Agenda for Wollaton and Lenton Abbey Area Committee (Area 7) on Monday, 18th March, 2019, 5.00 pm

Agenda and draft minutes

Venue: Ground Floor Committee Room - Loxley House, Station Street, Nottingham, NG2 3NG. View directions

Contact: Catherine Ziane-Pryor  Tel: 0115 8764298

Items
No. Item

41.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Minutes:

Sylvia Taylor

Alan Hall

Rob Kirkwood (Peter Forster substituting)

Lylse-Anne Renwick

42.

DECLARATIONS OF INTERESTS

Minutes:

None.

43.

MINUTES pdf icon PDF 293 KB

Of the meeting held on 10 December 2018 (for confirmation)

Minutes:

Subject to referring to the Rev Stuart Bell as a minister rather than a vicar, the minutes of the meeting held on 10 December 2018 were confirmed as a true record and signed by the Chair.

 

44.

LOCAL POLICING UPDATE

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

Minutes:

PoliceInspectors Gordon Fenwick and Riz Khan were in attendance to report crime statistics and respond to the Committee’s questions. Senior Community Protection Officer Tom Lynk was also present.

 

Inspector Gordon Fenwick highlighted the following points with regard to Wollaton West Ward for the period of January to February against the same period last year:

 

(a)  overall crime has decreased by 7% with 52 fewer reported incidents;

(b)  robberies were down by 55% with four incidents;

(c)  residential burglary was down by 19% with 57 incidents;

(d)  overall thefts are down by 27%;

(e)  there were 12 fewer vehicle offences;

(f)  criminal damage is up by 12 offences;

(g)  antisocial behaviour is down by 19%;

(h)  there’s been a focus on the Eton Grove junction with Woodhall Road on Wollaton Road, with 36 offences identified between 27 February and 3 March 2019 and action taken. The Neighbourhood Action Team have been kept informed;

(i)  warrants have been executed on Charlbury Road;

(j)  the speed camera is back in action in 20 mile-per-hour areas.

 

Following the New Zealand attacks, if residents become aware of any community tensions please inform the Police as a matter of urgency. Within the next few weeks there will be an open day at the mosque, the Police are in regular contact with community leaders, but citizens are requested to be vigilant for any racist activity and influences report this to the police. If Officers would welcome the opportunity to attend community events and meetings where possible, to provide a visible presence and also provide the opportunity for citizens to speak informally on topics which may be of concern.

 

Inspector Riz Khan updated the Committee on the Wollaton East and Lenton Abbey ward crime statistics and activity for the year to date compared to the same period last year, as follows:

 

(k)  for the year-to-date crime statistics, there has been an overall increase in crime by 22% which equates to 123 more offences. Whilst this sounds significant, it should be noted that the Police have has substantial positive outcomes and several arrests have been made;

(l)  the overall crime figures also now include stalking and social media harassment which are now recorded as antisocial behaviour;

(m)  the has been an increase in violence with injury with seven more incidents;

(n)  there is currently a knife amnesty the Police continue with operation screech with high visibility policing and working with shops;

(o)  there were seven more robberies committed to bringing the total to 12, but three offenders were detected and one person has been sentenced to prison for three years while two others are currently going through the courts;

(p)  there’s be a 20% drop in burglary from 46 to 33 incidences;

(q)  there’s been an increase in shop thefts, generally around the Co-op area, but Police are working with Co-op to gain its CCTV in a timely manner to enable culprits to be pursued;

(r)  only one more vehicle offence has been committed in this period,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 44.

45.

WOLLATON HALL AND DEER PARK TRANSFORMATION CONSULTATION

Presentation by the Chief Operating Officer for Wollaton Hall and Park

Additional documents:

Minutes:

 

Rachael Evans, Museums Development Manager, and Rachel James, Chief Operating Officer Wollaton Hall and Park, jointly delivered a presentation on theWollaton Hall and Deer Park Transformation Consultation 2019-2023. A copy of the detailed presentation is issued with the minutes on initial publication.

 

The following points were highlighted and summarised from the detailed presentation:

 

(a)  The transformation intends to focus on three specific areas to increase the offer available. This includes the restoration of Wollaton Hall’s Walled Garden, restoring the historical rooms and gardens, and updating the presentation of Wollaton Hall’s Natural History Museum which hosts a high quality collection but which needs to be more appropriately displayed;

 

(b)  The recent exhibition of ‘Dinosaurs of China’ proved an outstanding success attracting more than 130,000 visitors over the four month exhibit period and whilst not producing a profit, is estimated to have brought tourist revenue to the area, amounting to approximately £84m;

 

(c)  Local community engagement and volunteer groups such as the ‘Friends of Wollaton Park’ and ‘Wollaton Historical and Conservation Society’ are providing valuable and dedicated support including hands-on resources, but further investment is required to ensure that the Hall offers the best possible experience to visitors and can be appropriately maintained and continue to offer a resilient service into the future;

 

(d)  It is vital that there is an in-depth understanding of exactly what visitors and local people want when visiting the Hall. Some visitor surveys and consultations have already been undertaken and show that visitors felt the permanent exhibitions were dated, in need of refurbishment and that overall the site required better coordination as it currently lacks identity;

 

(e)  Once a thorough understanding of what improvements can be made and what visitors expect from visiting Wollaton Hall, a master plan can be collated with engagement from an advisory panel, with a view to applying for funding for the transformation which is predicted to cost £1.2m in total with a significant proportion drawn from fund raising activity and events;

 

(f)  A further citizen consultation will start in May 2019 and citizens are encouraged to respond.

 

Questions from the committee responded to as follows:

 

(g)  Temporary exhibitions will be held in the hall so some areas will need to become flexible spaces although it is unlikely that exhibitions will be held in the Great Hall, unless on a similar scale to the dinosaurs of China exhibit;

 

(h)  although no profit was made from the Dinosaurs of China exhibition, no costs were born by the council nor the museum;

 

(i)  Some consultations have already been undertaken but it is important is to find out exactly what people want when visiting the hall and park. It is recognised that many visitors are local people and often visit repeatedly. Consultation will be promoted via social media, the city council websites, and at the hall itself, all citizens are encouraged to take part;

 

It is intended that access to the Hall will continue to be free but donations boxes will be strategically  ...  view the full minutes text for item 45.

46.

RADFORD BRIDGE ROAD ALLOTMENTS UPDATE pdf icon PDF 855 KB

Presentation by the Senior Planning Officer

Minutes:

Jenny Curry, Senior Planning Officer, delivered a brief presentation to update the Committee on the progress of the Radford Bridge Road Allotments. The presentation is issued with the initial publication of the minutes.

 

The following points were highlighted and questions from the committee responded to:

 

(a)  Avant, the developer, has issued a provisional schedule of actions which are currently proposed to culminate with the handover of the Allotment keys and access codes to allotment holders during June 2019;

 

(b)  there will be two sizes of allotment plots of 125 m² and 230 m² rented at £37.50 and £75 per annum respectively;

 

(c)  compost toilets and car parking areas are already installed and laid out on site but as the compost toilet is not fully accessible, the developer has been requested to provide a suitable ramp;

 

(d)  there are concerns regarding the quality of the soil so the developer has been tasked to address this and further soil fertility checks undertaken;

 

(e)  by 12 February the allotments had been set out along with parking and water supply but unfortunately a lot of the landscaping had deteriorated due to the poor soil quality and standing water;

 

(f)  with regard to a management plan it is considered too costly to engage and external management company as this will have a significant impact on the cost of allotment rents. It is proposed that the Radford Bridge Road Allotment Society will manage the site but it is vital that stakeholders fully understand and buy into the responsibilities, including compilation of a draft management plan;

 

(g)  it is hoped that allotments can be allocated by mid-May/June to enable allotment holders to grow crops this season;

 

(h)  former allotment holders will take priority on the first allocation, followed by residents of NG8 and NG9 postcodes, and then other citizens;

 

(a)  discussions are ongoing with regard to access to the allotments drive and the drainage team have investigated the water ‘run off’ and determined that it is from the Martins Pond development site. The Ecology Team are also involved with regard to the residential gutter drains being blocked by silt from the site, it is not clear cut as to who is responsible, but this is being pursued.

 

Community representatives of the area expressed concern that previously the Radford Bridge Road Allotment Society had not been good managers and did not have a good track record. Future management of the allotments needs to be robust and ensure that the income received from the sale of the now developed land is put aside for future management and maintenance costs and ensures the long term availability of the allotments.

 

The Chair thanked Jenny Curry for her update and the welcome confirmation that progress was entering the final stages and gardeners should soon be on site.

 

RESOLVED to note the updates and record the Committee’s thanks to Jenny Curry for her attendance.

 

47.

COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVE GROUP UPDATES

The opportunity to for Community Representatives to raise issues of concern to their groups and provide feedback on events.

 

Minutes:

Lenton Abbey Resident’s Association

Adam McGregor informed the Committee that Nottingham City Homes was intending to take over the running of, and all responsibilities for, the Sheila Roper Centre due to the lack of active members in the group. Councillor Sally Longford added that although nothing had been decided, there were concerns that too much responsibility was placed on too few volunteers.

 

Friends of Wollaton Park

Peter Forster thanked the ward councillors for supporting the group and the Historical Society with their work on the Walled Garden. Funds raised from tours of the walled garden will be put towards its restoration fund.

 

Wollaton Festival

Sue Twyford infirmed the Committee that work was continuing with support from the Wollaton Park Resident’s Association for the 2019 Festival with fund raising events and applications.

 

Wollaton Park Community Association

Concerns were expressed that there were proposals to remove the L5 and L7 bus services due to lack of use. Councillor Sally Longford informed the Committee that following consultation, the L5 route will now include Castle Marina and regularity will be reduced from every 60 minutes to nearer every 75 minutes. Although there will be a minor change to the route, the bus will continue to serve the Wollaton Park Estate.

 

North Wollaton Resident’s Association

Chris Bignell thanked Councillors for their support during their time in office and expressed concern that the town/city centre evening parking changers will deter people from going into the City and may potentially displace parking issues. Councillor Steve Battlemuch responded that with on-going budget cuts, the Council needed to generate an income and that such parking charges were still cheaper than two or three people catching a bus into the City.

48.

NOTTINGHAM CITY HOMES UPDATE AND APPROVALS pdf icon PDF 143 KB

Report of the Chief Executive of Nottingham City Homes

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Paul Howard, Area Housing Manager for Nottingham City Homes (NCH), presented the report which updates the Committee on NCH’s activity engagement with local groups, including ‘good news stories’, performance data for the whole City against targets, current ward budget and requests a funding allocation.

 

The following points were highlighted and responses provided to questions;

 

(a)  The biggest problem for residents at the moment is parking problems so NCH is looking into an off-road ‘hardstanding’ project;

 

(b)  2 tenants for the Area have been nominated for the Tenant and Leaseholder Awards. There will be an update of the ceremony at the next meeting;

 

(c)  NCH has won Landlord of the Year at the UK Housing Awards but cannot enter in the same category next year but is entering other categories;

 

(d)  There will be a focus on ‘grot-spots’ with an update to the next meeting;

 

(e)  There will be a refreshed review of ASB garden maintenance- or lack of it, to ensure that properties appear clean and tidy;

 

(f)  Statistics around repairs and tenancy sustainability have improved.

 

RESOLVED

 

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

 

(2)  to note the allocation of funds for 2018/19 as follows:

 

Ward

Actual Budget

Schemes Approved

Schemes Committed

Schemes De- Committed

Remaining Budget

Wollaton West

£18,359.46

£12,327

£6,032.46

£0

£0

Wollaton East & Lenton Abbey

£64,842.49

£59,740.69

£0

£0

£5,101.80

 

(3)  to approve the following Area Capital Programme funding request:

 

Address

Request

Cost

214 Wollaton Vale

Remove hedges to the garage site and install new metal fencing to improve appearance of the site and increase security following residents’ complaints and feedback.

£6,032.46

 

49.

AREA CAPITAL FUND REPORT pdf icon PDF 222 KB

Report of the Director of Community Protection

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Area Capital report is presented to inform the Committee of the up-to-date position of the Area Capital Fund.

 

RESOLVED

 

(1)  to note that there are no new recommended Local Transport Plan or Public Realm schemes for Wollaton East and Lenton Abbey and that there has not been any de-commitment of funds;

 

(2)  to note the following financial position of Wollaton East and Lenton Abbey:

 

 

2018 - 2019 LTP allocation

£36,400

LTP carried forward from 2017 - 2018

£0

2018 - 2019 Public Realm allocation

£14,016

Public Realm carried forward from 2017 - 2018

£0

Total Available 2018 - 2019 ACF

£50,416

Less LTP schemes

-

£23,834

Less Public Realm schemes

-

£14,016

De-committed funds

+

£0

Remaining available balance

£12,566

LTP element remaining

£12,566

Public Realm element remaining

£0

 

(3)  to approve the following Public Realm Schemes:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Location

Type

Estimate

Details

 

 

Wollaton Park walled garden

park improvement

£5,463

contribution towards wall restoration works.

 

 

Seaford Avenue Park

park improvement

£2,000

provision of litter bins and "no dog fouling" signs.

 

 

 

Total new Public Realm schemes

£7,463

 

Previously Approved Schemes

£18,047

 

 

Total Public Realm schemes

£25,510

 

 

 

 

(4)  to approve the following de-commitment of funds:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Location

Type

Amount

 

 

Wollaton Walled Garden Study

study

£5,463

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(5)  to note the following financial position of Wollaton West Ward:

 

2018 - 2019 LTP allocation

£31,900

LTP carried forward from 2017 - 2018

£1,303

2018 - 2019 Public Realm allocation

£12,224

Public Realm carried forward from 2017 - 2018

£14,716

 

Total Available 2018 - 2019 ACF

£60,143

Less LTP schemes

-

£33,203

Less Public Realm schemes

-

£25,510

De-committed funds

+

£5,463

Remaining available balance

£6,893

LTP element remaining

£0

Public Realm element remaining

£6,893

 

50.

WARD COUNCILLOR BUDGET pdf icon PDF 20 KB

Report of the Director of Community Protection

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The report presents the Ward Council Budget report advising the Area Committee of the current Ward Councillor Budgets as agreed by the Director of Community Protection.

 

RESOLVED

 

(1)  to note the following allocationsby Wollaton East and Lenton Abbey Ward Councillors:

 

 

Allocated Schemes

Amount (total)

Community Public Access Defibrillator at Wollaton Park Community Centre

579.00

Good Garden Awards Schemes 2017 & future years

1,600.00

Christmas light switch-on & other celebration events

2,000.00

Lenton Abbey Coffee Morning/Advice Sessions

3,400.00

Good Garden Award Tea Party

1,600.00

Christmas Lights and Fireworks 2019

2,000.00

Spring into Lenton Abbey

3,000.00

Meadows Advice Drop in Sessions at Sheila Roper Centre

2,000.00

Bollards Painting

3,000.00

Lenton Abbey Fair

4,000.00

Farndon Green Fair

2,000.00

Wela Ward Improvements

5,000.00

Highfields Park Forever Stars Remembrance Garden Funding

2,000.00

 

(2)  to note the following funds remaining as of 06/03/2019:

Balance brought forward from 2017/ 18

  £25,153.00 

Allocation 2018/19

  £10,000.00

Total available allocation

  £35,153.00

Total de-committed

  £  0.00

Total allocated at 06/03/2019

 £ 32,179.00

Total unallocated at 06/03/2019

 £  2,974.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3)  to note the following allocations by Wollaton West Ward Councillors during 2018/19:

 

Allocated Schemes:

Councillor(s)

Amount £

Wollaton Youth Club

Cllr Battlemuch

200.00

Torvill Drive Play area consultation funday

Cllrs Armstrong, Battlemuch & Woodward

500.00

124th Nottingham Scouts

Cllrs Battlemuch & Woodward

500.00

Songtime

Cllr Woodward

696.00

Opening the Heart of Kingswood

Cllrs Armstrong, Battlemuch & Woodward

2,250.00

Wollaton Park Wall Garden

Cllrs Armstrong, Battlemuch & Woodward

2,000.00

Heritage Open Days at Wollaton Park

Cllr Woodward

200.00

Friends of Wollaton Nature Reserves

Cllrs Armstrong, Battlemuch & Woodward

600.00

Bramcote Lane Shops Christmas Tree & Lights

Cllrs Armstrong, Battlemuch & Woodward

5,750.00

Wollaton Youth Club – Christmas events

Cllr Armstrong

80.00

Community Public Access Defibrillator at Wollaton Park Community Centre & Kingswood Methodist Church

Cllrs Armstrong, Battlemuch & Woodward

2,316.00

Wollaton Cricket Club artificial cricket pitch

Cllrs Armstrong, Battlemuch & Woodward

3,000.00

WW1 War Memorial

Cllrs Armstrong, Battlemuch & Woodward

1,000.00

Rise Learning Zone – Intergenerational project

Cllrs Armstrong, Battlemuch & Woodward

1,127.00

Torvill Drive Play area opening event

Cllrs Armstrong, Battlemuch & Woodward

500.00 

Wollaton Festival 2019

Cllrs Armstrong, Battlemuch & Woodward

3,000.00

 

(4)  to note the remaining funds as of 07/03/2019

 

Balance brought forward 2017/18

£ 12,637.00 

Allocation 2018/19

£ 15,000.00

Total available allocation

£ 27,637.00

Total de-committed

£  0.00 

Total allocated at 07/02/2019

£ 24,019.00

Total unallocated at 07/02/2019

£  3,618.00

 

 

 

51.

WARD REPORTS pdf icon PDF 122 KB

Report of the Director of Community Protection

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Parbinder Singh, Neighbourhood Development Officer, introduced 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.

 

In addition, an extract of the crime statistics for the Area from April to January 2019 are included at Appendix 3 to the report.

 

RESOLVED

 

(1)  to note the progress on ward priorities and other supporting information, including the issues being addressed by each Neighbourhood Action Team (NAT), and forthcoming opportunities for citizens to engage;

 

(2)  for the best wishes of the Committee to be forwarded to Neighbourhood Development Officer Lylse-Anne Renwick for a speedy recovery.