Minutes 27th March 2003

DARNALL AREA PANEL


Meeting held 27th March, 2003 at Handsworth Parish Centre


PRESENT:		Councillors Terry Barrow (Chair) and Terry McElligott.

		Officers in attendance:-
		John Mothersole	-	Executive Director, Development, Environment and Leisure
		Andy Shallice	-	Area Co-ordinator
		Mohammad Mahroof	-	Design and Property
		Ian Wheeldon	-	Planning, Transport and Highways
		Andy Cain	-	Committee Secretariat

		and 66 members of the public.

…………………..

1.	APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
	An apology for absence was received from Councillor Gill Furniss.

2.	PUBLIC QUESTIONS AND PETITIONS
	Members of the public asked the following questions and members of the Panel and Officers responded as follows:-

Q.	In light of the response to the petition submitted to the City Centre and East Planning and Highways Area Board on 14th October, 2002, highlighting a number of problems surrounding Kettlebridge Road, the questioner indicated that in his opinion the issue had not been resolved satisfactorily and would be pursued further by the local community.

A.	Andy Shallice indicated that a copy of the report in response to the petition submitted to the City Centre and East Planning and Highways Area Board on 17th February, 2003, was available at the meeting. He indicated that Street Force were dealing with the litter problem and there had been a number of prosecutions for illegal tipping in the area following the use of CCTV footage. The report indicated that the whole matter would be kept under review as the redevelopment of the area continued and that a co-ordinated approach was required to all the issues of concern, both from local residents and businesses and that the Area Panel would continue to co-ordinate this approach.

Q.	With regard to two recent planning applications for the Kettlebridge area, had any conditions been imposed by the City Council to address the issues of concern, particularly in respect of traffic.

A.	Andy Shallice indicated that Planning Officers had considered that the planning applications were comparatively minor to impose conditions although he was aware that two major planning applications were to be made in the near future which would attract planning gain funding.

Q.	Councillor Terry Barrow asked if the review referred to in the report could be carried out within 3 months.

A.	John Mothersole indicated that 3 months was a reasonable timescale and he agreed that a report would be presented to the Area Panel. He commented that the City Council had a target to remove fly tipping within 5 days of it being reported and he understood that this target was being achieved across the City.

	Petition
	Mrs. Rose Birks presented a petition containing 10 signatures, calling upon the City Council to take action to address the problem of litter and fly tipping in Bowden Houstead Woods, adjacent to Richmond Park Rise and the Asda Store.
	Councillor Terry Barrow acknowledged receipt of the petition and indicated that it would be appropriate for it to be presented to the meeting of the City Council to be held on Wednesday, 2nd April, 2003. She had noted that Asda had undertaken work to clean up litter, but only up to their boundary.

Q.	In view of the litter problems in the Handsworth area, could the Area Panel consider employing a litter picker, dedicated to the Panel area.

A.	Councillor Terry Barrow indicated that before this was considered it would be necessary to review the work Street Force undertook in the area. With this in mind she had requested Street Force to provide details of their schedules and these would be reported to the next meeting.

Q.	It had been previously indicated that Asda were intending to erect a fence to prevent litter going into the Bowden Houstead Woods.

A.	Councillor Terry Barrow requested Andy Shallice to contact Asda to ascertain the situation regarding the erection of the fence.

Q.	In view of the level of nuisance behaviour associated with youths congregating at the bus shelter outside the Scooter Shop on Handsworth Road could the Panel assist in having the shelter relocated.

A.	Councillor Terry Barrow indicated that the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) had reviewed relocating the shelter but had considered that there were too many safety implications to do this. She also indicated that SYPTE had advised her that it would not be possible to relocate the bus shelter opposite Asda, again due to safety concerns. John Mothersole indicated that with respect to the bus stop at Asda, the actual positioning of the shelter was the main problem.

Q.	The resident of 181 Handsworth Road referred to the bus stop opposite Asda, situated outside 179 Handsworth Road, and indicated that the shelter attracted rubbish, caused access problems to his property and was hazardous in view of the fact that the footpath was too narrow at this point for the shelter which caused pedestrians to have to step into the highway when people were waiting at the shelter. He had proposed that the bus stop and shelter be moved to Oakley Road where there was sufficient room for the shelter to be erected.

A.	Councillor Terry Barrow requested Andy Shallice to raise the issue of the siting of the bus stop outside the Scooter Shop on Handsworth Road to the SYPTE. In respect of the bus stop outside 179 Handsworth Road, she had been advised that the pedestrian crossings to and from Asda were located correctly for the bus stop and if the stop was moved this would cause pedestrians to cross further down, with associated safety implications. Ian Wheeldon commented that if a new planning application was submitted in respect of Asda there would be a requirement for an associated travel plan and this issue would need to be given further consideration at that time.

Q.	Could remedial action be taken to repair the fence separating the footpath from the slip road to the Sheffield Parkway due to its poor condition which also gave rise to safety concerns.

A.	Councillor Terry Barrow requested Ian Wheeldon to investigate this matter.

Q.	A resident of Fitzalan Road raised concerns regarding the Handsworth Road/Parkway Junction.

A.	Councillor Terry Barrow acknowledged the problem and indicated that this matter could be considered in the item later in the agenda relating to traffic issues at the Asda/Parkway junction.

Q.	What action was the City Council taking to address the long-term problem of people dropping litter.

A.	John Mothersole indicated that the City Council had authority to prosecute people who dropped litter and in excess of 100 "spot" fines had been issued and if the fine were not paid the matter would be taken to court. He suggested that a positive way forward would be for Street Force Teams to target specific areas on a regular basis.

Q.	There had been publicity in the area for the Police's Community Support Officers but they had not been seen in the Handsworth area.

A.	Andy Shallice indicated that he would contact South Yorkshire Police with regard to this matter and report back at a future meeting.

Q.	Could a litterbin be provided on the recreation ground adjacent to St. Joseph Road?

A.	Andy Shallice indicated that the request would be referred to Street Force.

Q.	The community had made efforts to re-invigorate Handsworth Recreation Ground and various meetings and events had been held. In view of the fact that the Council received revenue from the hire of the football pitches could funding be found to provide for improved play facilities as the existing ones were being vandalised and the area attracted nuisance behaviour which did not appear to be being addressed by South Yorkshire Police.

A.	Councillor Terry Barrow indicated that the Panel had been asked to identify some priority sites by the Parks, Woodlands and Countryside Service and the Handsworth Recreation Ground had been identified as one of the Panel's priorities, although she could not, at this stage, advise on what action would be taken. A representative of Handsworth Forum indicated that a questionnaire was being circulated in the area and that a Friends Group was being established in respect of the Handsworth Recreation Ground. John Mothersole indicated that the City Council had identified additional funding for the Parks, Woodlands and Countryside Service. Andy Shallice believed that High Hazels Park was an excellent example of what a Friends Group could achieve.

3.	CLOSURE OF THE PRINCE OF WALES MEDICAL CENTRE (DOCTOR KHAN'S SURGERY)
	Jo Zasada, South East Primary Care Trust, updated the Panel on the alternative provision for GP services in light of the closure of Dr. Khan's surgery at the Prince of Wales Medical Centre, on 30th April, 2003, due to his retirement. A public meeting had been held on 27th February, 2003, where the Primary Care Trust acknowledged that GP provision was required on Prince of Wales Road and a number of ideas were received regarding possible premises. She was pleased to report that premises had been found at the Kavanagh Factory site within its existing medical centre which would be refurbished to provide GP provision on a temporary basis.
	The GP service would be operated as a branch surgery to the Darnall Community Health Centre, led by Dr. Mahmood, and letters would be circulated to patients to advise them of this whilst outlying patients would be allocated a GP closer to their home address.
	She acknowledged that the Medical Centre would require refurbishment and that there were some concerns regarding access to the centre due to the gradient. The Primary Care Trust had given consideration to running a shuttle service to and from the centre to overcome this which would be particularly aimed at the elderly and expectant mothers.
	She referred to a leaflet that was available at the meeting which advertised a drop-in session at the Darnall Road Surgery at 2 York Road, between 2.00 p.m. and 6.00 p.m. on Thursday, 3rd April, 2003.
	The Panel thanked Jo Zasada and noted the information reported.

4.	MINUTES
	The minutes of the meeting held on 30th January, 2003, were not considered for accuracy in light of the fact that only one of the members who had been in attendance was at this meeting. However consideration was given to the matters arising from the minutes which were as follows:-

	Bus Travel to Hinde House School
	Andy Shallice reported that the Headteacher of Hinde House School had been successful in arranging for the re-routing of the school bus service to and from Darnall and Tinsley and that a new contract to this effect would be drawn up in the near future.

	Derelict Shops on Darnall Road/Industry Road
	Andy Shallice reported that Environmental Services were investigating the concerns raised regarding rats, that some test baiting had been undertaken and that an update would be provided at a future meeting.

	Morrisons
	John Mothersole reported that efforts were being made to generate enough interest to enable the Morrisons store to be fully re-occupied. Approximately 50% occupation had been arranged so far and further investigations were being undertaken to ascertain whether any Council or Primary Care Trust services could be accommodated. He indicated that a written report would be submitted to the Panel at a future meeting.

	New Morrisons Supermarket at Catcliffe
	A letter had been sent on behalf of the Tinsley Forum and the Catcliffe and Brinsworth Partnership to the Executive Chairman of William Morrisons Supermarkets, highlighting the concerns of the local community that cars using the new store would significantly add to the congestion and poor air quality in the area and, in view of the fact that the store was in an Air Quality Management area and because of the levels of nitrogen dioxide, would consideration be given to initiatives to address this problem, particularly by providing a free delivery service in the local area and actively supporting better public transport links to and from the store. He referred to the reply of the Property Director of William Morrisons Supermarkets, which he believed to be totally unacceptable. He indicated that a copy of both letters were available for collection at this meeting. Councillor Terry Barrow requested John Mothersole to contact the appropriate officer at Rotherham Borough Council to consider the issue as the appropriate planning authority, in view of the fact that the store was situated in Rotherham,

	Housing
	Andy Shallice indicated that a survey was being undertaken by consultants with regard to private sector housing in the most deprived areas of the City and the outcomes of this survey would be reported back to a future meeting. A question was received regarding the stock condition survey referred to in respect of the RIMA Construction properties at Richmond Park and the fact that this survey had not been circulated as promised. Councillor Terry Barrow requested Andy Shallice to address this issue.
	The Panel noted this information.

5.	FUTURE OF HANDSWORTH FIRST SCHOOL SITE
	Mohammad Mahroof, Design and Property Services, provided an update on the future of the Handsworth First School Site which had been subject to a great deal of community involvement regarding its future, particularly with a view to returning it to community use. He referred to a survey on the future of the site which had been conducted by the Handsworth Community Forum following a decision taken at the Darnall Area Panel meeting held in March, 2002 to commission the Forum to undertake the survey. The survey indicated that of the 75 householders who replied to the survey 68% were in support of the proposal for the demolition of the old school. The survey report went on to set out the various options regarding the site including demolition/refurbishment and a recommendation that the survey be considered fully before any final decision was made.
	Mohammad Mahroof indicated that the whole of the site could be sold for development once demolition had taken place but believed that this would alienate the local community. An alternative would be to keep all of the community buildings and simply sell the school part but problems were envisaged with this proposal. The preferred option would be to sell the vast proportion of the site whilst retaining the two perimeter buildings for the purpose of providing community facilities. It was acknowledged that further discussions would be required with the various community groups regarding this particular proposal. The City Council intended to submit a planning application for the site for it to be used for housing and if such permission was granted the site would then be marketed for sale and the successful developer would then need to develop a scheme and apply for full planning permission. He believed that the site would generate a great deal of interest as it was acknowledged that there was not a great deal of land available for housing development in the Handsworth area.
	Arising from consideration of the information reported the following questions, comments and responses were noted:-

Q.	Would any Section 106 planning gain money be generated from the development of the site and could this be used for the erec, tion of a new community centre?

A.	Mohammad Mahroof indicated that the site would need to be assessed by the appropriate officer in respect of planning gain funding but he believed that the size of the development would not generate substantial planning gain.

Q.	Mark Suter indicated that he was Chair of the Vine Project which was aimed at providing an inclusive young people's service in the Handsworth area. He believed that the building, which had historical significance, should be retained and used for community activity and he indicated that further housing developments planned for the Orgreave area would cause a greater drain on resources and in light of the numbers of youths congregating at various locations throughout the area there was clearly a need for this service and this particular building would be most suitable.

A.	Mohammad Mahroof acknowledged the emotional attachment to the building but highlighted the difficulties involved in developing it for community use. There had been a two-year process to develop a viable scheme which had not been successful.

·	A representative of the Fitzalan Centre Group commented that one of the proposals that had been considered had been to divide the site into various units for letting which would then have generated income to maintain the whole site but this proposal was not deemed to be popular and there were excessive costs which rendered it not viable.

Q.	Concern was raised that a community resource had been taken away and that any funding obtained through the housing development should be directed to open space provision in the area. In the meantime the site was an eyesore, dangerous and needed to be tidied up and made safe.

A.	Mohammad Mahroof indicated that he would ensure that the case officer was contacted to ensure that the site was made secure. The preferred option would provide a one-acre site which, according to Government guidelines, would attract a development of more than 12 houses. Any planning gain funding would be determined through the planning process.

Q.	What type of housing development was envisaged?

A.	Mohammad Mahroof believed that the housing would be of a similar type to that already in the area but that this would ultimately be determined through the planning process.

·	A comment was made in respect of the proposal for the Vine Project to use the building to the effect that the building did not lend itself to working with youths and the costs of refurbishment would be prohibitive.

Q.	Were there any plans to provide a library in any of the retained buildings?

A.	John Mothersole indicated that proposals for a library were not being considered.

Q.	A local resident commented that she had contacted the police on at least nine occasions regarding breaches of security at the site and there were very real concerns regarding site safety.

A.	Mohammad Mahroof indicated that whilst there was a security firm responsible for the site they were not on site for 24 hours and were largely reactive to situations. He indicated that the immediate problems would be addressed and asked for patience with regard to the long-term solution.

·	A comment was received that the security firm were not doing a very good job and that it was important for any housing development to be stone fronted to blend in with adjacent houses and in line with the Unitary Development Planning Guidelines.

Q.	Would the funding obtained by the Council on completion of the sale of the site be used to build a community centre elsewhere in the area as she believed that this would be the case if the site were situated in Rotherham.

A.	Councillor Terry Barrow indicated that the planning gain money would not be sufficient to build a new community centre. She believed that all ideas had been exhausted for retaining all the site and that the outcome of the considerable work undertaken regarding the future of the site had concluded that the people most affected were satisfied that the proposals outlined by Mohammad Mahroof were the way forward. She acknowledged the need for more work to be done with young people in the area. John Mothersole indicated that funds raised from the sale of Council owned land was used to spend across the City and were directed towards what was regarded as the highest priority and as an example he stated that £1.1m had been assigned to parks across the City to address the public's concerns.

	The Panel thanked Mohammad Mahroof for his presentation and noted the information reported.

6.	TRAFFIC ISSUES IN HANDSWORTH
	Ian Wheeldon, Highways Development Control, outlined the current position with regard to the Asda Store which was accessed from a single vehicular access off Handsworth Road. The store was interested in purchasing adjacent land which already had long-term outline planning permission for a fast food take-away and a family public house. Asda were intending to submit a further planning application to extend their store and to contend with the increases in traffic, build a new slip road off the Parkway. They also intended to apply to increase the staff car parking area and on receipt of the various applications consideration would be given to the accident records in the area, the siting of bus stops and overall traffic management plan.
	Arising from consideration of the information reported the following questions, comments and responses were noted:-

Q.	A resident of Fitzalan Road raised concerns regarding the fact that, at busy times, it could take up to 30 minutes to access the Parkway from Handsworth Road, with the problem being exacerbated by motorists accessing the roundabout from the right hand lane, going all the way around the roundabout and then accessing the Parkway and asked whether action could be taken to address this problem.

A.	Ian Wheeldon commented that traffic control cameras were placed at that roundabout and he would contact Urban Traffic Control to investigate this problem and see if it could be remedied.

Q	What was the City Council's position with regard to creating access to Asda by building a slip road straight from the Parkway and what action would be taken with regard to the pathway which would need to be removed to allow for the erection of this slip road.

A.	Ian Wheeldon indicated that the pathway was included in Asda's plans and there was a possibility of it being upgraded.

Q.	In view of the effect of the traffic calming measures implemented on Richmond Park Road could the traffic calming be extended to Richmond Park Crescent and Richmond Park Avenue which were receiving traffic in the region of 700 and 500 cars per day respectively. The questioner believed that the increased traffic in the area was affected by Asda and that a request should be made to Asda for them to contribute towards the cost of the traffic calming measures. Another resident of Richmond Park Crescent was opposed to the traffic calming measures referred to as he believed this would encourage children to use the road recreationally which in itself would cause further nuisance problems for residents.

A.	Councillor Terry Barrow indicated that the roads in question had been assessed but did not meet the criteria for traffic calming measures. The Area Panel itself could consider a scheme from its £10,000 allocation for modest highway improvements. Ian Wheeldon commented that in conjunction with Handsworth Forum priorities were drawn up for the spending of this allocation and, dependent on whether this funding was to be available year on year, this request could be considered alongside others received. As an alternative an approach could be made to Asda to see if they would be willing to fund traffic calming measures as a result of the building of their new slip road. In all circumstances further consultation with local residents would need to be undertaken before any scheme could be implemented.

Q.	Could the parking restrictions outside the shops at Handsworth Top be removed in an effort to support businesses at this location?

A.	Ian Wheeldon indicated that this was a matter he did not have control of but he would refer this on to the appropriate officer.

	A comment was received that it was contradictory for a right turn to be allowed out of the car park at Asda whilst this was not possible at Richmond Park Road.

	Maurice Littlewood, on behalf of Handsworth Community Forum, reported that he had received a letter from Councillor Mick Rooney giving details of the traffic calming schemes in the area of which there were two planned for Handsworth and nine for Woodhouse.

Q.	A local resident indicated that he lived opposite Asda and expressed concern regarding the store's plans for expansion as this would cause greater volumes of traffic resulting in poorer air quality and health, loss of amenity, and additional litter. He believed not enough consideration was being given to people living in the vicinity.

A.	Councillor Terry Barrow sympathised with the questioner and acknowledged that planning officers needed to obtain a complete overview of traffic problems in the area.

	The Panel (a) thanked Ian Wheeldon and noted the information reported; and (b) requested Handsworth Forum to take this matter forward with a view to a joint public meeting with the Area Panel being arranged for the sole purpose of discussing traffic and highway issues in the area, to be attended by Council planning officers.

7.	NEIGHBOURHOOD RENEWAL FUNDING ALLOCATIONS 2003/2004 - PROPOSED COMMISSIONS FROM DARNALL AREA PANEL
	Andy Shallice submitted a report setting out (a) details of the projects that had been supported through Neighbourhood Renewal Funding since September, 2001 and (b) proposals for further projects to be commissioned in 2003/2004.
	The Area Panel (a) noted the information reported; and
	(b) agreed the proposals for further projects, as outlined in the report, as new commissions for the Darnall Local Action Plan, and for these to be forwarded to the Sheffield First for Inclusion Board for final approval.

8.	DATE OF NEXT MEETING
	The Panel noted that the next public meeting would be held on Thursday, 22nd May, 2003 at 6.00 p.m. at a venue to be determined.

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