Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Ms H Wall and Mr R Worthington.

Members are invited to disclose any disclosable pecuniary interest they have in any item on the agenda which comprises

1          Details of any employment, office, trade, profession or vocation carried on for profit or gain.

2          Details of any payment or provision of any other financial benefit (other than from the authority) made or provided within the relevant period in respect of any expenses incurred by you in carrying out duties as a member, or towards your election expenses.  (This includes any payment or financial benefit from a trade union within the meaning of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992.

3          Details of any contract which is made between you (or a body in which you have a beneficial interest) and the authority

            (a)    Under which goods or services are to be provided or works are to be executed; and

            (b)    Which has not been fully discharged.

4          Details of any beneficial interest in land which is within the area of the authority. 

5          Details of any licence (alone or jointly with others) to occupy land in the area of the authority for a month or longer.

6          Details of any tenancy where (to your knowledge)

            (a)    The landlord is the authority; and

            (b)    The tenant is a body in which you have a beneficial interest.

7          Details of any beneficial interest in securities of a body where

            (a)    That body (to your knowledge) has a place of business or land in the area of the authority; and

            (b)    Either –

(i)            The total nominal value of the securities exceeds £25,000 or one hundredth of the total issued share capital of that body; or

                     (ii)        If that share capital of that body is of more than one class, the total nominal value of the shares of any one class in which the relevant person has a beneficial interest exceeds one hundredth of the total issued share capital of that class.

In addition, you must also disclose other non-pecuniary interests set out in the Code of Conduct where these have not already been registered.

Note

A “disclosable pecuniary interest” is an interest of a councillor or their partner (which means spouse or civil partner, a person with whom they are living as husband or wife, or a person with whom they are living as if they are civil partners).

There were no disclosures of interest made on this occasion.

RESOLVED,    that the press and public be not excluded from the meeting during consideration of any item of business.

There were no questions, statements or petitions relating to the business of the Committee on this occasion.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 12 July 2021 (copy enclosed).

The local Member for Walney North asked for an update on Hollywood Park and it was agreed a report would be considered at a future meeting of the Barrow Highways Sub?Group.

RESOLVED,    that the minutes of the meeting held on 12 July 2021 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

To receive a presentation from the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure.

The Committee received a presentation from the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure which outlined the development of a Planning Performance Agreement (PPA).

Members were informed they were voluntary agreements between the County Council and the applicants, highlighting that they did not impact on the Authority’s decision?making, but helped to:

·                bring together the developer, the Local Planning Authority and key stakeholders to work in partnership throughout the planning process;

·                ensure complex proposals progress through the process to mutually agreed timescales;

·                ensure appropriate resources and expertise were provided to advise on complex proposals;

·                provide greater opportunity for dialogue through the planning process and help deliver high quality development

The Committee received examples of a number of major projects across the county where the County Council had used them noting that they supported the development of effective relationships, offered an enhanced framework to support the project; provided management of complex proposals; provided greater resource to respond effectively to major proposals; reduced complexity of communication between the organisations and wider partners and helped to add value to development proposals and deliver stronger aligned outcomes.

Members were informed that the benefits of a PPA with BAE included Barrow Borough Council and Cumbria County Council being resourced to respond fully to planning applications, closer working relationship with BAE and opportunity to achieve better outcomes, integration of new development with plans for Barrow town centre, economy and transport and support achievement of shared solutions to challenges.

During the course of discussion officers confirmed the PPA had focused on the submarine site; there was no mention of anything specifically regarding the airfield but it was suggested this may form part of wider plans.

The Committee was informed of the structure and principles of Barrow Borough Council, Cumbria County Council and BAE within a single agreement and noted that the next steps were to finalise the content of the PPA document, formally decide to enter into the PPA a Key Decision for the Executive Director - Economy and Infrastructure with the decision to enter into the PPA with the signing of the legal document being expected in November 2021.

A discussion took place regarding any potential effects of the Local Government Reform and members were informed that all activities would continue with collaborative working where necessary to ensure projects were delivered.

RESOLVED,   that the update be noted.

To note the revised Terms of Reference (copy enclosed).

The Local Committee received a report from the Executive Director – Corporate, Customer and Community Services which advised members of the revised Terms of Reference for local committees which had been agreed at Council on 7 September 2021.

RESOLVED,   that the revised Terms of Reference be noted.

[Electoral Division: Dalton North]

To consider a report by the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure (copy enclosed).

This report introduces the School Streets initiative which is aimed at reducing traffic levels outside of schools during the arrival and departure times.

Members considered a report by the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure which introduced the School Streets initiative which was aimed at reducing traffic levels outside of schools during the arrival and departure times.  The report sought approval from Barrow Local Committee to proceed to introduce an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (“the Experimental Order”) in support of a school street being established at Askam Village School, Askam in Furness.

The local Member for Dalton North informed members that works were currently being undertaken on Alexander Place, which was part of the scheme, and asked that officers co?ordinate this for the launch of the Initiative to avoid any problems.

The local Member for Ormsgill welcomed Askam Village School as the pilot for the initiative and explained he had withdrawn the original suggestion of Ormsgill Nursery and Primary School to allow this to go ahead.

During the course of discussion members highlighted that Carlisle Local Committee had been given approval to introduce two Experimental Traffic Regulation Orders for the initiative and asked that the Traffic Management Team Leader investigate this matter and report back to the Chair direct.

RESOLVED,     that having taken into consideration the matters contained in Section 122(2) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (more specifically referred to a paragraph 7.2 of the report), approve the introduction of an Experimental School Street Order, the effect of which will prohibit vehicular access outside of Askam Village School on Lots Road, Askam-in-Furness, for a period of 1 hour at either end of the school day, with permitted exemptions (as shown on the plan attached as Appendix 2 to the report).

[Electoral Divisions: Barrow Island]

To consider a report by the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure (copy enclosed).

This report seeks approval from the Local Committee to progress to statutory advertising and consultation of a Traffic Regulation Order which would prohibit vehicles parking on Michaelson Road and Bridge Road, Barrow-in-Furness, by removal of existing parking spaces and the allocation of an area of carriageway as a mandatory cycle lane protecting cyclists from traffic.

Members received a report from the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure which sought approval from the Local Committee to progress to statutory advertising and consultation of a Traffic Regulation Order which would prohibit vehicles parking on Michaelson Road and Bridge Road, Barrow-in-Furness by the removal of existing parking spaces and the allocation of an area of carriageway as a mandatory cycle lane protecting cyclists from traffic.

During the course of discussion the local Member for Walney North asked for an update on any progress regarding the proposed implementation of a pilot scheme to separate pedestrians and cyclists on Jubilee Bridge, highlighting concerns at the junction of Jubilee Bridge, Bridge Road and North Road.  The Local Area Highways Network Manager agreed to raise this matter with the appropriate officer and report back direct.

The local members for both Walney North and Walney South whilst initially sceptical about the removal of the roundabout and installation of traffic lights at North Road welcomed how they had improved the flow of traffic at the junction.

RESOLVED,     that the Local Committee agrees the progression to statutory consultation and advertising of The County of Cumbria (Various Roads, Barrow-in-Furness) (Consolidation and Minor Amendment of Traffic Regulations) (Order 2001) Variation Order (No. 43) 20>< (“the Order”) to introduce: -

                            (i)           “No Waiting at Any Time” (double yellow line) restrictions on Michaelson Road and Bridge Road, Barrow-in-Furness, thereby effecting the removal of all the existing parking spaces, and

                            (ii)          lengths of mandatory cycle lane dedicated solely to cycling along lengths of Bridge Road and Michaelson Road, Barrow-in-Furness (as shown on the plan attached as Appendix 1 to the report).

[Electoral Divisions: All Barrow]

To consider a report by the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure (copy enclosed).

This report presents the Highways Revenue and Devolved Capital and Non-Devolved Capital budget finance reports and updates Members as to current progress on these budget lines.

The Committee considered a report from the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure which detailed the Highways Revenue and Devolved Capital and Non-Devolved Capital budget finance reports and updated members as to current progress on those budget lines.

Members were informed that following the decision at the full County Council meeting in June 2021 to carry forward the under or accelerated spending during 2020/21 the Barrow Local Committee Highways Budget lines were now as follows:-

Ø   Devolved Highways Revenue Budget was now £883,064;

Ø   Devolved Highways Non Principal Road Network Capital budget was £1,158,000;

Ø   Devolved Highways Additional Pothole Repairs Capital budget was £802,000.

The local Member for Dalton North asked whether the funding allocation from the Highways Revenue budget for 2021/22 covered the function of the Better Highways Team and if this service still existed.  The Local Area Highways Network Manager confirmed that the allocation did cover this function but confirmed the service had been separated into two and now included condition inspectors and reactive operatives who undertook the same duties as the previously known Better Highways Team.

The local Member for Roosecote expressed his concerns regarding the lack of progress on Manor Road.  The Local Area Highways Network Manager confirmed there was ongoing dialogue between the County Council and Historic England regarding this matter and he would keep the local Member updated.

The local Member for Hindpool raised concerns regarding the ongoing problems on the highway in her Division due to works being undertaken by internet providers, highlighting the vast number of pavements being excavated at the same time.

The Committee raised their concerns regarding works undertaken by internet providers in the Barrow area; whilst these were acknowledged it was confirmed that this was a statutory right and the County Council had no authority to refuse a permit but highlighted there were restrictions which had to be adhered to. 

During the course of discussion the local Member for Hindpool also raised concerns regarding a sink hole in Hartington Street.  The Local Area Highways Manager confirmed that United Utilities had been informed and would undertake an inspection of the site imminently.  It was explained that if this issue was not the responsibility of United Utilities the County Council would investigate the matter further.

It was agreed that United Utilities would be invited to a future meeting of the Highways Sub-Group.

The Chair of the Local Committee raised his concerns regarding the classification of roads in the Barrow area, highlighting, as an example, that Abbey Road was a ‘C’ road.  Members agreed that roads should be re?classified and the Local Area Highways Network Manager would provide information on the classification of the roads in the area.

RESOLVED,   that the revenue and capital budget allocations for 2020/21 and the commitments and expenditure recorded to the end of July 2021 (as detailed in Appendices 1, 2 and 3 of the report) be noted.

[Electoral Divisions: All Barrow]

To consider a report by the Executive Director – Corporate, Customer and Community Services (copy enclosed).

This report provides Local Committee with an update on its work and agreed activity since the last meeting of the Committee.  It also includes a financial statement in support of the work of the Local Committee for Members’ information.

Members considered a positive report by the Executive Director – Corporate, Customer and Community Services which detailed information from across the Community teams including Community Development, Archives and libraries, and provided an update on work and agreed activity since the last meeting of the Committee.

The Committee received an update on the COVID response noting that the COVID Recovery Group continued to meet and still included Community Resource Distribution Points and the wider partners such as Integrated Care Community, Age UK, Barrow Foodbank, Family Action and the Barrow Advice Hub as well as the Health and Wellbeing Coaches. 

Members were informed that the Tree/Environment Working Group had both supported the bid into the Local Authority Treescape fund as well as the Council’s Environment Fund.  It was explained that it had also begun to consider possible sites across the borough for planting trees, wildflowers and hedgerows, as well as considering locations to allow natural rewilding to take place. 

The local Member for Dalton North welcomed the successful bid into the Local Authority’s Treescape fund and asked for further information regarding the location of the trees and confirmation that the Local Area Highways Network Manager had the capacity to undertake this additional work without this compromising his current workload.  The Local Area Highways Network Manager confirmed that additional resources had been requested to manage this project and an agreement, in principle, had been made regarding the location of the trees which included Abbey Road, Hartington Street and Risedale Road.  The Committee was informed the scheme would be provided through a contractor via a procurement exercise and the funding would include future maintenance of the trees.

The Committee received an update on the Barrow Town Deal noting that the final business case for the Hubs programme had been submitted to the Barrow Borough Council’s formal assurance process following which the final overall Town Deal submission would be made to Government at the end of the year.  It was explained that subject to a successful outcome a detailed delivery plan would be further developed for the Hubs with delivery starting in 2022.  The Chair, on behalf of the Committee, thanked Adele Fitzsimmons, Programme and Project Officer, for her support in this matter.

Members were informed that the Dalton Borderlands Town Team as well as the Dalton Community Partnership continued to meet regularly.  The Committee noted that the Town Team had considered the feedback from the consultation and the proposed format and content of the Place Plan.  It was explained the consultants were currently working on the Plan and a draft would be shared with the Town Team in autumn for their feedback and consideration before being brought to Local Committee for formal consideration.

The local Member for Walney North welcomed the Earnse Bay project and commented on the excellent work which had been undertaken.  During the course of discussion he raised his concerns regarding safety at the entrance to West Shore Park due to the lack of a pedestrian crossing or safety railing and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 23.

[Electoral Divisions: All Barrow]

To receive a report from the Executive Director – Corporate, Customer and Community Services (copy enclosed).

This report updates Local Committee on the work of the Public Health Locality Manager (PHLM) to improve health and wellbeing outcomes in Barrow.

The Committee received a report from the Executive Director – Corporate, Customer and Community Services which gave an update on the work of the Public Health Locality Manager to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for our communities.

Members welcomed the detailed update which included information regarding COVID 19, Barrow Health and Wellbeing Partnerships, Morecambe Bay Population Health Strategic Board, Regional Health Inequalities Commission and Barrow Community Alcohol Partnership,

RESOLVED,     that the report be noted.

To note the minutes of the meeting of the Local Committee Chairs and Leadership meetings held on 5 July 2021 (copy enclosed).

RESOLVED,   that the minutes of the Local Committee Chairs and Leadership meeting held on 5 July 2021 be noted.

There were no reports from members serving on outside bodies on this occasion.

The next scheduled meeting will take place on Monday 15 November 2021 at 10.30 am at a venue to be confirmed.

RESOLVED,    that the next scheduled meeting will take place on Monday 15 November 2021 at 10.30 am in Ormsgill Community Centre if this venue was available.