Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies for absence on this occasion.

In accordance with the Members’ Code of Conduct, Members are requested to declare any interests orally at the start of the meeting and again immediately before consideration of the matter. Members are reminded to specify the agenda item number to which it refers and whether the interest is of a personal or prejudicial nature.

Members are also reminded of the requirements of Section 106 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 that they should declare and not vote on specified matters if they are two months or more in arrears with their Council Tax payments.

Councillor Marlow declared a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest with regard to Item 15 on the agenda – Property Sales and Reinvestment Programme and Item 17 – Property Sales and Reinvestment Exempt Report. The nature of the interest being that implications for the disposal of the Strathmore Centre may impact upon a property owned by his wife.

He left the meeting for the duration of the item.

To consider and approve the Minutes of the meeting held on 18 October 2012.

The minutes of the meeting held on 18 October 2012 were approved as a correct record.

Representations by members of the public were dealt with under the appropriate item on the agenda.

There were no matters raised by Executive Members on this occasion.

There were no matters raised by non-Executive members on this occasion.

There were no matters referred to the Executive for reconsideration on this occasion.

There were no reports from Overview and Scrutiny Committees on this occasion.

To consider placing a resolution to place before Full Council for the adoption of powers to enforce Moving Traffic Offences as listed in appendix A.

Cabinet considered a report of the Cabinet Member for Highways and Street scene regarding the adoption of powers to enforce Moving Traffic Offences.

Resolved: That Cabinet:

1. Agree that a resolution should be placed before Full Council to approve the transfer of powers to the Council from the Metropolitan Police to enforce moving traffic contraventions with a commencement date of 1 May 2013.
2. Approves, subject to Full Council approval of the transfer of powers and the expenditure detailed in the report to allow enforcement to take place.

Provide an update on the progress of the delivery of the Uplift Strategy and to

confirm associated priority activities for the next period of delivery of the Uplift

programmes.

Cabinet considered a report of the Strategic Cabinet Member for Environment and Planning, Parks and Highways which provided an update on progress of the delivery of the Uplift Strategy and to confirm associated priority activities for the next period of delivery of the Uplift Programmes.

Resolved: That Cabinet:

1. Note the progress of the delivery of the Uplift Programmes and the proposed programme of activity for the Uplift areas as described in paragraphs 3.4 and 3.5 of the report.
2. Delegate authority to the Strategic Cabinet Member for Environment and Planning, Parks and Highways to approve final detail of the programmes and associated resources, subject to appropriate consultation and as detailed within paragraphs 3.7 to 3.12 of the report.

To seek agreement of Cabinet to the London Borough of Richmond Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Preliminary Draft Charging Schedule for public consultation.

Cabinet received a report of the Strategic Cabinet Member for Environment and Parks, Planning and Highways which outlined the London Borough of Richmond Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Preliminary Draft Charging Schedule for public consultation.

Resolved: That Cabinet:

1. Approve the Preliminary Draft Charging Schedule for public consultation
2. Delegate authority to the Head of Policy and Design to agree any further minor changes to these documents following consultation with the Strategic Cabinet for Environment and Planning, Parks and Highways prior to consultation.

To obtain authority for the compulsory purchase of this piece of open land.

Cabinet considered a report of the Strategic Cabinet Member for Environment and Planning, Parks and Highways and Cabinet Member for Highways and Street Scene which sought authority for the compulsory purchase of the land west of the former sorting office, Twickenham Town Centre.

Councillor Samuel proposed that recommendation 3 be amended to read ‘To approve, if the compulsory purchase order is confirmed, that the Director if Environment is authorised to settle the compensation payable to the owner(s) without further reference to Cabinet provided such compensation can be met within the funds identified in paragraph 4.4 of this report.’

Resolved: That Cabinet:

1. To approve the marking of a compulsory purchase order on the land outlined on the map (shown at Appendix 1.)
2. To approve, subject to approval of the compulsory purchase order, that the Council proceed with the purchase of the land by use of general vesting declarations.
3. To approve, if the compulsory purchase order is confirmed, that the Director of Environment being authorised to settle the compensation payable to the owner (s) without further reference to Cabinet provided such compensation can be met within the funds identified in paragraph 4.4 of this report.
4. Authorise the Director of Environment to suspend the progress of the compulsory purchase procedure in respect of the line, should it become possible to acquire the land without such a procedure.

This report details the results of the public consultation on the Street Scene and Highways proposals for Twickenham town centre and recommends those elements to be taken forward for detailed design.

Cabinet considered a report of the Cabinet Member for Highways and Street scene which detailed the results of the public consultation on the Street Scene and Highways proposals for Twickenham Town Centre and recommended the elements to be taken forward for detailed design.

Ms Theresa Rowe, speaking on behalf of Richmond Aid addressed Cabinet. While acknowledging the wider benefits of many aspects of the scheme for all residents and welcoming investment in Twickenham, she expressed concern at the detail of compliance with the Public Sector Equality Duty and the level of disadvantage the proposals would create for some groups, including the elderly and disabled residents. In particular she highlighted the importance of continued consultation on the interchange elements of the scheme and the siting of Bus Stops on King Street. She further noted concern regarding the 400m parameter for the EINA which had been undertaken.

Mr Paul Luton addressed Cabinet on behalf of the CTC,  a national cycling charity. He welcomed the provision of a 20mph zone, removal of railings and the overall proposed reduction of traffic within Twickenham Town Centre. He noted the lack of well signed links between cycling provision across Twickenham and concern about the usability of advance stop lines where only advisory cycle lanes were in operation. He asked for further opportunities for consultation on details.

Mr Robert Heslop a local resident addressed Cabinet. He acknowledged that the scheme was well needed to re-develop Twickenham but highlighted some inconsistencies he perceived to exist within the technical information provided as part of the report. He sought further public consultation on the detailed designs prior to final Cabinet approval.

Mr John Head, a local resident addressed Cabinet. He welcomed the overall improvements proposed by the scheme for Twickenham but felt further consideration for and discussion with local cycling groups be incorporated. He noted the importance of dedicated cycling infrastructure to increase safety for cyclists.

Councillor Naylor addressed Cabinet. He acknowledged the positive nature of the scheme in providing much needed revitalisation of Twickenham town centre and its potential benefit for local shops and residents but sought further consultation regarding aspects of the detailed designs. He noted the 20mph zone was a positive proposal and the introduction of Countdown functionality on bus stops was welcomed. Moving the bus stops would enable positive townscape improvements.

Councillor Elloy addressed Cabinet. He expressed concern regarding the potential impact of relocating bus stops on King Street and widening of the pavement. He questioned the significance of a 20 mph zone in view of traffic speeds and argued that the proposals should support the modal shift required towards increased bus and cycle usage and walking.

Councillor Harrison thanked the speakers for their views and responded to the key points raised. He noted that discussions with TfL to agree detailed designs and final relocation of bus stops were ongoing. He acknowledged the potential equality impact for some residents which had been carefully considered in compiling the draft proposals and requested that all Members  ...  view the full minutes text for item 300.

Award of a Framework Agreement and associated Contracts for the provision of

Parks and Open Spaces Maintenance Services.

Cabinet considered a report of the Strategic Cabinet Member for Environment and Planning, Parks and Highways regarding the award of a Framework Agreement and associated Contracts for the provision of Parks and Open Spaces Maintenance Services.

Resolved: That Cabinet:

1. Delegate the award of 11 contracts for the provision of Parks and Open Spaces maintenance services to the Strategic Cabinet Member for Environment and Planning, Parks and Highways following consultation with the Director of Environment, subject to further clarification with suppliers and on the condition that any resulting price variation does not exceed 10% of the originally submitted tender price submitted.

To provide the Cabinet with an update of sales achieved under the approved Sales/Re-investment Programme 2010/2013 and to seek approval of new Sales/ Re-investment Programme 2013/2016.

Cabinet considered a report of the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources which provided an update of sales achieved under the approved Sales / Reinvestment Programme 2010/13 and to seek approval of a new Sales / Reinvestment Programme 2013/16.

Councillor Elloy addressed Members regarding the future of the Strathmore Centre in which a local provider of children’s nursery and pre and post school care, Scamps operated. He requested that the building be taken off the disposals list due to the current lack of alternative premises available for Scamps.

Councillor Samuel responded to explain that it was not possible to remove the Strathmore Centre from the disposals list and acknowledged the lack of alternative sites for Scamps. He noted that a future condition of sale for the land could include maintaining accommodation for Scamps within the existing land footprint.

Resolved: That Cabinet:

2.1       Note the sales achieved in delivery of the Sales/Re-investment Programme 2010/13, as set out within paragraph 3.2 and public Appendix A(p) and within the Exempt Report and the confidential Appendix A(c).

2.2              Approve the updated Sales/Re-investment Programme for 2013/2016, as set out within paragraphs 3.5 and 3.6 and public Appendix B(p) and within the Exempt Report and the confidential Appendix B(c).

2.3       Delegate authority to the Assistant Director of Environment ( Property, Parks and Sustainability), following competitive marketing or negotiation or terms as appropriate and following consultation with the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Resources (and Cabinet Member for Adult Services, Health and Housing where a Registered Provider has put forward proposals and an offer), to:

(i)                  Approve the completion of sale of each property included in the 2013/16 programme at, or above, or not more than 10% below , the estimate of receipt for that particular property given in Appendix B(c) of the Exempt report

(ii)                 Approve the setting of a reserve price at not more than 10% below the estimate of receipt given for that particular property in Appendix B(c) of the Exempt report, where the particular property included on the programme is to be sold by auction.

2.4       Cabinet approve the sale of land at Mill Farm Road, Hanworth to a social housing provider, subject to planning, as set out at 3.8 below, and delegate authority to the Assistant Director of Environment to accept an offer, finalise terms and complete a disposal following consultation with the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources and Cabinet Member for Adult Services Health and Housing.

2.5       Note that the future terms of sale for the Strathmore Centre should include ongoing provision for Scamps to be accommodated within the footprint of the existing land.

To decide having regard to the particular nature of the business to be transacted, whether or not to exclude the Press and Public during consideration of the following items on the grounds that they were likely to disclose exempt information by virtue of Paragraph 3  of schedule 12 A (as amended) to the Local Government Act 1972.

Resolved: That having regard to the particular nature of business to be transacted during the consideration of Item 22 that it was likely to disclose exempt information by virtue of paragraph 3, as defined in the Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4 and of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded.

To advise Cabinet of Exempt information relating to the Property Sales and Reinvestment Programme.

Resolved: That Cabinet:

1. Note the exempt information contained within the report relating to the Property Sales / Reinvestment Programme.