Agendas, Minutes and Reports

Minutes

of the Meeting of the

Strategic Planning and

Economic Development Policy

and Scrutiny Panel

Monday 5th February 2007

held at the Town Hall, Weston-super-Mare, Somerset.

Meeting Commenced: 3.30 p.m. Meeting Concluded: 6.28 p.m.

Present: Councillors Elfan Ap Rees (Chairman), Clive Webb (Vice-Chairman), Peter Burden, Mark Canniford, Andy Cole (substitute for Andy Wright), Wendy Griggs (substitute for John Clark)

Apologies for absence: Councillors Bob Bateman and David Shopland

Also in attendance: Councillors John Crockford-Hawley (Executive Member for Strategic Planning and Transport), Alan Hockridge (Executive Member for Economic Development), Bob Cook, Ann Harley and Tony Lake

SPE

Public Discussion – A368 Weight Restriction (Agenda Item 1)

It was announced that the following five persons had requested to address the Panel –

1.      Nick Huff, Freight Strategy Group
2.      Stephen Edwards, Transport Management for the Villages
3.      Mike Moore, Road Haulage Association, Midlands and Western Region.

4. Trevor Smallwood, Chairman, Transport Management for the Villages.

5. Ian Gallagher, Freight Transport Association

The Chairman enquired of each of the speakers whether they would prefer to make their statements at the beginning of the meeting under Public Discussion or to participate in the debate of the agenda item as expert witnesses. All the speakers advised that they wished to participate as expert witnesses.

SPE

Minutes – 20th December 2006 (Agenda Item 4.1) and 8th January 2007 (Agenda Item 4.2)

Resolved: that the minutes be approved as correct records.

SPE

Draft Revenue and Capital Budget 2007/08 (Agenda Item 5.1)

The Panel received this reference from the Council of 16th January 2007 (COU 196 refers) regarding (i) the draft Budget as approved for consultation by the Executive, (ii) the Conservative Group proposal, and (iii) amendments proposed by Councillor Tom Leimdorfer.

It was moved by Councillor Webb and seconded by Councillor Burden that the Executive be recommended to adopt the amendment to Executive Budget as proposed by the Conservative Group. The motion was put to the vote, and it was

Concluded: (four votes in favour, three votes against with the Chairman exercising his casting vote in favour): that the Executive be recommended to adopt the Amendment to the Executive Budget – Conservative Group Proposal submitted by the Conservative Group.

SPE

West of England Economic Development and Regeneration Strategy (Agenda Item 5.2)

The Panel received this reference from the Executive meeting of 23rd January 2007 (EXE 183 refers) so as to provide further advice and commentary to the Executive Member for Economic Development.

The representative of the Director of Development and Environment drew attention to the priority initiatives set out in the West of England Economic Strategy Delivery Plan.

Concluded: that the Executive Member for Economic Development be advised that the Panel considers that without investment from outside North Somerset some of the objectives in the West of England Economic Development Regeneration Strategy will not be met.

SPE

Local Transport Plan Implementation Programme 2007/08 (Agenda Item 6.1)

The Panel considered the 2007/08 Local Transport Plan implementation programme and was requested to forward its conclusions for consideration by the Executive on 6th March 2007.

The representative of the Director of Development and Environment highlighted the scope of the programme and also the details of the particular schemes as set out in the appendix to the report.

Councillor Canniford queried the value of drop kerbs as an encouragement to walk.

The representative of the Director of Development and Environment explained that the focus was on removing the obstacles to walking, rather than dictating that people shall walk. In some areas this involved providing footways where they did not currently exist.

Councillor Canniford also queried how the relocation of bus stops could actually increase bus patronage.

The representative of the Director of Development and Environment explained that the location of bus stops was part of a package of measures that included improved timetabling of bus services, provision of shelters and better road infrastructure (such as raised kerb/platforms). There was evidence of increased use of bus services as a result of such measures.

The Panel was advised that the local authorities were measured against the objectives in the Local Transport Plan (LTP) which they were expected to meet. North Somerset could choose to ignore some elements and not comply with the LTP but this would be at the risk of receiving a poor assessment with a resulting low level of funding.

The Chairman queried the provision of £250,000 for bus stop improvements and showcase bus routes, when the Panel had previously expressed the view that there should be greater investment in community transport.

The representative of the Director of Development and Environment explained that the sum of £250,000 was capital related, whereas the Panel’s scrutiny of community transport was revenue related. A further issue was compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act.

Reference was made by the Chairman to access to Worle Station from the south side. The representative of the Director of Development and Environment advised that officers were in contact with both Network Rail and First Great Western on this matter, and added that by its nature access to rail structures did involve a degree of risk. The Chairman and the Executive Member for Strategic Planning and Transport would be kept informed of progress.

The representative of the Director of Development and Environment responded to Councillor Andy Cole regarding the footway at Tesco, Nailsea. He explained that this involved a contribution by Tesco outside the Section 106 Agreement. Some property owners were reluctant to make land available. A report setting out options would be submitted for consideration by the Executive Member for Strategic Planning and Transport.

Reference was made by Councillor Burden to the cycling route at Tutshill Sluices. He suggested that it would be imprudent to highlight this matter at a time when the Council was trying to push forward with provision of a footpath. The representative of the Director of Development and Environment acknowledged Councillor Burden’s remarks and said that he was aware of the sensitivities involved.

Councillor Burden also queries why it was proposed to spend £80,000 on the refurbishment of the Moor Lane subway in Clevedon when the Environmental Services Policy and Scrutiny Panel had strongly recommended that the subway be filled in.

The representative of the Director of Development in response to an enquiry by the Chairman advised that the Civic Pride Weston Gateway involved the provision of a cycleway as well as pedestrian related measures.

Concluded: that the report be noted, and that the concerns and comments of the Panel as set out in the preamble be drawn to the attention of the Executive Member for Strategic Planning and Transport.

SPE

Proposed Weight Restriction on the A368 (Agenda Item 6.2)

The Panel was informed that the Executive Member for Strategic Planning and Transport had considered options for weight restrictions on the A368 and the B3134. Without the co-operation of neighbouring authorities the only section of the A368 that could be covered was between the junctions with the B3134 and the A38 at Churchill. The Executive Member had considered that this would not be adequate and that he should approach the Executive Member at Bath and North East Somerset to see if a longer restriction between West Harptree and Churchill could be agreed. The Executive Member wished the Panel to consider the matter before he made a decision.

The representative of the Director of Development and Environment introduced the report and highlighted the salient points including the note (page 59 onwards of the agenda) setting out various views and responses of key stakeholders in the debate. He referred also to the proposed decision of the Executive Member for Strategic Planning and Transport to seek an experimental weight restriction on the A368 from the A38 Churchill crossroads junction to a point further east such as West Harptree. This would require the support from Bath and North East Somerset Council, although Transport Management for the Villages (TMTV) considered that action could proceed without such support.

Councillor Tony Lake, local member, was invited to address the Panel. He considered that issues were the use of inappropriate roads by HGVs and the effect this had on the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Stephen Edwards of TMTV tabled papers in support of a weight restriction. He referred also to annotated comments on the officers’ report which he had sent to some Members.

The representatives of the hauliers expressed concern that they had not previously seen the annotated paper from TMTV and therefore had not had prior opportunity to comment.

The Chairman commented that in order for there to be a meaningful debate all Panel Members, the officers and the hauliers’ representatives needed to have sight of TMTV’s comments.

The Panel adjourned at 4.25 p.m. to enable additional copies of the paper produced by TMTV to be made available to all Members, officers and expert witnesses.

The Panel reconvened at 4.47 p.m.

Mr Michael Moore of the Road Haulage Association commented that Bath and North East Somerset Council had indicated they would not support Option 4 as put forward by TMTV. He added that the matter had not been fully discussed by the Freight Working Group.

This comment was disputed by Councillor Burden who pointed that the matter had yet to be raised formally at Executive Member level with Bath and North East Somerset Council.

Ian Huff of the Freight Strategy Group commented that TMTV did not have the backing of all local parish councils, citing Yatton Parish Council as an example.

Councillor Wendy Griggs advised that Yatton Parish Council had not expressed a view either in favour or against a weight restriction, considering that the matter was more related to those villages that directly involved.

The hauliers’ representatives considered the proposed weight restriction to be impractical necessitating, for example, HGVs having to make a detour of 30 miles in order to make deliveries to Burrington Combe. It was further pointed out that a weight restriction on the A368 would only allow access to properties fronting onto that road. HGV drivers entering or coming out of the B3134 would be performing an illegal manoeuvre. Reference was made also to the adverse impact that the weight restriction would have on local businesses such as shops, garages and farms.

Stephen Edwards of TMTV recommended the use of advance signs to alert HGV drivers of the weight restriction ahead. He also commented that HGV drivers should use the county freight route.

Ian Gallagher of the Freight Transport Association commented that the country freight route was advisory. It was not mandatory.

Mike Moore acknowledged that for the hauliers, it was a matter of economics. Weight restrictions stifled business. Hauliers sought to use the most economic route for deliveries.

Councillor Mark Canniford queries whether it was feasible to have a time-related restriction on HGVs.

Councillor Ann Harley, local member, supported the views expressed earlier by Councillor Tony Lake. She did not want to stifle the hauliers’ business, and commented the use of the roads by HGVs was of great concern to the villages.

Ian Gallagher hoped that the Panel would not be rushed into making recommendations.

The representative of the Director of Development and Environment commented that the officers’ report sought to reflect the views that had emerged through the Freight Working Group, and that it was a balanced report. He pointed out that he had not opportunity prior to the meeting to analyse the views of TMTV in detail. He added that he would be happy to respond to specific issues.

Ian Huff advised that the hauliers had only been given the opportunity the week before Christmas to comment on TMTV’s report.

Councillor Griggs considered that a formal response for the hauliers was required.

Panel Members were of the opinion that as there were several issues still to be resolved, and for which further information was required, that it would be better to defer consideration.

Concluded: that consideration be deferred for at least one cycle to enable the following matters to be addressed by the officers and reported back:

(1) the practicality of implementing Option 4 as proposed by Traffic Management for the Villages with the inclusion of the B3134;

(2) to consider the issue of peak period restrictions on HGV Traffic;

(3) to request the Freight Associations to consider the issues (1) and (2) above;

(4) that the officers look at the possibility of preventing empty school buses using the A368 during the peak period.

SPE

Current Rail Issues in North Somerset (Agenda Item 6.3)

The representative of the Director of Development and Environment highlighted as key issues of (i) timetabling, (ii) the new cross-country franchise and (iii) the problems and complaints regarding service provision.

The Panel was informed that action was continuing to be taken to lobby both train operatives and the DFT on the issues. Every possible opportunity was being taken to highlight concerns. However, it was unlikely that any significant timetabling changes were likely in the current year prior to the next changes to the timetable.

The representative of the Director of Development and Environment in response to a query by the Chairman, confirmed that the premiums paid by First Great Western were not ring-fenced for reinvestment in rail services.

Councillor Peter Burden commented that elected members of all political parties in local authorities in the West of England had been pressing for improvements to the rail service. The relatively poor service provided had worsened since First Great Western had secured the franchise from Wessex Trains, and following timetable changes in December 2006.

Concluded: that on behalf of the Panel, a letter sent by the Chairman to Councillor Chanel Stevens in his capacity as Vice-Chairman of the South West Regional Assembly requesting that he take up with the Minister of the State of Transport the concerns relating to rail issues, and requesting that a meeting be held with the Minister to involve the Executive Member for Strategic Planning and Transport.

SPE

Road Safety – Verbal Update (Agenda Item 6.4)

The representative of the Director of Development and Environment reported that the West of England Road Safety Camera Partnership had met once this year, and was due to meet again in April to consider service level agreements, the budget and overall programme. A summary of his report would be circulated to Panel Members.

It was reported that the West of England Safety Camera Partnership was being asked to operate within a budget reduced by £300,000 with that sum proposed to be transferred from enforcement to education and training.

The Chairman pointed out that the Panel was involved previously in making recommendations to the Partnership on its programme and how to spend its finances in North Somerset. He hoped that the Panel would continue to have some input.

Concluded: that the report be noted.

SPE

Decriminalised Parking Enforcement Working Party – Verbal Update (Agenda Item 6.5)

The Chairman referred to the recent report to the Executive on Decriminalised Parking Enforcement. He expressed concern that the press reports following the meeting were not accurate in some aspects and could be misleading to the public.

The Panel was informed that the working party was due to meet shortly to consider the business plan aspects and would report back to the next meeting of the Panel.

SPE

Monthly Report of the Executive Member for Strategic Planning and Transport (Agenda Item 6.6.)

Concluded: that the report be noted.

SPE

Monthly Report of the Executive Member for Economic Development (Agenda Item 6.7)

Concluded: that the report be noted.

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Chairman

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