Agenda item

Report of the Director of the Built Environment

The Sub-Committee received an annual report of the Director of the Built Environment, reflecting on major highway activities in 2018 and 2019. The Director of the Built Environment introduced the report and advised the Sub-Committee of the key points.

Work volumes from developers and utilities in particular were expected to remain high in 2019. There had been deregulation with regards to independent connection partners which had increased flexibility for developers. Major works across the width of Leadenhall Street were planned for the first quarter of 2019, and around 150 days of disruption had been saved through combining and managing projects. It was important going forward to motivate utilities developers to complete their work quickly without compromising the quality of their work.

In response to queries from Members, the Director of the Built Environment advised that gas works in Fenchurch Street could not continue during the winter due to the impact on the gas network, creating a window to co-ordinate works in Leadenhall Street. A Member advised that this be made clear in communications about the work, otherwise residents might find it odd. The deregulation of the utility industry was an underlying concern for officers, although the Corporation could charge more for permits where it was deemed necessary.

Regarding the structural investigations under Lindsey Street, the Director of the Built Environment advised that it was not clear if structural weakness had been caused by Crossrail or by general deterioration, but it was unlikely that Crossrail would fund any repair work. Any surface level work would be done sensitively bearing in mind the upcoming Christmas period around the Market.

In response to a query from a Member, the Director of the Built Environment advised that the Corporation did not have to accept applications for filming-related road closures. A review of the process was ongoing with the Film Office and this would be covered in the Special Events report that would be brought to Committee in the New Year, along with details of recent filming in the City of London which included several major Hollywood films.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.