Issue - meetings

The Chair invited the lead call in member, Councillor Colin Blackburn to make his statement setting out the reasons for the call in of the decision (the statement is attached to the minutes).

Panel members asked the following questions:

Councillor Wright noted that Councillor Blackburn had mentioned process, predetermination, lack transparency and governance and asked why these things were important in this case. Councillor Blackburn stated that Winifreds Lane was introduced late and was not included in earlier community workshops. There was a lack of consultation around Winifreds Lane.

Councillor Wright asked why residents in lower?income areas such as Julian Road had not spoken today and asked if Councillor Blackburn had information on this. Councillor Blackburn stated he could not explain the absence of those voices but noted that areas affected include dense social housing and schools.

Councillor Wright asked if there was any representation from the school. Councillor Blackburn stated that he could not find any.

Councillor Hounsell asked if there is any evidence that Cabinet predetermined the outcome. Councillor Blackburn stated that there are a number of factors such as the community workshops did not include Winifreds Lane and restrictions on public speaking at Cabinet.

Councillor Simon stated that there is reference in the pack that there had been engagement with St Andrew’s School and Kingswood School.

Councillor Jackson asked about financing of the scheme. Councillor Blackburn stated that she would need to ask the Cabinet Members.

Councillor Treby asked if Councillor Blackburn is against the Winifreds Lane aspect alone. Councillor Blackburn stated that he was not against closure per se but it is about finding a solution as he believes the current design is unsafe and does not meet intended objectives.

Councillor Wait asked why Councillor Blackburn believes George Street is more polluted despite reports of reduced congestion. Councillor Blackburn stated that congestion reduction does not equate to reduced emissions.

Councillor Wright asked what changes/mitigations could be made if the decision is referred back. Councillor Blackburn stated that no mitigations were made regarding the last Liveable Neighbourhood scheme.

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The Chair invited the Cabinet Member for Sustainable Transport Strategy – Councillor Joel Hirst and the Cabinet Member for Communications and Community - Councillor Manda Rigby to make their statement.

Panel members asked the following questions:

Councillor Jackson asked how much the scheme has cost taxpayers, for example - the 5,280 first?class letters. Councillor Hirst stated that the costs are set out in the Single-Member Decision report. The programme is funded through WECA and consultation and postage fall within that allocation.

Councillor Wright stated that some residents had been surprised by the ETRO. Councillor Rigby stated that a lot of effort has gone into contact with resident’s associations, schools and residents and the website is consistently updated. We have been overwhelmed at the volume of people getting involved and have listened to/read everything.

Councillor Wright stated that there appears to be no active travel data for Sion Road, despite heavy displacement. Is this an  ...  view the full minutes text for item 198