Agenda and minutes

Apologies from Councillor Peter Turner who will be substituted by Councillor Deirdre Horstmann.

Councillor Peter Turner gave his apologies and was substituted by Councillor Deirdre Horstmann

At this point in the meeting declarations of interest are received from Members in any of the agenda items under consideration at the meeting. Members are asked to indicate:

(a) The agenda item number in which they have an interest to declare.

(b) The nature of their interest.

(c) Whether their interest is a disclosable pecuniary interest or an other interest,  (as defined in Part 2, A and B of the Code of Conduct and Rules for Registration of Interests)

Any Member who needs to clarify any matters relating to the declaration of interests is recommended to seek advice from the Council’s Monitoring Officeror a member of his staff before the meeting to expedite dealing with the item during the meeting.

Susan Charles will make a statement on Warm Water Swimming.

Rosemary Naish will make a statement.

The following members of the public made statements to the Panel:

1.  Susan Charles (WWISE) made a statement on Warm Water Swimming at item 10 on the agenda. A copy of the statement is attached to the minutes and is available on the Council’s minute book for this Panel.

2.  Pamela Galloway (WWISE) made a statement on Warm Water Swimming at item 10 on the agenda.A copy of the statement is attached to the minutes and is available on the Council’s minute book for this Panel.

3.  Rosemary Naish made a statement regarding a junction in Clutton. A copy of the statement is attached to the minutes and is available on the Council’s minute book for this Panel.

In response to a question from Councillor Simmons, Ms Naish explained that her main concern is basic mistakes in the data for the plans. Councillor Butters stated that the Planning Application should deal with concerns. Ms Naish stated that outline planning permission was given and now it is full permission. Martin Shields – Divisional Director for Environmental Services – stated that he would send a written response.

4.  Mike Parr made a statement on the 6/7 Bus Route. A copy of the statement is attached to the minutes and is available on the Council’s minute book for this Panel.

Councillor Simmons asked if there is an alternative route, Mr Parr stated that this route worked before and it would be good to investigate getting back to that. Councillor Anthony Clarke – Cabinet Member for Transport – explained that alternatives are available and that the group are not prepared to consider shortening the route. The survey showed that the route was poorly utilised and the £39k subsidy did not represent value for money.

5.  David Redgewell made a statement on Rail and Bus Investment. A copy of the statement is attached to the minutes and is available on the Council’s minute book for this Panel.

6.  Nicolette Boater made a statement on Infrastructure development and investment. A copy of the statement is attached to the minutes and is available on the Council’s minute book for this Panel.

7.  Paul Stansall – Bath Central Library Rescue Team made a statement regarding the relocation of Bath Central Library.  A copy of the statement is attached to the minutes and is available on the Council’s minute book for this Panel.

The following Councillors made statements to the Panel:

8.  Councillor Lin Patterson made a statement on the 6/7 Bus Route.

She explained that the three buses do not connect the community and also shops are suffering. She stated that the survey mentioned by Councillor Clarke was taken during a period of severe disruption and a better service is needed. She asked that the Panel recommend that the Cabinet Member reinstates the subsidy.

9.  Councillor Rob Appleyard made a statement regarding the 6/7 bus route. He explained that there are no plans from First Bus to refigure the route. He invited the campaign to look  ...  view the full minutes text for item 122.

This report presents the Place and Resources Directorate Plan to the Panel for consideration and feedback as part of the Council’s service planning and budget development process.

All Directorate Plans can be viewed at

https://democracy.bathnes.gov.uk/ecCatDisplay.aspx?sch=doc&cat=13506

Panel members considered the Directorate Plans for Place and Resources (where issues fall within the Panel’s remit) as part of the Council’s service planning and budget development process and made the following comments.

Directorate Plan for Place

Councillor Hale asked whether a rateable value can be imposed onto University buildings. The Chair noted that this falls within the remit of the PHED Panel and the Cabinet Member for Finance and Efficiency, Councillor Charles Gerrish, explained that the Council have responded to Government consultation in line with this view.

Councillor Bull asked about the Highway Maintenance Programme and Transport Improvement Programme (page 31) – he asked that that the Panel be sent these figures alongside figures for previous years so that they can see the overall context. The Director agreed. It was explained that the Government do not give clarity on future year proposals and also that the Highways Programme does include the pot hole funding – The Cabinet Member for Finance and Efficiency, Councillor Charles Gerrish, added that £788k is the national productivity investment from the Government regarding highways.

Regarding the Depot Review (page 33) the Director for Place, Louise Fradd explained that the review is about reducing numbers and improving existing service. Councillor Hale asked if the Council can consider any available land for increase in rental accommodation, the Cabinet Member for Finance and Efficiency explained that the Property Company always considers available land. The Director for Place explained that a ‘combined transport and licensing hub’ refers to the bringing of the administration together.

Regarding the Transport and Parking Review (page 34) the Director explained that the review is covering short and long stay parking; construction vehicles; non charging car parks. Councillor Butters asked about the future of Avon Street Car Park. The Director explained that there is scope to look at automated number recognition, she explained that there will be a proportion of replacement parking and that there has always been a plan to reduce the amount of city centre parking and that is why Park and Ride schemes are being considered. Samantha Jones, Inclusive Communities Manager explained that if cash services are stopped in car parks then some people cannot access the service and there needs to be a safety net. Members asked about the likely effect of the review. Officers said that nothing was ruled in or ruled out, including charges at Council car parks which are free at present. Councillor Bull asked that the Parking Review by brought back to the Panel at a later date.

Councillor Hale mentioned the Bereavement Service and asked how charges can be increased as well as offering cheaper services. Martin Shields, Divisional Director for Environmental Services, explained that the increase in some services reflects the fact that the authority charges have been low up until now but there will be scope to cater for both ends of the spectrum. Councillor Hale mentioned that it is an excellent team with a fantastic level of customer service.

Councillor Bull asked if  ...  view the full minutes text for item 124.

There will be a presentation on this item

Michelle Scogings – Network Rail – gave a presentation to the Panel which covered the following:

·  West of England: electrification and upgrade

·  West of England: deferrals

·  West of England: deferrals explained

·  West of England: deferrals map

·  Passenger benefits

·  Additional benefits

Panel members made the following points and asked the following questions:

Councillor Butters asked the target date for lengthening the platform at Bath Spa and if the class 165 turbos are going refurbished. Michelle Scogings (Network Rail) explained that the designs for the platform at Bath Spa station have been developed and submitted. She explained that the 165 turbos are being refurbished but to ask GWR for details.

Councillor Goodman explained that he is on the joint scrutiny for the West of England and stated that the Panel should reinforce to the Cabinet Member for Transport, Councillor Clarke that pressure should be put on the Government to prioritise electrification. Councillor Bull asked what reason Network Rail was given for the delay – the Network Rail representative explained that some of the deferral of money will help develop Bristol East and the developing capacity is developed first and then wires go up – this is the most efficient way to do it. The non-visible enabling work is being done. Councillor Hale asked if the electrification will be done by 2019 – the Network Rail representative explained that the control period (funding cycle) is 2019-24 so it will be during that time.

It was RESOLVED that the Panel will write to Ministers (Christ Grayling and Paul Maynard) to keep up the pressure for electrification.

The item is ‘Warm Water Swimming Provision within the refurbishment plans for Bath Sports and Leisure Centre and Keynsham Leisure Centre’ – the report is attached. There will be a presentation at the meeting.

The Panel received a presentation on ‘Warm Water Swimming in Bath and North East Somerset’ from Marc HigginsTeam Manager – Leisure and Business Development which covered the following issues:

·  The Issue

·  Partner Agencies

·  The Requests 1, 2 and 3

·  Other Options considered

·  Additional costs

·  Industry Guidance – PWTAG

·  Summary

Panel members made the following points and asked the following questions:

Councillor Hale noted that the consultation does not align with what WWISE are asking for and seems more relevant to competitive swimming. The officer explained that Sport England and the ASA do in fact have the remit for swimming for disabled people and they have said that there is no business case for including the type of facility requested by WWISE. The recommendation is about reasonable adjustment.

Councillor Hale asked if there is scope at either Bath or Keynsham to make one (training) pool into a warm water facility. The officer explained that this would cost £1million and a loss of funding if this is done in Bath.

Councillor Simmons suggested that WWISE set up a charity to provide what is requested as it will not stand up to public funding at the moment. Samantha Jones, Inclusive Communities Officer explained that the authority has to be sure that there is enough need for a facility such as this as it is responsible for spending public money and balancing the needs of all groups. She added that there are two groups - Independent Equalities Advisory Group and Bath Access Group already in existence which could be attended by the WWISE members should there be any future issues for discussion.

Councillor Butters thanked Susan Charles and Pamela Galloway for their work on this. Councillor Bull stated that he is sorry the request is irreconcilable.

The Cabinet Member will update the Panel on any relevant issues. Panel members may ask questions on the update provided.

The Cabinet Member for Transport, Councillor Anthony Clarke updated the Panel on the following:

·  The authority has applied for money from DEFRA for a clean air zone under new legislation;

·  Consultation on Joint Spatial and Transport Plan has come to an end;

·  Siting of the East of Bath Park and Ride will be considered at the Cabinet meeting on 25^th January 2017 – the Transport Delivery Plan can then be looked at.

Panel members asked the following questions:

Councillor Gilchrist asked about progress regarding Widcombe Subway – the Cabinet Member will report back.

Councillor Bull asked about progress on A36-A46 link road. The Cabinet Member explained that the present economic position is being put together. The Strategic Director added that discussions with the DFT and Highways England are ongoing, this does not assume any design.

This report presents the latest workplan for the Panel. Any suggestions for further items or amendments to the current programme will be logged and scheduled in consultation with the Panel’s Chair and supporting senior officers.

The Panel noted the workplan with the following additions:

·  Parking Review

·  Future Use of Shared Space on the roads