Agenda for Bulwell and Bulwell Forest Area Committee on Wednesday, 27th September, 2017, 5.30 pm

Agenda and minutes

Venue: Bulwell Riverside, Main Street Bulwell, Nottingham NG6 8QJ

Contact: Catherine Ziane-Pryor  Email: catherine.pryor@nottinghamcity.gov.uk

Items
No. Item

19.

INTRODUCTION AND WELCOME

Minutes:

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and asked that they introduce themselves.

20.

COUNCILLOR ALAN CLARK

Minutes:

Following the sad passing of Councillor Alan Clark, ward councillor for Bulwell Forest, the Committee stood in silence for one minute as a mark of respect and in remembrance.

 

21.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Minutes:

Councillor Jackie Morris – personal

Councillor Nick McDonald – personal

Colin Bones

Maria Shakespeare

Gillian Slack

Elira Mano for being unavoidably late

 

22.

DECLARATIONS OF INTERESTS

Minutes:

None.

23.

MINUTES pdf icon PDF 332 KB

Of the meeting held on 14 June 2017 (for confirmation).

Minutes:

The minutes of the meeting held on 14 June 2017 were confirmed as a true record and signed by the Chair.

24.

MEMBERSHIP

Minutes:

(a)  RESOLVED for Councillor Eunice Campbell to be appointed Joint Vice-Chair for the remainder of the municipal year.

 

(b)  RESOLVED to note to the appointment Reginald Knowles as community representative on behalf of the Bradford Street Allotments Association.

 

25.

POLICING LOCAL UPDATE

Verbal update of crime statistics and Policing issues in the Area.

Minutes:

Nottinghamshire Police Sergeant Nev McGeehan, verbally updated the Committee with crime statistics for the Area compared to the same period last year, noting that reporting methods have changed.

 

A summary of crime and anti-social behaviour statistics is included as an appendix to the Ward Performance report.

 

(a)  Overall crime in the area is up by 157 incidents to 868 during the past three months;

 

(b)  burglary dwelling is up by 17 incidents to 67;

 

(c)  the number of robberies has reduced from 7 to 6;

 

(d)  auto crime is up by 10 incidents to 66;

 

(e)  there has been a spate of thefts from vehicles which are believed to be the work of a professional gang targeting commercial vehicles. 10 incidents were reported in the area over a two-day period, although the gang appear to have moved onto other areas within the city;

 

(f)  criminal damage remains the same at 129 incidents;

 

(g)  19 hate crime incidents were reported;

 

(h)  antisocial behaviour has reduced by 117 incidents to 321;

 

(i)  in Bulwell Forest there was an increase in arson and antisocial behaviour by a large group of youths. Agencies worked together and a dispersal order was issued and the ringleaders dealt with. This appeared to resolve the issue with no further incidents reported since mid-August;

 

(j)  sexual offences have risen, although this may partly be a result of the new reporting categories and reporting of historic offenses.

 

Community representatives expressed concern that motorbikes were riding up and down St Albans Road at high speed, possibly in excess of 70 mph. In addition, motorbikes have been ridden in the parks and open spaces, often without helmets and probably without tax and insurance.

 

Sergeant McGeehan responded that there had been several thefts of motorcycles which had then been driven recklessly but that there were fewer reported incidents of nuisance motorbike riding against last year’s statistics.

 

This was challenged by community representatives who suggested that as it was widely acknowledged that there was little that the Police could do to tackle these reckless riders of vehicles which they may own or which are stolen, citizens did not see the point in reporting such incidents, and that may explain why there have been fewer reports – not that there were fewer incidents.

 

Sergeant McGeehan agreed that the situation was frustrating for the Police too and that access to off-road Police resources (such as motorbikes) is very limited across the city, but requested incidents are reported to the Police along with any information, such as characteristics of the bike and/or person riding it, so that information could be collated to possibly identify riders or the vehicle.  A rise in reported incidents would also strengthen the case to allocate off-road motorbikes to the area, even if it is only for a limited period.

 

26.

SAFETY FOR PEDESTRIANS pdf icon PDF 517 KB

Michael Conroy, attending on behalf of My Sight Nottinghamshire and delivering a presentation. Keith Morgan attending on behalf of Nottingham City Council Cycling and Road Space Transformation Team to respond following an audit of the issues raised.

Minutes:

Michael Conroy, Chief Executive Officer, and Angela Phillips, Service Manager, both of My Sight Nottinghamshire, were invited to attend the Committee as a result of increased reports of incidents where irresponsible cyclist/ mobility scooter riders on footpaths have collided or nearly collided with pedestrians, specifically visually impaired citizens.

 

Keith Morgan, of Nottingham City Council’s Road Space Transformation Team, was also in attendance.

 

A copy of the My Sight presentation is included within the agenda and outlines the work of My Sight Nottinghamshire, identified the issues and reported collisions or near collisions with visually impaired citizens on pavements or pedestrianised zones in the Bulwell area, and highlighted the negative impact on visually impaired people’s confidence and sometimes independence that such incidents may have.

 

Keith Morgan acknowledged the conflict of pedestrian and cyclists and vehicles and welcomed the suggestion of possible solutions, emphasising that prior to any action, further discussions would need to take place with officers and councillors.

 

The Road Space Transformation Team also has responsibility for delivering transport schemes and has a focus on promoting sustainable transport which includes cycling and walking. There has  been a significant investment in travel and transport schemes, some of which have included dedicated cyclist provision, but these have mostly been funded externally and the City Council does not have the funds available for new schemes.

 

Following the presentation, the Committee’s discussion included the following points and responses:

 

(a)  It is of great concern that such incidents can cause visually impaired citizens to lose confidence and feel anxious about leaving their home to the extent that they go out less and therefore have less independence;

 

(b)  Most of the reported incidents took place in the Highbury Vale area although Bulwell Market Place has also been identified as a problem;

 

(c)  It is recognised that citizens cycling recklessly on pavements are not likely to be responsible cyclists but ‘Think pedestrian’ stickers have been placed strategically in the Highbury Vale shops area to try and raise awareness. However further work needs to be done to resolve the situation, therefore the committee is requested to consider ideas and possible solutions.

 

(d)  It is understood that cyclists may not feel safe using some stretches of road. This is due to the heavy traffic and/or speed, and/or state of the road, but alternative routes should be found or provided rather than accepting cycling on pavements. Speeding mobility scooters have also been an issue, and it should be noted that there is a legal maximum limit of 4 mph for travelling on pavements; 

 

(e)  It is appreciated that where some roads are narrow, residents parking on pavements is the only option to ensure emergency vehicle access, but parking on pavements is discouraged by My Sight Nottingham as it results in confusing situations for visually impaired people and may also mislead guide dogs. If communities come together, mutually beneficial parking solutions can often be found;

 

(f)  Is noted that there are restrictions in the City Centre regarding the use of ‘A’ boards  ...  view the full minutes text for item 26.

27.

TOWN CENTRE UPDATE

Mark Armstrong, Town Centre Co-ordinator, to provide a verbal presentation with Power Point photographs at the meeting.

Minutes:

Mark Armstrong, Town Centre Co-ordinator, provided the Committee with an update of the progress of the Bulwell Town Centre Improvements with a series of ‘before and after’ photographs.

 

Improvements to date, as part of the Improvement Programme, included:

 

(a)  Removal of the rusty and disused cage next to the B&M store;

 

(b)  Tidying up around the Moorbridge Tram Stop;

 

(c)  Emphasising key buildings, including removing overgrown trees and greenery to reveal the view of St Mary’s Church from Highbury Road (with the agreement of the land owner);

 

(d)  Summer flower scheme where surplus display equipment, including the wicker sculptures have been borrowed from Woodthorpe Grange and flower towers installed in the high Street;

 

(e)  Existing flowerbed rejuvenation;

 

(f)  Replacement of a tree stump with a new tree;

 

(g)  Working with local businesses to ensure the area is more vandal-proof;

 

(h)  Establishment of the Bulwell Conservation Area. This was particularly helpful when the refurbishment of the frontage of the former HSBC Bank proposed to remove the existing frontage and replace with a full glass frontage. The land agent was contacted and following discussions, it was agreed that the original frontage would remain. This has proved perfectly agreeable to the new tenant Costa Coffee;

 

(i)  Refurbishment of the Bulwell Bogs notice Board;

 

(j)  Repainting of the Bulwell Bogs bridge and replacing the steps leading to it from the tram stop;

 

(k)  A small expansion of the Costa Coffee unit which will improves the appearance of the alleyway and has enabled the addition of 3 residential flats above the shop;

 

(l)  Overdue professional pollarding of the mature trees alongside the river (these will re-grow).

 

Changes to the Market Place have included:

 

(m)  Re-configuration of the market stall lay-out to improve the view of the market from the main road;

 

(n)  Changing the alignment of the entrance and pedestrian crossing to the market place;

 

(o)  Removal and reconfiguration of the retaining wall to include brick seating areas;

 

(p)  Re-siting of benches;

 

(q)  Removal of obsolete street furniture, including coffin bollards, to open up the area outside Boots and provide an additional space for events such as St George’s Day, Bulwell Arts Festival and  ‘alternative’ markets and stalls;

 

There is still ‘snagging works’ to be completed and the Bulwell Archway, which welcomes visitors with an entrance which includes designs referencing the history of the area, including a pit wheel, the River Leen and the listed bridge, is due to be installed between the Market Place Platforms within the next 4 weeks.

 

A lot of effort was put into encouraging the re-development of the former Crown Garage site which has remained a vacant eyesore and attracted vandalism for approximately 20 years. The land owners initially did not intend to progress development but were encouraged to sell. Lidl now owns the land and is rapidly erecting a new store with a target completion date of February 2018.

 

Members of the Committee welcomed the varied and extensive improvements to the Town Centre and congratulated on Mark Armstrong  ...  view the full minutes text for item 27.

28.

RIGHT TRACK SOCIAL ENTERPRISE - LEAD ORGANISATION UPDATE pdf icon PDF 537 KB

Report by Nick Parr, Right Track Social Enterprise

Minutes:

Stuart Bell, Nick Parr and Hannah Rees, from the Lead Organisation Right Track Social Enterprise and Think for the Future, presented the report which provides a brief summary on Right Track’s activity and community involvement with regard to Area Based Grants.

 

The report is included within the agenda and provides on overview of activity around and involvement in:

 

o  Employability;

o  Community Centres;

o  ‘Think for the Future’ youth activity sessions;

o  Bulwell Toy Library;

o  Local Voluntary Community Centre and Small Business Support.

 

The Committee welcomed the update and the co-ordination of joint ventures such as refurbishment of play equipment and the early prevention work with young people, including raising confidence (particularly young women), encouraging new activities, offering trips out, and encouraging positivity towards their community and the area (including a pilot of ‘Kindness’).

 

Community representatives proposed that, through Bulwell Churches Together, local church groups could provide valuable links for under-represented BME young people to access Right Track services and schemes. This offer was enthusiastically accepted.

 

RESOLVED to note the update and record the thanks of the Committee for Right Track’s attendance.

 

29.

LOCAL PLAN PART 2: LAND AND PLANNING POLICIES DOCUMENT - REVISED PUBLICATION VERSION pdf icon PDF 1 MB

Report of the Chief Planner, presentation by Paul Tansey, Planning Policy and Research Team

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Paul Tansey, Senior Planner in Planning and Policy, introduced the Local Plan Part 2, which is presented to Committee as part of the consultation on changes to the previous draft which will be effective between 29 September and 10 November 2017, prior to submission to the Secretary of State for independent examination.

 

Any citizen wishing to submit comments can do so via letter or completing the consultation forms which are available on-line and at Central Library.

 

It is noted that as this is the final stage of the consultation process, any comments submitted on previous 3 rounds of consultation have already been registered and do not need to be re-submitted. The consultation at this stage is purely on the proposed changes which are identified in the detailed report and summary presentation.

 

It is noted that there are 7 sites within Area 1 where amendments are proposed:

 

PA1

Bestwood Road - Former Bestwood Day Centre

PA2

Blenheim Lane

PA4

Linby Street/Filey Street

PA7

Hucknall Road/Southglade Road - Southglade Food Park

PA10

Piccadilly - Former Henry Mellish School Playing Field

PA11

Stanton Tip - Hempshill Vale

PA12

Highbury Road - Former Henry Mellish School Site

 

Members of the Committee expressed concern that the ‘Stanton Tip’ site has become accepted by the local community as an accessible open space which nature has reclaimed since the pit closed 44 years ago. However, there are no rights of access and the site has now been sold for housing development which will commence once the slag heap has been cleared (development is predicted to take approximately 5 years). Community representatives commented that a development of a further 600 properties will further impact on the congestion issues in the area.

 

Paul Tansey informed the Committee that with regard to residential property development, across the City there was a target of 30% new build to be considered as affordable housing. Assurance was also given that if the plan is approved, City Council Planning permission would still need to be gained for any development.

 

RESOLVED to note that the Local Plan Part 2: Land and Planning Policies document (Revised Publication Version) and the accompanying Policies Map changes have been published for representations, and that the period for making representations ends on 10 November 2017.

 

30.

NOTTINGHAM CITY HOMES ENGAGEMENT, PERFORMANCE AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCHEMES pdf icon PDF 136 KB

Report of Chief Executive of Nottingham City Homes

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Elira Mano, Nottingham City Homes Area Housing Manager, presented the report of the Chief Executive of Nottingham City Homes (NCH), which updates the Committee with a list of community activity in the area including NCH involvement with community groups, an overall performance report and requests approval for environmental schemes.

 

Following the Grenfell Tower fire, NCH has undertaken a thorough risk assessment of high-rise properties and is now assessing low-rise properties. It is proposed that sprinkler systems are installed inside the individual flats, not necessarily just the shared spaces. Since the Grenfell Tower incident, residents have a greater understanding of risks and are more willing for such works to be done.

 

There is now a ‘sterile corridor’ policy operating in Colston Road and Austin Street flats where nothing can be stored, even temporarily, in the shared corridors.

 

The new-build properties on Ragdale Road have been completed, and NCH is investigating other possible sites, but the type of accommodation (house/bungalow) is yet to be determined.

 

The NCH Fun Day was a great success and whilst approximately 600 people were expected, more than 1,000 attended.

 

The current phase of work at Duchess Gardens is nearing completion with some snagging work yet to be completed, but the entire scheme is not predicted to be finished until nearer the end of the financial year.

 

Councillors congratulated NCH on the works completed at Norwich Gardens and would welcome similar schemes at other bungalow complexes in the area.

 

RESOLVED

 

(1)  to note the update and performance information in Appendices 1 and 2 to the report;

 

(2)  to note the remaining allocated funds as follows:

 

Ward

Remaining Budget

Bulwell

£52,298.40

Bulwell Forest 

£58,339.72

 

(3)  to approve the following scheme:

 

Address

Request

Cost

Colston Road,

Bulwell Forest

 

Supply and fit 2.No aluminium security doors to improve the security in the block and prevent unauthorised access.

£5,601.88

 

31.

BULWELL AND BULWELL FOREST AREA CAPITAL FUND pdf icon PDF 370 KB

Report of Director of Neighbourhood Services

Minutes:

Neighbourhood Development Officers Suki Shergill and Celia Knight, introduced the Area Capital Report which proposes Area Capital and Public Realm (Local Transport Plan –LTP) funded schemes within each Ward.

 

RESOLVED

 

(1)  with regard to Bulwell Ward:

 

(a)  to approve the following Local Transport Plan scheme

 

 

 

Location

Estimate

Details

Bonington Close

£5,307

Resurfacing of footpath

 

 

 

 

(b)  to note that there are no further Public Realm Schemes or funding withdrawals proposed at this time;

 

(c)  to note the following financial position:

 

2017 - 2018 LTP allocation

£85,600

LTP carried forward from 2016 - 2017

£9,881

2017 - 2018 Public Realm allocation

£51,300

Public Realm carried forward from 2016 - 2017

£0

Total Available 2017 - 2018 ACF

£146,781

Less LTP schemes

-

£53,643

Less Public Realm schemes

-

£11,530

De-committed funds

+

£0

Remaining available balance

£81,608

LTP element remaining

£41,838

Public Realm element remaining

£39,770

 

(2)  with regard to Bulwell Forest Ward:

 

(a)  to approve the following Public Realm Scheme:

 

Location

Estimate

Details

Right Track

 

 

 

£12,550

 

 

 

Transfer of Council-owned play equipment from Right Track social enterprise to a public area to be identified in Bulwell Forest ward

 

(b)  To approve the following de-commitment of funding:

 

Location

Amount

Details

Beauclerk Drive

£11

 

Underspend  - Fence and gate in completion of previous stopping-up order.

 

(c)  to note that there are noLocal Transport Plan schemes proposed at this time;

 

(d)  to note the following financial position:

 

2017 - 2018 LTP allocation

£48,300

LTP carried forward from 2016 - 2017

£4,196

2017 - 2018 Public Realm allocation

£29,000

Public Realm carried forward from 2016 - 2017

£14,227

Total Available 2017 - 2018 ACF

£95,723

Less LTP schemes

-

£14,246

Less Public Realm schemes

-

£15,550

De-committed funds

+

£11

Remaining available balance

£65,938

LTP element remaining

£38,250

Public Realm element remaining

£27,688

 

32.

WARD COUNCILLOR BUDGET pdf icon PDF 219 KB

Report of Director of Neighbourhood Services

Minutes:

Neighbourhood Development Officers Suki Shergill and Celia Knight presented the report which informs the Committee of the financial position of Ward Member Budgets and the actions agreed by the Director of Neighbourhood Services as a result of Ward Member funding requests.

 

It is noted that further schemes and events may have received Councillor support in principal but that the formal approval process is yet to be completed.

 

RESOLVED

 

(1)  Bulwell Ward Budget Allocations April 2017/ March 2018:

 

(a)  to note that there have been no new Ward Councillor Budget allocations since the last meeting:

 

(b)  to note the Ward Councillor Budget Financial position as follows:

 

Balance Brought Forward 16/17

£4,898

Councillor funding 17/18

£15,000

Total funds 17/18

£19,898

De-committed schemes 17/18

0

Allocated 17/18

£5,000

Uncommitted Funds after allocated schemes

£14,898

 

(2)  Bulwell Forest Ward Budget Allocations April 2017/March2018

 

(a)  to note that there are no new Ward Councillor Budget allocations formally approved since the last meeting, but that subject to further information, funding of £150 has been agreed in principle to Nottingham Music Hub;

 

(b)  to note the Ward Councillor Budget Financial position as follows:

 

Balance Brought Forward 16/17

£3,507

Councillor funding 17/18

£15,000

Total funds 17/18

£18,507

De-committed schemes 17/18

0

Allocated 17/18

£1300

Uncommitted Funds after allocated schemes

£17,207

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

33.

BULWELL AND BULWELL FOREST WARD REPORTS pdf icon PDF 839 KB

Report of Director of Neighbourhood Services

Minutes:

Neighbourhood Development Officers, Suki Shergill and Celia Knight, presented the report which outlines current ward priorities and issues within the wards and identifies the lead organisation or City Council Department for addressing those issues.

 

RESOLVED to note:

 

(1)  the current ward priorities for Bulwell Ward as follows;

 

(a)  Safer Nottingham

anti-social behaviour and criminal damage

 

(b)  Neighbourhood Nottingham

dog fouling/fly tipping reduction

  River Leen littering

  CCTV

 

(c)  Families Nottingham

Small Steps Big Changes

 

(d)  Health Nottingham

Promote healthy lifestyles

 

(e)  Working Nottingham

Market Trader’s scheme

maximising employment opportunities for local people

NCH Tenancy Involvement Scheme – transferrable skills

 

(2)  the current ward priorities for Bulwell Forest Ward as follows;

 

(a)  Safer Nottingham

St Alban’s Crossing

ASB around St Alban’s/Colston/Austin flats

Deliberate fires on Bulwell Recreation Ground

 

(b)  Neighbourhood Nottingham

increased engagement particularly the Deptford crescent area

management of vacant sites

development of parks and open spaces

dog fouling

 

(c)  Health Nottingham

promotion of energy advice

provision of support to carers

 

(d)  Working Nottingham

increase access to awareness about training and employment opportunities.

 

(3)  the current ward issues as follows:

 

(a)  Bulwell Ward

town centre upgrade and development

anti-social behaviour

reducing fly tipping;

 

(b)  Bulwell Forest Ward

Deliberate fires on Bulwell Recreation Ground

Derelict sites

 

(4)  the forthcoming community and partner events and engagement  listed in Appendix 3 to the report.

 

34.

ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDA

The opportunity for Community Group Representatives to suggest topics

for future agenda.

Minutes:

This is an opportunity for Community Representatives to suggest future agenda items to be considered by the Committee. Any suggestions needed to be presented at least six weeks before the meeting date to either Celia Knight, Neighbourhood Development Officer for Bulwell Forest Ward, or Suki Shergill, Neighbourhood Development Officer for Bulwell Ward.

35.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

The opportunity for Community Groups and City Council Colleagues to

inform the Committee of forthcoming events.

Minutes:

Full of Life Event - Monday 9 October

10am-1pm  at Mellish Sports Centre , Kemmel Road.

(Aimed at citizens aged 50 and over)

 

Community Cinema  - Second Friday of every month at St John’s Church

Film starting at 7pm

 

Christmas Fair -  Saturday 18 November 

St John’s Church , Keys Close 10am-2pm

 

24 November – Domestic Violence Awareness