Agenda item

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 omission. Councillor Hirst explained that this scheme has the strongest evidence base of all of the schemes.

Councillor Wright noted the deprivation data for this ward, she asked why the area was selected for a livable neighbourhood. Councillor Rigby stated that the selection followed a rigorous process with WECA, considering potential impact, community requests, willingness to engage, and suitability for active travel improvements.

Councillor Wright stated that some residents describe unsafe conditions outside Kingswood School. She asked what data has been collected. Councillor Hirst stated that all safety issues raised have been reviewed by engineers and officers. Mitigations for the school exit are acknowledged and will be explored, but these sit outside the scope of the Call?In.

Councillor Wright asked if a comprehensive road safety audit been completed. Councillor Hirst stated that it had. We are satisfied that road safety has been assessed in line with standard Council processes.

Councillor Jackson asked why the three schemes were linked. Councillor Hirst stated that the combined package was developed through co?design. The three measures work collectively to limit through?traffic movements from the south towards the A46/M4 corridor.

Councillor Treby asked if the scheme would still be successful without the proposed mitigations. Councillor Rigby stated that, based on the evidence, the scheme meets its objectives without requiring mitigations. Proposed additional measures are enhancements and would be subject to consultation.

Councillors Rigby and Hirst made their closing statements

Councillor Blackburn made his closing statement (attached to the minutes)

Panel debate

Councillor Simon stated his support for dismissing the Call?In on the basis that a lawful and thorough process had been followed.

Councillor Ball supported this and stated that the procedure was followed.

Councillor Hounsell stated that he had heard the balance of arguments, he could not see any evidence of a lack of proper process.

Councillor Wright stated that she was concerned about the schools and pollution. She stated that the reason behind liveable neighbourhood schemes was to support the poorest in our communities. She stated that she was disappointed in the process and the Panel.

Councillor Jackson stated that there were other solutions to Winifred Lane. Tourism is vital and will be affected and taxi fares will rise as a result.

Councillor Treby stated that the Winifreds Lane area is at issue, he knows the area and it is used as a rat run. He stated that 72% is a significant majority and it is a shame that mitigations cannot be looked at.

Panel Decision

Following a motion from Councillor Simon, seconded by Councillor Ball, the Panel dismissed the call in (6 for/1 against/2 abstentions). The decision shall then take effect immediately.

The Chair thanked everyone for attending and closed the meeting.