Agenda and minutes

Councillor Les Kew is substitute for Councillor Peter Turner and Councillor Lin Patterson is substitute for Councillor Carr.

Councillor Jonathan Carr and Councillor Steve Jeffries had sent their apologies to the Panel. Councillor Lin Patterson and Councillor Matthew Davies were their respective substitutes for the duration of the meeting.

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.

Mr David Redgwell will make a statement about the Local Bus Services transport – Keynsham.

There were none.

Councillor Dine Romero said that she would like a mechanism within the agenda to receive updates from points raised at previous meetings

The Chairman replied that there was no place on the agenda for matters arising but said he would discuss a possible way forward when the Panel discussed their workplan later in the meeting.

Councillor Neil Butters said that with regard to his comments made under Minute 55 (Cabinet Member Update) that an investigation should be considered into an HGV ban on the A36 and asked the Cabinet Member to note his request.

Councillor Anthony Clarke, Cabinet Member for Transport acknowledged the request made by Councillor Butters.

Councillor Dine Romero referred to Minute 51 (Community Safety – General Update) and asked if the Panel should receive a private briefing on ‘Prevent’.

The Chairman agreed that a briefing on this matter would be worthwhile for the Panel.

The Panel confirmed the minutes of the previous meeting as a true record and they were duly signed by the Chairman.

The Panel will receive a presentation from the Team Manager for Environmental Protection and Licensing and the Environmental Protection Manager regarding this item.

The Senior Public Protection Officer and the Environmental Protection Manager gave the Panel a presentation on this matter, a brief summary of which is set out below.

National Requirements

·  Part IV of the Environment Act 1995 sets provisions for protecting air quality in the UK (Air Quality (Standards) Regulations 2010.

·  Air Quality (Standards) Regulations 2010 transpose into English law the requirements of Directives 2008/50/EC and 2004/107/EC (Ambient Air Quality) and sets limits for key pollutants that impact upon public health e.g. particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide.

·  UK has failed to meet the requirements of the Directive.

·  European Emission standards sets limits on the maximum emissions from new vehicles.

The 2008 Ambient Air Quality Directive (2008/50/EC) sets limits for key pollutants in the air we breathe outdoors. These legally binding limit values are for concentrations of major air pollutants that impact public health, such as particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). The directive also sets limit values for a range of other pollutants, such as ozone, sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide. The limits set in the Ambient Air Quality Directive are closely aligned to the UK air quality objectives, with similar metrics and levels.

In addition to the limit values, the Ambient Air Quality Directive contains requirements on Member States to address exposure reduction for PM2.5. This is currently the responsibility of central government, and local authorities are not required to act on this, although many local measures to address PM10 would have an impact on PM2.5 too (as diesel vehicles are a major source of PM2.5 emissions).

The UK is currently in breach of the European Ambient Air Quality Directive for PM10 and NO2. The European Commission have the right to fine them for breaching this directive, a fine which could cost millions of pounds. The UK Government have been challenged through the UK courts over this breach. Environmental Protection UK are pressurising the government for further national action, and additional support for local action, to improve air quality and protect human health. This includes our recent response to the consultation on the draft NO2 National Plans.

B&NES Council – Statutory Duty

Bath and North East Somerset Council is legally required to review air quality and designate air quality management areas, if improvements are necessary under Part IV of the Environment Act 1995 and the Air Quality (Standards) regulations.  B&NES must be in pursuit of the objectives and work towards achieving them but is not charged with meeting them.

Where an air quality management area is designated (Bath, Keynsham & Saltford), an air quality action plan describing the pollution reduction measures must then be put in place in pursuit of the achievement of the Air Quality Strategy and Objectives in the designated area. 

Councillor Lin Patterson asked if the Council had enough machines to measure the levels of particulate matter.

The Environmental Protection Manager replied that he would be able to inform the Panel of the number of monitors the Council has later in the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 64.

The Panel will receive a presentation from the Group Manager for Planning Policy & Transport regarding this item.

The Group Manager for Transport Policy introduced this item to the Panel. He informed them that work on the strategy for Chew Valley had not fully commenced yet and was near to a public consultation stage.

Bath Transport Strategy

Adopted November 2014

14 Policy areas within the Strategy, below are a summary of points regarding some of them.

Improvements made to outside the Guildhall, Seven Dials and Stall Street

Councillor Alan Hale commented that shared spaces were not always good for citizens who are partially sighted or blind.

The Group Manager for Transport Policy replied that there had been a slight tension in achieving this aspiration but discussions were held with the RNIB. He added he would welcome a forum where groups can sit down with the Council and agree the best way forward. He said that these schemes can also lead to a reduction in blue badge parking spaces.

Councillor Dine Romero asked why double yellow lines were put in place on Stall Street following the improvements.

The Group Manager for Transport Policy replied that this was a compromise as the number of signs that would have been required to signify where to park would have been significant.

Councillor Lin Patterson said that if a forum were agreed that the RNID should also be included. She asked if there were enough cycle parking spaces within the Council.

The Group Manager for Transport Policy replied that he would encourage cycle racks wherever possible as he felt there was an unmet demand.

Dedicated cycle route between Bath Spa University and the centre of the City and plans for similar within the new Quays area and the Enterprise Zone.

Works ongoing within North Quays and Avon Street with coach parking to be accommodated on Weston Island on a temporary basis.

Councillor Dine Romero asked if while this work was being carried out any provision had been made for students attending the City of Bath College as well as other residents and visitors.

The Group Manager for Transport Policy replied that he was not aware of any specific drop off plans at this stage. He said that he would look into the matter on behalf of the Panel.

This has been a major work stream for the department and has heavily involved the LDF Steering Group over the last few months. This Panel will hold a special meeting next week to discuss the matter further.

Councillor Dine Romero asked how well were other options for the Park & Ride, such as work to the A350 and an additional M4 junction being considered.

The Group Manager for Transport Policy replied that a West of England study was being carried with regard to a possible 18A junction. He added that any plans for a link road require the involvement of Highways England.

Councillor Lin Patterson asked how thorough have the various Park & Ride sites been researched.

The Chairman replied that the work regarding the sites has been very  ...  view the full minutes text for item 65.

The Panel will receive a presentation from the Group Manager for Planning Policy & Transport regarding this item.

The Group Manager for Transport Policy introduced this item to the Panel. He said that the aim of the Joint Spatial Plan and Transport Study is to bring developments across the West of England in a planned and co-ordinated manner up to 2036.  He added that it was important to have a good solid vision in place for projects that take a substantial amount of time.

Study Objectives

·  Reduce Carbon Emissions

·  Support Economic Growth

·  Promote Accessibility

·  Contribute to better safety, health and security

·  Improve quality of life and a healthy, natural environment

He showed the Panel data relating Car / Public Transport use from the 2011 Census which showed high public transport usage from the Bath Spa University campus.

Consultation

Undertaken between 9th November 2015 and 29th January 2016

Over 40 consultation/roadshows events

Over 1,000 people attended with many more engage through social media.

Awaiting full consultation report

Timetable

Draft Spatial Plan, including transport investments to address current challenges and forecast development - September 2016

Submission to Secretary of State - Summer 2017

The Chairman thanked him for his presentation on behalf of the Panel.

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

The Cabinet Member for Community Services, Councillor Martin Veal addressed the Panel.

He informed them that free roof treatments to remove gull nests are soon to be on offer as one of many measures being taken by the Council to deter the gull problem in the area. Birds of prey will also be used as an additional way of deterring gulls from nesting in areas where they see the predators.

The work is part of a series of trial measures to deter gulls from settling in the city as part of an innovative 18 month project that was approved by the Cabinet last month as part of the Council’s new Gull Strategy.

He said that the unauthorised occupancy of the Newbridge Park & Ride had been brought to a conclusion.

He wished to thank all involved in the production of the Guide to Busking & Street Performance in Bath.

He explained that the Council has been running an approved traders scheme since January 2007 and that it has now merged its scheme with other local authority schemes under the Buy With Confidence logo.  He added that the Council is committed to ensuring the traders on this scheme treat all people fairly, and do not discriminate on the grounds of age, race, disability, gender, religion or sexual orientation.

He said that work regarding the Water Space Study is underway and will focus on the River Avon and Kennet and Avon Canal (Deep Lock to Limpley Stoke Viaduct). He informed the Panel that the Council is working in partnership with the Environment Agency, the Canal and Rivers Trust and Wessex Water to develop an evidence base, undertake public and stakeholder consultation and identify opportunities to deliver enhancements to these waterways and adjoining land.

He stated that the study is due to be completed by March 2017 and that public consultation on the emerging Water Space Study will take place as part of the Bristol to Bath Festival of Nature 2016 (10 - 25 June).

Councillor Dine Romero asked what the Council were doing with regard to identifying riparian rights along its waterways.

Councillor Veal replied that these were sometimes difficult to ascertain, but that they would do their upmost to identify them.

Councillor Dine Romero asked who would clear the large branches currently in situe on Pultney Weir.

Councillor Veal replied that Avon Fire & Rescue could advise on this matter.

Councillor Anthony Clarke, Cabinet Member for Transport addressed the Panel.

He stated that the project to upgrade the canal towpath has commenced and works are expected to last for up to 18 weeks, with a scheduled completion of Friday 15th July 2016. He said that the project is being undertaken in partnership between the Canal & River Trust and Bath & North East Somerset Council and is being funded predominantly via the Department for Transport’s, City Cycle Ambition Fund 2.

He informed the Panel that a further one year contract for the Freight Consolidation Service had been agreed and would incorporate the Council using the service  ...  view the full minutes text for item 67.

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 Chairman explained to the Panel that the Children & Young People Scrutiny Panel were trialling a new way of working which would consist of having reports two weeks in advance of the meeting and having a thirty minute pre-meeting directly before the Panel takes place to produce focused questions for the meeting.

Councillor Dine Romero commented that she liked the opportunity to have an earlier sight of reports and urged for reports to be as detailed as possible.

The Panel agreed to take part in the trial as described by the Chairman.

The Chairman said that he was concerned over receiving too many ‘update’ items. He suggested that they could receive a future report relating to the rise of domestic violence in the Somer Valley and possibly hear from somebody working on the ‘Freedom’ campaign.

Councillor Dine Romero asked for the Buses Bill 2017 to be placed on the workplan and for the Fit for Life report due in May to include details of the contract provision.

The Panel approved with the suggestions made for the workplan.