Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies.

There were no declarations.

To elect a Chairman in accordance with Standing Order 29.

The Sub Committee proceeded to elect a Chairman in accordance with Standing Order No.29, and Oliver Sells, being the only Member who expressed his willingness to serve, was duly elected as Chairman of the Sub Committee for the ensuing year.

The Chairman thanked the Sub Committee for their continuing support, and expressed his aims of continuing to implement the Transport Strategy, making spaces safer, green and open, and supporting businesses.

To elect a Deputy Chairman in accordance with Standing Order 30.

The Sub Committee proceeded to elect a Deputy Chairman in accordance with Standing Order No.30, and Graham Packham, being the only Member who expressed his willingness to serve, was duly elected as Deputy Chairman of the Sub Committee for the ensuing year.

To agree the public minutes and non-public summary of the meeting held on 7 July 2020.

RESOLVED – That the public minutes and non-public summary of the meeting held on 7 July 2020 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 concerning the Bank Junction Improvements Project. The Director of the Built Environment introduced the report, drew Members’ attention to the key points and outlining the options presented.

The Sub Committee then proceeded to discuss the proposals. Members asked for further clarification on the proposals in respect of bus routes, the wider impact of the scheme on Equalities considerations, the implications arising from other schemes, and business consultation. In response the Director of the Built Environment explained the intended rerouting of buses in both directions along Queen Victoria Street, adding that the existing routes would eventually be reinstated, before confirming some assumptions had been made with regards to related schemes such as on Bishopsgate.. Equalities had been considered thoroughly with assessments done at each stage of the project, regular consultation with relevant interest and user groups and ensuring all crossing points were to standard. With regards to Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs), the Director of the Built Environment advised that the impact of these schemes was assessed with traffic modelling forming part of this assessment.

A Member commented that the measures needed to be flexible and adaptable given the current and future impact of Covid-19 on traffic and pedestrian and cyclist numbers, which would need to be monitored on an ongoing basis.

Members then asked for further detail on the planned bus shuttle lane on Princes Street, equalities analysis and strategic alignment with TfL, in light of the assumptions regarding related schemes. The Director of the Built Environment advised that the bus shuttle lane proposal was still in development, but would consist of one lane operated with TfL signalling and would involve a small number of buses. The operation of open arms of the junction was still under consideration,

Report of the Director of the Built Environment

The Sub Committee considered a report of the Director of the Built Environment concerning the Beech Street Transportation and Public Realm Project. The report updated Members on the progress of the project, requested an increase in the project budget and sought Member decisions on amendments to the scheme. The Director of the Built Environment introduced the report, updating Members on the scheme so far and outlining the proposals for consideration.

The Sub Committee then proceeded to discuss the proposals. A Member raised the issue of crime in the Beech Street tunnel following a recent incident and whether the scheme’s consequent decrease in traffic may lead to an increase in crime. The Member also asked about liaison between the Department of the Built Environment and the Road Safety team at City of London Police. The City of London Police representative present advised that the incident in question was a popular form of theft. Officers would discuss about how this could be mitigated in the area but were not aware of any further incidents of this type. The Director of the Built Environment added the Beech Street Working Group included representative from the Police, as was the case for most schemes.

A Member advised that they supported the recommendations for modifications to the scheme and reported issues with deliveries and signage as well as enforcement for motorcycles in the Golden Lane area. Members also asked for clarification on air quality and reported communications and messaging issues. The Director of the Built Environment responded that officers had observed a solution for delivery vehicles by U-turning on Silk Street, and would look into the issues around motorcycles. Camera enforcement was not recommended at this time due to the low number of compliant vehicles, but could be introduced later. The Director of the Built Environment

Report of the Director of the Built Environment

The Sub Committee considered a report of the Director of the Built Environment concerning a project involves improvements to the public highway surrounding St Bartholomew’s Hospital. The Director of the Built Environment introduced the report and drawing Members’ attention to the key points, before giving a brief presentation explaining the two phases of proposals.

A Member asked whether the project would involve transport infrastructure, particularly in respect of buses. The area was currently used as a bus stand with buses parking there and this should be prevented if possible. The Director of the Built Environment responded that the location in question would be looked at as part of the wider Smithfield Area project, which would consider traffic and potentially relocating transport infrastructure.

RESOLVED – That the Streets & Walkways Sub Committee:

i)              Agree authorisation to increase the current approved budget of £30,000 by £3,235 to complete the design evaluation and cover the overspend as per Appendix 3, Table 1;

ii)             Agree authorisation to initiate the delivery of public realm works in the area in 2 phases, funded through St Barts and the London NHS Trust 106 agreement at a total cost of £532,161 (inclusive of indexation and interest accrued); and

iii)           Approve the revised total project budget increase from £400K-£550K to £565,396 and updated budget as per Appendix 3, Table 2.

Report of the Director of the Built Environment

The Sub Committee considered a report of the Director of the Built Environment concerning the public realm improvement projects for Cursitor Street and the Breams Buildings.

A Member commented that buses parking was also an issue at this location, and expressed some concern for residents and businesses, given that work on this area had been done as recently as 2018. Whilst this may have been utilities work, public realm improvements had also been undertaken in the recent past. As repeated disruptions were problematic effort should be taken to ensure the scheme represented value and quality. The Chairman advised that he had received correspondences to this effect and suggested this be taken into account.

RESOLVED – That the Streets & Walkways Sub Committee:

1. Approve the proposed reconfiguration of current funding allocation for Cursitor Street (£240,934) and Breams Buildings (£239,832) a total of £480,766. (Section 106 agreements require that the interest be used for the same purpose as the principal sum);

2. Approve that the existing funding allocation for Cursitor Street and Breams Buildings be reconfigured as follows: Cursitor Street (£371,647) and Breams Buildings (£109,119), a total allocation of £480,766. (Section 106 agreements require that the interest be used for the same purpose as the principal sum);

3. Agree authorisation to increase the current approved budget of £10,000 for Cursitor Street by £6,048 to cover the overspend as per Appendix 4, Table 1;

4. Agree authorisation to adjust the current approved budget of £40,000 for Breams Buildings to reflect the spend as per Appendix 4, Table 2;

5. Approve authority to start work on Cursitor Street (Phase 1) at a total of £355,599, as detailed the funding strategy in Appendix 4; and

6. Approve authority to start work on Breams Buildings (Phase 2) at a total of £80,262, as detailed the funding strategy in Appendix

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 1-2 Broadgate Section 278 highway works.

RESOLVED – That the Streets & Walkways Sub Committee:

1. That a budget of £50,000 is approved for design and evaluation to reach the next Gateway; and

2. Note the total cost of the project is estimated to be between £750,000-£900,000 (excluding risk).

Report of the Director of the Built Environment

The Sub Committee considered a report of the Director of the Built Environment regarding the outcomes of a project introducing highway and pedestrian improvements at the West Smithfield Rotunda, Cloth Street and Cloth Fair. A Member clarified an error within the report, advising that the Smithfield Market Tenants Association did not represent WC Butchers, as stated.

RESOLVED – That the Streets & Walkways Sub Committee:

a)    Approve the content of this outcome report; and

b)    Agree that an unspent Section 106 funding is returned to be reallocated following usual processes.

Report of the Director of the Built Environment

The Sub Committee considered a report of the Director of the Built Environment in respect of a project to deliver public realm enhancements to the area surrounding the new development at Creed Court, to accommodate projected increase in pedestrian traffic and servicing needs of the hotel.

RESOLVED – That the Streets & Walkways Sub Committee:

1.    Authorise officers to utilise £100,000 invoiced to the developer to progress the project to Gateway 5 (see section 3 table 1 below), in advance of the full S.278 payment. The amount will be deducted from the full S.278 payment;

2.    Authorise officers, subject to receipt of the requested funds, to progress with detailed designs of the recommended option outlined below and fully funded by Section 278 agreement with the developer of Creed Court and undertake public consultation;

3.    Note, that as per the Projects Procedure and subject to scope and costs remaining within the parameters agreed in this report, the approval of Gateway 5 report will be delegated to Chief Officer; and

4.    Note the total estimated cost of the project at £667,546 - £800,000 (excluding risk).

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 project of opening up and enhancement of the currently closed section of walkway at Globe View in order to complete the Riverside Walk, a long-standing policy objective of the City.

RESOLVED – That the Streets & Walkways Sub Committee approve Option One for the allocation of £94,000 funds from the Bath House S106 obligation (public transport improvements) to reach the next Gateway.

Report of the Director of the Built Environment

The Sub Committee received a report of the Director of the Built Environment providing an update on the City Transportation projects that have been impacted by COVID-19.

A Member commented that the holistic reviewing of projects following the impact of Covid-19 was understandable and asked that the Sub Committee be informed about reporting to the Planning & Transportation Committee. Whilst cars should not necessarily be encouraged, measures should be taken to ensure that all modes of transports could operate safely and without delay and congestion across the City. The Director of the Built Environment acknowledged this point and assured that this would be monitored.

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 concerning the reinstatement of public highway areas around the City’s three Crossrail stations. The Chairman advised that the winners of the architectural competition in respect of Finsbury Circus had been announced. It was hoped that the project would proceed with full support.

A Member asked for an update on improvements related to the Farringdon station area, particularly the junction of Beech Street, Long Lane and Aldersgate. The Director of the Built Environment advised that the junction would be included within wider public realm schemes.

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 providing an update on the programme of works developed to bring forward pedestrian priority schemes since the development of the Transport Strategy.

A Member asked whether officers foresaw conflict arising from the Bishopsgate bus scheme and consequent redirecting of traffic down Middlesex Street that had arisen. The Director of the Built Environment advised that officers had worked with TfL on the proposal. There had been consultation and engagement on temporary changes and a comprehensive monitoring package with TfL was in place to account for impacts.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

Report of the Town Clerk

The Sub Committee received a list of outstanding references.

RESOLVED – That the outstanding references list be noted.

A Member expressed their disappointment in the response to the roof canopy failure in the Smithfield area, with the connected thoroughfare closed in August and still closed ten weeks later. The Member asked why there had been no report on this incident to the Sub Committee and asked for clarification on decisions made following the incident which had caused further delays.

The Director of the Built Environment advised that matters relating to building management and the safety of structures were likely to be outside the remit of the Sub Committee. Management of the incident and subsequent review was being undertaken by the City Surveyor, but an update could be sought for the Sub Committee. A Member advised that reporting on these matters could be submitted to the Sub Committee for information as they were relevant to its work and would provide assurance.

A Member raised the issue of school buses being permitted to use Beech Street, specifically that used by the City of London School for Girls, in light of the report submitted. The Chairman asked that the Director of the Built Environment take this away for consideration.

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 on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part I of the Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act.

            20                                                                                            -

There was other business.