Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Deputy Keith Bottomley and Paul Martinelli.

Deputy Alastair Moss declared an interest in Item 6 – Bernard Morgan House Public Realm, and advised that he would withdraw from the meeting during consideration of this item.

To agree the public minutes and non-public summary of the meeting held on 3 December 2019.

RESOLVED – That the public minutes and non-public summary of the meeting held on 3 December 2019 be agreed as a correct record.

Report of the Director of the Built Environment

The Sub Committee considered a report of the Director of the Built Environment relating to the development of 150 Bishopsgate, also known as Heron Plaza. The Director of the Built Environment introduced the report and drew Members’ attention to the key points. The Director of Open Spaces advised that the replanting of trees was a positive step as the current trees on the site were failing.

RESOLVED – That the Streets & Walkways Sub Committee:

1)    Authorise officers to update the existing Section 278 agreement via exchange of letters;

2)    Approve the budget of £954,856 for implementation of the works, to be funded through a Section 278 agreement;

3)    Approve the revised total estimated cost of the project at £1,273,528 (excluding risk); and

4)    Authorise the extension of the Section 8 agreement and the making of a Traffic Management Order to amend parking, waiting and loading restrictions, subject to addressing any objections.

Report of the Director of the Built Environment

The Sub Committee considered a report of the Director of the Built Environment in respect of the Greening Cheapside project. The Director of the Built Environment introduced the report and gave Members an update on the project. Noting that the installation of a Blue Plaque was part of the proposals, a Member advised that there was a slow pipeline for Blue Plaques and it may take some time for it to be delivered.

RESOLVED – That the Streets & Walkways Sub Committee agree:

1. That an additional budget of £200,000 is approved for delivering Phase 1b of which an initial sum of £55,000 is allocated to reach the next Gateway. The full amount is to be funded from C Hoare & Co through a voluntary S278 contribution;

2. Approve the revised total project budget of £580,154 (£380,154 allocated for Phase 1, and £200,000 allocated for Phase 1b) subject to receipt of funding; and

3. Authorise completion of one or more agreements between the City and C Hoare & Co for the provision of funding by C Hoare & Co for enhancements to the Sunken Garden.

At this point Deputy Alastair Moss withdrew from the meeting.

Report of the Director of the Built Environment

The Sub Committee considered a report of the Director of the Built Environment on the delivery of public realm enhancements in the area surrounding the new development at Bernard Morgan House. The Director of the Built Environment introduced the report and drew Members’ attention to the key points, confirming that Option 1 was the officer’s recommendation.

The Sub Committee felt that the outcome was disappointing but recognised that this stemmed from the original S106 agreement, and that the City of London Corporation had little course to rectify this.

However, Members reported the concerns of local residents raised during consultation like conflict between traffic and pedestrians and unsafe cycling and suggested that the City of London Corporation explore an additional scheme if the agreement could not be improved. Officers were asked to take a look at the area and assess how the environment could be made safer.

The Director of the Built Environment advised that extensive consultation had been undertaken, with feedback noted and actions arising from the consultation, but comments from Members would be taken on board and the area would be assessed in light of the concerns raised by residents.

RESOLVED – That the Streets & Walkways Sub Committee:

i)              Authorise officers to invoice the developer for £85,361 to undertake work to progress to Gateway 5 (see section 3 table 1 below), in advance of the full S278 payment to avoid delays to the programme. The amount would be deducted from the full S278 payment;

ii)             Approve Option 1 at a cost of up to £725,505, fully funded by a Section 278 agreement with Taylor Wimpy, the developer of Bernard Morgan House; and

iii)           Authorise officers to publish proposals in relation to any necessary traffic orders or other consents to implement the project as described in this report.

At this

Report of the Director of the Built Environment

The Sub Committee considered a report of the Director of the Built Environment regarding the delivery of public realm enhancements to Nun Court and the surrounding footway of the development at 55 Moorgate. The Director of the Built Environment introduced the report for Members.

RESOLVED – That the Streets & Walkways Sub Committee agree:

1. That additional budget totalling £299,385 is approved to progress with the implementation of the project, funded by a Section 278 Agreement with the developer and to reach the next Gateway. This is inclusive of any underspends from the previous gateway.

2. Authority to start work be granted subject to completion of the Section 278 Agreement and receipt of full funding from the developer;

3. Approval is given for City officers to publish proposals in relation to any necessary traffic orders or other consents to implement the project as described in this report. (Traffic orders will be necessary to relocate parking bays outside the development on Coleman Street);

4. Delegated authority be given to the Director of Transportation and Public Realm to consider any objections to the traffic orders detailed in this report given the minor infraction of relocating existing traffic bays a few metres south of their current location;

5. Delegated authority be given to the Assistant Director of City Public Realm and Head of Finance to adjust the project budget between staff costs, fees and works providing the overall budget is not exceeded beyond standard tolerances in accordance with the Section 278 agreement.

Report of the Director of the Built Environment

The Sub Committee considered a report of the Director of the Built Environment proposing Experimental Timed Closure at St Mary Axe as part of the City Cluster Vision Phase 1 Activation, Greening and Experiments programme. The Chairman welcomed the ground-breaking scheme which he hoped would bring about further change. The Director of the Built Environment then introduced the report and outlined the details of the scheme.

The Sub Committee noted that local businesses were supportive of the scheme, despite some initial reluctance, and praised the engagement and consultation undertaken by officers in developing the proposals.

RESOLVED – That the Streets & Walkways Sub Committee:

1. Agree that St Mary Axe experimental timed closure project be established as part of the City Cluster phase 1 programme;

2. That an additional budget of £41,699 is approved to reach the next Gateway (G5) giving a total budget of £46,699 for the St Mary Axe experimental timed closure project, and to be set up using a separate cost code to the main Phase 1 project code;

3. Agree the total estimated maximum cost of the St Mary Axe experimental timed closure project is £270,000 (excluding risk);

4. That Option 2, trial the closure of St Mary Axe to motor traffic at peak periods through an Experimental Traffic Order and maintain the existing motorcycle bays,is approved to proceed into detailed design;

5. Delegate authority to the Director of the Built Environment to approve budget adjustments, above the existing authority within the project procedures and in consultation with Chamberlains, between budget lines if this is within the approved total project budget amount; and

6. That the next Gateway report proceeds under delegation to the Director of the Built Environment, in consultation with the Chairman, subject to:

a)    project cost not exceeding the maximum of £270,000 and the Director of the Built

Report of the Director of the Built Environment

The Sub Committee considered a report of the Director of the Built Environment providing Members with an update on the implementation of the City’s innovative Lighting Strategy approved by the Court of Common Council in October 2018. The Chairman praised the fantastic work on the project so far. The Director of the Built Environment then introduced the report, outlining the key aspects of the programme and further aims.

The Sub Committee praised the additional benefits of the improved lighting like the impact on antisocial behaviour and safety, and economic benefit, suggesting that officers continue to track and report these positives. Members also welcomed the prospective external lighting scheme for St. Paul’s Cathedral. A Member suggested applying to the Policy Initiatives Fund for funding towards the cost of hosting the LUCI international lighting conference.

A Member advised that there were issues with lighting on the Barbican Estate, some of which hadn’t been included in the Lighting Strategy updates. The Director of the Built Environment responded that there was nuanced ownership and responsibility in respect of the Barbican Estate, some of which was private property and not City Walkway, and some which was not under the management of the Department of the Built Environment. The Sub Committee was advised that officers would work with the Barbican Estate Office to clarify areas of responsibility and share expertise with a view to addressing the issues reported. Members were also encouraged to report any streetlight issues where they arose.

RESOLVED – That the Streets & Walkways Sub Committee:

a)    Note the progress and next steps towards delivering the Lighting Strategy outlined in the report;

b)    Agree in principle for the City to host the 2021 LUCI event subject to an appropriate business case.

Report of the Director of the Built Environment

The Sub Committee considered a report of the Director of the Built Environment outlining major special events planned for 2020 and providing Members with an opportunity to consider and comment on the appropriateness of those events, taking into account their nature, scale, impact and benefits. The Director of the Built Environment introduced the report and drew Members’ attention to the key points, also advising that a 2020 Car Free Day had been provisionally scheduled for Sunday 20 September 2020.

In response to questions from Members, the Director of the Built Environment advised that officers could look into a possible event closure for City Giving Day and that discussions had taken place about an event in respect of VE Day. A report of the 2020 Lord Mayors Show was intended for Committee meetings in April. The Sub Committee was also assured that officers would continue to advocate on behalf of residents on matters such as consecutive weekend closures.

RESOLVED – That the Streets & Walkways Sub Committee:

a)    Agree to support the regular core events programme listed in paragraph 5 and detailed in Appendix 1;

b)    Agree to support the additional Cultural, Community and Transport Strategy events outlined in paragraphs 21-30, subject to the appropriate degree of due diligence regarding safety licencing approval, traffic orders (where required) and impact on local stakeholders; and

c)    Note the Benefits in Kind listed in Appendix 4.

Report of the Director of the Built Environment

The Sub Committee considered a report of the Director of the Built Environment reviewing the use of City’s permanent Anti-Terrorism Traffic Regulation Order (ATTRO) in 2019, as well as whether it should be retained more generally going forward. The Director of the Built Environment introduced the report and drew Members’ attention to the key points. Members were supportive of the continued use of ATTRO and felt assured it was being used proportionally.

RESOLVED – That the Streets & Walkways Sub Committee approve the continued use of the ATTRO, subject to a review in three years’ time.

Report of the Director of the Built Environment

The Sub Committee considered a report of the Director of the Built Environment assessing the experimental scheme permitting motorists to ‘U-turn’ on Aldersgate Street/Goswell Road instead of using Fann Street. The Director of the Built Environment introduced the report and drew Members’ attention to the key points, outlining the reasons for the proposal.

Several Members then spoke in objection to the officer’s recommendation, on the grounds that in place of ‘U-turns’ drivers would do 3-point turns on Fann Street, which was more dangerous. This in turn had a negative impact on residents for several reasons. The proposal to reinstate the ban also did not account for cyclists and traffic coming from Carthusian Street. The experiment had not identified any safety issues with drivers making the ‘U-turns’. Members reported that the current arrangement was working well and was supported by residents.

The Sub Committee then further discussed the recommendation, as well as the possibility of alternative proposals in case there was a better solution, such as additional signage. Arising from the discussion and recognising that there may not be a perfect solution, Members agreed that that reinstating the ban was not justified at this time, in light of the evidence available and the strong feeling of local residents, with retention of the existing arrangements preferred.

The Director of the Built Environment advised that if Members were not minded to agree the officer’s recommendation, they could resolve to make the experimental scheme permanent.

The Sub Committee then proceeded to vote on the item, with Members firstly voting against the officer’s recommendation, then voting in favour of making the experimental scheme permanent.

RESOLVED – That the Streets & Walkways Sub Committee agree that the experimental scheme permitting motorists to ‘U-turn on Aldersgate Street/Goswell Road instead of using Fann Street be made permanent.

Report of the Director of the Built Environment

The Sub Committee considered a report of the Director of the Built Environment seeking authorisation to close the project in respect of the 72 Fore Street development. The Director of the Built Environment introduced the report and drew Members’ attention to the key points. In response to a query from a Member, the Director of the Built Environment advised that Moor Lane works had been deferred subject to the 24 Moorfields development, but officers continued to work with the developer.

RESOLVED – That the Streets & Walkways Sub Committee authorise closure of the project.

Report of the Director of the Built Environment

The Sub Committee received a report of the Director of the Built Environment advising on the City of London Corporation’s highways term maintenance contractor, JB Riney.  The Director of the Built Environment introduced the report and drew Members’ attention to the key points. Members were supportive of the partnership and praised JB Riney’s work and performance.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

Report of the Chamberlain

The Committee received a report of the Chamberlain on action taken in respect of any deficit or surplus in the City of London’s On-Street Parking Account for the financial year 2018/19. A Member commented that any increase in income attributable to penalty charge notices was undesirable and that Officers should look to minimise these.

RESOLVED – That Members note the contents of the report for their information before submission to the Mayor of London.

To consider a resolution of the Resource Allocation Sub Committee.

The Sub Committee received a resolution of the Resource Allocation Sub Committee regarding dropped kerbs and accessibility. The Director of the Built Environment confirmed that it was standing practice to account for accessibility and that dropped kerbs were always incorporated where possible.

RESOLVED – That the resolution be noted.

Report of the Town Clerk

The Sub Committee received a list of outstanding references.

Dockless Bikes

The Sub Committee noted that the trial had been extended until 31 March 2020. A Member reported that some temporary road markings in the Barbican area were being mistaken for a cycle parking spot and requested that officers monitor this.

Beech Street

The Director of the Built Environment gave the Sub Committee an update on the Beech Street project, summarising the consultation undertaken so far and reporting the feedback received from consultees, including suggestions for amendments to the scheme. There would be further public consultation went the experimental scheme went live. The Chairman commended the work done so far and reported that overall feedback had been positive, reiterating that the scheme was an experiment and practical improvements could be explored where they were identified.

Members then made suggestions for the scheme including opening Golden Lane to compliant vehicles, and arranging exemption discs for cars using car parks. The Director of the Built Environment confirmed that points raised by Members would be taken on board.

In response to a query from a Member, the Chairman advised that he would seek further information on ownership and responsibility in respect of the Barbican Estate in conjunction with the Deputy Chairman and officers, and bring the matter back to the Sub Committee if a satisfactory clarification was not found.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

Report of the Town Clerk

The Sub-Committee received a report of the Town Clerk advising Members of action taken by the Town Clerk since the last meeting of the Committee, in consultation with the Chairman and Deputy Chairman, in accordance with Standing Order Nos. 41(a) and 41(b).

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

The Sub Committee received an item of urgent business on City Cycleways, following referral by the Projects Sub Committee, for information. The Director of the Built Environment introduced the report and gave further background on the reasons for the referral. The Sub Committee noted that the project was at increased risk due to a late TfL decision on funding approvals, causing delay and possible scope change to the project.

Whilst Members felt some disappointment at the delay and change of approvals, it was also noted that the change may not be negative and if an improved overall outcome was reached the delay may be justified.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

The Chairman thanked guests and members of the public for their attendance and encouraged them to attend future meetings.

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 100(A) 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 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act.

Item No.                                            Exempt Paragraphs

21                                                                    3

22                                                                    -

To agree the non-public minutes of the meeting held on 3 December 2019.

RESOLVED – That the non-public minutes of the meeting held on 3 December 2019 be agreed as a correct record.

There was no other business.