for the future development of the programme.
The bid, Resurgo, was successful in its entirety, securing £7.9m SRB funds over six years and attracting a total funding of over £3.6m including investment at the Normanby Enterprise Park.
The North Lincolnshire programme was one of only three bids in the Yorkshire and Humberside region which was planned to start in the Autumn of 2000.
Project delivery work was already underway and necessary budget approvals would be sought before commencing committing resources.
Resolved - That work commence on the production of a draft Delivery Plan and project development.
195 (138) STEEL TASK FORCE - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report informing the committee of the activities of the recently established Steel Task Force and seeking support for its future direction and remit.
As a direct result of the 677 redundancies announced on Friday 14 July at the Scunthorpe Works of Corus Plc and a further 40 redundancies announced by Firth Rixon Castings four days later it had been agreed that the council take a lead in establishing a Steel Task Force to co-ordinate individual organisations activities and raise external funding possibilities to maximise benefits for redundant steel workers. Details of the composition of the Task Force and its remit were outlined in the report.
Resolved - That the establishment of the Steel Task Force and its continuing activities as outlined in the report be supported.
196 EXCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC - Resolved - That the public be excluded from the meeting for consideration of the following items (minutes 197 to 202 refer) on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1, 7, 8 and 9 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.
197 (139) PROPOSED RESTRUCTURING OF THE ADMINISTRATION AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT FUNCTION FOR THE FOOD AND SAFETY SERVICE UNIT - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report seeking approval for restructuring the administration and technical support functions within the Food and Safety Service Unit.
The current and proposed structures were attached to the report at Appendices I and II. The report gave detailed information with regard to the proposals.
The matter had been considered by the Community, Commercial and Corporate Affairs Committee at its meeting on 12 September 2000 (minute 60 refers).
Resolved - (a) That the current vacant post of Technical Support Officer (ref: HHF 024) be re-designated as Administrative & Technical Support Officer; (b) that the post of Clerical Assistant (part-time) be extended to become a full time position (ref: HHR 020); (c) that the posts (ref: HHR 010, HHR 020, HHF 014) be re-designated as Technical Clerk (Enforcement) (Corporate Safety) and (Licensing) respectively; (d) that a new post of Clerical Assistant be established; (e) that the post of Computer Officer be transferred to the IT Team, and (f) that the two posts of Licensing Assistant be re-designated as Assistant Licensing Officer.
198 (140) REGENERATION OFFICER (EUROPEAN PROGRAMMES) - Further to minute 2727 of the former Personnel Sub-Committee the Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report reviewing the post of Regeneration Officer (European Programmes).
The post was previously established on a fixed term contract of two years which was to be reviewed on the basis of North Lincolnshire’s continued eligibility for EU structural fund support. North Lincolnshire had since been deemed eligible for support within the new Objective 2 Programme (2000/2006). An appropriate staffing resource would therefore be required to ensure the council and its partners continued to maximise the potential for securing additional external funding.
The matter had been considered by the Community, Commercial and Corporate Affairs Committee at its meeting on 12 September 2000 (minute 48 refers).
Resolved - That the continuation of the previously established post of Regeneration Officer (European Programmes) be approved and reviewed at the end of the existing Objective 2 Programme.
199 (141) BUS SHELTER SPONSORSHIP - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report seeking approval in principle to the council entering into an agreement with a suitable company for the provision of bus shelters in return for advertising rights.
An approach had been made to the Council by a company that used bus shelters for advertising purposes.
Resolved - That consideration of the matter be deferred.
200 (142) PUBLIC TRANSPORT - CONTRACT COSTS - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report informing members of significant cost increases in public transport contract services.
The Transport Act 1985 allowed bus operators to run whatever services they considered would make a profit. However, the Act imposed a duty on local authorities to secure the provision of services to meet needs which were not covered by commercial operators.
The Council assessed its requirements against established policy benchmarks and procured services, usually by tender, to fill gaps in service provision. The Council currently had 39 established public transport contracts of varying sizes and an approved budget of £271,210 in 2000/01. These figures excluded Rural Bus grant Services.
A number of major contracts tendered in 1995 had expired this year and even the lowest tenders for the replacement services had shown large increases in price. The rises quoted in tender prices from the previous contracts, which were let five years ago, reflected a survey of national trends in the industry showing significant increases in costs.
Options available to the council to address the increasing contract costs were set out in the report.
Resolved - (a) That members note the current trends in public transport contract costs, and (b) that additional funding be sought through the revised estimates cycle rather than removing poorer performing or lower priority public transport services.
201 (143) HIGHWAY CONTRACTS AWARDED - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report informing members of highway contracts awarded since the meeting of the former Highways and Transportation Sub-Committee on 6 March 2000 (minute 2838) refers.
Resolved - That the report be noted.
202 (144) STREET LIGHTING ENERGY CONTRACT - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report informing members of the award of the above contract to Yorkshire Electricity for the supply of electricity to Highway Authority installations i.e. street lighting columns, traffic signs, traffic signals etc for the period 1 August 2000 to 31 July 2003 in accordance with Contract Standing Orders.
Resolved - That the acceptance of the tender of Yorkshire Electricity for the supply of electricity for the Highway authority for the period 1 August 2000 to 31 July 2003 be noted.