Issue - meetings

The Committee received a report from the Public Realm Engineering & Project Delivery Team Leader regarding the Environmental Improvement Programme (EIP). The report outlined progress of existing schemes and new suggested schemes for 2019/20.

In response to Members’ questions the Public Realm Engineering & Project Delivery Team Leader answered:

      i.                  Project N2 (re-estabishment of grass verges in Gilbert Road), was eligible and being considered for funding from the strategic EIP allocation.

    ii.                  Additional local area funding was expected to become available in April 2020, with a further invitation to members to consider applications expected in early Summer 2020.

   iii.                  Project N8 (additional funding for Hazelwood Close play area) required consideration from local area budgets by North Area Committee.

  iv.                  Noted that concerns had been raised regarding grass verges which had had caravans parked on them at Green End Road.  Suggested that Councillors could approach the County Council to resolve in the first instance as they were the responsible authority.  It could be the case that a Local Highways Improvement project had been approved by the County Council and that they could still be in the process of resolving the issue.

Members of the public made the following comments in response to the report:

      i.                  Thanked the committee for the hanging baskets.

Members of the public asked a number of questions, as set out below.

1.      Queried repairs to pavements and delays in these being repaired.

Asked that any issues were reported to the Ward Councillors.

2.      Questioned how bee hotels could be included in the North Area.

Commented that it might be worth contacting the Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP).  One of the strategic themes of the EIP funding was biodiversity. There were a number of requests for bee hotels across the city that were being considered.  Reminded those present that there was likely to be a further application round in Summer 2020.

Following discussion, Members resolved (unanimously) to:

i.                Note the operating amendments to the programme agreed by the Executive Councillor for Streets and Open Spaces following Environment and Community Scrutiny on 21 March 2019

ii.              Note the allocation of funding across all areas of Cambridge for the period 2019-21

iii.             Approve the allocation of £6,616 from local area EIP funds in 2019/ 20 towards the provision of 40 summer hanging baskets in Campkin Road, and along Chesterton High Street

iv.            Note those new North area project aspirations received in the latest 2019/ 20 round which would be recommended to the Executive Councillor for Streets and Open Spaces for funding from the new central, city-wide, strategic EIP allocation

v.              Approve the remaining new North area project aspirations received in the latest 2019/ 20 round for funding as part of the local North area programme for 2019/ 20

vi.            Support those projects selected for implementation, subject to them being viable, obtaining consents as necessary, positive consultation and final approval by the Council’s Place Board, Ward and Executive Councillors, where required.