Agenda and minutes

            The Minutes of the meeting held on 18^th September 2019 having been circulated were signed as a correct record.

            It was confirmed that no public questions had been received.

            The Board considered the Minutes of the meetings of the Executive Board relevant to the Environment and Urban Renewal Policy and Performance Board.

            RESOLVED: That the Minutes be received.

The Board received a report from the Strategic Director, Enterprise, Community and Resources, which presented the Performance Monitoring Reports for Quarter 2 of 2019/20.

The reports related to the following functional areas which reported to the Board and detailed progress against service objectives and milestones, and performance targets and provided information relating to key developments and emerging issues that had arisen during the period:

·         Development and Investment Services;

·         Highways and Transportation, Logistics and Development Services;

·         Waste and Environmental Improvement and Open Space Services; and

·         Housing Strategy.

            Arising from the discussion, a Member asked if consideration could be given to inviting Housing Associations to a future meeting of the Board. It was agreed that this would be looked into.

            RESOLVED: That the second quarter performance monitoring reports be received and noted.

            The Board received a presentation from the Operational Director, Economy, Enterprise and Property regarding potential funding opportunities for Runcorn Town Centre. During the summer and early autumn, the Government made some announcements on potential funding opportunities which could have positive impact on Runcorn Town Centre. Although work was at an early stage of development, Members were updated on the funding criteria, bidding processes and timetable. The potential funding streams for Runcorn were as follows:

·         Town Deals – up to £25m;

·         Future High Street Fund - £675m pot – can bid for up to £25m for Runcorn Old Town;

·         Transforming Cities Fund - £15m bid in for Runcorn Station Quarter

·         LCR Town Centre Commission Fund – CA fund of £1m allocated for Halton Lea.

It was anticipated that Vision Workshops would be held to develop a business case and delivery plan to support the bids and Ward Councillors would be invited to attend.

Further to a query, it was noted that productive conversations had taken place with the new franchisee at Runcorn Station.

            RESOLVED: That the presentation be noted and the Board welcomes work being undertaken to bid for funding to support the ongoing regeneration of Runcorn Town Centre.

The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, Enterprise, Community and Resources, which gave details of road traffic collision and casualty numbers within the Borough in the year 2018.

The Board was advised that Appendix A to the report set out full details of the numbers of traffic collisions and casualties in the year 2018, and compared these figures with those from previous years. Although the total of 30 killed or seriously injured (KSI) was slightly above the figures for 2017 (28) it was historically low compared to 10 years ago. Overall Halton, in comparison with other Authorities within the Cheshire Constabulary area was one of the better performing Local Authorities in 2018.

In addition, the report highlighted the work the Road Safety Team would continue to undertake during the year with an extensive programme which covered road traffic reduction schemes, road safety education, training and publicity. It was noted that the ongoing Runcorn delinking, Widnes Loops and Silver Jubilee Bridge works temporarily changed traffic flows and made it difficult to determine specific accident black spots and therefore where to effectively undertake accident remedial works.

            A Member requested that if available further information on the number of fines issued by the Cheshire Camera be circulated.

RESOLVED: That

1)    the overall progress made on casualty reduction in Halton over the past decade be noted; and

2)      the  programme of road safety collision reduction schemes, road safety education, training and publicity be endorsed.

            The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, Enterprise, Community and Resources, which provided clear guidance on the acceptable criteria for a vehicle crossing and suggested amendments to the current policy. The reason for the additional information was the requirement to protect green highway verges, control crossing width, consider people with reduced mobility, provide sustainable drainage and protect the visual amenity of the street scene. It was proposed that a guidance leaflet for public information setting out the criteria for a vehicle crossing would be produced.

            RESOLVED: That

1.    the Board reviewed the criteria set out in section 4.2 of the report;

2.    the policy position that access crossings should only be permitted and constructed in accordance with these criteria be endorsed; and

3.    an amended and updated vehicle access crossings policy be submitted to Executive Board for approval.