Agenda and minutes

Councillor Connolly declared a personal interest in any matters relating to the fact that his partner is employed by Persona Care and Support Ltd (Local Authority Trading Company).

A period of thirty minutes was allocated for any members of the public present at the meeting to ask questions about the work or performance of the Council or Council services.  

Topic:Prestwich High Street Regeneration - Consultation with Cycling Groups

Question: Which cycling organisations were consulted on the Council’s proposals? There are concerns with the proposals, in particular, that a ‘door zone’ has not been included to reduce the risk of cyclists colliding with the open doors of parked vehicles. A scheme has been proposed for Wilmslow Road in Manchester which uses a segregation system to protect cyclists.

Response: The Council undertook a major consultation and received nearly 600 questionnaires and over 500 comments in response. The Council has also worked in close partnership with Transport for Greater Manchester (Cycling Team), which in turn consulted with cycling organisations, such as the Greater Manchester Cycling Campaign. It should be noted that there are differences between Bury New Road (A56) and Wilmslow Road (A6010) (Manchester) and the Council has produced a proposal that reflects the comments and concerns submitted by cyclists, pedestrians and motorists. The budget to fund the scheme is limited and if other sources of funding can be identified to improve the scheme further, the Council is willing to consider them.

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 13 January 2016.

Delegated decision:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 13 January 2016 be approved and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

The Cabinet Member (Resources and Regulation) submitted a report presenting details of the Council’s proposed Workforce Wellbeing Strategy 2016-2020. The updated Strategy will replace the current Health and Wellbeing Strategy and sets out the framework for the provision of help and support for employees to develop better physical and emotional health.

Delegated decisions:

1.   That approval be given to adopt the Workforce Wellbeing Strategy.

2.   That approval be given to ensure that employee wellbeing continues to be prioritised, and that take be action to address any practices or procedures that are not aligned to this.

Reason for the decision:

The new Strategy will consolidate existing good practice and set the foundations for an effective way forward in supporting employees to develop better physical and emotional health. This will bring about substantial benefits for employees, the Council and the Borough.

Other option considered and rejected:

To reject the recommendations.

The Cabinet Member (Resources and Regulation) submitted a report detailing the Equality Strategy 2016-2020, that will replace the existing Strategy 2012-2016. The Strategy included the Council’s equality vision, objectives, and policy and sets out a framework and decision making structure in relation to equality matters. The Strategy is in line with the Council’s legal obligations under the Equality Act 2010 and associated Public Sector Equality Duty.

The following Equality Objectives have been developed from the Council’s corporate Vision, Priorities and Outcomes, research and consultation:

-      We will take action to tackle and reduce unwanted behaviour in both our workplace and our schools;

-      We will reduce the amount of unknown equality data we hold on our employees;

-      We will work to digitally include more of our employees.

Delegated decision:

1.   That approval be given to adopt Equality Strategy 2016-2020.

2.    That approval be given to the Equality Objectives.

Reason for the decision:

The Public Sector Equality Duty requires public bodies, such as the Council, to have due regard for the following aims in all that it does:

- Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation

- Advance equality of opportunity between different groups

- Foster good relations between different groups.

Other option considered and rejected:

To reject the recommendations.

The Cabinet Member (Resource and Regulation) submitted a report seeking approval to the revised Local Development Scheme (LDS) (March 2016) and the date it will become effective. The report also sought approval to delegate authority to the Interim Executive Director of Resources and Regulation in consultation with the Cabinet Member (Resources and Regulation) to make any future timetable amendments as necessary together with any changes to the document content of the LDS.

The latest LDS sets out the scope and preparation timetable for Bury’s Development Plan, including the Local Plan, the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework and other associated documents.

Delegated decision:

1.   That approval be given to the Local Development Scheme (March 2016).

2.    That the Local Development Scheme become effective from 2 March 2016, and be published on the Council’s website.

3.   That approval be given to authorise the Interim Executive Director of Resources and Regulation in consultation with the Cabinet Member (Resources and Regulation) to make any future timetable amendments as necessary (including those made by the Secretary of State) together with any changes to the document content of the LDS and to resolve the date from which such amendments shall have effect.

Reasons for the decision:

The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (as amended) requires Local Planning Authorities to prepare and maintain a LDS. The approval of the revised LDS will ensure that this requirement is complied with and the LDS is up-to-date. The delegated authority for revisions as outlined in Option 1 is considered necessary to allow for amendments to the timetable and contents of the LDS.

Other option considered and rejected:

To consider revisions to the proposed LDS and specify the nature of any revisions to be sought.

The Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member (Business Engagement and Regeneration) and the Cabinet Member (Environment) submitted a report setting out proposals to undertake a high street regeneration scheme in Prestwich in line with the Prestwich Regeneration Strategy. The report outlined the major consultation held to consider developing a strategy to support the long term vitality of Prestwich town centre and the public feedback on the two proposals produced.

Delegated decisions:

1.   That officers be instructed to undertake detailed designs and obtain tenders in respect of delivering Proposal One, as detailed in the report submitted, subject to the following amendments and within the approved budget:

• Clifton Road to remain open in both directions. The situation will be monitored for a period of 12 calendar months from completion of the scheme as to its effect on traffic flows, congestion and safety.
• The on street (adopted) parking bays to be reduced in length and additional street trees to be included to improve the aesthetic appearance. Parking bays to be subject to restrictions of 60 minutes with no return with 1 hour.
• Officers to work with Transport for Greater Manchester to ensure traffic light sequencing is maximised to reduce congestion.

2.   That authority be delegated to the Chief Executive and the interim Executive Director of Resources and Regulation, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to consider all tenders received and to approve the awarding of the contract to undertake the approved scheme within the approved budget.

3.   That officers be instructed to seek opportunities to secure additional match funding and sponsorship specifically in respect to street furniture, signage and planting

Reason for the decision:

This is a key scheme for the regeneration of Prestwich High Street and the surrounding areas.

Other option considered and rejected:

To reject the recommendations.

Delegated decision:

That in accordance with Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item of business as it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as detailed in the condition of category 9.

The Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member (Business Engagement and Regeneration) and the Cabinet Member (Environment) submitted a report on a proposal to undertake a major regeneration project.

Delegated decision:

That approval be given to the financial details set out in the report submitted.

Reason for the decision:

This will provide funding for a major regeneration project.

Other option considered and rejected:

To reject the recommendation.