Minutes for St. Oswald and Netherton and Orrell Area Committee meeting, Feb 12 2009, 6.30PM official page

No apologies for absence were received.

Members and Officers are requested to give notice of any personal or prejudicial interest and the nature of that interest, relating to any item on the agenda in accordance with the relevant Code of Conduct.

No declarations of interest were received.

Minutes of the meeting held on 8 January 2009.

RESOLVED:

That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Area Committee held on 8 January 2009 be confirmed as a correct record.

Members of the public are invited to ask questions, raise matters, or present petitions on issues which are relevant to Sefton Council.  The person asking a question will be allowed one supplementary question.

(If a response to a question is required which cannot be provided at the meeting or if the question is not reached within the 45 minute period, the Chair will either refer the matter to the appropriate Service Department for a written answer or to the appropriate Cabinet Member for further consideration).

Part “A”

These items are for general discussion.  Anybody attending the meeting is welcome to speak (subject to the Chair’s discretion).

During the Open Forum the following matters were raised:

(1)      Local Advisory Group Member Ms. M. Elson asked for an explanation as to why the application for planning permission for the conversion of the former bingo hall at the Switch Island Leisure Park into two retail units was refused; and indicated that approval of the application would have aided the regeneration of the Leisure Park, particularly bearing in mind the vacant buildings/sites in the locality that were eyesores.

Ms. Elson had been provided with a detailed response by the Planning and Economic Regeneration Director (the Director) together with a copy of the report considered by the Planning Committee.  The response indicated that the application was for subdivision of the unit into two - a larger unit to be occupied by Dunelm Mill and a smaller unit of unknown occupancy;  that the proposals also included elevational changes to the building and fencing to a servicing facility to the side of the building but right at the front of the estate;  that the application was recommended for refusal at the meeting of the Planning Committee on 14 January and the Committee confirmed that refusal;  and detailed the three reasons for refusal.

With regard to Ms. Elson's concerns about the state of vacant sites and encouraging appropriate development of them, this view was completely shared by the Director.  There was an existing permission for a gym and retail store on Paradox; discussions had taken place on the Peerless site and the Council had tried to steer reasonable reuse of the Switch car site.  Unfortunately the current economic situation was not assisting schemes coming to fruition but should not be an excuse to permit development which would have implications elsewhere.

(2)      Ms. M. Savin of the Netherton Park Neighbourhood Centre (the Centre) sought the support of the Area Committee for the allocation of Section 106 monies associated with current or future developments in the Netherton area;  and indicated that the money was required for the development/creation of green space (playing field, possible all weather pitch) and a landscaping scheme at the Centre in Chester Avenue, Netherton.

Ms. Savin advised that the new Centre had been open since November 2007; was operating very successfully and detailed the clubs and activities taking place at the Centre;  but however, the Centre was lacking good quality outdoor play space for users of the facility and the use of Section 106 funding to remedy this would be greatly appreciated.

The Planning and Economic Regeneration Director had advised that the planning permission granted in February 2007 for the new centre included the schematic layout of an adult and junior football pitch; the permission also described this area as playing fields; and that a landscaping scheme was required as part of this permission and a condition was imposed to that end.

It was the duty of the applicant/Sefton M.B.C., to meet the requirement of any conditions which meant that they had to submit a landscaping scheme for the approval of the Local Planning Authority, plant the approved scheme and maintain it for five years.  This is what normally happened.  However, there was no clear information whether a landscaping scheme would be forthcoming and implemented, and there was also other work still outstanding.

There were no conditions requiring the pitches to be laid out, however these would not normally be required.

The Director concluded that the planning permission was not subject to a S106 Agreement as this was not required, therefore any contribution of S106 money would be from other developments in the local area; and that if the Committee chose to ask the Planning Committee to designate S106 funding to the neighbourhood centre, other opportunities to carry out improvements in the local area would be lost.

RESOLVED:  

That if funding for the completion of the landscaping works/football pitches at the Netherton Park Neighbourhood Centre cannot be found from within existing budgets, then the Planning Committee be recommended to seek the allocation of Section 106 monies from future schemes in the Netherton area for such works.

(3)      Mr. R. Palin complained about cars and vans that were driven along the side of his house in Pattens Close, Netherton, which caused damage to the paving flags and vibration to the walls of his home; and concluded by requesting the installation of bollards to prevent such problems occurring in the future.

RESOLVED:  

That the Traffic Services Manager be requested to:

(a)      submit a report to the Area Committee on the action that could be taken to resolve the problems being experienced at Pattens Close; and

(b)      write to Mr. Palin advising him of any proposed action to be taken.

Part “B”

These are formal decisions to be taken by Members of the Council.  Only in exceptional cases will the Chair allow contributions from the public (Advisory Group Members may speak but not vote).

Inspector K. Jennett, Merseyside Police had submitted her apologies for absence.  Accordingly there was no police issues report provided at the meeting.

To receive a presentation from Louise Thomas, Strategy Support Officer, Community Safety, on the development of a programme of work to be undertaken by offenders serving Community Payback Orders.  

The Committee received a presentation from Louise Thomas, Strategy Support Officer, Community Safety, on the development of a programme of work to be undertaken by offenders serving Community Payback Orders.

Ms. Thomas indicated that all offenders were from Sefton undertaking Community Payback work in Sefton; that 60,000 hours of work was expected to be undertaken in Sefton this year; that work would be undertaken in "grot spot" locations and that the removal of dog fouling and litter picking were two tasks frequently performed; and she concluded by urging Members to contact her with suggestions for Community Payback work to be undertaken within the Area Committee's boundary.

RESOLVED:   That

(1)       Ms. Thomas be thanked for her informative presentation; and

(2)            Members submit any suggestions for work to be undertaken as part of the Community Payback scheme direct to the Assistant Chief Executive (Safer, Stronger Communities).

Briefing Paper of the Housing Market Renewal Director.

Paul Bowe of the Housing Renewal Team will make a short presentation on the Private Sector Housing Strategy Consultation.

The Committee received a presentation from Paul Bowe of the Housing Renewal Team on the Private Sector Housing Strategy Consultation (the Strategy).

Mr. Bowe indicated that the purpose of the Strategy Statement 2009-12 was to focus on the main issues regarding existing private sector housing, and provide clarity in respect of the approach towards existing owner occupied and private rented homes within the borough;  that the Council recognised that plans to deal with housing challenges could not be developed in isolation, but must fit with broader strategies and plans, and take account of changing policies at national, regional and local levels;  and that the Strategy identified issues contained in a variety of other plans, which had an influence.

Mr. Bowe also detailed the housing profile in Sefton;  the housing stock conditions;  the 2008 Audit Commission Inspection results together with strategic responses and proposals;  partnership working;  and investment and financial assistance allocation.

Mr. Bowe concluded that before actions were implemented on the Strategy, views were being sought from key stakeholders;  and that as well as obtaining the collective views of stakeholders/forums, a questionnaire had been compiled for individuals to complete.

RESOLVED:

That Mr. Bowe be thanked for his informative presentation.

Report of the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environmental Services.

Further to Minute No. 61(3) of 8 January 2009, the Committee considered the report of the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environmental Services advising of the implications and costs of processing a Gating Order and/or Stopping-up Order to prevent pedestrian access at a passageway leading from Marian Way, Netherton, specifically to the rear of 69-115 Marian Way.

The report indicated that residents had complained about anti-social behaviour at the passageway; and set out the legal implications of implementing a Gating Order, a Stopping-up Order under S.257 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and a Stopping-up Order under S.116 of the Highways Act 1980 to prevent access to the passageway.

The report concluded that the most appropriate way to prevent access to the passageway was via the use of a Stopping-up Order under S.116 of the Highways Act 1980;  and detailed the costs and administrative implications of processing such an Order.

RESOLVED:   That

(1)       (a)       the Planning and Economic Regeneration Director be requested to undertake detailed consultation with the affected residents of Marian Way seeking their views on the potential stopping-up of the passageway under S.116 of the Highways Act 1980;  and

(b) thereafter submit a report to the Area Committee on the results of the consultation exercise; and

(2)       the Chief Executive of One Vision Housing be requested to consider the re-opening of the front of the properties 69-115 Marian Way and submit his views on the proposal to the Area Committee.

Report of the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environmental Services.

The Committee considered the report of the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environmental Services advising of those locations which had been identified for inclusion in the Highways Maintenance Programme 2009/10.

The report indicated that following the format adopted in previous years, the 2009/10 Highways Maintenance and Street Lighting Renewals/Refurbishment Programme was being shared with Area Committees for comment, prior to it being referred to the Cabinet Member - Technical Services for formal approval on 11 March 2009;  and that following a request by Members, the Highways Maintenance Programme also included an indicative list of locations, which currently justified consideration for inclusion in a three year rolling programme for specific highway treatments, namely Major Reconstructions, Carriageway Resurfacing, Micro-Asphalt Carriageway Surface Treatments and Footway Reconstruction/Relay.

In each category of treatment identified in the annex to the report, the initial thick black line denoted the extent to which the Programmes were likely to be completed during 2009/10, based upon anticipated budget allocations and preliminary cost estimates; and that the following areas within the Area Committee's boundaries were likely to be completed during 2009/10.

Footway Reconstruction Programme:

None

Footway Surface Treatment:

Maypole Court

Almonds Turn

Buckfast Close

Canterbury Way

Chapel Lane

Eden Vale

Glovers Lane (Fleetwoods Lane to St. Ambrose Croft)

Peterborough Drive

Sherbourne Avenue

Truro Avenue

Westminster Avenue

Wild Place

Carriageway Resurfacing:

Parkfield Avenue

Raymond Avenue

Abbeystead Avenue

Carriageway Surface Treatment:

Buckfast Close

Springwell Road

Carriageway Surface Dressing:

None

Carriageway Reconstruction:

Park Lane - Dunningsbridge Road to Lunt Avenue

Carriageway Anti-Skid Treatment:

Data still being analysed

Street Lighting:

Farriers Way

Bridle Road

Walker Drive

The report concluded by requesting examination of the Programme and comments, if any, for submission to the Cabinet Member - Technical Services.

Members expressed concern about the following matters:

·               of the 34 schemes highlighted in the footway reconstruction programme, 27 were in the Southport/Ainsdale and Maghull Areas; and that it was considered that the south of the borough did not receive its fair share of works, not only in the above programme, but in all other programmes;

·               the very poor state of footways, carriageways and street lighting on the Sefton estate; and expressed surprise that the estate did not merit inclusion in various programmes;

·               the poor standard of work by contractors undertaking surface treatment work in Parkfield Avenue, Netherton which resulted in many residents' complaints; and sought the views of the Strategic Director on whether payments made to the contractor would be refunded;

·               that Farriers Way and Bridle Road were included in the Street Lighting programme.  It was considered that the above two roads had satisfactory street lighting whilst other roads in the area, Moss Lane and Gardner Avenue for example, were higher priorities and should be included in the programme;

·               that Walker Drive was listed in the Street Lighting programme as being in Netherton and Orrell when in fact it was in Litherland Ward;

·               that Downside Close, Netherton was not included in any carriageway reconstruction/resurfacing programme.

·                

RESOLVED:   That

(1)      the Highways Maintenance Programme for 2009/10 be noted; and

(2)      the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environmental Services be requested to submit a report to the next meeting of the Area Committee on:

          (a)      the specific  points referred to above relating to the high proportion of schemes in the Southport/Sefton Central area compared to the south of the borough, the Sefton Estate, Parkfield Avenue, Farriers Way, Bridle Road, Moss Lane, Gardner Avenue and Downside Close; and

          (b)      how surveys to ascertain schemes for inclusion in the various programmes are undertaken, assessed and prioritised.

Report of the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environmental Services.

Further to Minute No. 67(1) of 8 January 2008, the Committee considered the report of the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environmental Services advising of the costs for the provision of security fencing at Bootle High School on the boundary with Albert Schweitzer Avenue.

RESOLVED:

That, in view of the fact that Bootle High School is scheduled for closure, no action be taken at present in relation to the security fencing at the school; however, the issue of improvements to the fencing be considered further once new occupiers of the school premises are in situ.

Report of the Finance and Information Services Director

The Committee considered the report of the Finance and Information Services Director which advised that the balance of its budget available to allocate during 2008/09 was £41,349.29 and that the Strategic Director had not received any requests for allocations since the last meeting.

RESOLVED:

That the balance of the Area Committee's budget of £41,349.29 available for allocation during 2008/09 be noted.

Copies of correspondence relating to questions which have been answered since the last meeting are attached for information only

The Area Committee considered correspondence relating to previous questions/issues raised in the Open Forum.

RESOLVED:

That the correspondence be noted.

In accordance with the agreed programme of meetings for this Area Committee, the next meeting will be held on Thursday, 9 April 2009 at the Hub Nub Centre, Linacre Lane, Bootle commencing at 6.30 p.m.

RESOLVED:

That, in accordance with the agreed programme of meetings for this Area Committee, the next meeting will be held on 9 April 2009 at the Hub Nub Centre, Linacre Lane, Bootle commencing at 6.30 p.m.

Report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Safer, Stronger Communities)

The Committee considered the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Safer, Stronger Communities) seeking a contribution of £5000 from the Area Committee’s devolved budget towards the Street Games project.

The report indicated that Street Games was a new national charity aimed at promoting sport for young people living in the most disadvantaged communities with tried and tested ways of engaging young people who were currently not involved in sport; detailed the need for Street Games in Sefton; the project proposals and objectives; and the Street Games Community sessions to be undertaken in Sefton.

The meetings of the Litherland and Ford and Linacre and Derby Area Committees to be held on 18 February and 2 March 2009 respectively would also be requested to make a £5000 contribution from their devolved budget.

The report concluded by detailing how the project would be monitored and evaluated; and that Street Games was a partnership approach that was adopted to tackle ongoing issues relating to anti-social behaviour in the Borough.

RESOLVED:          That

(1)      the Assistant Chief Executive (Safer, Stronger Communities) be requested to investigate the use of the Youth Opportunity Fund to contribute to the Street Games project rather than the use of the Area Committee's devolved budget;

(2)      if the Youth Opportunity fund cannot be accessed for funding, then following consultation with the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Area Committee, approval be given for a contribution of £5,000 from the devolved budget towards the Street Games project;

(3)      the Finance and Information Services Director be advised of the potential expenditure referred to in (2) above; and

(4)          Members be requested to contact the Assistant Chief Executive (Safer, Stronger Communities) with suggested locations for the Street Games project to be undertaken.