Agenda and minutes

Councillor Nick McDonald – personal

None.

Subject to the inclusion of apologies submitted by Councillor Jim Creamer, the minutes of the meeting held on 11 March 2016 were confirmed as a true record and signed by the Chair. The notes of the informal meeting held on 9 September 2016 were noted.

To note the appointment of Councillor Steve Calvert in place of Councillor Kevin Greaves.

RESOLVED to note the appointment of Councillor Steve Calvert in place of Councillor Kevin Greaves.

Report of the Joint Officer Steering Group

Dawn Alvey, Local Development Framework Manager, presented the report which, asks members to review the Terms of Reference. A review is required every two years to ensure that relevance is maintained.

Councillors commented as follows:

(a)  the existence and operation of the Committee is essential for both Authorities to work together regardless of the political mix of each Authority, particularly as issues like air quality are not restricted to boundaries;

(b)  members should be proud of the Committee’s achievement, particularly regarding railways;

(c)  the Committee is appropriate at this time abut needs to be monitored against the remit, evolution and activities of other joint bodies to prevent duplication.

RESOLVED to approve the Terms of Reference (Protocol) as set out in the appendix to the report.

Report of the Joint Officer Steering Group

Chris Carter, Service Manager for Transport Strategy, presented the report of the Joint Officer Steering Group, which updated the Committee on:

o  East Midlands Rail Franchise Prospectus.

  The first stage for bidding will soon be released and a 12 week public consultation will start in December. Whereas previously, Jim Bamford – County Council Rail Officer, provided a valuable contribution to the Committee with his in-depth knowledge and scrutiny, he has left the Authority and the post no longer exists. However, the East Midlands Council (EMC) will engage a consultant expert in franchising to assist with and help with consideration of the implications of the new Franchise on behalf of all East Midland’s Authorities, and provide a collective response;

o  Midland Mainline Electrification.

  MPs debated Midland Mainline Electrification on 7 November 2017 and a statement was issued confirming that electrification would be achieved to Kettering and Corby by 2019, but there was no indication of the timescales for electrification to Nottingham and Sheffield.

  There is serious concern that existing rolling stock is coming to the end of its life and new stock will need to be compatible with Midland Mainline electrification. However, if electrification is delayed beyond the initially proposed schedule of 2023, this could have a significant impact on the purchase and operation if new trains are provided within the new franchise.  Councillors are requested to consider lobbying Central Government and promoting the benefits of electrification beyond Kettering and Corby;

o  High Speed 2

  Station locations and the east line route have been announced and are different to the initial proposals in 2013. However, Central Government is undertaking consultations until 9 March 2017 on route refinement and property schemes. Until the scheme is finalised, Local Authorities have been requested to safe guard land initially identified along the preferred route;

o  DEFRA Air Quality Grant Bid.

  The outcome of the Joint DEFRA Air Quality Grant Bid application for £200,000 is due to be announced in January 2017 and if successful, will need to be spent by March 2018;

o  Autumn Statement.

  The Autumn Statement included an announcement that there is to be a significant increase in infrastructure funding, including that for Local Authority roads. The full details are yet to be released, but £1.1 billion has been allocated nationally for local roads and local transport funding, with a further £390 million to support ‘transport for the future’.

Members of the Committee commented as follows:

(a)  it would be beneficial for members of this Committee to have access the EMC report and even meet with the consultant  regarding the case to be presented on the implications on the East Midlands Rail franchise, particularly if electrification of the Midland Mainline is delayed;

(b)  Members of the Committee and the respective elected members with transport responsibility need to lobby local MPs on the electrification issue and a letter emphasising the importance of not delaying it should be sent from the Committee;

(c)  with regard to low/no emission vehicles and the ‘clean air zone’, care  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

Report of the Joint Officer Steering Group

Dawn Alvey, Local Development Framework Manager, presented the report which updates the Committee on the activity of the Greater Nottingham Joint Planning Advisory Board (GNJPAB).

The following points were highlighted:

o  Ilkeston station is nearing completion and is scheduled to open during 2017;

o  housing development is currently 20% below the anticipated rate. It was suggested that developers active within Greater Nottingham are invited to attend a workshop to help identify the reasons for the slower than predicted delivery;

o  funding of the GNJPAB was discussed and it was suggested that each Council contribute to operational costs;

o  GNJPAB and the HS2 Station Delivery Board meetings are to coincide to improve efficiency but it was decided that it was not appropriate to merge the Boards.

It is noted that the Nottinghamshire Minerals Plan has been approved by Nottinghamshire County Council and is now being considered by the Inspectorate.

RESOLVED to note the report.

Report of the Joint Committee Officer Steering Group

It is noted that the Waste Local Plan Update item scheduled for this agenda had not been submitted as there has not been any progress to report.

RESOLVED to note the work programme.

To note that the next scheduled meeting date is 10 March 2017 at 10am in Loxley House.

RESOLVED to note that the next meeting will be held on 10 March 2017 at Loxley House at 10am.