Darnall Area Panel Minutes 25th March 2004

DARNALL AREA PANEL


Meeting held 25th March, 2004, at the Youth Wing, Parish Centre, St. Mary's Church, Handsworth


PRESENT:			Councillors Mary Lea (Chair) and Terry Barrow.

			Officers in attendance:-

			John Mothersole	-	Lead Manager
			Andy Shallice	-	Area Co-ordinator
			John Bownes Debbie Merrill Ian Wheeldon	) ) )	Development Services

			Also in attendance:-
			Les Pynn	-	Business Development Director, Waverley Advance Manufacturing Park, Yorkshire Forward
			Rosie Trainor	-	South East Primary Care Trust

			There were approximately 22 members of the public and representatives from local community groups in attendance.

…………………..

1.	APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE FROM PANEL MEMBERS
	Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Mohammad Altaf and Harry Harpham.

2.	PUBLIC QUESTIONS AND PETITIONS
	The following question was asked by a member of the public and a response was provided as follows:-

	Q.	Could a progress report be provided with regard to the future use of the site of the former Morrisons Store in Darnall?

	R.	The Lead Manager indicated that he was still awaiting a response on this issue from W. M. Morrisons Limited.

3.	MINUTES
	The minutes of the meeting of the Panel held on 5th February, 2004, were approved as a correct record.

4.	THE WAVERLEY ADVANCED MANUFACTURING PARK
	The Area Co-ordinator referred to the development of the Waverley Advanced Manufacturing Park and stated that in Summer 2003, UK Coal, the owners of the Waverley site had consulted with local communities and other agencies about possible options for the future development of the site. This consultation process had enabled consideration to be given to the possible development of a new community, which would include new homes, other community facilities, parkland and more industrial and business development. Commenting further on industrial and business development at the site the Area Co-ordinator introduced Les Pynn, Business Development Director, Waverley Advance Manufacturing Park, Yorkshire Forward. Les Pynn indicated that the site was located between Rotherham and Sheffield and was in close proximity to Junction 33 of the M1 Motorway. He added that a joint venture with the land owner, UK Coal Limited had been formed to develop the site and Yorkshire Forward proposed to invest £12m towards the primary infrastructure, highways, drainage and servicing at the site. The Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) offered a unique opportunity for world leading manufacturing and materials research centres and high technology manufacturing companies to co-locate. It was envisaged that the development of the AMP would enable companies, through co-location, to share knowledge and expertise and this process would support the further growth and development of the site. A combination of research organisations and high technology industries involved in precision manufacturing and processing in the aerospace, medical implant and automotive industry would be housed at the site, and this would ensure that the site acted as a focal point for the region's Advanced Engineering and Metals Industry. The AMP would be the preferred location for high technology industries whose aim was to harness manufacturing innovation through collaboration between industry, research and centres of excellence. Les Pynn went on to refer to the work of Yorkshire Forwards Project Team whose mandate was to develop a pioneering site with world -class recognition, which would attract world leaders in mental based advanced research and manufacturing. In the development of the site Yorkshire Forward had been anxious to engage all appropriate partners particularly local communities and the appropriate Local Authorities and partnership arrangements had ensured that proposals for the future of the site were developed in consultation with key partners.
	Commenting on Yorkshire Forwards investment in the site, Les Pynn referred to the infrastructure plan, which had ensured a sound base on which to plan and develop state of the art manufacturing facilities. Since the implementation of this infrastructure significant progress had been made particularly to attract high profile, market leading manufacturers to the site. In order to attract further tenants to the state of the art facilities, the site had been advertised on an international basis, however only high technology manufacturing companies and material research centres would be invited to be tenants at the site. This process would ensure that tenants at the site provided services, which were consistent with the aim of the site and would also ensure that the pioneering reputation of the site was maintained. It was envisaged that the development of the AMP would contribute to the regeneration of the surrounding area through the provision of a pioneering manufacturing facility which was internationally renowned.
	In conclusion Les Pynn stated that discussions with 32 companies would continue with regards to securing future tenants for the site and any proposals to invite companies to serve as tenants at the site were developed in the best interest of the community.
	The Chair stated that due to the location of the site planning issues would be determined by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, however she acknowledged that Sheffield City Council was a key partner in the sites development.
	Arising from the information now reported a series of questions were asked and Les Pynn provided responses as follows:-

	· Yorkshire Forward would continue to work with the Learning and Skills Council in order to develop mechanisms to ensure that training opportunities were available to local people so that they could utilise any employment opportunities arising from the sites development. Work would also continue with the appropriate agencies to ensure that traffic problems arising from the sites development were properly managed.

	· In the development of the site, Yorkshire Forward was anxious to ensure that local companies were involved in the provision of activities such as tree planning and childcare at the site and a database would be developed which would include details of local companies that could provide services of this nature. This database would be used to identify appropriate contractors when work was required and in light of the comments now made enquiries would be undertaken in order to establish if community projects that could provide services of this nature could be added to this database.

	· The development of the site would provide a unique opportunity for world leading manufacturing and materials research centres and high technology manufacturing companies to co-locate and shared knowledge and expertise would enable further growth and development. This "cluster" principle would help to ensure that areas surrounding the site benefited from the sites development and this process would support the regeneration of local communities.
	·
	· Coinciding with the sites development proposals had been developed to develop a new community near to the site and this would include the provision of a housing development. Work would continue with Sheffield City Council in order to ensure that any such developments included adequate provision for green space and other community facilities such as schools and health services. Work would also continue with the local communities to ensure that any such developments were consistent with the views of local people.

	· With regard to the development of training opportunities to enable local people to access the job opportunities arising from the sites development, the University of Sheffield's Aerospace Department was considered as a world-leading expert in the manufacture of composites. The University provided courses, which would enable people from the City to obtain qualifications, which would help them to utilise the opportunities arising from the sites development and Yorkshire Forward would continue to work with the City's Universities to ensure that specialist courses were developed which would support the cluster principle.

	· Work would continue with companies throughout the City to ensure that existing knowledge and expertise in materials research and high technology manufacturing was fully utilised and a database would be developed which would contain details of these companies and this database would ensure that their expertise was not overlooked.

	· With regard to the development of buildings at the site, work would continue to ensure that environmentally friendly technology was used at every appropriate opportunity and tenants at the site would be required to contribute to a service charge, which would ensure that the site was properly maintained.

	Members of the Panel thanked Les Pynn for his report and noted the information contained therein.

	Commenting further on the development of the site, the Area Co-ordinator introduced Ian Wheeldon, Development Services, to provide further information with regards to transport and highways issues relating to the sites development. Ian Wheeldon indicated that the development of the site would require an extensive traffic assessment in order to ensure that traffic resulting from the site was properly managed. Due to the location of the site Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council had responsibility for planning consents and therefore it was necessary to ensure that measures for traffic management were developed in partnership with all appropriate partners.
	Throughout the sites the development Sheffield City Council had worked closely with Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council and Ian Wheeldon provided an indication of the proposed measures that could be introduced in both the short and long term to address potential traffic resulting from the site. He went on to provide further information with regard to these measures particularly those that would be implemented on or around Junction 33 of the M1, at the Catcliffe Junction, and in the Handsworth area.
	Initial research had provided an indication of potential traffic in the Handsworth area as a result of the sites development and Ian Wheeldon went on to refer to particular road junctions where measures could be introduced to limit the impact of this increase. With regard to public transport he indicated that discussions would continue with Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council in order to ensure that public transport to the site was properly co-ordinated and work would also continue on travel planning to encourage car sharing, the use of public transport and walking. In conclusion Ian Wheeldon indicated that the development of the link road was essentially an issue, which was being led by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, however, Sheffield City Council would continue to work with all appropriate agencies on this issue.
	Arising from the information now report a number of questions were asked and responses provided as follows:-

	Q. Could Wood Lane be re-opened to enable access to Tinsley Park Wood and the Europa link, particularly as this could alleviate traffic problems in the area?

	R. Ian Wheeldon acknowledged this was an option, which could be considered, however there were concerns that opening up this route would create a "rat run" and consideration also had to be given to the proximity to the rail freight link.

	Q. A local resident expressed concern that a number of developments in the Handsworth area had increased traffic volume and this meant that at certain times of day the B6200 was at a standstill and this increase in traffic volume was detrimental to air quality in the area. He went on to express further concern that the development of the Advanced Manufacturing Park would further increase traffic volume in the area and therefore air quality would deteriorate further. He sought clarification of what measures would be introduced to alleviate the problems associated with the heavy traffic congestion in the Handsworth area?

	R. Ian Wheeldon stated that the Council was anxious to ensure that traffic throughout the City did not increase and he referred to the Local Transport Plan, which demonstrated the Council's commitment to ensuring that traffic levels were kept at the level they were at in 1999. He stated that this service acknowledged that new developments could generate a significant amount of traffic and he referred to the development of the new link road by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council and how it was anticipated that this would strengthen the existing road network in the area and would help to alleviate traffic problems associated with the developments.

	Q. As a result of the sites development what new bus services would be provided particularly for residents travelling from the South East of the City?

	R. Ian Wheeldon stated that initial discussions with bus operators had indicated that two new services for residents in the South East of the City could be provided starting at the Crystal Peaks Shopping Centre and it was anticipated that these routes would travel through the Handsworth area.

	Q. A resident expressed concern that the transport infrastructure to accommodate the development of the site seemed very basic and sought clarification of what work would be undertaken with Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council in order to ensure that a robust transport infrastructure was in place?

	R. The Lead Manager indicated that discussions with the Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council would continue with regards to the transport infrastructure and these discussions would give consideration to all aspects of transport planning. Councillor Terry Barrow stated that in the development of the Waverley Link Road she anticipated that Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council would undertake extensive consultation and this consultation process would enable residents within the Handsworth area to comment on the development of the link road.

	Q. A local resident expressed concern that the route for the link road appeared to have been already determined and enquired if consideration had been given to the potential traffic increase arising from the housing development opposite the AMP site?

	R. Ian Wheeldon stated that the options for the route of the link road had been identified in a survey conducted by an independent consultant, however Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council would undertake consultation on this issue in order to gauge the communities view on the route of this road. He acknowledged that housing developments could generate a significant increase in traffic however, it was envisaged that the development of the link road help to strengthen the existing transport infrastructure in the area.

	Q. Would the development of a transport infrastructure be properly co-ordinated in order to ensure that areas such as Handsworth were not used as an alternative to the main arterial road such as the Parkway?

	R. Ian Wheeldon stated that partnership working between all appropriate partners would ensure a multi-agency approach to development of a transport infrastructure and this would ensure transport planning in the area was properly co-ordinated.

	Arising from the information now reported the following comments were made:-

	· A resident expressed concern that the City Council made it difficult for people who wished to used their car and this was particularly evident when trying to access the City Centre. He added that the City Council should give consideration to the fact that people want to use their cars and should be more accommodating to car users.

	· Public transport in the area should be properly co-ordinated and effective transport planning would help to raise awareness of the alternatives to car travel.

	· Concerns were expressed that the consultation process to be conducted by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council relating to the siting of the link road was worthless as it seemed as though the preferred option had already been determined.

	In conclusion the Area Co-ordinator, Les Pynn and John Bownes made a number of comments particularly relating to methods of reducing traffic volume, encouraging employees of manufacturers at the site to use alternative transport and how the survey being undertaken by UK Coal would enable local people to comment on the potential environmental and traffic implications of the sites development. Commenting on public transport, John Bownes acknowledged that effective transport planning was required and it was anticipated that discussions with bus operators would help to ensure that they were aware of local needs and this would help to provide people with an alternative option to using their car. Les Pynn stated that partnership working on the sites development would continue with relevant partners and this would help to ensure that the site was developed in a way, which was consistent with the views of local people. The Chair thanked John Bownes, Les Pynn and Ian Wheeldon for attending the meeting.

5.	DARNALL CHILDREN AND FAMILY CENTRE
	Lynda Edwards, Darnall Community Nursery referred to the report submitted to the Council's Cabinet on 22nd October, 2004, which had identified Darnall Community Nursery as the proposed Childrens Centre in the Darnall area. She provided further information with regard to the funding streams which would be used to finance the proposal and added that it anticipated that Darnall Community Nursery would play a key role in the provision of a Children and Family Centre in the Darnall area. She went on to provide details of the type of services that the proposed Children's Centre would provide and she also commented briefly on additional services, which could be provided.
	Lynda Edwards commented on the proposed location of the Children's Centre and stated that it was envisaged that further discussions would be undertaken with regard to links to the LIFT Project. She stated that staff at Darnall Community Nursery very excited about being an integral part of a comprehensive health, childcare and community service in the area and she added that the Centre would provide a transformational project for the Darnall area. The Centre would also provide evidence of best practice and joint working initiatives between statutory and community partners.
	In conclusion, Lynda Edwards stated that the development of the Childrens Centre in the Darnall area was demonstrative of what local community projects could achieve and showed confidence in the quality and scale of work undertaken by Darnall Community Nursery. She added that she would ensure that details of progress made on the development of the Children's Centre was provided at future meetings of the Panel. Members of the Panel thanked Lynda Taylor for her report and noted the information contained therein.

6.	HANDSWORTH PARK
	A local resident stated that a scheme had been developed to enable improvements to be made to Handsworth Park and by referring to a map he provided Members of the Panel with details of these proposed improvements. Members of the Panel noted the information now reported.

7.	DATE OF NEXT MEETING
	It was noted that the next meeting of the Panel would be held on Thursday, 20th May, 2004, at 6.00 p.m. at a venue to be arranged.

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