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Frankwell Quay
Shrewsbury
SY3 8HQ
CABINET
Meeting of the Cabinet to be held in the Council Chamber, The Guildhall, Frankwell Quay, Shrewsbury on Monday 27th June 2005 at 6.30 p.m.
Membership: Councillor Nutting (Leader)
Councillors Armstrong, Bebb, Cooke, Mrs Holyoak, Mrs Jones, Owen, Price, Roberts and Mrs Williams
Committee Officer Responsible: - Penny Chamberlain Tel: 01743 281035
MEMBERS ARE REMINDED THAT THE RECORD OF EVERY DECISION THAT THE CABINET MAKES MUST INCLUDE THE REASONS FOR THE DECISION AND ANY ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED AND REJECTED.
WILL MEMBERS ALSO NOTE THAT THE REPORTS WILL NOT BE CIRCULATED AGAIN, AND SHOULD BE RETAINED FOR FURTHER REFERENCE IF THE REPORTS ARE CALLED IN BY THE SCRUTINY COMMITTEE FOR CONSIDERATION AND ALSO IF THE MATTER IS REFERRED TO THE OVERVIEW & SCRUTINY COMMITTEES AND/OR COUNCIL
A G E N D A
1. MINUTES – 23rd May 2005
Recommendation:
That the Minutes of the meetings of the Cabinet held 23rd May 2005 be confirmed as a correct record and be signed by the Leader.
2. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
3. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST & DISPENSATION
To receive any declarations of members' interests in any matters that are to be considered at this meeting and to receive any dispensations which will be relied upon.
(a) Personal (b) Personal and Prejudicial
When members are declaring a personal interest, or a personal and prejudicial interest in respect of which they have dispensation, they should specify the nature of such interest. Members should leave the room if they have a personal and prejudicial interest in respect of which they do not have a dispensation.
4. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
To deal with any questions from members of the public.
MATTERS/REPORTS FROM THE COUNCIL/OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEES
5. CIVIL CONTINGENCY ACT
(Safe, healthy and sustainable community)
To consider a report of the Director of Development Services and the recommendations (to follow) from the Scrutiny Committee on 23rd June 20005. (Note: Following the revisions to the Overview and Scrutiny arrangements agreed at Annual Council, the Scrutiny Committee is responsible for scrutinising any future possible involvement with new partnerships before the Council commits itself.)
(Non Key Decision)
Officer Recommendations:
(a) That the firm footing being developed for robust contingency arrangements in Shropshire and the establishment of a West Mercia Local Resilience Forum be noted.
(b) That this Council's engagement in the Shropshire Emergency Planning Partnership to deliver the duties required by the Civil Contingencies Act, with a £11,500 contribution to the Partnership to fund the work programme as detailed in the Service Level Agreement, be approved.
Reason:
Engaging in the Shropshire Emergency Planning Partnership is considered to provide the Council with the best value for money in delivering the duties required by the Civil Contingencies Act.
Portfolio Holder Recommendations:
The Portfolio Holder, Councillor Cooke, will submit his comments at the meeting.
6. MOTION RECEIVED ON NOTICE – SHELTERED SCHEMES
To consider the following motion which was referred to Cabinet for consideration:
"Given the demographic make up of residents within the boundary of Shrewsbury and Atcham, this Council recognises that the demand for appropriate accommodation to meet the requirements of those reaching retirement age will impact considerably on existing sheltered schemes.
In order to redress this imbalance this Council pledges to make available £5 million from monies received following the transfer of the Housing Stock (not to be taken from the £10 million set aside for affordable housing) within the next two years to assist with schemes specifically designed as sheltered schemes.
The Chief Executive is therefore instructed to promote the availability of such monies to known providers and invite expressions of interest as to how such providers would maximise such funding to provide sheltered housing schemes."
Council also agreed that the Proposer and Seconder of the Motion, Councillors Mrs Allaway and J M Williams be invited to speak in support of the motion when it was considered.
Officer Recommendation:
That the motion not be pursued.
Reason:
(a) The motion is contrary to the Supporting People 5 Year Strategy recently approved by the Council.
(b) The motion is contrary to Council's decision in February 2005 that no new capital projects be approved until the tendered costs of the Livestock Market and the New Entertainment Venue are determined, except in cases of emergency/public safety/investment purposes and protection.
MATTERS TO BE RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL
7. INTERIM AFFORDABLE HOUSING POLICIES
(Safe, healthy and sustainable community)
To consider a report of the Planning Services Manager.
(Key Decision – Council)
Officer Recommendations:
That Council be recommended to adopt the Interim Affordable Housing Policies as set out in the published consultation draft, subject to the following amendments:
(a) Inclusion of reference in the reasoned justifications of Amended HS7 and HS8 regarding the mix of affordable housing to be sought on schemes, stating that the Council will seek a mix of affordable housing to meet identified needs, based on the most up to date information available for the area concerned, and that guidance on this will be published in the Council's Annual Housing Strategy Statement.
(b) Addition of a further tier to the cascade approach set out in paragraph 3.85 of the reasoned justification:
"(iv) Persons who are resident elsewhere and have a strong local connection with the Borough by birth or upbringing or current/proposed employment or previous period of residence".
(c) Amendment of paragraph 3.87 to clarify that the cascade tiers are (i) resident in Shrewsbury Urban Area and having a strong local connection with Shrewsbury Urban Area; (ii) resident in the Borough and having a strong local connection with the Borough; and (iii) resident elsewhere and having a strong local connection with the Borough.
(d) Amendment of paragraph 3.85 (b) to state that the calculation of affordability will be based on the average gross weekly earnings figure for Shropshire, frozen at 2004 levels until matched and then replaced by the median gross weekly earnings figure.
Reason:
To bring forward amended affordable housing policies ahead of the preparation of the Development Plan Documents of the Borough Local Development Framework, having regard to comments made on the published consultation draft and other information, in order to enable the Council, as soon as possible, to secure a greater contribution through the planning system to meeting the affordable housing needs of the Borough.
Portfolio Holder Recommendations:
The Portfolio Holders will submit their comments at the meeting.
MATTERS TO BE RESOLVED AND IMPLEMENTED SUBJECT TO ANY CALL-IN
8. ESTATE WARDENS SCHEMES
(Safe, healthy and sustainable community)
At Council on 25th April 2005 a motion was approved in relation to Estate Warden Schemes namely:
"Following the success of the Estate Warden Scheme in the Harlescott area, this Council pledges to match fund not only the Harlescott scheme, but gives commitment to joint fund any extension of the scheme into other areas of the town.
The Chief Executive is instructed to initiate talks between the Borough Council and Severnside Housing with the intention to expand the scheme to other areas in 2006/2007."
A report on the issue (including financial implications) is therefore due to be submitted to Cabinet in the near future.
In addition Cabinet are advised that a member has requested them to consider the possibility of a seminar being held with representatives of the Police Authority to discuss enforcement issues. He is also suggesting that the role of the Council's enforcement officers (including the Byelaws Officers) be reviewed.
Officer Recommendation:
That a comprehensive report on the Estate Wardens and all areas of enforcement within the Council be submitted to the next meeting of Cabinet in September.
Reason:
Estate warden schemes and enforcement services are inter-related and consideration of a comprehensive report thereon will enable members to be fully informed on the overall matter prior to making any decision thereon.
9. PUBLIC CONVENIENCE PROVISION IN SHREWSBURY
(Improving Environmental well being)
To consider a report of the Director of Community Services.
(Non Key Decision – Scrutiny Committee)
Officer Recommendations
(a) That St Michael's Street toilets be closed immediately, sold or demolished as appropriate and the savings accrued be transferred to the recycling budget of Public Amenities as per 2005/2006 revenue estimates.
(b) That the Weir toilets be retained as at present, updated to conform to DDA requirements and any parties interested in the purchase of this property be informed of this decision.
(c) That a further report be made to Cabinet itemising the financial consequences in both capital and revenue terms of adopting the recommendations of the Working Group compared to the implementation of the current decisions made at Cabinet in November 2004.
(d) That Cabinet consider whether it wishes to pursue the interest in purchase of the Abbey Foregate toilets in advance of the provision of new toilets in the Abbey Foregate area.
Reasons:
(a) The closure and possible sale of the St Michael Street toilets is in accordance with Cabinet's decision in November 2004 in light of the facility not being required by St Michael's bowling club and the transfer of savings as per the revenue budget.
(b) It is a more economic option to retain the Weir toilets and upgrade them to DDA requirements then to provide a self cleansing unit.
(c) To enable members be fully informed about the financial consequences prior to progressing further the implementation of a Public Conveniences Strategy for Shrewsbury
Portfolio Holder Recommendations:
The Portfolio Holder, Councillor Cooke, will submit his comments at the meeting.
10. PARK AND RIDE SERVICE
(Improving Environmental well being)
To consider a report of the Engineering Services Manager.
(Key Decision – Scrutiny Committee)
Officer Recommendation:
(a) That, subject to the availability of private sector funding the Council supports Option F as described in Appendix A with Option D as the fallback position should the private sector contributions not be available.
(b) That subject to the annual budget process, the Council makes available a contribution of £105,000 per annum for Park and Ride for four further years byond 2005/06.
(c) That the Head of Finance be authorised to establish a Park and Ride Reserve Fund in which any annual surplus would be invested and managed over the 5 year period to maintain the annual contribution at £105,000
Reason:
(a) There are a number of pressures on the service, including cost, number of buses through town centre and air quality issues. The proposals are designed to meet these pressures.
(b) The financial arrangements provide a sound basis for planning service delivery over a 5 year period.
11. STATEMENT OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
(Safe, healthy and sustainable community)
To consider a report of the Planning Services Manager.
(Key Decision – Council)
Officer Recommendations:
That the Draft Statement of Community Involvement be approved subject to the amendments outlined in the officer responses in Annex A to the report of the Planning Services Manager and formally submitted to the Secretary of State.
Reason:
To meet the agreed targets set out in the Local Development Scheme for the submission of the SCI (i.e. June 2005)
Portfolio Holder Recommendations:
The Portfolio Holder, Councillor Price, will submit his comments at the meeting.
12. WEST END URBAN DESIGN AND TRANSPORTATION STUDY DEVELOPMENT BRIEF
(Improving Environmental well being)
To consider a report of the Planning Services Manager.
(Non Key Decision – Scrutiny Committee)
Officer Recommendations:
That a definitive scheme be worked up for a future meeting of Cabinet based upon the development principles outlined in Annex A to this report.
Reason:
To progress the Urban Design and Transportation Strategy for the West End and to provide a planning framework for the Council's land holdings.
Portfolio Holder Recommendations:
The Portfolio Holders will submit their comments at the meeting.
13. NORTH WEST RELIEF ROAD
(Improving Environmental well being)
To consider a report of the Planning Services Manager.
(Non Key Decision – Scrutiny Committee)
Officer Recommendations:
(a) That Shropshire County Council be advised of the Borough Council's continued support for the construction of a North West Relief Road for Shrewsbury.
(b) That the Shropshire County Council be advised of the Borough Council's support for all of the route options with the exception of the "blue" and "red" (option two) routes.
(c) That the County Council be requested to work closely with the Environment Agency to establish the feasibility of combining the construction of the North West Relief Road with a Wet Washland barrage.
(d) That the road scheme be developed as part of an integrated approach with improves the public transport/cycling/network particularly in the town centre.
Reason:
To address transport and accessibility issues in Shrewsbury in a co-ordinated and sustainable manner for the benefit of residents, visitors and the business community.
Portfolio Holder Recommendations:
The Portfolio Holder, Councillor Price, will submit his comments at the meeting.
14. DRAFT PROVISIONAL LOCAL TRANSPORT PLAN 2006 – 2011
(Improving Environmental well being)
To consider a report of the Planning Services Manager.
(Non Key Decision – Scrutiny Committee)
Officer Recommendations:
That the draft Provisional Local Transport Plan be supported, in light of its approach to improving transport provision in the County subject to the following:
(a) That the Local Transport Plan includes reference to the need for private sector contributions to the funding of the deficit of the Park and Ride service.
(b) That the Local Planning Authority be encouraged to require contributions through Section 106 agreements for relevant development within the town centre that generates additional vehicle movements.
(c) That it be brought to the attention of the Department for Transport through the Local Transport Plan, the value of financial contributions by district councils and others to the provision of transport initiatives such as the Borough Council's contribution to Park and Ride (£105,000 annually) and Concessionary Travel (£535,000 in 2005/2006).
Reason:
To ensure that the Council's views are taken into account in the County Council's review of local transport policies and the programme of local transport improvements.
Portfolio Holder Recommendations:
The Portfolio Holder, Councillor Price, will submit his comments at the meeting.
15. HEALTH AND SAFETY LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICE PLAN 2005/2006
(Safe, healthy and sustainable community)
To consider a report of the Environmental Health Manager.
(Non Key Decision – Scrutiny Committee)
Officer Recommendations:
That the Health and Safety Law Enforcement Service Plan 2005/2006 be adopted.
Reason:
The Health and Safety Law Enforcement Service Plan 2005/2006 is specifically required by the guidance issued under section 18 of the Health and Safety at work etc Act 1974.
Portfolio Holder Recommendations:
The Portfolio Holder, Councillor Cooke, will submit his comments at the meeting.
16. CHRISTMAS LIGHTS AND SWITCH ON EVENT
(Improving Environmental well being)
To consider a report of the Destination Shrewsbury Manager.
(Non Key Decision – Scrutiny Committee)
Officer Recommendations:
That the more detailed specification for Christmas lights as an output for Destination Shrewsbury be accepted.
Reason:
To finalise the outputs for Destination Shrewsbury for 2005/2006.
Portfolio Holder Recommendations:
The Portfolio Holder, Councillor Roberts will submit his comments at the meeting.
17. BIG ISSUES
To consider a report of the Chief Executive aimed at informing the members of the Cabinet in relation to the "Big Issues" affecting the Council.
(This item is placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor Nutting.)
(Non Key Decision – Scrutiny Committee)
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Note: This report is submitted for Cabinet's information only. In the event of members wishing to consider making a decision on an issue then it will be necessary for a specific report to be submitted for consideration to the next Cabinet meeting. The Call-In Procedure Rules will then apply at that stage. |
ITEM RAISED BY MEMBERS
18. FUTURE USE OF THE SQUARE
A member will refer to recent concerns expressed to him about various uses of The Square and seek clarification about the letting of that area for events. He will also express concern about vehicles parking in The Square and seek clarification regarding the matter.
(This item is placed on the agenda at the request of the Leader, Councillor Nutting.)
Officer Recommendations:
That officers submit a comprehensive report to the next meeting of Cabinet on the use of, and vehicle parking in, The Square.
Reason:
To enable members to be fully informed on the issues prior to making a decision thereon.
19. URGENT MATTERS
To consider any matters certified as urgent by the Chief Executive.
The attached report on a proposed Healthy Living Centre at Pontesbury was added to the agenda as a urgent item on Thursday, 23rd June 2005.
The Guildhall,
Frankwell Quay,
Shrewsbury,
17/06/05
Copies of the attached reports are available in large print on request from the Committee Services Section at The Guildhall, Frankwell Quay, Shrewsbury, SY3 8HQ Tel. 01743 281031