Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies for absence.

There were no declarations of interest received.

To agree the public minutes and summary of the meeting held on 11 February 2013.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 11 February 2013, were approved as a correct record.

MATTERS ARISING –

London Local Authorities and Transport for London (No.2) Bill (Item 6) – The Remembrancer informed the Committee that it was likely some amendments could be made to the Bill in relation to enforcement powers and it was hoped an update could be provided to the next meeting.

Questions on matters relating to the work of the Committee (Item 7) – Cycling – Members were informed that the Police could only issue a fixed penalty notice on a cyclist travelling more than 40mph.  In addition, Members noted there had been a number of bicycle thefts in the city recently.

Blackfriars Bridge – Members were informed that no further progress had been made regarding the adjustments to the signage at Blackfriars Bridge and an update would be provided to the next meeting.

Consideration was given to a report of the Director of the Department of the Built Environment regarding the Holborn Circus Area Enhancement scheme.

Members discussed the suitability of the junction to accommodate large vehicles and whether this would present any significant risks to the safety of other vehicles and cyclists.  The Director confirmed that an Equality Impact Assessment had been undertaken and although this was not explicit in the report, this practice was followed on all schemes.  Clarification would be sought regarding the possibility of implementing countdown timers at this junction.

RESOLVED – That.

1)     Officers be authorised to commence construction on the Holborn Circus Area Enhancement Project, subject to the granting of the remaining consents by TfL and LB Camden and to the making of necessary traffic regulation orders which were subject to separate statutory processes;

2)     Officers be authorised to enter into an agreement under Section 8 of the Highways Act 1980 to carry out works on LB Camden highway;

3)     Any necessary approvals to change budgets be delegated to the Director of the Department of the Built Environment and the Chamberlain, subject to this not affecting the overall scheme scope and budget; and

4)     Any necessary approvals to change to total scheme budgets be delegated to the Director of the Department of the Built Environment and the Chamberlain, provided that the external funder agrees to fully fund the additional costs.

Consideration was given to a report of the Director of the Built Environment regarding the Beating the Bounds event which would be held in October 2013.

Members expressed their concern regarding vehicle idling, equality issues and enforcement.  The Director confirmed these issues would be addressed as part of a more detail discussion with the event organisers as well as colleagues in Environmental Services and the Highways Division.

Members also considered that the name of the event should be changed as it did not properly reflect the purpose.  Officers concurred however advised that the name of the event had been branded by the organisers as it linked in with the Lord Mayor’s appeal.

RESOLVED – That Members be mindful not to object to the one off charitable event on 13 October 2013, and Officers in the Highways Division be required to work closely with the organiser to deliver the event safely and successfully, at the same time as minimising the impact the event may have on the highway.

Consideration was given to a report of the Director of the Built Environment regarding the Subways Re-Use and Minories.

RESOLVED – That,

1)     the position with the pedestrian subways be noted; and

2)     the project scope be extended to include improvements to Minories.

Consideration was given to a report of the Director of the Built Environment regarding the London Wall/Wood Street junction improvement scheme.

RESOLVED – That,

1. The footway widening element of the scheme on London Wall be deferred and delivered through the Section 278 Agreement for the London Wall Place Development;
2. The principle of an agreement between the City of London and JP Morgan to extend the scope of the project to include additional streetscape enhancements, to be fully funded by JP Morgan;
3. The undertaking of a structural assessment of the London Wall Car Park roof; and
4. An increase in the pre-evaluation budget to the sum of £107,565.

Consideration was given to a report of the Director of the Built Environment in respect of improvements to the Blue Badge Service.

Officers agreed to check the accuracy of the information provided on the website and ensure that where necessary it was consistent with other London Borough Council’s.

RESOLVED – That,

1)     changes to the Blue Badge Scheme be agreed; and

2)     Blue Badges continue to be issued free of charge to applicants and the costs absorbed within the Director’s local risk budget.

Consideration was given to a Gateway 6 progress report of the Director of the Built Environment regarding Sculptures in the City for 2013.

The Committee received a brief presentation from the Assistant Director (Environmental Enhancement).

Members were encouraged by the shortlist of artwork contained at Appendix D agreeing this was an excellent opportunity for the City.  It was suggested that the advertising of the artwork could be linked in with the Lord Mayors Programme of events and the Director advised that he was working with Colleagues in the Public Relations office to ensure there was a joined up approach.

Members congratulated officers on their achievements.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted and the Culture, Heritage and Libraries Committee agree the shortlist of artwork included in Appendix D to the report.

Report of the Town Clerk.

Consideration was given to a report of the Town Clerk which provided details of an action taken under urgency procedures relative to 72 Fore Street (Outline Options Appraisal, Gateway 3).

RECEIVED.

St Giles Terrace - A questions was raised regarding the newly installed seating/planters at the Barbican.  The Assistant Director (Environmental Enhancement) advised the Committee that after investigation it had become apparent that certain residents felt they had not been fully consulted; therefore a post implementation consultation exercise would be undertaken in order to understand the issues and concerns.  The Committee would therefore receive a further update after the consultation had been undertaken as would the 20^th Century Society who had written to the Director expressing concern.

Water clogged pavements – Officers acknowledged there had been issues around Byward Street as a result of the adverse weather conditions and Transport for London were being consulted on the matter.

Potholes - Further to a question, Members were informed that a full review of the condition of streets was being undertaken to address the issue of potholes. 

Monument - In addition to this, Members were informed that Officers would be looking at the cleaning regime around the Monument and a progress report would be provided to the Committee at the next meeting.

Resources for projects – The Assistant Director (Environmental Enhancement) informed the Committee that a report would be submitted to the Planning and Transportation on 14 May setting out the programme for Environmental Enhancement projects for the City.  This report would considered implementation of projects which would provide an indication of the resources required to ensure effective delivery.

S106 funding – Hilton Hotel – The Assistant Director advised that progress was being made and Officers were looking to vary the Section 106 funding.

There were no items of urgent business.