Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Randall Anderson (dialled in) and Alderman Alison Gowman.

The Deputy Chairman declared an interest in Item 4 by virtue of his ex-officio membership of the Barbican Centre Board.

To agree the public minutes and non-public summary of the meeting held on 15 October 2019.

RESOLVED – That the public minutes and non-public summary of the meeting held on 15 October 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 seeking Members’ authority to implement two-way zero emission restrictions along Beech Street under an Experimental Traffic Order, with options for consideration, and informing Members of work and findings to date, risks and next steps.

The Chairman introduced the item, a ground-breaking scheme to address important concerns and unacceptable levels of pollution in the vicinity, before drawing Members’ attention to the key points and reiterating that the interim scheme was an experiment that would provide further opportunities for monitoring and consultation.

In response to questions from Members, the Director of the Built Environment advised the Sub-Committee on modelling and monitoring of nitrogen dioxide levels in the area and the consultation that would be undertaken, also clarifying points on the project funding and traffic modelling. The Sub-Committee was assured that the interim scheme would be designed in a way that could accommodate roadworks and emergencies.

Members were very supportive of the project and proceeded to discuss the options for the interim scheme. A detailed case for supporting Option 2 was made by a Member, on the basis that it would enact less behavioural change, would reduce the chances of misdirected penalty charges, and was less open to manipulation, whereas Option 1 would require a more extensive white list and would force longer journey times. The Sub-Committee also noted that the Barbican Centre was supportive of Option 2.

The Director of the Built Environment advised the Sub-Committee that both options would be effective, and that Option 1 had been recommended largely based on ease of enforcement. The options were marginal in terms of benefit, cost or implications and officers were happy to be guided by the Sub-Committee’s preference.

Arising from the discussion, the recommendations were put to vote amongst eligible Members,

Report of the Director of the Built Environment

The Sub-Committee considered a report of the Director of the Built Environment presenting an options appraisal and seeking authority to start work on a Healthy Streets Plan for the City Cluster and Fenchurch Street. The Director of the Built Environment introduced the report and drew Members’ attention to the key points.

Members then proceeded to discuss the proposals and options. The Sub-Committee noted that the scheme was to be funded through Liveable Neighbourhoods grant funding from TfL and match funded by s106 payments. In response to a question, the Chamberlain and the Director of the Built Environment advised the Sub-Committee on the funding available and confirmed that the project was outside the scope of the Fundamental Review.

Arising from the discussion, the recommendations were put to vote amongst eligible Members, who agreed the recommendations and voted in favour of Option 1.

RESOLVED – That the Streets & Walkways Sub-Committee:

1. Approve the total estimated cost of the project of £282,433 (excluding risk) and release the additional budget of £269,033 to prepare and complete the Healthy Streets Plan;

2. Agree that there is a change of scope to the Healthy Streets Plan area boundary to that of the City Cluster area only;

3. Agree that the project name is changed to ‘City Cluster Healthy Streets Plan’;

4. Agree that delegated authority is given to the Director of the Built Environment, in consultation with the Chamberlain, to make any adjustments between elements of the project budget;

5. Agree that Option 1, the plan for the City Cluster only, is approved; and

6. Agree authority to start work on the preparation of the Healthy Streets Plan.

Report of the Director of the Built Environment

The Sub-Committee considered a report of the Director of the Built Environment presenting Phase 4 of the Culture Mile Look and Feel Experiments. The Director of the Built Environment introduced the report and gave Members an overview of the proposals, before giving a presentation outlining work done so far, the current proposals and plans for 2020 in more detail.

The Sub-Committee then proceeded to discuss the proposals. Whilst Members were generally supportive, noting the praise and traction of the programme elsewhere, there was some concern that the overall project may not be demonstrating value for money, particularly within the context of the Fundamental Review. In response to a query, the Chamberlain confirmed that the Culture Mile programme was outside the scope of the Fundamental Review. However, Members asked that if approved, confirmation be sought that the budget allocated to the programme was intact and remained applicable.

The Sub-Committee continued to discuss the proposals. The Deputy Chairman advised that coloured road crossings sometimes caused difficulties and urged officers to undertake consultation with regards to accessibility before installing them. Members were also keen to ensure that the programme complimented the Legible London signage and wayfinding scheme rather than competing with it.

In response to points raised by Members, the Director of the Built Environment reassured the Sub-Committee on funding and that the programme was compatible with Legible London, and advised Members of the outcomes from the programme so far.

RESOLVED – That the Streets & Walkways Sub-Committee:

i.              Approve the Look and Feel Experiments Phase 4 programme for a total cost of £685,000, funded from the £5 million budget previously allocated by the Policy & Resources Committee (subject to confirmation that this budget remains intact and allocated to the programme); and

ii.             Approve the revised budget for Phases 1-3 as set out in the

Report of the Director of the Built Environment

The Sub-Committee considered a report of the Director of the Built Environment proposing the introduction of a 20mph speed limit on the few remaining streets south of Upper and Lower Thames Street which are still subject to a 30mph limit, in order to complement TfL proposals.

RESOLVED – That the Street and Walkways Sub-Committee approve the making of a Traffic Management Order to extend the City’s 20mph speed limit to include the streets south of Lower Thames Street and Upper Thames Street, subject to TfL implementing a 20mph speed limit on those streets.

Report of the Director of the Built Environment

The Sub-Committee considered a report of the Director of the Built Environment concerning a number of public realm improvement projects in the Queenhithe and Vintry area.

RESOLVED – That the Streets & Walkways Sub-Committee:

1.    Note the updates provided on the individual projects contained in the programme;

2.    Approve design option one of the Globe View Walkway project to be taken forward to the next Gateway; and

3.    Delegate approval to the Director of the Built Environment, in consultation with the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Streets & Walkways Sub-Committee to approve Globe View Gateway 4 report (Detailed Design).

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 2019 and 2020. Members suggested publicising the positive impact and benefits of projects requiring road closures, such as the recent Cannon Street project, and also where projects had been notably successful, such as the recent Aldersgate Street road works, which had completed two weeks ahead of schedule.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

Report of the Director of the Built Environment

The Sub-Committee received a report of the Director of the Built Environment updating Members on the installation of new wayfinding maps and signage across the Square Mile. The Director of the Built Environment advised that the project was on time and within budget.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

Report of the Director of the Built Environment

The Sub-Committee received a report of the Director of the Built Environment summarising the Greater London Authority’s (GLA) evaluation of the impacts of the central London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) over the first six months of operation.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

Report of the Director of the Built Environment

The Sub-Committee received a report of the Director of the Built Environment regarding outcomes from the Car Free Day held on 22 September 2019. The Chairman introduced the report and noted the event had been successful despite relatively short notice and bad weather conditions on the day, and added his ambition that more Car Free Days and related events be held going forward.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

Report of the Town Clerk.

The Sub-Committee received a list of outstanding references. The Sub-Committee noted that the Planning & Transportation Committee would be considering dockless bikes at its next meeting, and that officers were still engaged with consultants on road markings.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

Report of the Head of Corporate Strategy and Performance

The Sub-Committee received a report of the Head of Corporate Strategy and Performance presenting the City of London Corporation’s draft Sport and Physical Activity Strategy for 2020-2025.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

The Chairman invited Common Councillor John Edwards to address the Committee regarding a proposal for the installation of a soft-surface running track within the City of London. Mr. Edwards outlined the proposal and presented the benefits of such a scheme to the Sub-Committee before discussing the idea with Members.

Whilst Members were broadly supportive of the concept, there were several practical elements of such a scheme that would require serious consideration before it could be progressed, such as the route taken by the track, costing and funding, managing different road user groups, and highway maintenance, and the Sub-Committee discussed these points. However, Members commended the ambition of such a project and recognised the positive impact and benefits of such a facility. The Sub-Committee agreed that the idea had merit, and that if the practical challenges could be navigated, such a project could be considered by Members in the future. The Chairman thanked John Edwards for his attendance and presentation, adding that he hoped the feedback from Members would be useful.

The Chairman then advised Members of meeting dates for 2020 and advised that calendar invitations would be circulated by the Town Clerk.

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

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There was one item of other business.