Agenda and minutes

An apology for absence was received from Brian Harris.

Jeremy Simonsdeclared a disclosable pecuniary interest in respect of item 9, as a leaseholder and part freeholder of a property in Pemberton Row. Mr Simons left the meeting during consideration of this item.

To agree the public minutes and summary of the meeting held on 7 April 2014.

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

MATTERS ARISING –

Outline Options Appraisal – Beech Street – Members were informed that the first consultation meeting with Ward Members had taken place and it was anticipated that the process would be completed by September 2014.  The Strategy would then be submitted to the Sub Committee for consideration.

Skateboarding – Members noted that information was being sourced from the City of London Police and the Comptrollers and City Solicitor’s Department for inclusion in the report which would be submitted to the Sub Committee in June 2014.

Mayor’s Vision for Cycling – Members were advised that the consultation on the cycle superhighways had been delayed until September 2014 to allow officers a greater chance to influence the proposals prior to being made public.  It was agreed to provide regular updates regarding the implementation of the superhighways at each of the Sub Committee meetings.

Report of the Director of the Built Environment.

The Sub Committee considered a report of the Director of the Built Environment regarding the enhancement scheme at 71 Queen Victoria Street.

RESOLVED – That authority to start work be given for the implementation of the works by the City’s Highways Term Contractor at an estimated cost of £272,500, to be fully funded by the developer of 71 Queen Victoria Street through a Section 278 Agreement, subject to receipt of funds and the making of any necessary traffic orders.

Report of the Director of the Built Environment.

As per his declaration of a personal and prejudicial interest, Jeremy Simons left the meeting during consideration of this item. 

The Deputy Chairman in the Chair.

The Sub Committee considered an issue report of the Director of the Built Environment concerning the implementation of traffic management measures in the New Street Square area, Gateway 6.

Reference was made to access into Gough Square, adequate loading and unloading space on Fetter Lane, parking and vehicle restrictions, taxi idling and ensuring satisfactory consultation with the public.

Further to the discussion, the Sub Committee requested that the proposed consultation covered both Options 1 and 2, and also included a request for members of the public to provide ideas for any other potential solutions. 

RESOLVED – That,

a)    statutory stakeholders, residents and businesses be consulted on the measures outlined in Options 1 and 2, and that a third option  be sought by asking for ideas from the local community;

b)    authority be delegated to the Director of the Built Environment to implement the experimental scheme which is confirmed following the consultation; and

c)    changes to the implementation, fees and staff costs budgets (with no increase in the overall budget) be approved.

Report of the Director of the Built Environment.

Jeremy Simons re-joined the meeting and resumed the Chair.

The Sub Committee considered the report of the Director of the Built Environment in relation to the proposals for the opening up and enhancing of a section of the Riverside Walk under Globe View.

The Sub Committee noted the additional fees required were to enable the architect to work on a design solution and carry out further structural investigation.

RESOLVED – That a budget increase of £48,500 (made up of £28,500 staff costs and £20,000 fees) funded from the Watermark Place Section 106 obligation and TfL LIP programme, be approved to cover additional fees, structural surveys, and consultation to progress the project to Gateway 4.

A question was raised regarding the planning obligation that Patenoster Square should be returned to Public Highway.  The Sub Committee were informed that the discussions were still on-going and further clarification would be provided in non-public.

A question was raised regarding temporary road closures at Blackfriars Bridge.  Members noted that these closures were related to works at the BT Building and alternative routes/traffic signals were being considered to ensure that disruption to business was kept to a minimum.

In response to a question, the Assistant Director, Environmental Enhancement informed the Sub Committee that discussions were being held with Network Rail regarding the access for buses on Fenchurch Street which was being obstructed by taxis; however, it was noted that as the taxi rank was on private property the City of London Corporation had no control over it.

The Chairman expressed thanks to Officers involved in the organisation of the unveiling of the Prince Consort Restoration event which he remarked was very successful.

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.

To agree the non-public Minutes of the meeting held on 7 April 2014.

RESOLVED – That the non-public minutes of the meeting held on 7 April 2014 be approved.

Report of the Director of the Built Environment.

The Sub Committee considered and approved a report of the Director of the Built Environment regarding the St Helen’s landscape scheme.

A response was provided to the question regarding Paternoster Square (Item 7).

There were no items of urgent business.

The Chairman thanked the Sub Committee for their support during his Chairmanship and also expressed thanks to Officers for their support and contributions.