Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from County Councillor Brooks-Gordon.

Councillors Reiner, Kightley, Bick, Cantrill, Hipkin, Rosenstiel, Smith and Tucker 

Members of the committee are asked to declare any interests in the items on the agenda. In the case of any doubt, the advice of the Head of Legal should be sought before the meeting.

 

There were no declarations. 

The Principal Planning Officer informed the Committee that the East of England Plan had been revoked, so references to it in planning reports should be ignored. 

The committee received an application for the demolition of existing garages, outbuildings and wall, and erection of eight dwellings with associated landscaping, planting, access, parking waste and storage.

 

The Principal Planning Officer gave the following update regarding S106 contributions. The County Council has confirmed that of the sought education contributions set out on page 37, only Life Long Learning contributions are required (given the small size of the units). The contributions sought as a whole also need adjusting to take into account the three one-bed units (they are listed in the report as all 2-bed units, which is incorrect).

 

Mr Tonneau addressed the committee on behalf of himself and the residents of neighbouring properties. He made the following points in objection to the application:

              i.      Aesthetic impact on the area.

            ii.      Solid facade would be unattractive.

          iii.      Invasion of privacy.

         iv.      Impact of additional traffic and parking pressures.

           v.      Overcrowding of the area.

         vi.      If allowed, please limit car numbers and visitor parking permits.

 

Rob Hobwood of Bidwell’s addressed the committee on behalf of the applicant and in support of the application.

 

RESOLVED (by 5 votes to 3) to accept the officer recommendations and to approve the application for the following reasons:

 

1. This development has been approved, conditionally, because subject to those requirements it is considered to conform to the Development Plan as a whole, particularly the following policies:

 

Cambridge Local Plan (2006): 3/4, 3/6, 3/7, 3/10, 3/11, 3/12, 4/4, 4/10, 4/11, 4/13, 8/2, 8/6, 10/1

 

2. The decision has been made having had regard to all other material planning considerations, none of which was considered to have been of such significance as to justify doing other than grant planning permission.  This includes consideration of parking impact within the locality resulting from the loss of the existing garages and parking spaces on site and potential demand for additional visitor car parking permits within the area arising from the occupants of the new houses. In consideration of these issues, Members of the West Central Committee were mindful of the high quality development being proposed and the benefits to the character and appearance of the Conservation Area that would arise. On balance, in consideration of other neighbour concerns regarding the character of Eden Street Backway and residential amenity, the scheme was considered acceptable.

 

3. In reaching this decision the local planning authority has acted on guidance provided by the National Planning Policy Framework, specifically paragraphs 186 and 187.  The local planning authority has worked proactively with the applicant to bring forward a high quality development that will improve the economic, social and environmental conditions of the area.

 

These reasons for approval can be a summary of the reasons for grant of planning permission only.  For further details on the decision please see the officer report online at www.cambridge.gov.uk/planningpublicaccess or visit our Customer Service Centre, Mandela House, 4 Regent Street, Cambridge, CB2 1BY between 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday.

The committee received an application for the demolition of existing garages, outbuildings and wall and erection of eight dwellings with associated landscaping, planting, access, parking waste and storage and associated works at Eden Street backway / Portland Place.

 

RESOLVED (by 5 votes to 2) to accept the officer recommendations and to approve the application for the following reasons:

 

1. This development has been approved, conditionally, because subject to those requirements it is considered to conform to the Development Plan as a whole, particularly the following policies:

East of England plan 2008: ENV6 Cambridge Local Plan (2006): 4/10, 4/11

2. The decision has been made having had regard to all other material planning considerations, none of which was considered to have been of such significance as to justify doing other than grant planning permission.

3. In reaching this decision the local planning authority has acted on guidance provided by the National Planning Policy Framework, specifically paragraphs 186 and 187. The local planning authority has worked proactively with the applicant to bring forward a high quality development that will improve the economic, social and environmental conditions of the area.

 

These reasons for approval can be a summary of the reasons for grant of planning permission only. For further details on the decision please see the officer report online at www.cambridge.gov.uk/planningpublicaccess or visit our Customer Service Centre, Mandela House, 4 Regent Street, Cambridge, CB2 1BY between 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday.

 

The committee received an application for the demolition of curtilage listed dis-used Coach House rear of 26 New Street.

 

RESOLVED (by 5 votes to 2) to accept the officer recommendations and to approve the application for the following reasons:

 

1. This development has been approved, conditionally, because subject to those requirements it is considered to conform to the Development Plan as a whole, particularly the following policies:

East of England plan 2008: ENV6 Cambridge Local Plan (2006): 4/10, 4/11

2. The decision has been made having had regard to all other material planning considerations, none of which was considered to have been of such significance as to justify doing other than grant planning permission.

3. In reaching this decision the local planning authority has acted on guidance provided by the National Planning Policy Framework, specifically paragraphs 186 and 187. The local planning authority has worked proactively with the applicant to bring forward a high quality development that will improve the economic, social and environmental conditions of the area.

 

These reasons for approval can be a summary of the reasons for grant of planning permission only. For further details on the decision please see the officer report online at www.cambridge.gov.uk/planningpublicaccess or visit our Customer Service Centre, Mandela House, 4 Regent Street, Cambridge, CB2 1BY between 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday.

There were no declarations. 

Filming

The Chair announced that recording would be taking place during the meeting. No objections were received.

 

Future Agenda Timing

In future West Central meetings would start at 7.00pm with planning items. The main agenda items would be considered no earlier than 7.30pm, 30 minutes earlier than the current 8.00pm start.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 1^st November 2012.

The minutes of the meeting of the 1^st November 2012 were approved and signed as a correct record. 

Action sheet attached.

12/59/WAC: Outstanding Action from meeting of 23 August 2012, minute number 12/51/WAC, question from Richard Taylor regarding planning permission for works carried out on Midsummer Common.

 

This matter remains outstanding and Councillor Cantrill would report back to this committee at a later date.

 

12/61/WAC: Councillor Kightley had assisted Miss Chin with discussions with the County Council regarding parking permit issues.

 

12/12/61/WAC: The Police and Crime Commissioner had accepted the invitation to attend this West Central meeting.

 

12/63/WAC: County Councillor Whitebread reported that a bid had been submitted for County Council Highway funding for repairs to paths on Jesus Green / Midsummer Common (some of which are classified as Highways).

 

Area Committee Attendance records: Members agreed that in future separate attendances records would be kept for planning items and the main agenda items.

(Q1) Penny Heath on behalf of North Newnham Resident Association

Residents have concerns over pedestrian only routes into the City Centre which are under increasing pressures from the night-time economy, punt touts and tourism. Litter collection and general maintenance is suffering. Does the Council monitor the impact of tourism on the local environment?

 

Councillor Smith stated that she was aware of the concerns and had been working with local groups, Cam Conservators and the Police to address the issues. Little can be done about the footfall level. However, clear timetable to deal with leaves and litter needed to be established. The Love Cambridge bid could help with this matter. Councillor Smith agreed to raise the matter with the Head of Tourism and City Centre Management.

Action

County Councillor Nethsingha suggested that additional cycle signage (painted on to the footpath) and white lines could be considered.

 

(Q2) Richard Taylor

Could the consultation on the Maids Causeway signage be open up to all rather than confined to those in the immediate vicinity?

 

County Councillor Whitebread agreed that this was a good idea and would raise it with County Council officers.

Action

 

(Q3) Carol Leonard

By email: Changes to the road layout in Gilbert Road have created problems at the junction of Gilbert Road, Histon Road and Warwick Road. Traffic light timing needed to be adjusted to make the junction safe.

 

Councillor Kightley agreed to contact Ms Leonard and assist her to refer this matter to the County Council.

Action

 

(Q3) Penny Heath

Why has there been such a steep rise in evening parking charges along the backs? This was a popular parking space for local residents. The rise has led to a significant drop in numbers using the bays.

 

County Councillor Nethsingha stated that the fees had been introduced as a citywide initiative. Usage rates would be monitored.

 

(Q4) Richard Taylor

Is there any update on one way marking on roads in the City Centre?

 

Members stated that his had been discussed in the past and cost had been an issue.

The Project Delivery and Environment Manager suggested that the minor works budget could be used. He confirmed that additional no entry text had been added to the Corner of Round Church Street.

Presentation followed by an opportunity for public questions. 

The Chair welcomed Sir Graham Bright to the West Central Area Committee and invited him to address the meeting.

 

Sir Graham bright introduced himself and made the following comments regarding his priorities:

 

              i.      A number of priorities had been identified such as achieving the best results from the existing budget, tackling anti-social behaviour, burglaries and improving police response times.

            ii.      The wider community need to be engaged in supporting the Police.

          iii.      Closer working with Parish Councils, neighbourhood watch and resident groups was to be encouraged.

         iv.      Improved targets for answering non-emergency calls would be introduced.

           v.      He favoured increased support for local groups and special constables.

         vi.      Early intervention to tackle troubled families.

       vii.      Building and improving trust in the Police.

     viii.      The community needed to work with the Police and the Police needed to recognise their role was to serve the public.

         ix.      He aspired to high standards and achieving these in the three and a half year term of office would present challenges.

 

Public question to Sir Graham Bright

 

(Q1) Richard Taylor

Cambridge has no parishes. The democratic process can be witnessed by priority setting at Area Committees. Councillors agree challenging targets and hold the Police to account. Given the low turn out for the Police Commissioner elections will you empower elected Councillors to continue the current process of priority setting in a public arena?

 

(A) The low turn out and lack of information regarding candidates was disappointing and will hopefully be better next time.

However, every area has its own problems and solution needed to fit. Priorities will be set in consultation with many groups. I will be listening to feedback and holding the Police to account.

 

(Q2) John Lawton

The Police are currently unwilling to enforce the 20 mph limit even when this committee set it as a priority. What action will you take?

 

(A) Discussions with the Chief Constable had already covered this issue. We want action and welcome the plan to expand the zone. Enforcing speed limits is a priority and need to be tackled. There are currently issues with the sanctions (being discussed at national level) that can be applied and action would be taken to address this.

 

(Q3) Councillor Hipkin

Would you welcome a reduction in the politicisation of the Police Commissioner role at the next election?

 

(A) The election was open to all and independent candidates had been elected in some areas. We need to raise the profile of the role before the next election to encourage people to stand.

 

(Q4) Barry Higgs

Would a clear job description have helped?

 

(A) Home Office information was available. However, this was the first election of this kind. The newly appointed Commissioners are trailblazers and will need to network to share good practise.

 

(Q5) Barry Higgs

Whilst Neighbourhood Watch is not popular in Cambridge, E-Cops has been a great success. 

Results can be achieved by using volunteers to work with and to educate those who commit minor offences.

 

(A) Building public responsibility is part of the remit of the Commissioner role. Building links to the community using groups such as the scouts, schools and local businesses would be encouraged. Lessons can be learnt from elsewhere.

 

(Q6) Councillor Reid

Neighbourhood Watch is active in some parts of the City and works well in Newnham. This committee could assist in mapping out active groups across the area to facilitate engagement.

 

(A) Area Committees have a role to play and this could grow. A proactive approach could attract more people. The Police would be encouraged to support volunteers.

 

(Q7) Morcom Lunt

More then 70 Street co-ordinators were active in the city. A map of active Neighbourhood Watch groups is under construction. Neighbourhood Watch has a role in community building. Groups are engaged with Parkside Police Station and are piloting new approaches to volunteering.

 

(A) A map of active groups would be very useful.

 

(Q8) Member of the Public

E-Cops has been praised and works well with younger communities. What commitment is there to working with young people?

 

(A) This is an important priority and links to schools (and parents) would be explored.

 

(Q9) County Councillor Manning

Youth services have been cut and detached youth workers now work in a targeted way. This means there is less opportunity for wider youth work. Opportunities are missed.

 

(A) There is a need for a multi agency approach. There is a delicate balance to be achieved with troubled families and trying to keep young people on the right track.

 

(Q10) Member of the Public

(Question read out by the Chair on behalf of Cambridge Cycle Campaign) Why are cyclists targeted for action rather than motorists?

 

(A) There are number of traffic offences that current lack sufficient enforcement including, parking on pavements and use of mobile phones. The public need to recognise and observe the regulation. Cambridge is a tourist attraction and residents and visitors need to feel safe.

 

(Q11) Member of the Public

Can anything be done about unreported crimes such as domestic violence?

 

(A) Domestic Violence and rape are very important and a concern. There are some excellent voluntary organisations who are able to help, especially dealing with issues that don't come forward.

The committee received a report from Inspector Poppit, Sergeant Jayne Drury and Community Fire Safety Officer Jim Meikle, regarding policing and safer neighbourhood trends.

 

The report outlined actions taken since the West Central Area committee of the 23^rd August 2012. The pro-active work and emerging neighbourhood trends for each ward were also highlighted as below:

        i.      The Fire Service noted a successful reduction in incidents of arson. However, the nighttime economy and associated litter continues to present challenges.

      ii.      A recent cycle lights initiative had also produced good results.

 

Members welcomed the Task and Target multi agency approach to street drinkers and homelessness. The work of this group would be evaluated to gauge value for money and results achieved.

 

(Q1) Hugh Kellett

What measures can be considered for the more general enforcement of the 7.5t weight restriction in Newmarket Road and Maids Causeway, and indeed in Cambridge City generally? The restriction is endemically abused on a daily basis by a significant number vehicles driving illegally and with apparent immunity.

 

The committee considered adding this priority. However, Inspector Poppit stated that enforcing the restriction was a specialised task that would require additional resources. In order to evidence the need for such resources, he proposed that a traffic survey or a local lorry watch could be undertaken. 

 

Councillor Rosenstiel suggested that the North Area Committee should be invited to share the priority in order to include Victoria Road in any work undertaken.

 

(Q2) Richard Jennings

Over ranking of the City Centre Taxi rank continues to be problem.

 

County Councillor Whitebread agreed that this was a problem. Police had been seen taking action on occasions. The Better Bus programme is looking at the entire area. In order to keep the rank in its current location, it needs to be better managed. Consultation was planned for the near future. Adding over ranking as a priority was suggested.

 

(Q3) Richard Taylor

If crimes are reported in the local paper but not to the Police direct, is any action taken?

 

Inspector Poppit responded. The Police cannot act on crimes they are unaware of. However, if they are made aware of a crime they will investigate.

 

(Q4) Member of the Public

Is violent crime on the increase? Newspaper report would suggest that it is.

 

Inspector Poppit responded. The Police statistics reflect facts and violent crime is down.

 

The committee considered the suggested priorities. Members agreed that Emergency Vehicle Obstruction was being dealt with elsewhere and no longer needed to be a priority.

 

Councillor Smith suggested that ‘Anti-social Cycling’ should be amended to read Cycle Crime as a wider priority.

 

Councillor Bick proposed that the Christ’s Piece should be added to the Anti-social behaviour in the Grafton Centre area priority.

 

Resolved (unanimously) members agreed the following priorities:

 

                   i.      Cycle Crime

                 ii.      Over ranking of the taxi rank in St Andrew’s Street

               iii.      Anti-social behaviour in the Grafton Centre / Christ’s Pieces area

The committee received a report from the Project Delivery and Environment Manager regarding the New and Replacement Bus Shelter Programme.

 

Members expressed concerns that the proposed locations might not be in the most high demand bus stops. The Officer confirmed that while information was recorded on use of bus routes, it was difficult to access accurate data on the number using individual bus stops. However, it was believed that there was high demand at the proposed locations.

 

RESOLVED (unanimously): to approve the allocation of three new shelters as locations detailed in table 1.0 of the Officer’s report.

The committee received a report for the Committee Manager recommending meeting dates for the municipal year 2013 to 2014

 

RESOLVED (unanimously)  to agreed the following meeting dates:  20^th June 2013, 5^th September 2013, 14^th November 2013, 9^th January 2014 and 6^th March 2014.