Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillors Bourke, Kavanagh and Moghadas.

 

It was noted that, due to the death of her partner, Gail Marchant-Daisley had resigned from her position as Councillor. A by-election would be held in Petersfield ward on 22 May 2014.

 

The committee formally noted their thanks and appreciation for Gail’s hard work and dedication and expressed their condolences at this difficult time.

 

Councillor	Item	Interest
Saunders	14/30/EAC	Personal: Member of Cambridge Cycling Campaign

 

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 20 February 2014.

The minutes of the meeting of the 20 February 2014 were approved and signed as a correct record.

 

 

Thoday Street Cycle Parking

 

In the absence of Councillor Bourke Councillor Smart confirmed that he had spoken with Cycling Officers and further detail on the proposed Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) would be circulated in due course.

 

Children’s Centres across the City

 

In the absence of Councillor Bourke Councillor Smart confirmed that, whilst a number of the organisations were being changed, no Children’s Centres would be closed.

 

 

 

1.    Mr Woodburn commented that, whilst the resurfacing work on Cherry Hinton Road had been completed and the road markings reinstated, the speed camera outside of the Swiss Laundry was not working. Speeding, especially during Friday and Saturday nights, was an issue in this area and an update report from the Police was requested.

 

Councillor Herbert responded that the current road surface and markings were inadequate and would need to be replaced. However this could only be completed when the weather improved.

 

Councillor Owers confirmed that he had previously made enquiries regarding the speed camera and been assured that it was fully operational. He agreed to raise this issue again with County Council Officers and also request some further statistical data.

 

2.    Ms Symons raised concern about the unregulated parking at the Stourbridge Common end of Riverside and asked when the area would be transformed as envisaged in The Riverside Vision.

 

Councillor Johnson responded that Abbey Councillors had previously discussed with Officer the possibility of eliminating unregulated parking at the Stourbridge end by way of double-yellow lines, and to introduce (or extend) residents parking at the houses side as so to bring the parking situation under control. Logic would determine that these spaces would be for parallel parking only. This would solve the problem of left vehicles, and also prepare the groundwork for any further extension of the boulevard to stretch from common to common.

 

County Councillor Whitehead was attempting to get some clarity on the issue as, though in 2012 there was an award from the Minor Highway Works budget for tackling unregulated parking, no progress has seemingly been made.

 

The County Council had recently passed a Motion supporting the concept of trialling changes to the layout of the highway. Councillors would be interested in the feasibility of such a trial at Riverside to have one, free, cycling and pedestrian route from Midsummer to Stourbridge Common. Such a project would need to obtain funding and resident support. Councillors may in the near future organise a meeting with residents to discuss this proposal in more detail before acting further. In respect of the request for painting of the railings - funding in the region of £25,000 has been allocated to this project. However, these works were on hold until the conclusion of the moorings issue.

 

Councillor Whitehead confirmed that a scheme to address the issues, including Pay and Display parking, residents parking and yellow lines was currently being drawn up by Officers.

 

It was noted however that any scheme would need to be self-financing in order to cover the cost of enforcement.

 

As the residents of Stanley Road had also requested residents parking the two combined schemes may make them more financially viable. Consultation would be undertaken over the summer.

 

Councillor Whitehead agreed to continue to progress the issue with Officers.

 

3.    Mr Jennings requested a trial at Riverside to improve pavements.

 

Councillor Johnson confirmed that he had been in email correspondence with Mr Jennings and was progressing the issue. Officers had confirmed that the proposed scheme was technically viable and had suggested a site visit followed by further consultation.

 

The Riverside Resident’s Association had expressed support in principle but emphasised the need for full resident consultation.

 

Councillor Whitehead commented that the section between River Lane and Saxon Road was very narrow and the width of pavements would also need to be considered.

 

Mr Jennings responded that there was a need to balance the needs of road users with the needs of the limited number of residents

 

4.    Mr Roman raised concern about the number of potholes in Whitehill Road.

 

The Chair directed Mr Roman to the ‘Fix Your Street’ website.

 

Councillor Johnson confirmed that work was being undertaken to address the pothole issues in the City but that it was important for the public to report them, especially if they were dangerous to road users.

 

Councillor Brown emphasised the need to report any dangerous potholes as the Council could be liable for any injury sustained.

 

5.    Mr Harvey asked the Committee to make enquires with Januarys regarding their plans for the Howard Mallet site.

 

Councillor Walsh confirmed that he had met with Januarys and there had been a series of delays and complications with the site. It was hoped that a new planning application would be submitted in the summer.

 

The Chair confirmed that, as part of the planning process, the City Council encouraged pre-application discussions between the applicant and local residents.

 

6.    Frank Gawthrop raised concern about Ravensworth Gardens Play Area. The grass at the Play Area had been a continual problem and the recent reseeding had not improved the situation.

 

At the Strategy and Resources Scrutiny Committee in 2008 it was estimated that the problem would cost £25,000 to rectify and this money had been allocated in the 2012 budget.

 

From this funding £8000 was spent on shrubs and £7500 on an art project of brick Olympic rings. Only £6000 was spent on the grass. This was outrageous and local residents were very angry.

 

Councillor Brown responded that as she is a Director of the Ravensworth Gardens Residents Association she had taken no part in the committee discussion or the subsequent decision. It was noted however that the £25,000 had not been allocated just to address the grassing issue. Some of this was grant funding for the art project at the site. 

 

The original structure, situated on top of an underground car park, had not been designed well by the developer. The structure could not hold the weight of soil required in order for the grass to take well.

 

The Chair agreed that the issue would be looked into.

 

7.    Mr Brigham expressed support for retaining the Alex Wood Memorial Bus Shelter in Petersfield. Whilst there were some anti-social behaviour issues in the area this should be tackled by the Police. The wooden bus shelter was one of the most attractive in Cambridge and was a valuable memorial and historic feature. It should not be replaced with an aluminium shelter as being proposed by Council Officers.

 

Councillor Walsh confirmed that he had spoken with Mr Brigham and Alex Wood’s family regarding the memorial. As the family no longer lived in Cambridge they would be happy for the local Resident’s Association to make the final decision regarding the bus shelter.

 

Councillor Brown expressed support for the retention of the current wooden bus shelter.

 

The Chair confirmed that, when suggesting a replacement aluminium shelter, Council Officers had not understood the significance of the memorial. This had now been recognised by Officers and there was a need for a proper appraisal and consultation process.

 

The Chair also noted that the current position of the shelter was wrongly sited for the current bus service. 

 

The Project Delivery and Environment Manager confirmed that an opportunity had arisen to relocate an aluminium bus shelter and the Alex Wood site had been suggested. Officers now understood the importance of the site to local residents and a full consultation would be undertaken.

 

Due to the trees in this area, moving the shelter further down the road may be problematic. Officers would however investigate this.

 

8.    Mr Carpen asked for feedback on the recent Councillor visit to Coleridge Community College.

 

Councillor Johnson confirmed that he and Councillors Herbert, Kavanagh and Smart had visited the school to talk to pupils about the role of Councillors and local democracy.

 

It had been a very enjoyable experience and the engagement between Councillors and young people had been valuable. It was hoped that this could be repeated.

 

Councillor Smart emphasised that it had been a very useful exercise.

 

Councillor Herbert highlighted the importance of engagement with young people and the need for a better dialogue. For any future visits it was suggested that it may be better to work in smaller groups. 

 

Councillor Brown had been unable to attend through illness, but had visited Hills Road Sixth Form and been impressed with the energy and enthusiasm of these young people. Councillors were encouraged to undertake similar visits as they were a great way to engage with young people.  

 

The Chair agreed to liaise with the Principal of Coleridge Community College to get some feedback on how she, and the pupils, felt the visit went.

 

Mr Carpen thanked Councillor for visiting the school and would be campaigning for better engagement between the Council and young people across the City. He would also be undertaking a Digital Democracy campaign and pushing for more diverse engagement in democracy.

 

9.    The Chair read out an email from the Woodcraft Folk based at St Matthews’ Church Hall. The Pioneer Group (10-12 year olds) had been invited to participate in a coop funded community project aimed at transforming a space in the local community with an environmental theme. The group had presented a proposal for an urban trail with sites identifying local features. A map of this area could then be printed and put up on local notice boards and available at local stores and schools. 

 

Marker sites and a ‘Bug Hotel’ were proposed for St Matthew’s Piece or other nearby green spaces, as were timber sign posts with a question on one side and an answer on the other.

 

The Area Committee were asked if they had any objections to the timber sign posts.

 

Councillor Johnson suggested that the committee help direct the group to appropriate sources of funding.

 

Councillor Saunders felt it was a really exciting project and expressed his support for the proposals.

 

Councillor Smart suggested they contact Keith Jordan of the Romsey Gardening Group who may be able to assist with the project.

 

The Chair confirmed the Area Committees support for the proposals and agreed to liaise with Officers regarding possible funding sources. 

 

 

Discussion item brought forward by County Councillor Whitehead.

The Committee received a short report from Councillor Whitehead.

 

It was noted that contact had been made with the Transport Assessment Team at the County Council and they understood that the trial was already fully funded. Officers suggested that the Area Corridor Funding could be considered as a last resort once discussions between Marshalls, Addenbrookes and Stagecoach had been concluded.

 

It was noted however that, whilst the Area Corridor Funding could be used for a bus service, it would need to meet certain criteria.

 

Councillor Whitehead confirmed that Addenbrookes were not prepared to fund a future service but that Sainsburys had expressed an interest in the scheme. Alternative providers, such as a smaller minibus service, were also being investigated.

 

Area Committee support for such a scheme would ensure that they had an input into decisions such as the route, cost and fares.

 

The Committee expressed support in principle and agreed that Councillor Whitehead progress and feedback at future meetings. 

 

Councillor Brown emphasised the need for any bus used to be fully accessible.

 

Councillor Herbert suggested that further discussions be held with Addenbrookes and noted that some of the area was also covered by the South Area Committee.

The Committee received a report from Safer Neighbourhoods Inspector Poppitt regarding the policing and safer neighbourhoods trends.

 

The report outlined actions taken since the Committee on 28 November 2013. The current emerging issues/neighbourhood trends for each ward were also highlighted (see report for full details).

 

1.    Mr Taylor asked if Neighbourhood Alert was being used in Cambridge and if Councillors were included in the circulation.

 

The Safer Neighbourhoods Inspector confirmed that Neighbourhood Alert was an enhanced version of E-Cops and was being used across Cambridge.

 

Councillor Johnson confirmed that he received Neighbourhood Alerts and found them very useful. They provided information on the type of crimes being reported and committed across the City.

 

Councillor Smart responded that she preferred E-Cops alerts as it was more localised. She would however look again at the data provided in Neighbourhood Alerts.

 

2.    Mr Roman raised concern about drug dealing in Whitehill Road and Galfrid Road. It was also noted that the Police had stopped attending the Neighbourhood Watch meetings and local residents were feeling abandoned.

 

The Safer Neighbourhoods Inspector highlighted pages 27 and 28 of the agenda which emphasised the Police’s commitment to tackling drug crime in the area. Any information provided to the Police was taken seriously and the public were encouraged to report any concerns.

 

The Chair suggested that Mr Roman pass on all future Neighbourhood Watch meeting dates to the Safer Neighbourhoods Inspector.

 

3.    Ms Sinnott requested that the figures in the report relating to violent crime be broken down into categories.

 

The Safer Neighbourhoods Inspector confirmed that a Violent Crime Task Group looked for patterns and trends in the figures and then allocated resources accordingly.

 

A further breakdown of the figures could be requested by the Area Committee.

 

The Chair agreed to discuss this issue at the next Area Committee Chairs meeting. 

 

4.    Mr Black asked what the process was for documenting hate crime.

 

The Safer Neighbourhoods Inspector confirmed that a marker was placed against each of these crimes and trends and patterns could then be monitored.  

 

5.    Councillor Brown asked what action the Police were taking in respect of the offensive leaflet distributed recently in Cambridge.

 

The Safer Neighbourhoods Inspector confirmed that this was being investigated as a hate crime and he would keep the Committee informed of any progress. 

 

6.    Resident: Raised concern about the number of cyclists on Mill Road with no lights and the lack of Police action to tackle this.

 

The Safer Neighbourhoods Inspector confirmed that it was an issue across Cambridge and the Police gave it a proportionate response with appropriate resources. It was noted however that, with limited resources, it was a balance. 

 

Resolved (unanimously) to agree the following priorities:

 

i.                 Tackle the supply of drugs in the East area

ii.               Policing issues associated with Mill Road

iii.             Reduce shoplifting in the East Area

 

 

 

Report to follow

The Committee received a report from the Project Delivery and Environment Manager regarding the Cambridge 20mph Project. It was noted that a capital bid for £600,000 (not £400,000 as indicated in 3.1 of the Officer’s report) to cover the project was agreed in February 2012. 

 

1.    Mr Storer, speaking on behalf of the Cambridge Cycling Campaign, welcomed speed reduction on Mill Road but had reservations regarding Cherry Hinton Road and Coldham’s Lane if the new limits were not enforced.

 

Concern was raised regarding rat running through residential areas in Romsey and Coleridge. The need for more cycle access only areas and more traffic calming measures was also highlighted.

 

Noted

 

2.    Mr Woodburn highlighted the number of road deaths on Cherry Hinton Road and urged Councillor to support a 20mph limit. Children used this area when accessing local schools, as did older people accessing the two local pharmacies.

 

The need to replace the speed camera was also reiterated and Councillors and the Police were invited to observe the issues with Mr Woodburn.

 

          Noted

 

3.    Mr Dunn raised concern at the high cost of the project and questioned how it would be enforced by the Police. Everyone had a responsibility for their own safety and many cyclists in the City were badly behaved.

 

He felt that Ward Councillors were forcing this through.

 

In response to the public questions Councillors made the following points:

 

       i.          Councillor Smart confirmed that the 20mph project, via a Motion at Full Council, received unanimous support from all Councillors present. However, Ward Councillors should not agree without the support of local residents.

 

     ii.          Councillor Brown responded that if Coldham’s Lane residents were not in support of a 20mph limit it made no sense to agree it. Cherry Hinton Road was dangerous but without a speed camera in place a 20mph speed limit would not be observed. 

 

   iii.          Councillor Herbert confirmed that he would be happy to meet Mr Woodburn on Cherry Hinton Road to observe the speeding issues. Support was expressed for a 20mph limit and speed reduction measures on Coleridge Road.

 

   iv.          Councillor Benstead expressed support for a 20mph limit on both Cherry Hinton Road and Coleridge Road. He would also be interested in a breakdown of the consultation results (long term resident’s vs rental properties) for Cherry Hinton Road.

 

    v.          Councillor Roberts requested a breakdown of the consultation results for Wadloes Road. 

 

The Project Delivery and Environment Manager agreed to provide this to Councillor Roberts.

 

   vi.          Councillor Owers agreed that speeding on Cherry Hinton Road was an issue and expressed support for a 20mph limit.

 

 vii.          Councillor Saunders confirmed that he would support the results of the public consultation. 

 

 

Resolved (unanimously) to:

 

       i.          Note the consultation outcomes.

 

     ii.          Recommend to the Executive Councillor for Planning and Climate change (Councillor Tim Ward) and the Environment Scrutiny Committee the introduction of a 20mph limit on the unclassified roads in the East Phase area.

 

   iii.          Recommend to the Executive Councillor for Planning and Climate change (Councillor Tim Ward) and the Environment Scrutiny Committee the introduction of a 20mph limit on the following C Class roads within the East Phase area:

 

-        Mill Road

-        Brookside

 

 

Resolved (by 6 votes to 2) to:

 

   iv.          Recommend to the Executive Councillor for Planning and Climate change (Councillor Tim Ward) and the Environment Scrutiny Committee the introduction of a 20mph limit on the following C Class road within the East Phase area:

 

-        Cherry Hinton Road

 

 

Resolved (unanimously) to:

 

    v.          Recommend to the Executive Councillor for Planning and Climate change (Councillor Tim Ward) and the Environment Scrutiny Committee not to introduce a 20mph limit Coldham’s Lane.

 

The Committee received a report from the Operations and Resources Manager regarding Community Development and Arts & Recreation Development Grants.

 

Councillor Brown, as Executive Councillor for Community Wellbeing, thanked the Operations and Resources Manager and her staff for their hard work and dedication.  

 

Resolved (unanimously) to:

       i.          Agree the awards detailed in Appendix 1 of the Officer’s report and summarised in the table below:

 

Ref	Organisation	Purpose	Award £
E1	Abbey People	2 Events and 2 trips	2,000
E2	Barnwell Baptist Church -  Golden Years Group	3 trips	750
E3	Cambridge Art Salon	Romsey Art Festival	4,000
E4	Cambridge Seventh Day Adventist Church	Community Big Lunch Event	428
E5	Cherry Trees Over 50’s Club	Day trip to Wicksteed Park	635
E6	Christ the Redeemer Church	Family Holiday Club	950
E7	East Barnwell Friendship Group	Day trip	200
E8	Friends of Mill Road Cemetery	World War 1 events	780
E9	Hemingford Road Street Party Committee	Summer street party	1,500
E10	Mill Road Bridges	Print costs for 4 newsletters	1,750
E11	Mill Road Winter Fair Committee	Brochure design, print, and software	2,350
E12	The Liveaboard Trust	River Art Festival	1,000

 

The Committee received an application to vary a condition.

 

The application sought permission for Section 73 application to vary condition 6 to allow educational activities to take place every Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 1-30pm.

 

The Case Officer circulated an additional representation that had been received objecting to the application.

 

Corinne Duhig addressed the Committee and made the following points in objection to the application.

 

i.                 She represented many local residents that were unable to attend the meeting.

ii.               Increase in noise, traffic congestion and general disturbance.

iii.             Greater parking and waiting restrictions are needed.

iv.             Residents are at the end of their tether.

v.              Efforts have been made by the Mosque to address the issues but these have only been partially successful.

 

Mr D’angelico and Mr Mahmood addressed the Committee in support of the application.

 

Councillor Meftah, Trumpington Ward Councillor addressed the Committee in support of the application.

 

The representation covered the following issues:

 

       i.          The Mosque was working hard to address the issues.

     ii.          The educational activities were very important.

   iii.          Urged Councillors to approve the application.

 

Resolved (unanimously) to grant the application to vary a condition in accordance with the officer recommendation, for the reasons set out in the officer report, and subject to the following amended condition recommended by the officer (amendment underlined.

 

1.       Educational activities shall only take place on the ground floor of the site and only between the hours of 1000 and 1330 on Saturdays and Sundays.  The educational activities hereby approved shall take place only in accordance with the approved framework document entitled Educational Framework for Cambridge Muslim Welfare Society 2014.

         

Reason: To protect the residential amenity of neighbouring

occupiers. (Cambridge Local Plan 2006, policy 3/4)

 

 

The Committee received an application for full planning permission.

 

The application sought permission for a two storey rear extension and associated works (including changes to shopfront) to combine retail units 56 and 56A Mill Road and to create 6 self contained studio flats, 4 of which are new, following demolition of existing extensions and outbuildings.

 

Dr Simmons addressed the Committee and made the following points in objection to the application.

 

i.                 Overdevelopment of the site and change of use in a conservation area.

ii.               Overlooking of neighbouring properties.

iii.             Impact of additional noise and disturbance.

iv.             Lack of an overall plan for this very congested area of the City. 

 

County Councillor Walsh, Petersfield Ward Councillor addressed the Committee in objection to the application.

 

The representation covered the following issues:

 

       i.          Area is already built up and overcrowded.

     ii.          Effect on the conservation area.

   iii.          No sustainable drainage plan.

   iv.          Overlooking of neighbouring properties.

    v.          No consideration of parking issues.

   vi.          Lack of cycle storage.

 

Resolved (by 7 votes to 0) to grant the application for planning permission in accordance with the officer recommendation, for the reasons set out in the officer report, and subject to the conditions recommended by the officer.

 

 

 

The Committee received an application for full planning permission.

 

The application sought permission for change of Use from Sui Generis use (Taxi Office) to a Sui Generis use (sale and fitting of second hand tyres).

 

Resolved (unanimously) to grant the application for planning permission in accordance with the officer recommendation, for the reasons set out in the officer report, and subject to the conditions recommended by the officer.

 

 

 

The Committee received an application for full planning permission.

 

The application sought permission for the erection of 2No. 1.5 storey dwellings following demolition of existing lock-up garages.

 

Resolved (by 7 votes to 0) to grant the application for planning permission in accordance with the officer recommendation, for the reasons set out in the officer report, and subject to the conditions recommended by the officer.

 

 

 

The Committee received an application for full planning permission.

 

The application sought permission for the erection of new detached 1.5 storey dwelling.

 

Miss Turner addressed the Committee and made the following points in objection to the application.

 

i.                 High carbon dioxide causes stress and additional plants and shrubs were therefore requested on the site.

 

Resolved (by 7 votes to 0) to grant the application for planning permission in accordance with the officer recommendation, for the reasons set out in the officer report, and subject to the conditions recommended by the officer.

 

 

 

The Committee received an application for full planning permission.

 

The application sought permission for the redevelopment of land adjacent to 40-42 Cambridge Place, Cambridge for the erection of a 2 storey block of 5No. 1 bed apartments.

 

Barbara Bell addressed the Committee and made the following points in objection to the application.

 

i.                 Overdevelopment of the site.

ii.               Changes to boundary wall will damage neighbours amenity space.

iii.             Loss of light and air to 23 Glisson Road.

iv.             Suggested deferral of the application. 

 

The Applicants Architect addressed the Committee in support of the application.

 

Resolved (unanimously) to grant the application for planning permission in accordance with the officer recommendation, for the reasons set out in the officer report, and subject to the conditions recommended by the officer, and the following additional condition:

 

       i.          Notwithstanding the approved drawings, no development shall take place until revised details of the boundary treatment on the common boundary between the application site and Nos. 21 and 23 Glisson Road have been submitted to, and agreed in writing by, the local planning authority. Boundary treatments on this boundary shall be implemented in accordance with the approved revised details, and shall be maintained thereafter.

 

Reason: To protect the residential amenity of neighbouring occupiers. (Cambridge Local Plan 2006 policies 3/4 and 3/12)’