Agenda and minutes

An apology was received from Deputy John Owen-Ward.

There were no declarations of interest.

To agree the public minutes and summary of the meeting held on 13 January 2014.

RESOLVED – That the Minutes of the last meeting be approved.

MATTERS ARISING-

BT Openreach - It was noted that BT Openreach had agreed to join the Considerate Contractor Scheme.

Cycling in the City – Members were informed that a report on the Mayor’s Vision for Cycling would be considered by the Grand Committee on 18 March and afterwards by the Policy and Resources Committee on 20 March.  It was agreed that the Road Safety Report would be submitted to this Sub Committee for information.

Gateway 3 – Outline Options Appraisal – Beech Street – Members noted that concern had been expressed at the last Planning and Transportation Committee by the Chairman of the Health and Well Being Board around pollution.  The Transport and Public Realm Director advised the Sub Committee that monitors had been installed at Beech Street to identify the level of pollution passing through the covered roadway.  In respect of the Cultural Hub, this project was ongoing along with the various enhancement strategies.  A report on the time frame for the project would be submitted to the next meeting.

Skateboarding – Further to the concern raised at the last meeting regarding skateboarding, the Comptroller and City Solicitor advised that, depending on specific circumstances, it may be possible to consider making byelaws to restrict skateboarding, using the power contained in section 39(1) of the City of London (Various Powers) Act 1961.  However, new legislation expected to be brought into force later this year will provide for Local Authorities to prohibit activities which have a detrimental effect on public spaces by way of Public Spaces Protection Orders. 

Members were informed that an Issues report was being prepared regarding the use and damage caused by skateboards at the public space by St Paul’s including any legal options that may be

An outcome report of the Director of the Built Environment was considered regarding the Cheapside Area Strategy Improvements.

A discussion took place regarding Table 3 on page 11 of the report which showed a comparison of the injuries sustained amongst the different user groups and the Sub Committee noted that the project had been effective at reducing injuries to pedal cyclists and to motor cyclists. 

With regard to the planting of the proposed 23 large specimen trees in the Sunken Garden, Members were informed that during the delivery stage it was only possible to plant 19 of the trees.  The Sub Committee agreed that the balance of £0.47m from the Section 106 funds should be released back to the pooled funding for Transport improvements at or in the vicinity of Bank Station but as an alternative it could be used for enhancement works to the Sunken Garden.

RESOLVED – That,

a)    Stage 1 - 4 of the project be closed; and

b)    The balance of £0.47M from the Section 106 funds be released back to the pooled funding for Transport improvements at or in the vicinity of Bank Station or alternatively for enhancement to the Sunken Garden.

A report of the Director of the Built Environment was considered which provided an update to Members on Year 3 of the Sculpture in the City project.

Members noted that the issue with the Mark Titchener piece around its size and scale had been discussed with the City Arts Initiative and a planning application would need to be submitted by Hiscocks for the piece to be mounted on their building.

RESOLVED -

i)       Note the contents of this update report and agree the shortlist of artworks considered for Year 4, attached in Appendix C.

ii)      Approve the additional contribution of £40k (total City contribution £90k) for the implementation of this Year’s project, funded from the interest accrued on the S106 obligation connected to the Pinnacle development.

iii)    Approve an increase of £4,000 on the budget of Year 3, to cover additional staff costs incurred in the delivery of last year’s project.

iv)    Approve the appointment of Lacuna PR Ltd as a consultant for Year 4 at a cost of £50,000 to be funded from the overall project budget.

v)      Approve a contribution of £90k from the interest accrued on the S106 obligation connected to the Pinnacle development, for the implementation of the project in Year 5 (2014-2015).

vi)    Delegated authority be given to the Director of Transportation and Public Realm and Head of Finance to adjust the project budget between staff costs, fees and works providing the overall budget is not exceeded.

A report of the Director of the Built Environment was considered regarding the Queen Street Pilot Project (outcome report).

RESOLVED – That,

a)    the outcome report be received and actions noted, and the Queen Street Pilot project inclusive of all project elements be formally closed down; and

b)    £29,000 of the remaining funds from the Queen Street Pilot project (On-Street Parking Reserve) be utilised to complete some minor outstanding actions (which include signage and paving alterations) that have yet to be implemented as part of the original St Pancras Church Garden project scope.

A report of the Director of the Built Environment was considered which provided an update on the public consultation on the Globe View Walkway project.

The Sub Committee were keen to ensure that residents were kept informed at all stages of the project.

RESOLVED – That,

a)    the results of the public consultation be noted; and

b)    a budget increase of £28,500 be approved, funded from Transport for London LIP funds for 2013/14 (£8,500) and the Watermark Place Section106 obligation (£20,000).

Report of the Town Clerk.

The Sub Committee received a report of the Town Clerk which provided details of a decision taken under delegated authority regarding Silk Street – Authority to start works.

RESOLVED – That the decision taken under delegated authority be noted.

The Sub Committee will view be shown a YouTube video about the Prince Consort Statue Restoration.

The Sub-Committee viewed a video clip regarding the Prince Consort Statue Restoration (Holborn Circus Highways Works).

Report of the Remembrancer.

A report of the Remembrancer was received which set out the main changes made to the City’s street trading regime and its powers in relation to City Walkways following the passing of the City of London (Various Powers) Act 2013.

The Sub Committee expressed thanks to Mark Field, MP who sponsored the Bill in the House of Commons and in the House of Lords by Lord Brooke of Sutton Mandeville.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

Further to a question raised regarding safety issues with two way cycling on former one way streets, it was agreed to submit an outcome/update report to the Sub Committee at the next meeting.

There was one item of urgent business –

Major Junctions Initiative – The Sub Committee were informed that Officers had met with key partners to understand the funding that would be made available for this project and an issues report would be submitted to this Committee in due course which would include details on Aldersgate Street and London Wall.  The report would also identify how mechanisms for funding could be utilised.

MOTION – That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act as follows:-

RESOLVED: That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act.

Report of the Director of the Built Environment.

An outcome report of the Director of the Built Environment was considered and approved relative to the Environmental Enhancement projects.

There were no questions.

There were no items of urgent business.