NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL
ENVIRONMENT & PUBLIC PROTECTION CABINET MEMBER
6 December 2002
155 (78) STREET NAMING IN NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report seeking approval to name two roads in North Lincolnshire, details of which were summarised in his report.
Consultation had taken place with Haxey Parish Council and the Royal Mail.
Resolved - That the roads be named as follows -
- School Croft, Akeferry Road, Westwoodside, Haxey
- Priory Rise, Priory Lane, Scunthorpe
156 (79) PROPOSED TRAFFIC REGULATION ORDERS, CROWLE TOWN CENTRE - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report seeking approval for the introduction of various traffic regulation orders in Crowle Town Centre.
Complaints had been received from Crowle Town Council about congestion and potential dangers to road users arising from heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) using the High Street, which formed part of the A161, a principal route linking Gainsborough to Crowle.
A series of traffic surveys had been carried out along the A161 to investigate the claims. The results indicated a relatively small number of HGVs used it as a through route but the majority of HGVs were travelling between the A18 and Crowle, completing the journey in Crowle itself or at surrounding farms and settlements.
A number of traffic management options had been suggested to assist in reducing the traffic problems. These had been discussed with the Town Council, the agreed option being the introduction of a traffic signal scheme restricting traffic to single file through the narrow section of the High Street, and a 20 mph speed limit being introduced in two roads linking High Street to Fieldside.
Part of the traffic management option also required the introduction of waiting restrictions, the construction of mini roundabouts and the introduction of a one way system in the market place.
The proposed traffic regulation orders were advertised on 1 October 2002. A letter of support had been received from Crowle Town Council. A number of objections to the proposals had been received, details of which were commented upon in the report.
Both orders were important elements of the overall scheme and, if they were not approved, the scheme as designed would not be viable.
Resolved - a) That approval be given to the making and implementation of the following traffic regulation orders, as indicated on plans appended to the report.
· a 20 mph speed limit in Fieldside
· the prohibition and restriction of waiting in the High Street
· a one way system in Chancery Lane and West Terrace Street
· a one way system around the market place
and (b) that the scheme be reviewed after 12 months to assess its effectiveness.
157 (80) PROHIBITION AND RESTRICTION OF WAITING - WATERSIDE ROAD, BARTON UPON HUMBER - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report seeking approval to introduce a traffic regulation order prohibiting waiting on part of Waterside Road, Barton upon Humber.
Haven Footbridge was currently being constructed on the east side of Waterside Road. Two pedestrian crossing points on Waterside Road had been identified for the safety of the public.
In order to ensure adequate visibility for drivers and pedestrians it was proposed to introduce no waiting at any time restrictions adjacent to the pedestrian crossing points, as shown on the plan appended to the report.
Resolved - (a) That approval be given to the advertising of a traffic regulation order prohibiting waiting on part of Waterside Road, Barton upon Humber as shown on a plan appended to the report, and (b) that subject to no objections being received the order be made and implemented.
158 (81) PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO EXISTING TRAFFIC REGULATION ORDER PROHIBITING AND RESTRICTING WAITING - HIGH STREET, SCUNTHORPE - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report seeking approval to amend the existing traffic regulation order in High Street, Scunthorpe in order to -
· amend blocking the access to the car sales yard, and
· assist large vehicles turning into Trafford Street
The on-street parking bay allowing limited waiting on the north side of High Street extended across the vehicular access to the car sales yard preventing it being used.
The other end of the parking bay was too close to the junction of Trafford Street. Large vehicles turning into Trafford Street had to mount the kerb to pass vehicles parked at the end of the parking bay.
To stop the problems happening it was necessary to shorten the parking bay and extend the no waiting at any time restriction.
Resolved - (a) That approval be given to the advertising of a traffic regulation order amending the length of the parking bay and extending the no waiting at any time, in High Street as shown on the plan appended to the report, and (b) that subject to no objections being received, the order be made and implemented.
159 (82) PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO TRAFFIC REGULATION ORDER - LAY BY, HIGH STREET, SCUNTHORPE - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report seeking approval to amend the existing traffic regulation order prohibiting waiting at any time on High Street, Scunthorpe.
The lay-by was regularly filled with parked vehicles. Loading and unloading frequently took place on the road causing problems for traffic.
The existing traffic regulation order did not specifically include the lay-by. The police had been reluctant to enforce parking within the lay-by because the double yellow line markings had been placed across the front of the lay-by. This meant that it was not clear to drivers that the lay-by was included.
To ensure the lay-by was used as intended, and enable the police to carry out enforcement, it was necessary to amend the existing traffic regulation order.
Resolved - (a) That approval be given to amend and advertise the existing traffic regulation order prohibiting waiting at any time, as shown on the plan appended to the report, and (b) that subject to no objections being received the order be made and implemented.
160 (83) PROPOSED PEDESTRIAN CROSSING FACILITY, MESSINGHAM ROAD/ROCHDALE ROAD/ANGERSTEIN ROAD, SCUNTHORPE - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report seeking approval to construct a pedestrian crossing on Messingham Road at the junction with Rochdale Road and Angerstein Road.
The matter had been the subject of a petition request, since when officers had assessed the need for a crossing. The assessment showed that the construction of a pedestrian crossing at this location was justified.
Resolved - (a) That approval be given to construct a pedestrian crossing facility over Messingham Road, Scunthorpe, at Rochdale Road, and (b) that a scheme be included in next years programme of works.
161 (84) PROPOSED NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE CYCLE ROUTE PRIORITISATION - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report seeking approval for a proposed North Lincolnshire cycle route prioritisation policy. A copy of the cycle route prioritisation was appended to the report.
One of the four key aims of the highways and transportation service was to improve the accessibility and availability of alternative transport modes to discourage the use of the car. This would help to achieve Local Transport Plan (LTP) targets. The aim encompassed a wide range of potential initiatives of which the provision of cycle routes was one.
One initiative being undertaken by the council was the construction of dedicated cycle ways throughout its area. During the last two years 9.5 kilometres of cycle ways had been created. Location of these cycle ways was determined by a number of factors. These included usage levels, safety and links to the national cycle network.
To provide the basis for a future programme a review of the cycle strategy was now needed.
Key features of the proposed strategy and prioritisation proposals were described in the report.
Resolved - That approval be given for the proposed North Lincolnshire Cycle Route Prioritisation policy for the development and implementation of a network of cycle routes in North Lincolnshire.
162 (85) SAFETY CAMERA PROJECT - OPERATIONAL CASE - The Director of Environment and Public Protection referred to minutes 90 and 152 approving the council's support to a national safety camera initiative and supporting service level agreement. He submitted a report seeking approval of the operational case, proposed by the project manager, for inclusion in the scheme to the Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions (DTLR).
The project was expected to be self financing through fine income.
Details of the estimated financial and casualty reduction benefits that the project should achieve were appended to the report. A risk analysis and management study workshop had been undertaken. Strict guidelines were in place to ensure that identified sites met the DTLR's criteria.
A copy of the full operational case was available for inspection in the Traffic and Road Safety Team of the directorate of Environment and Public Protection.
Resolved - (a) That the operational case be endorsed, and (b) that members of the council be invited to a presentation on a date to be arranged.
163 (86) SCHOOL CROSSING PATROL SERVICE - PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT OF EMERGENCY COVER ROTA SYSTEM - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report seeking approval to establish an emergency cover rota for the school crossing patrol service.
The recruitment of school crossing patrol staff continued to be a problem. Although the council had an excellent record nationally for providing high levels of coverage at approved sites (85% last year and 89% this year) there was still room for improvement.
A stand-by system was established previously but this had not been as successful as was hoped, due to recruitment and retention difficulties. Currently there was only one stand-by patrol service in Scunthorpe and this was insufficient to provide coverage for short term absences across all sites in the town.
The benefits of a rota system were described in the report. If successful it would have the added potential advantage that some of the rota patrols may be available to provide short term emergency cover from time to time outside their rota period.
Resolved - That approval be given to the establishments of a rota system to try and improve recruitment and retention within the school crossing patrol service.
164 (87) PUBLIC TRANSPORT - EASTERN PARISHES LOCAL BUS SERVICE - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report seeking approval for funding for the new eastern parishes local bus service in 2006/2007. This would add to a grant offered by the Countryside Agency.
The North Lincolnshire Rural Transport Partnership's Action Plan identified the eastern parishes as an area with significant transport problems. Consultants MVA carried out a study of the area for the partnership during 2001 and made a number of proposals.
The council had asked the Countryside Agency for a grant to fund the start of a new local bus service linking Barton, Barrow, Barrow Haven, New Holland and Goxhill.
Approval to develop an eastern parishes local bus service was approved by minute 98, subject to confirmation of adequate grant aid from the Countryside Agency.
Countryside Agency funding was for the first three years only and the council may have to find the extra money to cover the costs of the service in the fourth and fifth years of the project, 2006/07 and 2007/08. The Agency's grant depended on the service continuing to operate in the later years. The council was the only source of funding in later years.
Resolved - That the council confirms its intention to provide additional funding from appropriate budgets in 2006/2007 and 2007/2008 to enable the five year project to commence.
165 (88) DELIVERY OF LOCAL TRANSPORT PLAN AND OTHER ROAD SAFETY PROGRAMMES OF WORK - STAFFING IMPLICATIONS - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report seeking approval for staffing level increases to enable the delivery of an increased Local Transport Plan (LTP) programme of works. The proposed increases would also enable changes identified in a recent best value review of the service to be implemented.
A review of the Highways and Transportation Division had been undertaken in November 2000. This had been based on assumed LTP funding similar to the 1999/2000 level. However there had been a significant increase from £1,628m in that year to the current level of £4.93m. Indicative figures for future awards confirmed that the funding levels were likely to remain significantly higher than the original 1999/2000 level for at least the next three years when the current LTP period would end.
To date every effort had been made to absorb the additional workload that the funding increased had created within the approved establishment. However a significant backlog of outstanding work was developing and unless additional staff was made available it was unlikely that this years programme of work could be delivered in full.
It was proposed therefore to create an additional Traffic Officer post in the Traffic and Road Safety Team, funded by a transfer from the engineering works budget.
The report also referred to the recently completed best value review of the council's highways and transportation service during which one key area of concern for inspectors was the relatively high level of killed or seriously injured casualties on North Lincolnshire roads.
Much had been achieved over recent years to try and drive casualty figures down using a combination of engineering, enforcement, education, training and publicity. Until last year when there was a significant increase in killed and seriously injured casualties, there had been a consistent downward trend in casualties. Although it was hoped that last year's increase had been an isolated 'blip' it was nevertheless felt that there needed to be a shift in emphasis from engineering solutions towards increased levels of education, training and publicity. This was reinforced by a recent analysis of casualty statistics.
In order to enable a proposed increase in education, training and publicity it was recommended that an additional Road Safety Assistant post be created.
Resolved - (a) That the report be approved, and (b) that the creation of new posts of Traffic Officer, Grade 4-6 (subject to the evaluation of the new job description) and Road Safety Assistant, Grade 4 be referred to the Corporate Services Cabinet Member for approval.
166 (89) MIGRATION SURVEY - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report giving details of the background to the above study and seeking approval to publish the migration survey findings.
The survey had been in the form of a postal questionnaire. The findings showed the ratio of children per household of seven selected newly developed housing estates in North Lincolnshire. These findings would help the council's education service in the provision and forward planning of schools.
The findings gave information on household sites for each estate. Each estate did not attract a typical population and ratio of children per household varied. The overall number of children living in these estates was 0.8 children per household compared to the national average of 1.8.
The findings also showed where people were moving from, how many people were moving within North Lincolnshire and the number of households coming from further away.
Further detailed information was set out in the report.
Resolved - That approval be given to the publication of the migration survey results.
167 (90) PROPOSED JOINT ARRANGEMENT BETWEEN NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE AND NORTH EAST LINCOLNSHIRE IN THE FIELDS OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES AND ANIMAL HEALTH - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report seeking approval of a scheme to allow officers from the council and North East Lincolnshire Council trading standards services to operate in each others areas, in agreed circumstances.
The trading standards services of the two councils already co-operated closely in circumstances where it was useful to do so.
Two specific areas of work had been identified for even closer co-operation. The two areas were weights and measures and animal health enforcement. Authorisations, currently held by officers only allowed them to perform these duties in their own areas.
The report described the advantages of working together in both areas.
A memorandum of understanding and draft agreement had been drawn up after consultation with the legal services of both councils.
Resolved - (a) That approval of a scheme allowing officers from the council and North East Lincolnshire Council trading standards services be authorised to operate in each others areas within agreed circumstances, and (b) that approval be given to the signing of the agreement by the Director of Environment and Public Protection.
168 (91) HOUSING LAND AVAILABILITY SCHEDULE - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report informing the cabinet member of the findings of the housing land availability survey and the implications it had as part of the monitoring of the council's Local Plan policies. Approval was sought to publish and circulate the schedule to all interested parties.
The schedule showed that 288 hectares of land was available for housing development on a range and size of sites. This provided for around 6,400 dwellings, which was more than a 12 years supply, at average building rates and exceeded the council's Structure Plan requirement.
Government advice was for local plans to only show a minimum of five years housing land or up to 10 years supply if sites were phased. This was less than last year when there was 324 hectares of land available for 7,100 dwellings. The over-supply would fall in the next few years as planning consents were not renewed on sites that conflicted with the council's Local Plan.
The new Local Plan had helped increase building rates by making sites available which were attractive to national and regional house builders. There were now 14 national and regional house builders in the area.
The schedule showed that more housing allocations were in the urban area and larger towns than last year. A large number of live planning consents remained on greenfield in unsustainable locations. This could affect density and brownfield rates for some time. The schedule also showed that average density targets of building of 30 dwellings per hectare, as set out in government guidance (PPG3), was not being met. Average densities were 25 dwellings per hectare in the urban area and less than 17 dwellings per hectare elsewhere.
Resolved - That the schedule of housing land availability be approved for publication and to provide data for the North Lincolnshire annual Local Plan monitoring report.
169 (92) PIGEONS IN SCUNTHORPE TOWN CENTRE - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report reminding the cabinet member of problems caused by pigeons in Scunthorpe town centre, and seeking approval of an action plan to tackle the problems.
Scunthorpe Town Centre Action Group had expressed concern regarding damage to their businesses caused by pigeons. Their droppings were blocking gutters and fouling masonry. In a survey of 379 town centre users, two in three said pigeons were a problem.
An estimated 2000 pigeons nested in and around the town centre. Library Square had become a magnet for pigeons.
Local businesses had spent in excess of £10,000 on measures to reduce the damage caused by pigeons.
Details of the proposed action plan were set out in the report.
Resolved - That the action plan described in paragraph 2.10 of the report be approved.
170 (93) CEMETERIES SUPERVISION - The Director of Environment and Public Protection submitted a report seeking to address issues of management capacity raised in the Cemeteries and Crematorium best value review and confirmed by the best value inspection of the service.
Currently a considerable amount of management time was spent marking out graves which often involved travelling to outlying cemeteries.
The external inspection of the best value review found that the service was 'fair' but that the inspectors were 'uncertain' about its capacity for improvement as it currently stood. The need for additional management capacity had been confirmed and it was considered that it would be a key element in the improvement of the service.
There was also a need to address health and safety issues in respect of the safety and security of gravestones. Councils in the recent past had been severely criticised when gravestones had fallen injuring the public.
A high level of liaison with neighbourhood services and monitoring of work in cemeteries was required to ensure a high level of service to customers in sensitive circumstances and this could not be achieved within current staffing arrangements.
A new post of Cemeteries Supervisor was proposed which would free up a considerable amount of management time. This would ensure that the condition and appearance of outlying cemeteries, security of gravestones and liaison with the grave digging service was dealt with effectively.
Resolved - (a) That approval be given to the creation of a post of Cemeteries Supervisor Grade 6, and (b) that the staffing implications be referred to the Corporate Services Cabinet Member for approval.
The following item contains exempt information as defined in paragraph 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.
171 (94) STAFFING ISSUES WITHIN THE PLANNING SERVICE - The Director of Environment and Publication submitted a report seeking approval for the creation of a number of fixed term posts within the development control team to cope with a substantial, sustained increase in workload.
The volume of planning applications was 30% more than in 1998/99 and the number of searches had also increased, by almost 50%, to 6,000 per annum. There was also an increase in the amount of pre-application enquiries, appeals and other requests for information.
The report referred to the amount of overtime being worked by technical and administrative staff, agency staff being hired and a planning officer recruited on a short-term basis. Planning officers were also working overtime to deal with the volume of applications.
The government recognised the shortage of resources for planning in a Green Paper. Application fees were raised by 14% on 1 April 2002. Proposals had been made to release £350m additional funding to councils, dependent on performance.
In order to access the additional funding, improvements based on best value indicators would have to be made. The council's performance normally matched the national average but it fell short of the government's targets.
There had been a considerable delay over the last six months in the initial processing of applications. Enforcement had always had a high workload. This was increasing with the rate of development.
In order to resolve the matter several alternatives had been examined. The best option was an increase in staff on a fixed term basis.
Details of the proposed changes were set out in the report.
Resolved - (a) That approval be given to the creation of additional posts on fixed term contracts, as set out in the report, in order to meet the increasing workload of the development control team, and (b) that the staffing implications be referred to the Corporate Services Cabinet Member for approval.