CITY OF GLOUCESTER
North Warehouse The Docks Gloucester GL1 2EP
Wednesday, 19 November 2008
TO EACH MEMBER OF GLOUCESTER CITY COUNCIL
Dear Councillor
You are hereby summoned to attend a MEETING OF THE COUNCIL of the CITY OF GLOUCESTER to be held at the Council Chamber, North Warehouse, The Docks, Gloucester on Thursday, 27th November 2008 at 19:30 hours for the purpose of transacting the following business:
1. PRAYERS
2. APOLOGIES
3. MINUTES (Pages 1 - 36)
To approve as a correct record the minutes of the Council Meeting held on 18 September 2008.
4. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Members and Officers are reminded that at the start of the meeting they should declare any known interest in any matter to be considered, and also during the meeting if it becomes apparent that they have an interest in the matters being discussed.
5. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME (15 MINUTES)
The opportunity is given to members of the public to put questions to Cabinet Members or Committee Chairs provided that a question does not relate to:
• Applications for grant aid • Matters relating to an employee or former employee of the Council
6. PETITIONS AND DEPUTATIONS (10 MINUTES)
A period not exceeding 3 minutes is allowed for the presentation of a petition or
deputation provided that no such petition is in relation to:
• The setting of the annual budget • Applications for Grant Aid
7. ANNOUNCEMENTS (COUNCIL PROCEDURE RULE 2(VII))
To receive announcements from:
a) The Mayor b) Leader of the Council c) Members of the Cabinet d) Scrutiny Committee Chairs e) Chief Executive
8. QUESTIONS BY MEMBERS (COUNCIL PROCEDURE RULE 12)
a) Leader and Cabinet Members’ Question Time (45 minutes)
Any member of the Council may ask the Leader of the Council or any Cabinet Member any question without prior notice, upon:
• Any matter relating to the Council’s administration • Any matter relating to any report of the Cabinet appearing on the Council’s summons • A matter coming within their portfolio of responsibilities
Only one supplementary question is allowed per question.
b) Written questions to the Cabinet Members
Written questions and answers. Only one supplementary question is allowed per question.
9. CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL AND MANAGEMENT PROPOSALS AND SUPPLEMENTARY PLANNING DOCUMENT FOR PROPOSED DENMARK ROAD CONSERVATION AREA (Pages 37 - 90)
Recommendation by the Planning Policy Sub-Committee, 13 November 2008 (the minutes of the Sub-Committee accompany this document and also for the following item of business.)
Report by Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Culture.
10. HEIGHTS OF BUILDINGS SUPPLEMENTARY PLANNING DOCUMENT (Pages 91 - 158)
Recommendation by the Planning Policy Sub-Committee, 13 November 2008 (the minutes of the Sub-Committee have accompanied consideration of the previous item.) 2
Report by Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Culture.
11. SUSPENSION OF COUNCIL PROCEDURE RULES
To waive Council Procedure Rules to allow officers, as appropriate, to address the Council in respect of item 12 on the agenda.
12. CITY COUNCIL RESTRUCTURING - PROPOSALS FOR PHASE 2A (Pages 159 - 178)
Joint report by the Corporate Director of Resources and the Corporate Director of Services and Neighbourhoods.
(The Organisational Development Committee meeting, 12 November 2008, approved the recommendations in the report.)
NOTICES OF MOTION (a) To be moved by Councillor Gravells:
“This Council notes that the Supporting People budget is vital to protecting and supporting the most vulnerable people in Gloucestershire, from people with mental health problems, to ex-offenders, to women fleeing domestic violence, and people in the greatest housing need, to highlight just a few.
This Council further notes that the deepening recession will only increase the pressure on these services and on the vulnerable people that depend on them.
This Council notes that in 2003, the budget from Government for Supporting People in Gloucestershire was £28m and that this year it will be just £23m. County Council officers calculate that the grant will fall by a further 5% per annum, adjusted for inflation a real term reduction of some 8-10% next year, resulting in the grant reducing to a figure of £14m over the next 10 years.
We now call on the Government to abandon its plans to reduce the S P grant for Gloucestershire.
This Council resolves to write to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, asking her to look again at the cuts to the Supporting People budget in Gloucestershire and to review the situation in the light of the economic crisis.”
(b) To be moved by Councillor Hilton:
"That this Council notes:-
1. That Gloucester City Football Club remains homeless 18 months after their ground at Meadow Park was flooded to 2.5m and became uninsurable. 3
2. That Gloucester City Football Club is this season playing their home matches in Cirencester. 3. That Gloucester City Football Club needs a new permanent home in the city in order that it may survive and thrive.
This Council resolves to do all it can to help Gloucester City Football Club find a new home within Gloucester.
This Council establishes an all party working group with representatives from the Football Club to achieve this objective."
(c) To be moved by Councillor Hobbs:
“This Council fully supports the Gloucester City Football Club in it’s return to this city and will actively help them find a suitable location for the new home ground.”
13. ISSUE DEBATE (CONSERVATIVE GROUP) (COUNCIL PROCEDURE RULE 17)
To be moved by Councillor James:
“The Council notes the current economic conditions, but remains committed to its objectives of delivering a strong and thriving 21 century city with cohesive communities, and of making Gloucester a locally, nationally and internationally respected city.
The Council resolves to do all it can to support its residents and businesses through the current situation and calls on all its partners to work to the same ends.”
MINUTES OF MEETINGS
14. PLANNING COMMITTEE (Pages 179 - 188)
To receive the minutes of the Planning Committee of 7 October and 4 November 2008.
15. LICENSING AND ENFORCEMENT COMMITTEE (Pages 189 - 190)
To receive the minutes of the Licensing and Enforcement Committee of 14 October 2008.
16. OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE (Pages 191 - 194)
To consider the minutes of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee of 6 October and 10 November 2008 and to pass such resolutions as the Council sees fit.
17. SCRUTINY COMMITTEE FOR THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT (Pages 195 - 200)
To consider the minutes of the Scrutiny Committee for the Built Environment meeting 4
of 25 September 2008 and pass such resolutions as the Council sees fit.
18. SCRUTINY COMMITTEE NO. 2
To consider the minutes of the Scrutiny Committee No. 2 meeting of 16 October 2008 and pass such resolutions as the Council sees fit.
19. STANDARDS COMMITTEE (Pages 201 - 206)
To consider the minutes of the Standards Committee of 23 September 2008 and to pass such resolutions as the Council sees fit.
20. AUDIT COMMITTEE (Pages 207 - 212)
To consider the minutes of the Audit Committee meeting of 23 September 2008 and to pass such resolutions as the Council sees fit.
21. ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE (Pages 213 - 218)
To consider the minutes of the Organisational Development Committee meeting of 23 July and 13 October 2008 and to pass such resolutions as the Council sees fit.
22. ANY OTHER BUSINESS WHICH MAY OR MUST BE TRANSACTED
Yours sincerely
Corporate Director of Strategy and Development
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COUNCIL
MEETING : Thursday, 18th September 2008
PRESENT : Cllrs. Ravenhill (Mayor), Hanman (Sheriff & Deputy Mayor), James, Gravells, Llewellyn, Morgan, White, Hilton, Hobbs, Durrant, P. McLellan, Smith, Gillespie, Noakes, Witts, Crawford, Lewis, Wilson, Heath, Gill, Jones, Whittaker, Field, Haigh, Dee, Porter and Taylor
APOLOGIES : Cllrs. Williams, Tracey, Lawlor, Lugg, Bhaimia, Emerton, Brown, J. McLellan and Pandor
47. PRAYERS
Prayers were offered by the Reverend Les Mather, the Mayor’s Chaplain.
A minutes silence was observed in respect of Daryl Matthews, the Council’s Housing Options Officer and Deputy Mayor of Dursley, who died recently.
48. MINUTES
RESOLVED
The minutes of the meeting held on 24 July 2008 were taken as read and signed by the Chair.
49. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Councillors Gravells, Hilton, McLellan, Gillespie and Hanman declared personal interests in matters relating to the County Council as Members of the County Council.
Councillors Smith, Durrant and Field declared personal interests in matters relating to Gloucester City Homes as members of the Board.
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Councillors James, Gravells and Smith declared personal interests in matters relating to the GHURC.
Councillors Hilton and White declared personal interests in matters relating to Gloucestershire Airport.
Councillor Haigh declared a personal and prejudicial interest in matters relating to the Leisure Trust as a member of the Board.
50. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME (15 MINUTES)
Before asking a question of the Cabinet Member for Heritage and Leisure, Terry Haines, of The Triangle, noted that at his last attendance at Council he had asked for modest repairs and modifications to be carried out at the Blackbridge Athletics Track from existing funds and he expressed disappointment that nothing seemed to have been done. He then asked
“What level of support is the City Council prepared to commit itself to as regards support for the eight lane track project?
I am shortly to meet with officers of UK Athletics to discuss this proposal. The long held opinion in UK Athletics is that Gloucester has an appalling record of support of athletics.”
Cabinet Member’s response
“In response to the first item that Terry mentioned, in fact the amount of money that he mentioned was still in his view available to be spent had in actual fact been spent on the track sometime ago. There were no additional funds left to carry out the modifications he wanted. I have asked the officer responsible to come back to me on it to see if anything can be done to improve the situation there.
On the general question, as I report probably at every Full Council meeting in response to a similar question, we are fully supportive of the need to provide an eight lane, county standard competition track in the city and the chosen location for that is Plock Court along with the Hub Club. We are constantly looking at all possible sources of funding. As Council will know, we have already set aside a total of £250,000 towards it and I am very pleased to note that a group of county athletics representatives have formed themselves together to arrange to raise some funds to help us under the title “A Track for Gloucestershire”. When I heard last about three weeks ago, they had already raised £30,000 so it was a great joy that other people are now starting to support the idea. I am also pleased to note that Terry is meeting with UK Athletics and I hope that he is able to get some support from them because we have tried and to date failed.”
51. PETITIONS AND DEPUTATIONS (10 MINUTES)
There were no petitions or deputations.
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52. ANNOUNCEMENTS (COUNCIL PROCEDURE RULE 2(VII))
(a) Mayor
The Mayor announced that the Civic Remembrance Sunday service would be held in the Cathedral on 9 November. It would be the 90th anniversary of the end of World War I and would be attended by members of the crew of HMS Gloucester, the Territorial Army and RAF Brize Norton.
A civic reception in honour of Alan Myatt would be held on 10 October to mark his 20 years as Town Crier.
The Sheriff’s Ale Testing on 13 September had raised nearly £500 for civic charities. The Mayor thanked Members who took part.
The Civic Charity Ball would take place on 7 March 2009.
(b) Leader of the Council
The Leader of the Council announced that the Tourist Information Centre had been shortlisted for the final of the South West Tourism Excellence Awards and congratulated the staff.
(c) Members of the Cabinet
1. The Cabinet Member for Housing and Health announced that work had begun informing the debate about the future management of council housing and the development of new social building in Gloucester when the current agreement with Gloucester City Homes expired in 2011. In addition Gloucester City Homes had been clear about its own ambitions to develop new build which would be considered in light of financial and economic viability. In order that decisions taken were based on the fullest possible evidence and information, it had been recommended to him that a background paper to inform that debate be prepared.
The actual debate on future options would take place openly in accordance with normal council scrutiny procedures. The Cabinet Member apologised to Members for any anxiety or lack of consideration caused by this initial work. The matter would be discussed at the next Group Leaders’ meeting.
2. The Cabinet Member for Environment announced that the city had achieved a gold award from Britain in Bloom. The judges particularly praised the baskets in Quay Street and the city centre, Westgate and St Oswald’s retail parks, St Lucy’s Gardens and the overall cleanliness of the city.
He thanked officers for their hard work, residents, business representatives, the Streetcare partner Enterprise and, this year on their 125 th anniversary, the Boys’ Brigade in Hucclecote.
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3. The Cabinet Member for Environment announced that the electric car was now in operation.
(d) Chief Executive
The Chief Executive announced that a new DVD on local government finance was available for Members outside the Council Chamber.
53. QUESTIONS BY MEMBERS (COUNCIL PROCEDURE RULE 12)
(a) Leader and Cabinet Members’ Question Time (45 minutes)
1. Question to the Leader of the Council from Councillor Hilton.
“On 17 January, the Council agreed a Motion to support proposals for a community garden at 7-13 Charles Street. The land would be leased to the Anglo-Asian Cultural Centre for this purpose. In a letter dated 11 August, the Council offered them only half the land. Why have you failed to honour the Council resolution passed by this Council? What do you propose to do with the land which the Council intends to keep?”
Leader of the Council’s response
“I don’t have the wording of the resolution from Council in January in front of me, but as I recall the spirit of it was to ask me as Leader to look seriously at the proposal and indeed that is what we have done. Just to refresh the memories of Council, there was a planning application for a residential development, as I understand it was two buildings, six flats, it went to Planning Committee in January 2008 around the same time as the Council resolution was passed. Since then, officers have been looking at possible options, perhaps reducing the scale of the development and the balance of the land being used for the garden. We have been in correspondence with the Anglo-Asian Cultural Centre since then. As I understand it, a meeting will take place between their agents and officers from the Council, the Corporate Director of Regeneration and the Senior Surveyor. Following the outcome of that meeting, they will report back to me and to other relevant Members in due course and we will work out a way forward.”
Supplementary question from Councillor Hilton
“The issue here is instead of getting a community garden, the likelihood is that the Anglo-Asian Cultural Centre will end up with just a back yard if they’re offered the land that you proposed in the letter of 11 August. You will have poor access making it difficult for the public to use it and one of the things that we made quite clear when we passed the resolution was that we wanted it to be a community garden that they would manage for the use of the public in the local area. It would be very difficult on the land in the footprint you have suggested in your letter to them of 11 August. I just wonder whether this really is in the spirit of the Council resolution we agreed earlier this year and shouldn’t we do what we
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wanted to do, I’ve got the resolution here, to offer them the lease on all of the land 7-13 Charles Street, not part of it.”
Leader of the Council’s response
“I think as a responsible authority we do have the duty to look at all options and indeed my recollection of the Council Motion was that it asked me to consider matters seriously and that is what we are doing. As I’ve said, that meeting will take place, officers will advise me at the conclusion of that meeting we will determine a way forward. Clearly it would not be sensible for me to commit to a particular course of action at this point.”
2. Question to the Leader of the Council from Councillor Hilton.
“Construction of Gloucester Quays Factory Outlet Centre progresses at a steady rate. Nearby at Bakers Quay, are the redundant Downing Malthouse and Llanthony Provender mills, two important 19th century industrial buildings. What is the Leader doing to encourage the owners of these historic buildings to bring forward a plan to restore them for mixed use which is what we want to see there and how can we regenerate an area close to the main entrance of the new factory outlet centre.”
Leader of the Council’s response
“I think first of all it is worth underlining the point Councillor Hilton makes about the good progress at Gloucester Quays. It is the biggest single regeneration scheme that the city has ever seen and I am sure it’s something we can be extremely proud of once different elements of it start to open next year. In relation to the buildings at Bakers Quay, they are very important buildings and indeed historic and it’s quite right that our Planning Enforcement Team take a look at these and the Conservation Officers when it is deemed appropriate and encourage the owners to carry out repairs when they are necessary. In terms of the longer term redevelopment, Councillor Hilton will be aware that there was quite some publicity when the Bishop family who are the owners brought forward plans and images for a major development on that site and indeed appointed architects to carry out work to help progress them. Councillor Hilton will not be unaware that the financial climate has changed since then which may have an impact on the timescale for that going forward, but having said that, we are still in contact both with the landowners and with the URC to try and help bring forward this scheme as quickly as possible.”
Supplementary question from Councillor Hilton
“The City Council has compulsory purchase powers. Despite the risk involved, has the Leader considered using these powers to encourage the owners to progress the restoration of these buildings?”
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Leader of the Council’s response
“It’s my view that Compulsory Purchase powers should only be used as a last resort. Members who have served on this authority for quite some time will know that if you go into a Compulsory Purchase procedure without having all of the information in place and without having as robust a case as possible then you run the risk of becoming seriously unstuck as has happened in the past. So I think our interests are better served in the short-term at least by working with the URC and others to try and encourage the owners to bring forward that redevelopment as soon as they possibly can.”
3. Question to the Leader of the Council from Councillor Hobbs.
“For the past couple of months, the city has experienced significant traffic jams with regard to the A40. The roadworks there are not only having an adverse effect on residents in the Forest of Dean, but they are also having a major adverse affect on the residents of this city getting to and from the Forest, to and from work, to and from family. What has the Leader done to make representations to the Highways Authority and the County Council to do what he can to make best a solution to speed up progress on the A40 and to relieve the congestion for city residents.”
Leader of the Council’s response
“As Councillor Hobbs will know, it is not something under our direct control, the works are being carried out by the Highways Agency and their contractors, Interroute, and the County Council are undertaking works to install a bus lane at the same time to avoid having to dig up that road at some point again in the fairly near future. Let me first of all say, I very much understand the impact it is having on residents and indeed on businesses in the city as well. I have received a number of direct representations from businesses that are affected. I did meet representatives from the County, from the Highways Agency and from Interroute a number of weeks ago along with Councillor Tracey and representatives of the business community. We did express our concerns about this, but the message that came back very clearly from the Highways Agency, the contractors and the County as well was that everything they were possibly able to do to try and provide some relief they were doing and that the programmes were on schedule and we are a major way through that programme now and I am sure, like everyone else, we can’t wait until those works are finished, I understand the end date is at some point in November.
I think the second point that is just worth making is that the effects on business in the city, I’m sure, have been felt by people who regularly would have come to the city from the west, from the Forest of Dean and Ross-on-Wye and suchlike. I do think it’s very much worth us running a promotional campaign once those works are completed to try and win those people back.”
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Supplementary question from Councillor Hobbs
“I’ve recently noticed, I don’t get regular updates anymore from the Highways Authority as to what is going on, would the Leader of the Council consult with the Highways Authority to get a more regular press release sent out to Councillors on this authority.”
Leader of the Council’s response
“I am very happy to do that.”
4. Question to the Leader of the Council from Councillor Hobbs.
“As the Leader of the Council knows, recently we’ve had substantial amounts of rain. This Council went to great expense to put in special drainage measures at the new Hempsted open market. It took a very long time and a lot of money to put that in place. Can the Leader explain why last weekend, that site was flooded and why the drainage did not work.”
Leader of the Council’s response
“My understanding of this is that the areas that have been treated did perform well, it was only the areas that hadn’t been treated where there were problems. It is also worth adding that the amount of rain we did have was pretty exceptional and the fact that the market was able to trade at the weekend after we’d had all that rain shows the measures which have been put in place for the time being were sufficiently robust.”
Supplementary question from Councillor Hobbs
“Why did we not treat all of the site? We went to great lengths to spend that much money on that site, why didn’t we do a proper job? The measures that we have put in place, where does it push that water? Did it push it into the canal, did it push it further down?”
Leader of the Council’s response
“What we wanted to do when we set about this project was to make sure the areas we were going to be trading in were treated and adequate drainage was installed there. The second point is that we wanted to make sure that the minimum intervention possible was carried out because it is of course a landscape conservation area.”
5. Question to the Leader of the Council from Councillor McLellan.
“I’m sure the Leader may have read the Citizen today. Does he agree with ex-Conservative Councillor Stuart Wilson that the Council should task an individual with making sure the issues he identifies in the Docks are addressed”.
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Leader of the Council’s response
“I’ve only come back from holiday today, especially to be here at this Council meeting of course, I’ve not had the opportunity to go through the copies of the Citizen in detail, but I did briefly glance at the letter he refers to. What I can tell Councillor McLellan is that the new management company that is being set up for the Docks to deal with all of those issues of security and parking and suchlike is in the process of being formed and the Council has a nomination onto that board and that nomination is Councillor Llewellyn.”
Supplementary question from Councillor McLellan
“He does identify some of them. Ex-Councillor Wilson also says, it gets worse, new paving was laid only weeks ago and is dug up by utility companies. Boat owners no longer have any facilities, no longer able to park close to their boats, some of the lighting doesn’t work, so they do seem to be major issues. As he hasn’t had a chance to read it, will he take a look at the letter please and give a written answer with views on these matters.”
Leader of the Council’s response
“I’m not sure it’s necessary for me to provide a written answer on that, but I certainly will undertake to read the letter closely. As Councillor McLellan knows, the matters to which he refers are matters for the Docks Trading Company or its successor management company and I will certainly undertake to get a response from them and I will happily forward it to Councillor McLellan.”
6. Question to the Leader of the Council from Councillor Jones.
“When we had a car boot at St Oswalds, there were disabled parking bays and these were frequently flouted by able bodied people. Now that we’ve got a car boot at Hempsted, again there are disabled parking bays designated and again, apparently, they are being flouted by able bodied people. What reassurances can you give me that this situation will not continue.”
Leader of the Council’s response
“I have in fact received comments from some disabled people myself that there have been some issues with those disabled bays and I have certainly drawn those comments to the attention of our markets officers and they have undertaken to try and make sure that situation is marshalled as best they possibly can. I am certainly happy to underline that again and ask that they give it a top priority.”
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7. Question to the Leader of the Council from Councillor Noakes.
“Will the Leader of the Council join me in welcoming the major advertising spread for Gloucester Quays in the latest edition of Vogue.”
Leader of the Council’s response
“I certainly will join Councillor Noakes in welcoming it in such a prestigious magazine. I think having Gloucester Quays and Gloucester Docks all highlighted is certainly worth a fortune in terms of the exposure it gets the city and it helps us towards our objective of putting Gloucester on the map. If you haven’t seen it yet, there’s a copy on my desk.”
8. Question to the Cabinet Member for Heritage and Leisure from Councillor Lewis.
“Over the past couple of weeks, my parents moved back to Gloucester and they went on some of the heritage days. They actually were members at Gloucester Rugby Club so they went and had a tour round there and they also had a tour round the National Waterways Museum. Can the Cabinet Member for Heritage and Leisure advise how exactly did the heritage days go and were they really well supported?”
Cabinet Member’s response
“Yes, it was a truly excellent weekend and as Members may have read in the Citizen, we had 76 different sites and events open for the weekend which was the highest number in the South West and in fact it was the third highest in the country. It just demonstrates exactly what this city has to offer to people interested in the heritage of the nation. We are a very historic city, we know how to present ourselves, it’s just unfortunate that some of these sites are only open for one or two days throughout the year. It would be great if we could find methods to open them on a more general basis, but yes, it was an excellent event.”
9. Question to the Leader of the Council from Councillor Smith.
“Once again recently, part of Tredworth Road bridge was flooded when we had some heavy rain and I was told St Oswalds Road was also partly closed. Can you tell me whether there are measures being put into place to make sure these two very busy roads will not be disrupted in future.”
Leader of the Council’s response
“I think it possibly would have come under the Communities and Neighbourhoods portfolio. As far as the specifics are concerned, I think we’ll have to come back to you with a written answer. It certainly is the case that Tredworth Road area under the bridge seems to be one of the first places to flood in the city and it is somewhat frustrating that cars seem to insist on driving under, despite the fact that boards showing the level of the water on the bridge were erected. I will certainly make
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inquiries with those who are responsible and get an answer. As far as St Oswalds Road is concerned, my understanding is that hasn’t been impassable, I will get that checked out and let you know if any measures are planned for that location as well.”
10. Question to the Leader of the Council from Councillor Gill.
“The Anglo Asian Cultural centre and B&Q are the most important buildings at the Barton and Tredworth Area gateways. I think the centre is doing a wonderful job. Can you tell me why you don’t work with B&Q. Three years before you gave a statement something would be done within six months and we are still waiting”
Leader of the Council
“I think as far as the Anglo-Asian Cultural Centre is concerned, I would refer Councillor Gill to the answer I gave some moments ago. As far as the B&Q site is concerned, I think I was quoted in a newspaper article shortly after B&Q relocated saying it was my hope that something would happen on that site within a matter of months, not any longer, and clearly I did hope that. I continue to hope that suitable development will take place there in the near future. As Members will probably be aware, that site isn’t in the ownership of the Council, it’s owned by New Star Asset Management who are a financial company. Clearly they wish to extract the maximum value from it and as some Members at least will know, they have put forward a number of planning applications for development of the site which haven’t found favour with the Planning Committee because they don’t conform to planning policy. My hope remains that they will come forward with a scheme that does conform to planning policy and will find favour with the Planning Committee and we will see development there. I have to say that, in the meantime, what we will do with this site, as with any others around the city, is if it becomes in a state where action either by planning powers or environmental health powers becomes necessary, then we will not hesitate to use those powers.”
11. Question to the Leader of the Council from Councillor Porter.
“At the last Council meeting, mention was made of a proposed maritime event, a repeat of last year’s. I’m just wondering if the Leader has any update on the event which is being proposed for this year.”
Leader of the Council’s response
“We did undertake to hold a maritime based event in the Docks at the corresponding weekend to the Tall Ships Festival that was held last year and we have been busy planning. It is going to be a ‘pirates’ themed event but it also does tie in with the RN having a presence in the Docks that weekend. Officers are working on the detail at the moment, but it is the 25 and 26 of October, but I have seen some of the details, it looks like a really fun weekend and further details will emerge very soon indeed.”
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12. Question to the Leader of the Council from Councillor Dee.
“We’ve heard about some of the problems of parking and flooding in relation to the site at Hempsted. I pass it quite frequently and I visit it from time to time and I have noticed that clearly the number of car boot people who are there are very much according to weather conditions. I am somewhat disappointed that there don’t seem to be so many commercial, as opposed to car booting, users as there had been. Is it succeeding as we hoped in terms of lettings, I know it’s not been a good season for weather, but taking that into account, is it doing well and how does it relate to the market which continues in town.”
Leader of the Council’s response
“I think it’s fair to say that the performance on the different dates of operation is variable, Sunday is clearly very successful when we have both the car boot and the actual market in place at St Oswalds and in effect, some of the problems with parking which have been referred to and indeed will be referred to later on when we get to the written questions. In some ways we’ve been a victim of our own success. My feedback is that on Wednesdays, the trade is reasonably good, but on Saturdays it is perhaps less so and Councillor Dee referred to the continuing Cherry and White Market in Kings Square which still takes place on a Friday and Saturday here and it may well be that operating those two markets simultaneously on a Saturday could be one of the reasons why it hasn’t taken off quite so well at Hempsted Meadows on a Saturday. It is something we’ll need to keep under review, but certainly it was the view that we shouldn’t just cut off the Kings Square market because it was felt that was valuable to the city centre.”
13. Question to the Leader of the Council from Councillor Whittaker.
“The appearance of the city centre is vital to its success so in view of Marks & Spencer being declared as the anchor store for the Quays development, what provision is being made to ensure that the retail outlets such as Marks & Spencer remain vibrant in future.”
Leader of the Council’s response
“The first point I would make is that one provision which will ensure that Marks & Spencer remain in the centre is the amendment put forward by Councillor McLellan when we considered the planning implications for Gloucester Quays. The second point that I would make about the overall vitality of the city centre, in my report to Scrutiny for the Built Environment which I believe takes place next week, I’ve reported on the city centre stakeholders group that we’ve set up involving the Chamber of Trade, the managers of the shopping centres and other interested parties. That’s some of the issues that help to keep the city centre successful, the events, the street scene, parking charges, all of those things and they are getting that focused attention now through the city centre stakeholder group and it’s our intention that that group should evolve into being the
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city centre management sub group of Marketing Gloucester which is now in place and which will take over responsibility for city centre management. In answer, we are doing a great deal to ensure that the city centre remains successful, not least of which is proceeding with the £4 million revamp of Kings Square that we’ve appointed a design team for and just to give you one other example off the top of my head, the plans for revamping the Eastgate Chamber that Councillor White unveiled a few weeks ago.”
Supplementary question from Councillor Whittaker
“If by chance Marks & Spencer decide they are closing their stores, those frontages are quite dramatic in our streets and really we ought to have some ways of enabling shop frontages to look as if they are in use.”
Leader of the Council’s response
“If I can just try and expand on the answer I gave a few moments ago. When we considered the planning application for Gloucester Quays, one of the conditions was that retailers couldn’t move from the city centre to the Quays and I forget off the top of my head how long that lasts for. From that point of view, Marks & Spencer will not be relocating. Aside from the planning restrictions they will not be selling the same goods in the outlet centre as they do in the two city centre stores. At the moment it is a discount and end of line store at the outlet centre. So Marks & Spencer will remain and it’s very important that they do. On the point about the frontages, one of the things that Sheila McDaid who has been looking after city centre management recently has been doing is to be in contact with the letting agents for a number of the empty units, (a) to make sure that they are cleaned up and repainted to make sure they looked attractive, and (b) to be used as displays for events which are going on in the city and other similar kind of material. We are tackling that problem on a number of fronts.”
14. Question to the Leader of the Council from Councillor Taylor.
“Since we were both tasting ale with a man called Father Christmas during the Sheriff’s Assize of Ale last Saturday, I was wondering how the city was doing in its Christmas preparations.”
Leader of the Council’s response
“They are going very well. We have the Christmas procession and lights switch-on fixed for 23 November and can tell Council tonight we have got a celebrity lined up to join us that night, I can’t tell you who it is at the moment because I wouldn’t want to spoil the surprise. We had Keith Chegwin last year and he was a hit and I’m sure that this year’s one will be as well. We do have the ice rink returning for the fourth consecutive year and that opens on 29 November with a fun day in Kings Square and we’re also having an additional Christmas tree in place this year as well as having the one in the centre of the ice rink, we’re having one outside
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the Guildhall. I think that can act as a focal point for school choirs and the like on late night shopping evenings. So once again, the city’s putting together a package that means that Gloucester once again will be great for Christmas.”
15. Question to the Leader of the Council from Councillor Wilson.
“The latest edition of the ‘Gloucester Rose’ advocates the abolition of this tier of unitary local government. One of the things they suggest could be used in savings that might come from that would be a disability compliant railway subway. Now does the Leader of the Council consider this a price worth paying and if not, could he please urge his County Council colleagues to get in there and do something please with the subway.”
Leader of the Council’s response
“I think Members will have noted from my comments when the Chief Executive of Cheltenham Borough Council made similar statements about the future or otherwise of two tier local government in Gloucestershire that I don’t consider it would be in the city’s interests to take that route at this point in time. I think, as I said in that article, I do think it would be a huge distraction from everything else that we’re trying to achieve, not least of which is the regeneration of the city. I also have to say that the costs of such reorganisation would be large and the savings that would arise from it, to my mind, have yet to be proven. So I think it’s very unwise to go around showering promises of what you could do with that money when, as far as I’m concerned, that money is by no means in the bank. As far the subway point is concerned, you will I hope forgive me if I’m not aware of all the details of that, but I do know that Network Rail are planning a major investment of several million pounds in Gloucester central railway station which I understand includes a disabled lift, and they have been in to brief the Chief Executive on their plans. I do think that is some good news for the city.”
16. Question to the Cabinet Member for Heritage and Leisure from Councillor Hobbs.
“It was mentioned earlier about the heritage days. I know there are plans coming now for the Roman remains outside Boots. However, every time I walk past there, and I walked past there this week, it is an absolute eyesore, not just the glass but internally. It doesn’t look like anyone has gone in there at all lately and cleaned it and it looks terrible when you’re looking down and looking at trash actually on the Roman remains. I don’t know who is responsible for it, but can he give an assurance that he will try and get someone in there to clean it up, because it doesn’t look pretty.”
Cabinet Member’s response
“I was under the impression that that had actually been cleaned in time for the heritage open days, but I will look at it again and it is the Museums
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Service that is responsible and I will get them to look at it. Thank you for the reminder.”
17. Question to the Leader of the Council from Councillor Lewis.
“Can the Leader of the Council confirm if 20/20 cricket will take place in Gloucester. It is the up and coming thing, millions and millions of pounds being spent all over the world on this and I think it would be absolutely fantastic if it came to the city.”
Leader of the Council’s response
“The Chief Executive and I both spoke separately with the Chief Executive of the County Cricket Club, I believe it was last week when he told us of the club’s plans not to be bringing the four day game to the city and I have to say we were disappointed with that decision and we did make that clear at the time. Having said that, as an optimist and someone who likes to look on the bright side of things, I am genuinely excited about the plans to bring 20/20 cricket to Gloucester in 2010 and we certainly will hold the County Cricket Club to the undertaking they have given in that regard. As yet we don’t know how many matches that will be, whether it will be one or two, I certainly hope it will be two, but it is our intention to try and build a series of other activities around that, that are more community based so it is a true cricket festival and we intend to start doing that in 2009 to fill the gap left by not having that four day game here.”
18. Question to the Cabinet Member for Heritage and Leisure from Councillor McLellan.
“I would like to ask the relevant Cabinet Member if a letter of congratulations has been written to the athletes from Gloucester who represented Great Britain at the Olympic Games. I know of at least two, in fact I know them both personally, Beth Rodford who was in the womens’ eight and Zoe Derham who was in the hammer. Unfortunately neither of them won medals, but I think it would be a good thing, if we haven’t done so, if we could write to congratulate them on at least being able to represent Great Britain at those games.”
Cabinet Member’s response
“It is something I must admit I meant to do, so I shall make sure that is remedied immediately.”
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(b) Written questions to Cabinet Members
1. Question to the Cabinet Member for Environment from Councillor McLellan.
“Can the Cabinet Member advise me of the change in the tonnage of waste sent for landfill for 2007/08 as compared to the previous two financial years?”
Cabinet Member’s response
“In 2005/06 - 40,972 tonnes of waste was sent for landfill. In 2006/07 - 36,818 tonnes (a reduction of 10% from 2005/06); and in 2007/08 - 36,270 tonnes (a reduction of 1% from 2006/07).
Based on the first four months of this year we are currently projecting a further significant reduction in the order of 6%.
Officers are currently examining solutions for further reductions in landfill, and the increasing of recycling performance and reports will be brought to Members shortly.”
2. Question for the Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods from Councillor McLellan answered by the Leader of the Council.
“Can the Cabinet Member advise me at what level is Gloucester City Council in relation to the Equality Standard for Local Government, what the target is for the next inspection and how that target is planned to be reached?”
Leader of the Council’s response
“The City Council is currently at Level 1 of the Equality Standard. Members will recall that we have set out to reach Level 2 of the Standard during the course of this summer. Good progress has been made, and the Equalities Steering Group will be meeting with external advice in early October to review the evidence and establish our ability to claim Level 2.
Levels 1 and 2 of the Standard are, of course, subject to self- assessment.
Level 3 is subject to external peer review, and we will establish a target date for achievement on reaching Level 2.
However, consultation is currently taking place on alterations to the Standard, and our target setting for Level 3 will need to be reviewed in the light of the outcomes of this process.”
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3. Question to the Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods from Councillor McLellan answered by the Leader of the Council.
“Is the Cabinet Member aware that no Equalities Forums have met for at least six months? Can he advise me of plans for developing these Forums?”
Leader of the Council’s response
“As agreed by the Race Equality Forum at its last meeting in March, a joint meeting with the Disability Equality Forum has been scheduled for 22 September.
This will involve a session facilitated by the Council's current equalities adviser that will work through the requirements of the equalities strands and consider the key issues for the Council and Members of all the Forums. The aim will be to find a route to a solution that will deliver the best outcomes for all the parties and, above all, for the residents of Gloucester.”
Supplementary question from Councillor McLellan
“Is the Leader aware that the concerns expressed to me, and I’m sure other people, and at least some Members of the Disability Equality Forum, that the issues of people with disabilities will drop down the Council’s agenda. What is he doing to assure them this is not the case and will he be attending the joint meeting next week.”
Leader of the Council’s response
“It certainly is the case that I am aware of the concerns of some people. People often contact me to express such concerns when they have issues on their mind so I certainly am aware of it. What I would say to those people is that we’re not going to move forward with anything different until that has been agreed and we have engaged a consultant recently to undertake this piece of work. It certainly is not our intention to drop disability issues further down the Council’s agenda, but Councillor McLellan will know that we are being encouraged by government to look at all six of the equalities strands in a holistic way rather than in isolation. As far as my attendance at the meeting next week, it’s in my diary, but this does ordinarily fall under the portfolio of the Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods, I rather imagine she’s attending, but I will double check and I’ll make sure there’s a Cabinet representative there.”
4. Question to the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources from Councillor Hilton.
“How much did it cost to produce and distribute the July edition (issue 8) of City Life, the Council’s own newspaper?”
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Cabinet Member’s response
“A total of 52,000 copies of City Life are produced. Printing cost £3,179 and distribution cost £2,475. This equates to a cost of 11p per copy.
Due to some distribution problems with the July issue a 25% reduction in the distribution cost has been agreed.”
Supplementary question from Councillor Hilton
“On the back page of this City Life, there’s a programme of the Gloucester Festival starting on 19 July finishing on 3 August for a load of events that Members or people in Gloucester could have gone along to see. I got my copy of City Life on 2 August. Would the Cabinet Member reassure us that in future, any future City Lifes are delivered before the events that are published happen rather than a month later.”
Cabinet Member’s response
“We are aware of the situation and City Life is distributed by the Citizen newspaper and they had assured us in writing that all these would be delivered by 18 July and obviously that hasn’t happened. It has been admitted in this case. As a result of that, we have negotiated a reduction of 25% in the distribution costs and we will be monitoring it more closely in the future. I would like to make Councillor Hilton aware that this isn’t the only way we promote the Festival. There are other means of promotion, so it’s not the only way.”
5. Question to the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources from Councillor Hilton.
“What impact has the rising cost of fuel had on the Council’s 2008/09 revenue budget and what provision for fuel inflation will be required for the 2009/10 financial year?”
Cabinet Member’s response
“The approved budget for energy related costs in 2008/09 comprises £631,000 for gas and electricity and £15,000 for vehicle fuel.
The present utilities energy supply contract ends in December 2008, meaning that for the first 8 months of the current financial year, prices will be in line with budget. The impact of any increase in utilities energy from December 2008 onwards will be subject to the outcome of a joint procurement process that the Council is leading, in partnership with Cheltenham and Tewkesbury Councils to ensure that the council achieves the best price possible.
The direct effect of rising vehicle fuel costs in the current year on the Council is estimated to be £4,000 and some £6,000 in 2009/10. However, there will also be implications on the Enterprise contract this
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year and next. This will require ongoing monitoring throughout the year to ensure that its impact on the overall budget is managed.”
6. Question to the Leader of the Council from Councillor Hilton.
“Has the Leader appointed a single Cabinet Member to deal with the digital switchover for TV reception that will hit the city in 2010/11? Does this Council have a switchover co-ordinator from our paid staff to liaise with Digital UK?”
Leader of the Council’s response
“The Council does not currently have any direct involvement in this project as it has national implications. The switchover is being co- ordinated nationally backed by an awareness campaign. Information on the switchover and its implications in terms of aerials, topboxes, etc. is available from a variety of sources. The Council does not have a switchover co-ordinator or any plans to appoint one. However we will keep the matter under review and consider how the council and GCH might assist in signposting residents to the right advice and information. It is worth noting that GCH already has contracts in place with a digital service provider on a number of communal residential blocks.”
7. Question to the Cabinet Member for Housing and Health from Councillor Hilton.
“How many families are on the Council’s housing waiting list?”
Cabinet Member’s response
“At present there are 2292 family households seeking accommodation through the Gloucester Housing Register of which 475 are social housing tenants seeking more suitable accommodation. This compares with 2549 families and 460 transfers in 2007/08 and 2485 and 535 in 2006/07.
The overall register has remained broadly constant over the past three years – between 5200 and 5600. The family need figure has fluctuated around the 2500 mark.
Since the introduction of open waiting lists, in accordance with Government legislation – Amendments to Part 6 (Allocations) of the 1996 Act made by the Homelessness Act 2002, the register rose by approximately 700 applicants.
The Council has a number of initiatives in place to help people on the register. By way of example, since April 2006:-
• 144 households have been assisted into the private sector through homes procured by the private sector accommodation officer • 190 households have been helped to find their own accommodation through rent in advance and deposit schemes
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• There have been 220 new build properties to rent • There have been 79 shared ownership properties sold • 1554 relets in social housing accommodation”
8. Question to the Cabinet Member for Housing and Health from Councillor Hilton.
“How many new social housing units are going to be built in the city in the next five years?”
Cabinet Member’s response
“I anticipate that circa 227 Affordable Housing units will be delivered in 2008/09.
It is a little more difficult to predict with accuracy the following four years delivery numbers. This is because certain schemes are dependent on S106 agreements whereby affordable home delivery is linked to private market home completions, which in the current climate is problematic. The availability of grant is also a factor. On balance, I think it would be reasonable to target delivery of circa 150 units p.s. for the following four years.
However, the current development situation is unusual in that as there is currently little market for private residential properties, developers are interested in delivering units to social housing landlords. The result of this may be that the number quoted increases.”
9. Question to the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Culture from Councillor Hilton.
“How many unadopted roads are there in Gloucester? Please give a breakdown per city ward.”
Leader of the Council’s response
“This question would, perhaps, be better directed towards the County Council, which is the highway authority. However, the County Council has advised officers that there are currently 137 private roads; 54 roads which are not yet adopted but where a Section 38 Agreement is underway and a further 89 roads where a Section 38 agreement is yet to be drawn up. The County Council was not able to provide a ward breakdown but can provide the “Street Gazetteer” , which sets out all streets in Gloucester, their current status and the electoral ward.”
10. Question to the Cabinet Member for Heritage and Leisure from Councillor Hilton.
“On the 27 July in the Citizen in an article about the Park bandstand court hearing it was reported that: “A spokeswoman for the Council said it had offered to reconsider the plans and was concerned the court case was
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still being pursued.” What changes in the Bandstand plans had the Cabinet in mind when making their statement to the Citizen, and what process of negotiation did it have in mind to achieve these changes?”
Cabinet Member’s response
“On this occasion the report in the Citizen is insufficiently clear. The quote is intended to reflect the fact that the Secretary of State has recognised flaws in her decision notice and had consented to the application to the Court to revoke the notice being approved and the relevant decision being reconsidered.
In light of the above, the Council had no option, but also to agree to this and await the reconsideration by the Secretary of State. It is certainly regrettable that the applicant wishes to continue with his case as he has achieved what he requested from the Court.
I should remind Members that there is a hearing date set for this matter, and it is not appropriate to discuss the conduct of this litigation in a public forum.”
11. Question to the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Culture from Councillor Heath.
“Can the Leader of the Council please tell me what measures have been taken, and what measures are planned, to alleviate parking problems which are still occurring on a Sunday morning in the vicinity of the Hempsted Meadows Market Site?”
Leader of the Council’s response
“I think that we do need to remember that we are in the very first months of the operation of the new Hempsted Meadows market site. Overall the launch of the new markets at this site has been a huge success and has been a real boost to the city. I do acknowledge that there have been some operational difficulties. The most notable was when the market coincided with the rowing club regatta and very wet ground conditions which limited on site overspill parking. This did result in parking in Netheridge Close and on the Bypass. This is not acceptable and we are learning from these experiences. We have a number of measures now in place to control parking. These include:
• Traffic coning and signing on Netheridge Close to prevent parking (this is working well). • Pursuit of a Traffic Regulation Order with the County Council to introduce yellow lines in Netheridge Close • Close liaison with the police on illegal parking (obstruction offences are outside the scope of our Parking Attendants) • Improved marshalling • Control of market size
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• Contingency plan to limit / close access to the site once it has reached capacity.
We are also keeping under the review the possibility of expanding the “grass grid” parking areas within the site although we do need to let the new market operation settle to its natural level to consider whether this should be pursued.”
Supplementary question from Councillor Heath
“In view of bullet points 3 and 4 in the answer to my question, can I ask if in fact the market/car boot operators are instructed on what to do if the number of visitors are excessive for the site.”
Leader of the Council’s response
“I don’t instruct the markets operator myself but we certainly do give them guidance on what they should be doing when it reaches capacity and clearly when the site is full, those extra visitors may get turned away from the site. I do have to say that we do not encourage them to park in any nearby residential roads and I think in my experience and from the feedback I have received, the occasions on which the site has filled up have been very limited.”
12. Question to Cabinet Member for Environment from Councillor Haigh.
“Is the Cabinet Member for the Environment aware of the delays to the works on City Council land in the Underhill Road area which would help to prevent the severe threat of flooding to Robinswood School and local residents. What action is being taken to expedite those works?”
Cabinet Member’s response
“The County Council have drawn up a scheme to address flooding at Robinswood School.
• The County have submitted a bid for funding and are expecting to begin work shortly • Temporary flood alleviation measures were carried out on 15 September by the County Council. • The City Council is cooperating closely and has not been and will not be the cause of any delay. • Works will include improvements to the footpath on parkland and a nature conservation area to include wetland habitat, balancing ponds and swales to manage excess water from rainfall and natural springs.
City Council officers are working on ensuring consultation and notification takes place with local residents.”
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Supplementary question from Councillor Haigh
“I would like to thank the Cabinet Member for his response and just to say that it is very disappointing to see that it has taken so long to get these works, which are joint works between the County and the City, underway. In particular, it’s disappointing that the City side of the equation which is the ponds and footpaths and swales have not yet been started, over a year after the school was first flooded, and that the school was forced to close last week for one day and also that the County Council did manage to bring forward some of their works on an emergency basis and this resulted in the digging of a large trench across the playing field I understand. I think it’s very upsetting, not only to the school and the parents of children at the school and staff, but also to the residents of Underhill Road which is more an ‘Underhill Stream’ on a regular basis.”
Cabinet Member’s response
“I would agree with Councillor Haigh that this is an unfortunate situation. As there are a lot of unfortunate situations in roads because of the flooding we’ve experienced. As in my reply, my understanding is that this work has been undertaken by the County Council with input from ourselves. There is no reason why we would seek to delay matters, we’re fully aware of the disruption and the unfortunate effects to the school, so I think it is very much a question of we have put what pressure we can to ensure works are being done as speedily as possible, but I’m afraid it is something that, it is in a range of other measures that have to be undertaken. Whilst I would certainly apologise that it’s not happening as quickly as we would like, I understand it will be happening pretty soon now.”
13. Question to the Cabinet Member for Environment from Councillor Whittaker.
“Given that the cardboard recycling points around the city fill up so quickly and that there is a well realised expression of desire by the citizens of Gloucester to help recycle cardboard, when can we expect city-wide collection of this material to commence?”
Cabinet Member’s response
“Currently your officers and Enterprise are examining solutions for increasing recycling performance and reducing landfill in future and involving County Council officers in these discussions. This will include issues relating to the collection of cardboard. It is the intention to present a report to Scrutiny and to Cabinet in December 2008 on this subject and this would include proposed timetables for service improvements.”
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14. Question to the Cabinet Member for Environment from Councillor Whittaker.
“In Abbeymead, the Mead Road Open Space had the planting of trees to landscape it delayed due to the anticipated dry (joke!) summer season. Given that there is unlikely to be a dry spell that would hinder successful establishment of newly planted trees now, can the Cabinet Member please give an assurance that planting will not be delayed further and give a date when this is likely to commence?”
Cabinet Member’s response
“The most appropriate period for planting trees is November to January during the dormant season and quotes have been received for planting of trees on the Mead Road Open Space.
I am not anticipating further delays and expect to have a scheduled programme of works shortly. The exact date will be subject to ground conditions at the suppliers.”
15. Question to the Cabinet Member for Environment from Councillor Whittaker.
“It is now no longer disputed that the average global temperature is rising year on year due to human activity. It is clearly nonsensical for any Climate Change Bill to be passed by central government not to include aviation and shipping.
Given the likely inclusion for these forms of transport in the forthcoming Government Bill and the crucial role of sea-level to the future of Gloucester, can we ensure that as Gloucester City Council has a direct influence on any actions of Gloucestershire Airport at Staverton, that for the sake of our future generations and of our fair city that CO2 output due to aircraft using our airport are assessed and reduction in CO2 production is essentially included in our Climate Change Strategy and any future plans for the airport?”
Cabinet Member’s response
“The precise calculation of carbon emissions and their attribution to particular locations and activities is a difficult, highly technical, and uncertain exercise.
However, to inform the Council’s decision on the Runway Safety Project and the disposal of land, which will shortly be brought before members, your officers are endeavouring to provide some helpful analysis of the implications.
To this end, officers have been in discussion with the Airport management, with Cheltenham Borough Council, and with Tewkesbury,
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who are the local planning authority. We are also receiving some external specialist advice.
In addition, the Airport itself has committed to establishing a green policy and this will be scrutinised by a joint committee of members from Cheltenham and Gloucester.
In the long term, the objective is to see carbon emissions reduce in accordance with our Climate Change Strategy and national policy.”
Supplementary question from Councillor Whittaker
“With the Climate Change Bill coming in, hopefully there will be something on aviation and shipping because it will be totally ludicrous not to have anything. Presuming that something does happen on aviation, and it’s likely we get CO2 emissions determined on arrival and departure at airports, to harden the actual emissions, can you assure us that our Climate Change Strategy will report CO2 emissions at the airport and actually be included in that Strategy.”
Cabinet Member’s response
“I can certainly give the assurance that any activity where the City Council is involved will come under the umbrella of our Climate Change Strategy. Obviously we are all going to have to wait and see how this pans out. Certainly this is not something that in any shape or form would be exempt from our considerations.”
16. Question to the Cabinet Member for Environment from Councillor Whittaker.
“Two proposals were sent to Cabinet from the Environment and Ecology Forum regarding Climate Change. One was for members to each have readily available the Synopsis report of the latest United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change for Council meetings and the second was for all Council reports in future to have a section designated for Climate Change impact as well as the current Environmental assessment by Council officers. Can the Cabinet Member provide information as to how these Environment and Ecology Forum proposals are progressing?”
Cabinet Member’s response
“The minutes of the Forum went to Cabinet on 3 September. I understand that officers intend to shortly consult with Members on improvements to the reporting format and I would suggest that it is dealt with as part of that process.
Might I suggest that the report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Summary for Policy Makers is made available to Members on request.”
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Supplementary question from Councillor Whittaker
“Responses with regard to the corporate implications, the headings Environmental Implications have historically meant environmental health and they’re not really included in climate change, so it’s been suggested that they be more specific on climate change implications. It just says here shortly, but how short’s a piece of string? Shortly, is it weeks, months? Perhaps he will let us know.”
Cabinet Member’s response
“This will be considered in the round with other measures that we are looking at as far as reports, etc., are concerned. This is a matter under consideration, I’m not going to make a rash promise of a week when I know it may well be longer. It will be considered in due course, I will certainly give that assurance.”
17. Question to the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Culture from Councillor Whittaker.
“The Chinese Community has had plans to move some of its more vulnerable members into the proposed new wardened housing at the St Oswald’s site for many years now. Their grant for doing so has been held for longer than originally anticipated. Given the present slowdown of construction at this site, is the grant ring fenced to delays and when can this Community expect to have its vulnerable members suitably housed there?”
Leader of the Council’s response
“The Extra-Care village is scheduled for completion towards the end of 2010. It is not a phased entry scheme so the whole scheme will be completed before residents are able to move in. There will be approx 160 flats for people over the age of 55 and will be for rent, outright sale and shared ownership. 20 of these flats will be for Chinese Elders. The grant Councillor Whittaker is referring to is RDA funding, which does not apply to the housing scheme but is specifically for the Resource Centre.
The Resource Centre is for the wider Chinese Community and it is this that has c£190,000 RDA grant funding not the EC village. The Centre will be managed by the Chinese Resource Centre Committee (formed earlier this year) consisting of members from the Chinese Community who will run it as a financially viable concern (although not for profit). As such they are currently receiving training in developing a Business Plan. We have recently submitted a report to the RDA regarding timing of the completion of the Centre. This is scheduled for end of March 2009 when the Centre will be used temporarily as offices for the marketing team based on site but will then revert to its planned use. The RDA are broadly satisfied with the report so far but have asked for some more details to be submitted to them within the next 4 weeks. Subject to their
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approval they will then be looking to release the funding once the building work is completed by end March 2009.”
18. Question to the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Culture from Councillor Brown.
“Can the Leader of the Council assure me that the decisions on the policy to let both land and buildings (eg. Hucclecote Scout Hut) to Sports Clubs at rentals that reflect their market value, will be concluded in September, as advised at Full Council in July?"
Leader of the Council’s response
“The decision on the Market Rents and Grants policy is a key decision. It is scheduled to go to Overview and Scrutiny Management on 6 October and Cabinet on 8 October. The Hucclecote Scouts have been made aware of this minor slippage.”
Supplementary question from Councillor Brown
“”Minor slippage”. The reason I’m not letting go on this one is that for more than six months now, the cub scouts have had the worry of 350% rent increase hanging over them. Does the Leader agree with me that it’s unfair that this has taken so long.”
Leader of the Council’s response
“I certainly agree with Councillor Brown that I would be happier if negotiations had been concluded more swiftly. What I would say is that our Property and Markets Unit have been in regular communication with the scouts, sometimes these negotiations overrun renewals and lease renewals do take a long time, but indeed Members of the Cabinet have spent quite some time looking at this particular issue and the policy circumstances surrounding it. As the answer says, we will bring that issue through the reporting processes in October.”
19. Question to the Leader of the Council from Councillor Field.
“At the July meeting of the Full Council, you stated in response to my verbal question that this council has used the extended powers afforded by RIPA (Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act) thirteen times since its introduction. Can you give specific details?”
Leader of the Council’s response
“The aim of the Act was to ensure that the existing investigatory powers of the intelligence services, police, military and prescribed public bodies (which include Councils) are used in accordance with an individuals human rights. The Act does not give any new powers to Councils, but requires authorisation to be given for any surveillance that is to be carried
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out for it to be a lawful surveillance. It regulates how surveillance is used and is intended to safeguard the public from invasions of privacy.
This Act allows surveillance to be used by Councils for the prevention or detection of crime or disorder, in the interest of public safety, for the purpose of protecting public health and the collecting of any tax, duty or levy, or any other purpose ordered by the Secretary of State. An authorisation must be obtained for ‘covert’ surveillance. If ‘covert’ surveillance is conducted without an authorisation, then it is a breach of Article 6 of the Human Rights Act.
The Act is regulated by the Surveillance Commissioner who reported in October 2006 that the Council has a sound framework for RIPA authorisations and an exemplary training programme.
There have been 13 authorisations since the Act was introduced in relation to planning, food regulations, dog fouling, by-law breaches, fly- tipping, benefit fraud, and alleged fraud by an employee. The register of authorisations is available for inspection by Members.”
20. Question to the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Culture from Councillor Field.
“What action has been taken to clean up some of the 'grotspots' mentioned in our Issue Debate in July, or indeed other grotspots?”
Leader of the Council’s response
“A range of actions has been taken on a number of sites.
These include:-
• Letters to owners to deal with sites • Preparation of notices for enforcement action • Progressing of proposals for development, including, in some instances, pre-application discussions • Clearance of land • Obtaining of a dispersal order
A number of responses have been received including agreement to tidy up, advice that the Police have been involved, and details on progress of development proposals.
I am continuing to monitor the situation and encourage officers to deal with these issues, in full use of our powers.
If Councillor Field, or indeed other Members, have queries on specific sites, I will be delighted to brief them in full outside the meeting. Members should be aware that the processes involved in this activity take time and that market conditions will affect the progress of development. Nonetheless, we will be working hard on this issue.” 27 Page 28 COUNCIL 18.09.08
21. Question to the Cabinet Member for Environment from Councillor Field.
“Having very kindly offered to help with the problem of pigeon fouling under the railway bridge at the end of Worcester Street, Kingsholm, are you any nearer to a solution?”
Cabinet Member’s response
“Pigeons roosting under the bridge and on street furniture foul the inner edge of the pavement and the pedestrian crossing controls.
Officers have spent a considerable amount of time attempting to resolve this problem and work with the County Council has led to bird proofing of the pedestrian crossing street furniture and resolved this particular aspect.
However, the ultimate solution is to proof the underside of the bridge which Network Rail are resisting due to the financial implications of precedent setting given the large number of bridges that they own nationally.
Any action to require this would necessitate legal action, which officers have assessed to have a limited chance of success.
Enterprise operatives are regularly monitoring the area and cleaning as necessary.
We are continuing to work with partners on the problem.”
Supplementary question from Councillor Field
“I thank the Cabinet Member for his answer. If I may offer a suggestion, it seems to me that we agree that it’s costing us more money to have to keep cleaning this under the railway bridge and perhaps what would save us money in the long-term would be paying for pigeon proofing ourselves and in the long-term cut those cleaning costs.”
Cabinet Member’s response
“I am not sure that even with us doing the pigeon proofing, if it was decided to do that, to be honest I’ve no idea where the budget would come from or what the costs would be, so I’m certainly not going to make any rash promises along those lines. I’m not sure that that in itself alone would solve the problem. I checked in anticipation of perhaps a follow- up. I checked myself on Tuesday and found the controls to be quite clean, which I was pleased about. One of the major things is slippage on the pavement, it’s still going to be an issue. I think it’s an appropriate point to issue a plea to the people of Gloucester to stop feeding the pigeons in the first place and they might go somewhere else.”
28 Page 29 COUNCIL 18.09.08
22. Question to the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources from Councillor Field.
“How much did this Council spend on:-
a) Postage b) Stationery c) Catering
in the last financial year?”
Cabinet Member’s response
“2007/08 2006/07 Postage £226,000 £ 239,000 Stationery £ 84,000 £ 72,000 Catering £177,000 £ 170,000
Postage costs include a sum of £21,000 in relation to Electoral Registration services. Members will be aware that this year, in common with all local authorities, we are encouraging registration through internet and telephone. Further reviews to reduce the overall sum are underway.
A framework contract is in place for stationery, which expires and will be re-tendered in early 2009.
Catering Services are currently being considered as part of the Support Services review on which detailed reports will be brought forward to Members over the next few months.”
23. Question to the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Culture from Councillor Witts.
“Can the Leader please tell me how many times has a Traffic Enforcement Officer visited Elmbridge since the 5th November 2007? Can he also advise me as to how many Traffic Enforcement Officers' are employed by the City Council and the hours they work each week, i.e. what time do they start and what time do they finish each weekday and what hours are worked during a weekend?”
Leader of the Council’s response
“I can confirm our Contractor, NCP Services Ltd endeavour to visit this area once a day in the patrol vehicle.
There are currently 13 Civil Enforcement Officers (CEO's) employed working 7 days a week, 7am to 7pm. The CEO's have powers to issue Penalty Charge notices for vehicles parked in contravention of the restrictions, for instance, yellow lines and school zigzags where a time plate exists. We cannot issue tickets for obstruction, and these powers are still held by the Police.
29 Page 30 COUNCIL 18.09.08
If there are any specific parking violation issues in the Elmbridge area may I suggest that Councillor Witts speaks directly to Heather Clarke, the Council’s Parking Manager, or to the relevant Corporate Director, Phil Staddon, who will consider whether some more targeted patrolling is necessary.”
54. SUSPENSION OF COUNCIL PROCEDURE RULES
RESOLVED
That Council Procedure Rules (Council Procedure Rule 25.01) be suspended to allow an adjournment of the meeting to enable the Council to sit as an overview and scrutiny committee to consider the Leisure Trust budget proposals under agenda item 10.
(The Council adjourned at 21.20 hours to reconvene as an overview and scrutiny committee.)
55. CHARITABLE LEISURE TRUST - MANAGEMENT TRANSFER (LT001/08) - SCRUTINY OF LEISURE TRUST BUDGET PROPOSALS
The Cabinet Member for Heritage and Leisure presented a report to update Members on the current financial position and budgets in relation to the transfer of the management of GL1 and the Tennis Centre to the Aspire Sports and Cultural Trust. He reminded Members of the intended benefits of the Trust to the community and Council. He pointed out that the trust had received admitted status to the Local Government Pension Scheme, subject to conditions which meant that all staff transferring from the Council to Aspire would see no change in their pension benefits. The report also recommended the pension scheme remained open for all new employees. He recognised that there were minor issues to be resolved, but Council and Trust officers were confident that these could be dealt with expeditiously for the Trust to go live on 1 October 2008, although no absolute guarantee could be given.
The Corporate Director of Resources ran through the financial aspects of the report in greater detail. He pointed out that prudent provision had been made for unforeseen expenditure in the first year of operation.
In answer to a question from Councillor Wilson, the Corporate Director said all new employees would be able to join the pension scheme from 1 October 2008. This decision had been taken on actuarial advice based on the age profile of likely employees. This was likely to make it easier for the Trust to recruit suitable staff.
Councillor Wilson asked if the contract management team had been set up, who would it consist of and how often would it meet. The Chief Executive replied that the contract management arrangements were in the hands of the Corporate Director of Services and Neighbourhoods and the responsible officer, Pat Bailey, and the issue was one of the matters still under discussion. There would be a continuing and ongoing dialogue. Within the management agreement there was a
30 Page 31 COUNCIL 18.09.08 provision for regular formal reporting and where appropriate the Leisure Trust would be subject to scrutiny and report to Members.
Councillor Wilson asked for clarification of the VAT position and the Corporate Director of Resources stated that the figures shown reflected the appropriate advice the Council had been given both by HMRC and consultants.
In reply to a further question, the Chief Executive said that some of the outstanding issues could be deferred until after 1 October, but matters which had to be resolved were a condition survey, some minor drafting to the agreement itself, the performance indicators and confirmation of charitable status. The Chief Executive expected all these matters would be resolved in the next few days.
In answer to a question from Councillor Hobbs, the Corporate Director of Resources said that the Leisure Trust would be paying the employer’s pension contribution and not the Council.
In reply to a further question, the Chief Executive said that the object of the building conditions survey was to ensure that when the buildings were handed over, they were in a fit health and safety state and both sides understood their respective liabilities. The Leisure Trust would have to comply with its own health and safety responsibilities and would be obliged to maintain those buildings in compliance with them. The Chief Executive said that although the trust would have significant responsibilities, the City Council did have a client monitoring role, they were ultimately the Council’s buildings and the Council would have to demonstrate it had the right procedures in place.
Councillor Hobbs asked to whom the conditions survey would be presented and of the budget implications for the cost of any repairs. The Chief Executive said that the report formed part of the transfer agreement. If the survey showed that capital improvements were required, these would have to be put through the normal capital budget process.
Councillor McLellan asked whether the Trust planned to negotiate its own utilities supply contracts, whether they would be obliged to comply with the Council’s green energy policy and questioned the inflation elements built into the contract. The Corporate Director of Resources said that the trust would be included in the Council’s renegotiation of its utilities contract and that therefore it would continue to comply with the Council’s green energy policy. Provisions for future inflation were part of the continuing discussions with the Trust.
Councillor Hilton asked a number of questions concerning the proposed scheme for free swimming for over 60s and under 16s. The Corporate Director of Resources said that the Council had received indicative allocations with regard to swimming for the over 60s and the likely grant allocations for that. If the policy was adopted, it would cover all people using the facilities, regardless of place of residence. There was less detail available on the under 16s. By expressing interest in the project, the Council should receive further information over the next few months. It was important to have raised an interest. If the Council were to adopt it as a policy, it would be matter which had to be reflected in the updated management agreement with the Leisure Trust.
31 Page 32 COUNCIL 18.09.08
In reply to a question from Councillor Jones, the Corporate Director of Resources said that he thought the level of employer’s contribution payable by the Trust would equate with the Council’s level of contribution, but that he would provide the information when it was available from the County.
Councillor Whittaker asked whether the savings generated, according to the report, were projected or certain, whether there were protection measures if the inflation projection was higher than the 2.5% used, whether rate relief and insurance were outstanding tasks to be completed before or after handover and pointed out the current risk assessment for the transfer attached at Appendix 4 was missing. In reply, the Corporate Director of Resources said that the figures were estimates that were built into the future years projections. They had taken a view to adopt a prudent approach towards possible savings, especially in the early period, and that the projections were broadly in line with expectations previously identified. Ongoing inflationary pressures were still under discussion with the Trust and it was expected that the Trust itself, within its operations, would be able to generate more flexible levels of income to fund ongoing inflationary pressures. He apologised that Appendix 4 did nothave the risks attached. There was a risk list within the project management arrangements and he was not aware of anything other than the issues that had already been raised that evening. The Chief Executive agreed that the key risks had been highlighted in the report. The key risk at this time was the deadline of 1 October. He added that when the Trust went live, there would need to be a new risk register drawn up which would examine the Trust’s risks as it went forward.
No recommendations were made to Council by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
56. CHARITABLE LEISURE TRUST - MANAGEMENT TRANSFER (LT001/08)
Members reconvened as a full meeting of the Council at 21.41 hours and noted that no recommendations had been made by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
Moved by Councillor White (Cabinet Member for Heritage and Leisure), seconded by Councillor James (Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Culture).
RESOLVED
That Members:-
(i) Note and agree the latest budget in Appendix 1. (ii) Note the progress on the Project Plan Appendix 2. (iii) Confirm the City Council’s acceptance of the additional clause and Bond regarding the Trust application for admitted body status for the Local Government Pension Fund as detailed in paragraph 4.6 and Appendix 4. (iv) Note that officers have submitted an expression of interest to central government for the Free Swimming Programme for over 60s and 16 year olds and under.
32 Page 33 COUNCIL 18.09.08
Councillor Haigh, having previously declared a personal and prejudicial interest and absented herself from the debate, returned to the Chamber.
57. REGIONAL SPATIAL STRATEGY - COMMENTS ON PROPOSED CHANGES (PT19098A)
Moved by Councillor James (Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Culture), seconded by Councillor Gravells (Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Housing and Health).
“That Council agrees to submit the letter and list of comments set out in Appendix 3 to the Secretary of State and the Government Office for the South West.”
Councillor P. McLellan moved the following amendment
“To add to the recommendation:-
This Council has grave concerns about any new housing on area of search 3d (Longford/Innsworth) and strongly objects to the increased number of houses planned for site 3d.
Following the disastrous and life threatening floods of 2007 a Strategic Flood Risk assessment is being undertaken and the initial appraisal shows that parts of site 3d are in the functional floodplain whilst other parts are in areas of high risk of flooding. In the light of this assessment and of the history of flooding both prior to and in 2007 it is considered irresponsible to develop these sites to the levels proposed”
The amendment was seconded by Councillor Hilton.
A recorded vote was requested and the names of the following were noted
Votes in favour of the amendment: Councillors Hilton, P. McLellan, Witts, Wilson, Heath, Jones, Whittaker, Field and Brown.
Votes against the amendment: Councillors James, Gravells, Llewellyn, Morgan, White, Hobbs, Durrant, Smith, Gillespie, Noakes, Lewis, Gill, Haigh, Dee, Porter and Taylor
The amendment was consequently defeated.
The substantive motion was then put to the vote and carried by 17 votes to 9.
RESOLVED
That Council agrees to submit the letter and list of comments set out in Appendix 3 to the Secretary of State and the Government Office for the South West.
33 Page 34 COUNCIL 18.09.08
58. ISSUE DEBATE (LABOUR) (COUNCIL PROCEDURE RULE 17)
Moved by Councillor Hobbs, seconded by Councillor Haigh.
“Since 1997, the UK housing market has experienced a sustained period of rising house prices and strong demand; however, the market is going through a difficult period of change, triggered by the global credit crisis.
As a result, house builders have slowed the building progress on development sites across Gloucester, leaving the number of affordable homes currently being built significantly reduced.
This is placing increasing pressure on Gloucester’s social housing, which is vitally important at this time because of urgent unmet need.
Given the successful track record of Gloucester City Homes and the continued successful delivery of the Decent Homes Programme, this Council agrees
1. To urgently complete the ‘Options Review’ for its plan post 2011
2. Support Gloucester City Homes in building new homes as detailed in the latest Government initiatives for social housing.”
Councillor Gravells, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Housing and Health moved the following amendment
“Amend sub-paragraph 2
2. and, subject to the outcome of that review and detailed economic and financial viability analysis, support Gloucester City Homes in building new homes as detailed in the latest Government initiatives for social housing.”
The amendment was seconded by Councillor James, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Culture.
The amendment was accepted by Councillor Hobbs.
RESOLVED
Since 1997, the UK housing market has experienced a sustained period of rising house prices and strong demand; however, the market is going through a difficult period of change, triggered by the global credit crisis.
As a result, house builders have slowed the building progress on development sites across Gloucester, leaving the number of affordable homes currently being built significantly reduced.
This is placing increasing pressure on Gloucester’s social housing, which is vitally important at this time because of urgent unmet need.
34 Page 35 COUNCIL 18.09.08
Given the successful track record of Gloucester City Homes and the continued successful delivery of the Decent Homes Programme, this Council agrees
1. To urgently complete the ‘Options Review’ for its plan post 2011
2. and, subject to the outcome of that review and detailed economic and financial viability analysis, support Gloucester City Homes in building new homes as detailed in the latest Government initiatives for social housing.
59. NOTICES OF MOTION
There were no notices of motion.
60. PLANNING COMMITTEE
Moved by Councillor P. McLellan, seconded by Councillor Gillespie.
RESOLVED
That the minutes of the meetings of the Planning Committee held on 5 August and 2 September 2008 be received.
61. LICENSING AND ENFORCEMENT COMMITTEE
Moved by Councillor Durrant, seconded by Councillor Witts.
RESOLVED
That the minutes of the meeting of the Licensing and Enforcement Committee held on 15 July 2008 be received.
62. OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
Moved by Councillor Wilson, seconded by Councillor Hobbs.
RESOLVED
That the minutes of the meetings of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee held on 30 July and 1 September 2008 be approved, adopted and confirmed.
63. SCRUTINY COMMITTEE NO. 2
Moved by Councillor Jones, seconded by Councillor Lugg.
RESOLVED
That the minutes of the meeting of Scrutiny Committee No. 2 held on 27 August 2008 be approved, adopted and confirmed.
35 Page 36 COUNCIL 18.09.08
64. ELECTORAL WORKING PARTY
Moved by Councillor Lugg, seconded by Councillor Hilton.
RESOLVED
That the minutes of the meeting of the Electoral Working Party held on 29 July 2008 be received.
Time of commencement: 19:30 hours Time of conclusion: 22.35 hours Chair
36 Page 37 Agenda Item 9 Gloucester City Council
COMMITTEE : GLOUCESTER LEADERSHIP TEAM PLANNING POLICY SUB COMMITTEE COUNCIL DATE : 14 TH OCTOBER 2008 13 TH NOVEMBER 2008 27 TH NOVEMBER 2008 SUBJECT : CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL AND MANAGEMENT PROPOSALS AND SUPPLEMENTARY PLANNING DOCUMENT FOR PROPOSED DENMARK ROAD CONSERVATION AREA DECISION TYPE : - WARD : ALL REPORT BY : CABINET MEMBER FOR REGENERATION & CULTURE NO. OF APPENDICES : 1. CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL AND MANAGEMENT PROPOSALS DOCUMENT 2. SUMMARY OF RESPONSES CONSULTATION REFERENCE NO. : PT13118A (final version 3/11/08, 3.00pm)
1.0 PURPOSE OF REPORT
1.1 To inform Members on the outcome of consultation on the Denmark Road Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Proposals.
1.2 To seek Members agreement to the designation of the Denmark Road Conservation Area and the boundary as set out in the Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Proposals document.
1.3 To seek Members agreement to the adoption of the Appraisal as a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD).
2.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
2.1 To agree the designation of a new Conservation Area centred on Denmark Road.
2.2 To agree to the adoption of the Appraisal as SPD. The SPD will at present be attached to the extant Core Conservation Policy A2 in the 1983 adopted Local Plan, which in due course will be replaced by the Local Development Framework (LDF).
3.0 BACKGROUND
3.1 In 2005 it was agreed by Members that the Conservation Areas in Gloucester needed to be reviewed. The boundaries of most of the areas were in many cases arbitrary and it was felt that there was scope for new areas to also be included. Consultants were appointed in March 2006 and as a result of their work 13 Conservation Areas including 2 new areas (Kingsholm Square and Barton Street)
REF: PT13118A 1 Page 38
were formally designated and adopted as Supplementary Planning Documents (SPD) in September 2007.
3.2 The potential designation of a further Conservation Area at Denmark Road was identified during the public consultation process whilst reviewing the existing 11 Conservation Areas. The first phase of public consultation regarding the designation and proposed boundary commenced in January 08. The proposals were well supported with some 70 responses from residents and the neighbourhood partnership. A report to council members on the 9 th July outlined the summary of responses and proposed actions for further work. Members agreed the boundary for designation and to continue with the second phase of public consultation.
4.0 PROGRESS
4.1 The second phase of public consultation commenced in August 2008. This took the form of notifying residents within and adjoining the proposed Conservation Area of the production of the draft Appraisal. Views were sought on the key issues and characteristics as identified in the Appraisal and the recommendations suggested within the Management Proposals. A public meeting was held to explain the process for designation and the contents of the draft Appraisal.
4.2 The second period of public consultation ended on 19 September 2008. Some 60 residents attended the public meeting and the majority of the attendees supported the designation.
4.3 The comments received regarding the Appraisal document and designation, totalled 23 written responses. Seven residents fully supported the designation, one resident objected and fifteen further comments were received which briefly raised the following concerns:
• Too many demolitions of single dwelling/properties for high-density developments have previously occurred. How will designation prevent this? • What are the restrictions on owners regarding maintenance or extending properties? • Protection of street trees, and where they are lost, will there be any replacement proposals? • The extent of the proposed designation area and additional properties suggested for inclusion are the Stagecoach Depot, open space on Lansdown Road and all of Demark Road.
4.4 In response to the questions raised above, below is a brief summary of the responses. A full report of the comments received as part of the consultation and the Council’s response can be seen in Appendix 2.
• Conservation Area designation will require owners to apply for consent should they wish to demolish a property. The redevelopment would have to enhance the setting and character of the Conservation Area. The planning application would be assessed on the Management Proposal polices outlined in the Appraisal.
REF: PT13118A 2 Page 39
• Gloucester City Council has produced a guide on Conservation Areas covering what they are and why they are designated, together with procedures for carrying out work in a designated Conservation Area. These restrictions are not onerous and ensure that any work that occurs enhances or contributes to the area. • Regarding the loss of street trees and replacement proposals this has been reported to Street Care and will need the co-operation of the Highway Authority. The designation of the Conservation Area will ensure that all trees with a trunk diameter of more than 7.5cm measured 1.5 metres from the ground are protected. Anyone wishing to undertake work on one of these trees must notify the City Council who then must decide whether the tree should be given a Tree Preservation Order within six weeks of receiving notification. Resulting from the public consultation, Policy CA14/5 within the Management Proposals has been amended to include “the Council will seek to replace street trees which have been removed within the Conservation Area”.
4.5 No changes to the boundary have been made, the area has been defined to create a cohesive area of special interest, and the boundary includes properties of a similar age and of architectural interest.
4.6 The Appraisal has been updated and amended where necessary taking account of the changes proposed in response to the comments received. The final version of the Appraisal is attached in Appendix 1.
5.0 FUTURE WORK
5.1 If Members are minded to follow the recommendations of this report, the new designated Denmark Road Conservation Area will have to be advertised in the format given in both legislation and government guidance.
5.2 If members adopt the Appraisal as a Supplementary Planning Document there will be the requirement to make a suitable announcement of this. Legislation and government guidance dictates the format that such notification and publicity takes place.
5.3 If adopted the Management Proposal polices will immediately become a material consideration for assessment of planning applications for buildings and sites within a conservation area.
5.4 Monitoring and review of all the Conservation Areas in Gloucester should be undertaken every 5 years.
5.5 The impact that Conservation Area designation has on building owners is multi faceted, but in general terms is not overbearing in terms of draconian controls, and, as research has shown, has a positive impact in terms of the appearance of the area and on property values. The additional planning controls resulting from Conservation Area designation include controls over:
• Total or substantial demolition • Work to trees - providing trunk diameter is greater than 7.5cm at 1.5m from the ground • Extensions to property that add more than 10% or 50 cubic metres
REF: PT13118A 3 Page 40
• Planning applications should demonstrate that the proposals preserve or enhance the special interest of the area.
6.0 CONCLUSIONS
6.1 The designation of this new Conservation Area for the Denmark Road area will enable greater protection preserving the historic character of this part of the city. The designation also reinforces that the area has architectural and aesthetic merit, which has been recognised by residents demonstrating they wish to protect and enhance the area.
6.2 The proposed designation has been well supported throughout the process and the public consultation was very effective and involved the neighbourhood partnership group, residents and support from the local school.
6.3 The Appraisal is to be applied consistently to ensure that any polices are effectively utilised and that any changes to the area are sensitive and in keeping with the historic character. It is recommended that the Appraisal be reviewed every 5 years. This could be achieved in partnership with neighbour groups and residents.
7.0 FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
7.1 There are no financial implications for this process.
8.0 LEGAL IMPLICATIONS
8.1 All legal implications have been outlined within this report, the Planning (Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas) Act 1990 gives the Council power to declare a new conservation area or extend an existing one.
8.2 The legal status of SPDs has been referred to in the Report. In addition, the Planning Inspectorate will also take SPDs into account when considering planning appeals.
9.0 RISK MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS (Authors to complete) Identify all key risks (scoring 8 and above) for the recommendation including the impact and likelihood of the risk occurring and what measures will be taken to mitigate the risk.
9.1 None have been identified.
10.0 PREDICTIVE IMPACT ASSESSMENTS (EQUALITIES) (Authors to complete) Identify all risks for customers and staff, in the areas of gender, disability, age, race, religion, sexual orientation etc.
10.1 The proposals for the Appraisal conclude that the designation will enhance and preserve the historic character of the area; therefore more people will want to live and work there. The process will engage all members of the public regardless of their ethnicity, sex, age, race and religion.
REF: PT13118A 4 Page 41
11.0 OTHER CORPORATE IMPLICATIONS
1. Community Safety (Author to complete)
It has been identified in previous Conservation Area Appraisals that such designations can promote a sense of community ownership and as such residents take pride in their area reducing anti-social behaviour such as vandalism and graffiti.
2. Environmental (Author to complete)
Such designation means that there is greater control regarding the maintenance and appearance of historic buildings whether they are listed or not.
3. Staffing (Personnel to complete)
None.
4. Trade Union (TU to complete)
None.
Background Papers : Draft Conservation Area Appraisal And Management Proposals For Proposed Denmark Road Conservation Area 9th July 2008
Published Papers : Denmark Road Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Proposals November 2008
Person to Contact : Charlotte Lewis Tel: 396855 E-mail: [email protected]
MVJ/PT13118A 3.11.2008
REF: PT13118A 5 Page 42
This page is intentionally left blank Page 43
Gloucester City Council
Denmark Road Conservation Area (Conservation Area No. 14) Appraisal & Management Proposals
November 2008 Page 44
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Contents
Part 1 Character Appraisal
1 Summary 1.1 Key characteristics 1 1.2 Key Issues 1, 2
2 Introduction 2.1 The Denmark Road Conservation Area 2 2.2 The purpose of a conservation area character 2 appraisal 2.3 The planning policy context 3
3 Location and landscape setting 3.1 Location and activities 3 3.2 Topography and geology 3 3.3 Relationship of the conservation area to its 3, 4 surroundings
4 Historic development and archaeology 4.1 Historic development 4
5 Spatial analysis 5.1 Plan form and layout 4 5.2 Landmarks, focal points and views 4, 5 5.3 Open spaces, trees and landscape 5 5.4 Public realm 5
6 The buildings of the conservation area 6.1 Building types 5 6.2 Listed buildings 6 6.3 Key unlisted buildings 6 6.4 Building materials and local details 6 6.5 Distinctive local features 7
7 The character of the conservation area 7.1 Character areas 7 Page 46
Part 2 Management Proposals
8 Introduction 8.1 Format of the Management Proposals 8
9 Issues and recommendations 9.1 Loss of original architectural details and 8 building materials 9.2 Poor quality new developments, building 8 alterations and extensions 9.3 Lack of routine building maintenance 8 and repair 9.4 Unsightly satellite dishes 8 9.5 Protection and enhancement of street trees 9 9.6 Sub-division of properties into flats 9 9.7 Loss of front gardens to car parking and 9 other hard landscaping 9.8 Negative sites and buildings 9
10 Monitoring and review 9
Appendix 1 Sustainability report 11-14 Appendix 2 The historical development of gloucester 15-20 Appendix 3 Listed buildings 21 Appendix 4 Bibliography 22
Maps Conservation Area 14 Townscape Appraisal Page 47 Part 1 Character Appraisal 1 Summary 1.1 Key characteristics This Character Appraisal of the Denmark Road Area concludes that the following are the key characteristics of the conservation area: N Suburban residential area; N Long views along tree-lined streets; N Range of building dates from Victorian, Edwardian and mid twentieth century; N Development around the alignment of the Roman road to Cirencester – Ermine Street - which extended to the site of the Roman fort at Kingsholm; N Large Edwardian villas; N Edwardian semi-detached houses; N 1920s/30s detached and semi-detached houses; N Denmark Road High school for Girls; N High quality detailing to buildings; An example of a semi-detached property 25-27 Alexandra Road. N Open views across school playing fields; 1.2 Key Issues N Some modern infill developments, some better executed than others. Based upon the negative features identified in Chapter 7 – The character of the conservation area, a number of problems have been identified and are listed below. These form the basis of for the Management Proposals in the second part of this document.
1.2.1 Loss of original architectural details and building materials Many of the unlisted, and some of the listed buildings in the conservation area have been adversely affected by the replacement of original timber sash windows or doors with uPVC or aluminium, the replacement of natural roof slates with concrete tiles or the painting of originally exposed brickwork. In many cases, the removal of architectural features such as boundary walls or railings, porches and chimneys has spoiled the external appearance of a building and the local streetscene. The tree-lined street of Denmark Road. 1.2.2 Poor quality of new developments, building alterations and extensions Some modern developments are out of character with the conservation area by reason of their inappropriate design, scale or materials.
1.2.3 Lack of routine building maintenance and repair Buildings in the conservation area are generally in good condition but there are instances of the neglect of routine maintenance and repair.
1.2.4 Unsightly satellite dishes Satellite dishes are a feature of modern living. Unfortunately, when located on the front of a historic building, a satellite dish can spoil the appearance of the building and the streetscene. In certain circum- stances, satellite dishes may have been installed without the need for planning permission.
No. 17 Denmark Road, a large detached villa. Denmark Road page 1 Page 48 1.2.5 Protection and replacement of street trees 2 Introduction Trees make an important contribution to the conserva- 2.1 The Denmark Road Conservation Area tion area, trees soften the urban townscape and The Denmark Road Conservation Area is characterised enhance the setting of historic buildings, any loss of by suburban housing dating from the late Victorian and such trees would be detrimental to the area. Council Edwardian periods to the 1920s and 1930s, with some policy is to ensure that these trees are protected and later infill developments. The conservation area maintained in a healthy condition. contains one listed building, Denmark Road High School for Girls. 1.2.6 Subdivision of properties into flats Subdivision of properties into flats or let for multiple occupation can tend to erode external character through, for example, prominent intrusive fire escapes, poorly maintained gardens or gardens destroyed in order to ease maintenance.
1.2.7 Loss of front gardens to car parking and other hard landscaping The increased demand for off street parking has generated pressure for car parking in garden areas to both the front and rear of properties. Loss of greenery and front boundary treatments can spoil the setting of the building and cumulatively erode the character of the streetscene.
No. 4 Heathville Road.
2.2 The purpose of a conservation area character appraisal Conservation areas are designated under the provi- sions of Section 69 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. A conservation area is defined as ‘an area of special architectural or historic interest the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance’. Section 71 of the same Act requires local planning authorities to formulate and publish proposals for the preservation and enhancement of these conservation areas. Section 72 also specifies that, in making a Loss of front gardens for car parking in Denmark Road. decision on an application for development within a conservation area, special attention must be paid to the desirability of preserving or enhancing the character or appearance of that area. 1.2.8 Negative building In response to these statutory requirements, this This appraisal has identified ‘negative’ buildings i.e. appraisal document defines and records the special buildings which clearly detract from the character or architectural and historic interest of the conservation appearance of the conservation area and could suitably area and identifies opportunities for enhancement. The be replaced. In addition, there are a number of vacant appraisal conforms to English Heritage guidance as set ‘gap’ sites where some form of built development has out in Guidance on Conservation Area Appraisals the potential to improve the townscape. Negative (August 2005) and Guidance on the Management of buildings and gap sites are shown on the Townscape Conservation Areas (August 2005). Additional Appraisal Map. government guidance regarding the management of historic buildings and conservation areas is set out The following buildings, marked on the accompanying within Planning Policy Guidance Note 15: Planning and Townscape Appraisal map, clearly detract from the the Historic Environment (PPG15). Government advice character of the conservation area: on archaeology, which is relevant to the City Centre N Modern flat roofed buildings adjacent to Denmark Conservation Area, is set out in Planning Policy Road High School. Guidance Note 16: Archaeology (PPG16). This document therefore seeks to: N define the special interest of the conservation area and identify the issues which threaten the special qualities of the conservation area (in the form of Part 1: Character Appraisal); N provide guidelines to prevent harm and achieve enhancement (in the form of Part 2: Management Proposals).
Denmark Road page 2 Page 49 2.3 The planning policy context Activity within the conservation area is principally residential, most consisting of individual dwellings, a This appraisal provides a firm basis on which applications for development within the Denmark Road minority of which have been converted into flats, and a Conservation Area can be assessed. It should be read small number of newer apartment developments. One in conjunction with the wider development plan policy or two of the larger houses have been converted into framework produced by Gloucester City Council. That residential care homes. Denmark Road School framework is set out in a number of documents, dominates the central area with the school buildings including: and associated playing fields. N Gloucester Local Plan Second Stage Deposit August 2002 G Policies BE.22, BE.23, BE.24 and BE.25 (Listed Buildings) G Policies BE.29, BE.30 and BE.30a,(Conservation Areas) N Gloucester’s emerging Local Development Framework Development Plan Documents: G Core Strategy G Development Control Policies G Central Area Action Plan G Allocations and Designations N Planning Policy Guidance 15: Planning and the Historic Environment, HMSO N Planning Policy Guidance 16: Archaeology, HMSO 67 & 69 Denmark Road - a typical pair of 1920’s semi-detached N Regional Planning Guidance for the South West houses. (RPG10) 2001 3.2 Topography and geology N Draft Regional Spatial Strategy for the South West (2006) N Gloucester City Council Urban Design Strategy for Central Gloucester is located on a spur of higher Central Gloucester, 2001 ground just above the floodplain of the River Severn. The city lies on lower lias clay and gravels in the flat N Gloucester Heritage URC: Area Regeneration vale of Gloucester, which is itself part of the larger Framework (2006) Severn Vale. The land within the conservation area is N Shopfronts – Design Guidelines for Gloucester on slightly rising ground, which ascends toward the N Gloucester City Council – Lighting Strategy 2008 north and east. N A Tree Strategy for Gloucester (2001) 3.3 Relationship of the conservation area to its In particular this document will assist the Council with surroundings implementing its Core Policy 8: Protection and Enhancement of the Built and Natural Environment, The Denmark Road Conservation Area lies immediately and Development Control Policy No. BNE5: to the north of the London Road Conservation Area Conservation Areas. and to the east of the Kingsholm Conservation Area. The area is principally occupied with residential 3 Location and Landscape Setting development, and includes Alexandra Road, part of Heathville Road, Henry Road, Honyatt Road and part 3.1 Location and activities of Oxford Road to the south of Denmark Road. Gloucester is the county town of Gloucestershire and is Seabrooke Road, Lansdown Road, Malvern Road and located in the Vale of the River Severn, some 8km Hinton Road plus part of Heathville Road to the north. south west of Cheltenham. Tewkesbury lies about 20km to the north east, with Worcester a further 20km beyond. The Malverns lie 22km to the north west, while the Forest of Dean begins some 14km to the west with the Wye Valley and the Welsh border not far beyond. Some 18km to the south lies Stroud, on the edge of the Cotswold escarpment, which rises steeply from the vale to the east of the city. The M5 Motorway passes between the city and the Cotswolds escarpment, connecting the north of England to Bristol, Bath and the south-west. The Denmark Road Conservation Area lies to the north east of the city centre and straddles the course of the Roman road that linked Gloucester’s Roman fort at Kingsholm with Cirencester.
Victorian properties along Henry Road.
Denmark Road page 3 Page 50 The southern half, including Denmark Road itself is characterised by large Edwardian and early twentieth century villas, detached and semi detached houses, substantially built, of high quality and the latter incorporating a number of ‘Arts & Crafts’ period details. The area of Henry Road, Honyatt Road and Oxford Road are characterised by smaller Victorian terraces, which have some fine detailing above the windows. Properties to the north are generally smaller Edwardian and early twentieth century detached houses, but still retain some fine detailing that sets them apart from the less ornate houses in, for example, North Road. The northern half of Heathville Road and Seabrooke Road is lined with quality built early twentieth century detached houses.
109-111 Denmark Road. 4 Historic Development
4.1 Historic development 5 Spatial Analysis
Archaeological excavations along Denmark Road have 5.1 Plan form and layout revealed evidence of the existence of Roman buildings Development of street pattern and confirmation that this is the approximate alignment of the Roman road that linked the fort at Kingsholm As mentioned previously Denmark Road, formerly with Cirencester. known as Gallows Lane, follows the route of the After the decline of the Roman Empire the area lay Roman road to the fort at Kingsholm. Other routes, largely vacant, apart from agricultural use, until the mid built subsequently by the City Corporation to directly 19th Century. In the 1840s a few large houses were encourage speculative house builders, either run built for more prosperous residents at the entrance to parallel to this, such as Lansdown Road, or run at right Gallows Lane, the predecessor of what was to become angles in an approximate north – south alignment such Denmark Road, near to Wotton Pitch. as Heathville Road or Seabrooke Road. The current road pattern was therefore established in its In 1864 the City Corporation, acting as landowner, took entirety by the end of the 19th Century. legal action to compel the parish of Kingsholm St Catherine to make improvements to Denmark Road. 5.2 Landmarks, focal points and views Gallows Lane was renamed Denmark Road in 1863 when part of its formation was rebuilt by the City The conservation area is centred on Denmark Road, Corporation at the junction with Kingsholm Road. which includes the Girls High School. This would be a Building of the Heathville estate to the north of London focal point, but for the fact that it is largely hidden from Road did not commence until the aforementioned public view by an impressive array of trees, indeed improvement works were completed in 1865, Heathville views within the conservation area both here and at Road being laid out first, followed in the 1860s by other points are dominated by impressive mature trees. Alexandra Road. Other focal points in this part of the conservation area By the 1880s several large houses had been construct- include: ed and two terraces had been built. The streets formed N to the west of Heathville Road from 1876 onwards, 103 Denmark Road, an impressive Edwardian were lined with more modest houses. The building up detached house; of streets and infilling proceeded as Gloucester N 67 & 69 Denmark Road, a pair of 1920s semi- continued to grow and from the 1890s the City detached houses in fine original condition; Corporation encouraged the work of speculative builders by laying out more streets for residential N 29 Denmark Road, a fine Edwardian villa with development on land in both the Denmark Road and some very attractive original detailing; Stroud Road areas. This process continued into the early twentieth century with roads formed between Kingsholm and Wotton, with large houses continuing to be built in the Denmark Road area. The final major phase of infilling with residential development took place throughout the 1920s and 30s. The Girls High School was constructed in around 1900 to designs by WB Wood, which largely follows the design for board schools that had become common- place in the later 19th Century, albeit with somewhat more artistic interpretation. Since the mid 20th Century any development has been to infill gaps or, sadly more recently, to demolish large villas and create new developments of apartments or residential care homes.
29 Denmark Road - an attractive Edwardian villa. Denmark Road page 4 Page 51 Beyond Denmark Road there are some fine views 5.4 Public realm along roads that radiate north and south, along Lansdown Road and into Hinton and Malvern Roads, The floorscape and other items of public realm are where again trees create an almost sylvan setting. An generally modern and of unremarkable appearance. important open view is across the Girls High School This discreet unremarkability sits comfortably within the playing fields. overall setting as it neither attracts attention to itself nor detracts from the overall pleasant ambience of the N Focal buildings elsewhere include: surroundings. N 8 Seabrooke Road, an impressive detached Edwardian villa; 6 The buildings of the conservation N 12 & 14 Alexandra Road, a pair of large area Edwardian semi-detached houses that retain many of their original features. 6.1 Building types Historically this is a suburban residential area, with the then City Corporation encouraging the development of residential properties of a better quality by speculative builders. There are numerous examples of detached and semi detached houses, however terraces are relatively rare. Generally speaking the oldest properties are the largest and are found at the eastern end of the conservation area. The slightly newer, smaller houses are found at the western and northern extremities. Whilst all the buildings, except the High School, were built as dwellings, some have now been converted into apartments or residential care homes. An increasing and worrying trend has seen some substantial and attractive houses demolished and replaced with blocks of apartments or new build care homes. 12 & 14 Alexandra Road. The oldest properties date from the mid to late Victorian period with a number of large villas set in 5.3 Open spaces, trees and landscape substantial grounds. This trend continued into the The playing fields attached to the Girls High School Edwardian era and included a number of ‘Arts and form an important piece of private open space that is Crafts’ influences, and in some cases carried through nonetheless clearly visible to all and which provides to the inter-war period, particularly the northern end of an invaluable breathing space between residential Heathville Road. developments. Additionally many of the large houses are located within generous plots, which again, adds to the open grain of the conservation area at this point.
Carved stone house name plaques on Malvern Road.
The tree lined avenue of Heathville Road. It is the quality of detailing that characterises even the Trees are extremely important to the character of this most modest of houses that sets them apart from conservation area. Most streets are characterised by neighbouring areas. Properties in Hinton and Malvern tree lined avenues, many with fine examples of mature Roads typify this, which whilst being quite modest in deciduous trees. The City Council will encourage the size have a wealth of quality detailing. Carved capitals replacement of street trees previously removed within to bay window columns, individually carved stone the Conservation Area to retain the character of the house name plaques set into the architraves above the area. main entrance doors are but a sample of the quality seen in the area. Well kept front gardens are a key characteristic of the conservation area with, thankfully, few boundary walls and hedges removed for parking, which adds further to the ‘green’ appearance.
Denmark Road page 5 Page 52 6.2 Listed buildings ‘ A listed building is one that is included on the government’s Statutory List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest. These buildings are protected by law and consent is required from Gloucester City Council before any works of alteration, extension or demolition can be carried out. Further information can be found in the City Council’s publication Listed Buildings in Gloucester. The Denmark Road Conservation Area only contains one listed building, the High School for Girls in Denmark Road, which is listed Grade II.
23-41 Heathville Road.
‘Negative buildings’ are also marked on the townscape appraisal map. These are buildings that clearly detract from the character or appearance of the conservation area. The modern flat roofed buildings adjacent to Denmark Road High School, are identified as negative buildings, the design and materials of which are completely at odds with the general character and appearance of the rest of the street. Neutral buildings (identified as neither positive nor negative) are those that neither enhance nor detract from the character or appearance of the conservation area. The Grade II listed Denmark Road High School for Girls. They may, for instance, be historic buildings that have been severely altered or dull post-war infill development.
6.3 Key unlisted buildings 6.4 Building materials and local details In addition to listed buildings, the conservation area Red brick is the most common building material, with contains many unlisted buildings that make a positive some render. Detailing of bay windows, sills, headers contribution to the character or appearance of the and voussoirs are in stone as are individual details, conservation area. These are identified on the townscape which in many cases are hand carved and unique to appraisal map as ‘positive buildings’. This follows advice each property. Roofs are generally slate, with a small provided in English Heritage guidance on conservation number of clay tiles to be seen on later properties. area character appraisals, and within Planning Policy Guidance Note 15 (PPG15), both of which stress the importance of identifying and protecting such buildings. The criteria used for selection of positive buildings are those set out in Appendix 2 of English Heritage’s Guidance on Conservation Area Appraisals (2005). Where a building has been adversely affected by modern changes and restoration is either impractical or not possible, they are excluded. Positive buildings cover the whole range of building ages found in the conservation area, from mid Victorian to 1930s and are marked in green on the Townscape Appraisal map. Of particular note are the ‘focal buildings’ already described previously, plus the following: N 19 – 31 Alexandra Road N 2, 8, 10 Alexandra Road N 23 – 41 Heathville Road N 24 – 30 Heathville Road
‘Positive Buildings’ are those that are considered to Features such as decorative stone detailing add to the character of make a positive contribution to the appearance of the the area. conservation area by virtue of their aesthetic quality, architectural quality, survival of original features or overall intactness from the date of construction.
Denmark Road page 6 Page 53 6.5 Distinctive local features Negatives: The distinct local identity of the conservation area is N Poor quality infill developments; enhanced by features and historic elements that N cumulatively help to give the conservation area a Poor quality 1960s (and later) buildings at High sense of place, notably: School; N N Cast iron street name plaques are a feature of the Loss of original architectural details; area. Examples can be seen in Heathville Road and N Insensitive replacement of traditional materials Alexandra Road. – uPVC or aluminium windows and doors; N Loss of front gardens – at present a minor problem but an increasing trend; N Demolition of attractive large buildings and replacement with insensitive, high density developments; N Unsightly satellite dishes; N Unsympathetic extensions/alterations; N Lack of routine maintenance and repair – only evident to a limited extent, but certainly an area to be watched.
Cast iron street name plaque.
7 The character of the conservation area 7.1 Character areas The Denmark Road Conservation Area is characterised by suburban residential development. The larger, more imposing buildings are generally, with the exception of the High School, to the southern and eastern end of the area. The more modest buildings are generally found to the western and northern end of the area. Key characteristics: N Almost entirely residential use; N Higher quality houses dating from mid Victorian to mid 20th Century; N Large villas, detached and semi detached houses often set in generous plots; N High quality, individual detailing to the buildings; N Wealth of trees, mostly mature deciduous specimens; N ‘Green’ ambience with well maintained front gardens; N Open views over playing grounds; N High School for Girls – an impressive building, but hidden by trees.
Landsdown Road playing field creates a positive open space. Denmark Road page 7 Page 54 Part 2 Management Proposals 9.2 Poor quality of new developments, building alterations and extensions 8 Introduction Some modern developments are out of character with the conservation area by reason of their inappropriate 8.1 Format of the Management Proposals design, scale or materials. In the conservation area the Part 1 of this document, the Character Appraisal, has Council will encourage good quality schemes that identified the features of the proposed Denmark Road respond positively to their historic setting. Conservation Area that contribute to the conservation Recommendations: area’s special character and distinctiveness, and that should be conserved and enhanced. N Policy CA14/2: Applications will be required to adhere to the policies in the Gloucester Local Plan Part 2 of this document, the Management Proposals, Second Stage Deposit August 2002 and any other builds upon the negative features which have also policies which supersede this in the Local been identified, to provide a series of Issues and Development Framework (LDF). Recommendations for improvement and change, most of which are the responsibility of the City Council. 9.3 Lack of routine building maintenance and repair The structure and scope of this document is based on the suggested framework published by English Buildings in the conservation area are generally in Heritage in Guidance on the Management of good condition, however there are instances of the Conservation Areas (2005). Both the Conservation neglect of routine maintenance and repair. Area Character Appraisal and the Management Proposals will be subject to monitoring and reviews on Recommendations: a regular basis, as set out in Section 10. N Policy CA14/3: The Council will encourage owners of properties within the Conservation Area to 9 Issues and recommendations adequately and appropriately maintain their buildings. It will prepare advice and guidance 9.1 Loss of original architectural details and leaflets on this with specific regard to the types of building materials problem found within the area, for example: A number of the unlisted buildings in the conservation G Care and repair of sash windows; area have been adversely affected by the replacement G Pointing; of original timber windows or doors with uPVC or G Slate roofing; aluminium, the replacement of natural roof slate with G How to deal with damp. concrete tiles or the painting of externally exposed brickwork. 9.4 Unsightly satellite dishes In some cases the removal of architectural features such as railings, porches and chimneys has spoiled Satellite dishes are a feature of modern living. the external appearance of a building and the local Unfortunately, when located on the front of an historic streetscape. building, a satellite dish can spoil the appearance of the building and the streetscene. In certain circumstances In most cases where these types of work are carried satellite dishes may be installed without the need for out to single family dwellings, planning permission is planning permission. not normally required. Development of this kind is called ‘permitted development’ and falls into various Recommendations: classes that are listed in the Town and Country N Policy CA14/4: The Council will prepare guidance Planning (General Permitted Development) Order for householders, landlords and tenants on the 1995. Powers exist for the Council, known as Article sensitive location of satellite dishes and the 4(2) Directions, to withdraw some of these permitted requirement, or not, for planning permission. development rights in the interest of preserving or Enforcement action will be taken to remove any enhancing the character or appearance of the unauthorised dishes. conservation area. This might be considered to prevent the further erosion of historic character of residential properties, which are a key feature of this conservation area, particularly where they form a coherent group of well-detailed properties. The Council also will consider the affect of the loss of historic street signage, any change in signage should be appropriate to the Conservation Area designation. Recommendations: N Policy CA14/1: The Council will seek to consider the need for Article 4(2) Directions to protect buildings that retain their original features from inappropriate alteration. The primary focus will be on those dwelling/houses marked as positive buildings on the Townscape Appraisal Map.
Satellite dishes are a common feature of modern living. Denmark Road page 8 Page 55 9.5 Protection and replacement of trees 9.8 Negative sites and buildings Trees make an important contribution to the softening This appraisal has identified ‘negative’ buildings, i.e. of the urban townscape and enhancing the setting of buildings which clearly detract from the character or historic buildings. appearance of the conservation area and could suitably be replaced. In addition, in recent times a number of Recommendations: attractive buildings have been demolished to make way N Policy CA14/5: The Council will seek to ensure the for more intensive forms of development. Conservation appropriate protection and management of all street Area Consent is required for the demolition of buildings 3 trees by the Highway Authority, which now falls over 115m in volume in a conservation area. At the under the control of Gloucestershire County same time the developer is required to produce an Council. The Council will seek the replacement of acceptable design for a replacement scheme that will street trees which have been removed within the either preserve or enhance the character or appear- Conservation Area. ance of the conservation area. Negative buildings have been identified on the 9.6 Sub-division of properties into flats Townscape Appraisal Map. Sub-division of properties into flats or let for multiple Recommendations: occupation can tend to erode external character through, N for example, prominent intrusive fire escapes, poorly Policy CA14/8: The Council will encourage the maintained gardens or gardens destroyed in order to redevelopment of that part of the High School site ease maintenance. that is indicated on the Townscape Appraisal Map as making a negative contribution to the character Recommendations: or appearance of the conservation area. The council N Policy CA14/6: When considering an application for will provide design guidance at the appropriate time conversion of a dwelling to flats or a house of should the site be redeveloped. multiple occupation, the Council will carefully consider such matters as bin storage, clothes 10 Monitoring and Review drying, car parking and fire safety works to ensure As recommended by English Heritage, this document that the change of use does not adversely impact should be reviewed every five years from the date of its on the character and appearance of the formal adoption. It will need to be assessed in the light conservation area. of the emerging Local Development Framework and government policy generally. A review should include 9.7 Loss of front gardens to car parking and other the following: hard landscaping N A survey of the conservation area including a full The increasing demand for off street parking has photographic survey to aid possible enforcement generated pressure for car parking in garden areas to action; both the front and rear of residential properties. Loss of N An assessment of whether the various greenery and front boundaries, including hedges, recommendations detailed in this document have railings, fences and walls, can spoil the setting of the been acted upon, and how successful this has building and cumulatively erode the character of the been; streetscene. N The identification of any new issues which need to Recommendations: be addressed, requiring further actions or N Policy CA14/7: Car parking areas within the front enhancements; gardens of properties in the conservation area N The production of a short report detailing the will not be permitted unless it can be demonstrated findings of the survey and any necessary action; that the proposals will not adversely affect the character and appearance of the conservation area. N Publicity and advertising. (Note: This will only be effective where an Article 4(2) Direction is in place that has removed It is possible that this review could be carried out by permitted development rights from owners of the local community under the guidance of a heritage dwelling houses.) consultant or the City Council. This would enable the local community to become more involved with the process and would raise public consciousness of the issues, including the problems associated with enforcement.
Denmark Road page 9 Page 56
Denmark Road page 10 Page 57
Appendices
Appendix 1 Sustainability Report Appendix 2 The historical development of Gloucester Appendix 3 Listed buildings Appendix 4 Bibliography Page 58 Page 59 Appendix 1 Sustainability Appraisal and Management Proposals Commentary (any (any Commentary secondary, cumulative, & impacts?) synergistic for Recommendations Improvement/Mitigation positive identifies Document important spaces and open which groups tree trees and of character the to contribute area. the conservation policies management The maintain the to seek and the CA of character replace possible where buildings negative/neutral enhance will ones which with the area. of the character that when found It been has historic an of the appearance more improved is area work to and live want people there. or character the Enhancing will area this historic to more people encourage stay and visit Gloucester longer.
Med Med High High High High Significance of Significance Impact
Med Med High High High High Likelihood of of Likelihood Impact
Groups Groups Whole Area Area Whole Area Whole Area Whole Open Space & Tree Tree & Space Open Geographic Scale Geographic
Permanent Permanent Permanent Permanent Permanent Temporary or Temporary Permanent Impact?
L/T L/T S/T M/T M/T Impact (Short, (Short, Impact Likely Timing of of Timing Likely Med, Long Term) Term) Long Med,
- - 0 0 ? 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 + + + + + - - - ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ Impact
SA Objectives Objectives SA most City’s the 1.protect To assets vulnerable of risk the minimise Willit 1.a. and people to flooding property? and Willconserve it 1.b. natural/semi-natural enhance habitats? and Willconserve 1.c.it and diversity species enhance to harm avoid in particular, species? protected maintain and Willit 1.d. for designated sites enhance conservation their nature interest? maintain and Willit 1.e. historical and cultural enhance assets? enhance and Willmaintain it 1.f. cover? woodland Sustainable 2.Deliver To Growth Economic and new Willcreate it 2.a. particularly jobs time full lasting of need most in for those employment? both Willencourage it 2.b. inward and indigenous investment? and support to Will help 2.c.it small of the growth encourage businesses? the improve to Willhelp it 2.d. a as Gloucester attraction of destination? tourist
Denmark Road page 11 Page 60 Commentary (any (any Commentary secondary, cumulative, & impacts?) synergistic for Recommendations Improvement/Mitigation of character the Maintaining mean can historic areas on development resisting and spaces open important plots. of the subdivision to policies has Document the encourage of redevelopment buildings negative/neutral sites. gap and of older retention The the reduces buildings building for new demand materials. are owners Property to reinstate encouraged of some features, original can obtained be which second-hand.
Med Med Med Med High High Significance of Significance Impact
Med Med High High High High Likelihood of of Likelihood Impact
Whole Area Area Whole Area Whole Area Whole enhancement enhancement or gap sites and and sites gap or Buildings identified identified Buildings as negative/neutral as negative/neutral areas designated for for designated areas Geographic Scale Geographic
Permanent Permanent Permanent Permanent Permanent Temporary or Temporary Permanent Impact?
M/T M/T Impact (Short, (Short, Impact Likely Timing of of Timing Likely Med, Long Term) Term) Long Med,
- - 0 0 ? 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 + + + - - - ++ ++ Impact
SA Objectives Objectives SA minimise consumption 3. To and resources of natural waste of production most the Willencourage it 3.a. and land of use efficient buildings? Willencourage it 3.b. previously on development land? developed demand the Willminimise 3.c.it and/or materials for raw raw of the use encourage sustainable from materials sources? waste Willincrease it 3.d. recycling? and recovery the reduce Willto help it 3.e. is that waste of amount generated? Willencourage positively it 3.f. energy? forms of renewable water Willreduce it 3.g. consumption? has everyone 4.ensure To essential the to access that and require they services met are needs local access Will everyone help it 4.a easily, services basic essential affordably? safely and additional Willprovide it 4.d. spaces green facilities, leisure to existing access improve and facilities? that ensure Willto help it 4.e. safe to has access everyone housing? affordable and Willreduce it 4.f. homelessness?
Denmark Road page 12 Page 61 Commentary (any (any Commentary secondary, cumulative, & impacts?) synergistic for Recommendations Improvement/Mitigation that recommends Document be review monitoring a time in 5 years out carried this that possible is itand the by out carried could be community. local take to people Encourages area. in their pride are CA’s maintained Well live. to places attractive
Med Med High High High Significance of Significance Impact
Med Med Med High High Likelihood of of Likelihood Impact
Whole Area Area Whole Area Whole Area Whole Geographic Scale Geographic
Temporary Temporary Permanent Permanent Permenant Temporary or Temporary Permanent Impact?
L/T L/T M/T M/T Impact (Short, (Short, Impact Likely Timing of of Timing Likely Med, Long Term) Term) Long Med,
- - 0 0 ? 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 + + + + - - - ++ ++ ++ Impact
SA Objectives Objectives SA of standards 5.improve To education and health and health Willimprove it 5.a. in to engage ability people’s activities? healthy to access Willimprove it 5.b. facilities? care health to access Will improve it 5.d. skills and training, learning, knowledge? qualifications Willimprove it 5.e. and people young skills of and adults? great a make Gloucester 6. To work and live place to crime reduce Willto help it 6.a. crime? offear the and Willencourage it 6.b. in engagement community activities? community of ability the Will increase it 6.c. decisions? to influence people community Willimprove it 6.d. cohesion? maintain Willto help it 6.e. and the vitality enhance and/or centre? a designated of viability to access Will increase 6.f. it cultural in, participation and activities? and poverty Willreduce it 6.g. inequality? income of the number Willreduce it 6.h. unfit homes? of the quality Will improve it 6.i. live? people where
Denmark Road page 13 Page 62 Commentary (any (any Commentary secondary, cumulative, & impacts?) synergistic for Recommendations Improvement/Mitigation for policies has Document the encourage to the Council negative of redevelopment sites gap and
Med Med Significance of Significance Impact
Med Med Likelihood of of Likelihood Impact
and gap sites gap and Negative buildings buildings Negative Geographic Scale Geographic
Permanent Permanent Temporary or Temporary Permanent Impact?
L/T Impact (Short, (Short, Impact Likely Timing of of Timing Likely Med, Long Term) Term) Long Med,
- - 0 0 ? 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 + + + + - - - ++ ++ Impact
SA Objectives Objectives SA to the need reduce 7. To travel the Willreduce it 7.a. car? to by travel need/desire that Willensure help it 7.b. car are the to alternatives journeys, for essential available in areas residents to especially car ownership? of low a achieve to Will help 7.c.it accident road in reduction casualties? the Will increase it 7.d. by carried freight of proportion water? rail and traffic reduce to Willhelp it 7.e. road improve and congestion safety? environmental 8.improve To land) water, (air, quality any reduce to Willhelp it 8.a. pollution? of sources levels reduce to Willhelp it 8.b. of noise? and Willmaintain it 8.c. quality? water enhance maintain and Willit 8.e. quality? air enhance enhance and Willmaintain it 8.f. quality? land/soil of the amount Willreduce it 8.g. and degraded derelict, land? underused to contributions 9.reduce To change climate contributions Willreduce it 9.a. change? climate to reduce vulnerability Willit 9.b. change? climate to
Denmark Road page 14 Page 63 Appendix 2 The Historical Development of Medieval Gloucester Gloucester Under the Normans, Gloucester’s motte-and-bailey castle commanded the southernmost route across the Gloucester: history and development Severn to South Wales and this was rebuilt in stone The history of Gloucester has been written many times (on the site of today’s city prison) by Miles of and in great detail. This account is not intended to Gloucester in 1110–20. Under Abbot Serlo (from 1089) duplicate what has already been said elsewhere. the Saxon Minster of St Peter was rebuilt to create one Instead it is aimed at summarising those key historical of England’s greatest Benedictine abbeys (now the developments that have helped to shape the city that cathedral). we know today, with particular emphasis on the street Hospitals were established on London Road in the pattern and standing buildings. early twelfth century whose chapels still survive (St Margaret’s and St Mary Magdelen’s). New churches Roman Gloucester and religious foundations were added – notably the A Roman fortress was established at Kingsholm some richly endowed Llanthony Priory, begun in 1137 as a time after AD 48 close to what must have been an home for Augustinian canons fleeing from their original existing ford across the River Severn. The Severn then Welsh home. St Oswald’s Priory also became a house formed the frontier between Roman Britain and of the Augustinians in 1152; Greyfriars was established unconquered Wales. By AD 70, the Romans had around 1231, Blackfriars around 1239 and Whitefriars conquered south Wales and established a new army around 1268. Of the parish churches that were headquarters at Caerleon. The Kingsholm fort was established at this time, St Mary le Lode, in St Mary’s dismantled and a new one established to the south. Square, St Nicholas, in Westgate Street and St Mary le This evolved into a colonia, a city where soldiers Crypt, in Southgate Street, have survived. retiring from the army were given land as a form of Gloucester was granted a charter in 1155 (giving the pension, once Gloucester ceased to be a frontline right to hold a market and to exercise jurisdiction). The military station around AD 81. economy was based on iron working but the city also This period saw the establishment of the rectilinear had a large population of traders and merchants and street pattern that underlies the historic centre of the city played an important role as a market and Gloucester. The Cross, marking the centre of today’s service centre for the region. A quay probably operated city, also stands on top of the focal point of the Roman along the banks of the Severn between Westgate city. Northgate Street and Southgate Streets lie directly Bridge and the castle. on top of the main Roman road through the city. Westgate Street was the longest and most important of London Road also follows a Roman alignment, turning the city’s commercial streets, the location of a market, north easterly to join Roman Ermin Way (today’s A38 several churches, the Guildhall and the mint. The Barnwood / Hucclecote Road). Ermin Way itself is abbey occupied all of the north-western quadrant of the aligned on the original fort at Kingsholm. city. The east end was the Jewish quarter until the Jews were expelled in 1275. New suburbs developed Anglo-Saxon Gloucester outside the town walls. Gloucester continued to be a centre of settlement after Among secular medieval buildings in Gloucester, the the final withdrawal of Roman troops from Britain in most remarkable are the late-twelfth century undercroft 436. The Anglo-Saxon chronicle says that Gloucester beneath the late-fifteenth century Fleece Hotel, the (with Cirencester and Bath) fell to the Saxons after the early thirteenth-century undercrofts to 47–49 and 76 Battle of Dyrham, fought in 577, and thereafter was Westgate Street and the New Inn, a complete ruled by the Hwicce, as a sub-kingdom within Mercia. timber-framed courtyard inn built around 1450 for Osric founded a minster church (an early form of St Peter’s Abbey. monastery) around AD 679, the forerunner of St Peter’s Abbey (today’s cathedral). Post Dissolution Gloucester Ethelfleda (died AD 918), daughter of King Alfred The Dissolution of the 1530s was a landmark in the and ruler of the Mercians following the death of her city’s history, unlocking resources previously controlled husband in 911, founded the new Minster of St Oswald by religious houses. The Minster church became the in Gloucester shortly after AD 900, by when Gloucester cathedral and with the founding of the See, Gloucester was already an important commercial centre. Many of became a city in 1541. Cloth making led a revival in the the streets, side lanes and alleys of the city centre city’s trading fortunes and by 1600 the city hosted were established at this time. specialist markets for the trading of cattle, sheep, St Oswald’s was probably connected with the royal grain and fruit. palace that was established at Kingsholm by the reign Port status was granted to the city by Elizabeth I in of Edward the Confessor (1003–66). Gloucester was a 1580 and by the time the cloth trade declined in the regular meeting place of the royal council during his seventeenth century, the city had evolved into a reign and that of William I. At one such meeting in 1085 significant centre for the Severn-based grain and malt William I initiated the Domesday survey. trade, though competition from Bristol prevented it from developing foreign trade contacts.
Denmark Road page 15 Page 64 The Puritan city’s stubborn resistance to Royalist siege as well as stimulating locally based corn-milling and in 1643 is widely seen as the turning point in the Civil ship-building, and the manufacture of railway rolling War. Large parts of the city were burned to the ground: stock (Gloucester Wagon Works opened in 1860) and most of the northern and southern suburbs were lost, matches (Morlands/England’s Glory). as were half the city’s eleven medieval churches. Big increases in population saw the city’s boundaries Surviving buildings from this period include the timber- extended in 1835 and 1874. The population doubled framed buildings at 6–8, 14, 26, 30, 33, 43–45, 66, 100 between 1851 and 1871 alone. Middle-class housing and 99–103 Westgate Street (the Folk Museum) and spread out along London Road while industrial that at 9 Southgate Street (with a façade dating from development was heaviest in the area between the 1664/5). canal and Bristol Road and artisan housing grew up in the south and south east of the city. The 1870s and Eighteenth-century Gloucester 1880s saw the city centre transformed from a mix of Wire and pin making, metal working, bell founding, small shops and residential premises to a business and wool stapling and banking led the city’s revival from the retail centre with banks, offices and large stores. Gas late seventeenth century. Gloucester also developed as lighting in the city was completed in the 1890s and the a distribution centre for goods imported from overseas new suburbs of Outer Barton Street, Tredworth, Bristol via Bristol and then forwarded inland to the west Road, Kingsholm and Wotton were brought within the Midlands. city boundaries when they were extended again in 1900. A number of medieval houses were refaced in fashionable brick (eg Nos 6–8 and 14 Westgate Street) Other buildings of this period include the County and the city also became established as a social centre Lunatic Asylum (1823), the Friends Meeting House, for the local gentry, with fine houses from this period at Greyfriars (1835), St James, Upton Street (1841), the College Green and Longsmith Street, plus the former HM Custom House (Sydney Smirke, 1845), St eighteenth-century church of St John the Baptist in Mark, Kingsholm (1845), the Mariner’s Church in the Northgate Street. Docks (1849), the Cemetery, in Cemetery Road (1857), St Peter’s Roman Catholic Church (1859), the The County Infirmary was founded in 1755 and Wesleyan Church, Victoria Street (1870), the Public St Bartholomews’ Hospital almshouses, near Westgate Library and Museum (1872), Whitefield Presbyterian, Bridge, were rebuilt in Gothick style in 1790. Church Park Road (1872), All Saints, Barton Street (Sir Gloucester was active in the establishment and G G Scott, 1875),Coney Hill Hospital (1883), St Paul, promotion of Sunday Schools from the 1780s (Robert Stroud Road 1883, the Public Baths, Eastgate Street Raikes, pioneer of Sunday Schools, was born in (1891), the former Guildhall in Eastgate Street (1892), Gloucester in 1736). The County Gaol was rebuilt in and St Stephen, Bristol Road (1898). 1791, as was St John the Baptist, Northgate Street, in 1734. Other notable buildings of the period include Twentieth-century Gloucester No 1 Miller’s Green (The Deanery), Bearland House in Longsmith Street (1740) and Ladybellegate House As the docks declined in the late-nineteenth century, (1743). local engineering firms moved into the new industries of aircraft production, though this too ceased in 1960 Nineteenth-century Gloucester (as did match making in 1976 and the wagon works in 1985). Gloucester’s role as the county town has since Physical growth beyond the city’s medieval boundaries created employment in local government and in service began after the Napoleonic Wars. Shire Hall (Sir Robert industries. Smirke) dates from 1815/16. A pump room (demolished 1960) opened in Spa Road that same year, but this Notable buildings of this period include St Catharine, was rapidly eclipsed by the greater popularity of the London Road (1915), the Technical College (1936), spa at Cheltenham. Even so, several terraces St Oswald (1939), St Barnabas, Tuffley (1940) and associated with the spa have survived, including St Aldate, Finlay Road (1964). Gloucester’s only residential square, Brunswick Square (begun 1822), along with Christ Church, Brunswick Road (Rickmann & Hutchinson, 1823). Two of the Severn’s watercourses were partly concealed, having been open since the Roman founding of the city: the Dockham Ditch (aka Old or Little Severn) was culverted south of the Foreign Bridge on Westgate Street in 1825 and completely filled in in 1854, and the Twyver (running beneath Station Road) was culverted in 1833. The opening of the Gloucester and Berkeley Canal in 1827 gave ocean-going ships access to the city and the coming of the railways in the 1840s encouraged Gloucester’s expansion as a busy port for the distribution of foreign grain and timber to the Midlands,
Denmark Road page 16 Page 65
Speed’s map of 1610.
Kip’s engraving of 1710.
Denmark Road page 17 Page 66
Hall & Pinnell’s map of 1780.
1805 map.
Denmark Road page 18 Page 67
Causton’s map of Gloucester (extract), 1843.
1/2500 Ordnance Survey map 1902.
Denmark Road page 19 Page 68
1/2500 Ordnance Survey map 1923.
Denmark Road page 20 Page 69 Appendix 3 Listed Buildings SO81NW GLOUCESTER DENMARK ROAD 844-1/3/104 (North side) Girls' High School 12/03/73 II Girls' high school. c1900, later C20 additions and alterations. By WB Wood. Red Brick with dressed stone details, tiled roofs with gabled dormers, brick stacks. Northern Renaissance style. EXTERIOR: two storeys and attics. 3:6:3 fenestration pattern to facade with gabled outer wings flanking recessed outer block. Centre: flat-roofed projections to ground floor with segmental-arched lights flanking gabled porch with "GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL" in car- touche and chamfered arch of 3 orders dying into splayed jambs and with angled pilasters; first floor articulated into recessed bays by pilasters; 3-light double-transomed windows with segmental-arched lights; crenellated parapet with arched links to stepped merlons; gabled dormers with 3-light casements; louvred ventilators. Wings have tall segmental-arched casements with small-paned timber casements and ashlar imposts; ground-floor left is blank. Right and left-hand returns each have tall stair tower with crenellated parapet set behind more modest but similar porches, to Seniors on right and Juniors on left. Parallel-gabled rear wing, with cross-gabled rear elevation then flat-roofed range. INTERIOR: not inspected, but known to be complete with original joinery and stained and patterned glass. A most distinctive and richly-detailed design, interpret- ing with flair and imagination the Free Style commonly adopted for Board School designs from the later C19.
Denmark Road page 21 Page 70 Appendix 4 Bibliography and Contacts
Bibliography Schedule of Listed Buildings in the City of Gloucester, 7th edition, compiled under section 1 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. Baker, N and Holt, R 2004. Urban Growth and the Medieval Church: Gloucester and Worcester. Aldershot: Ashgate Publishing. Moss, P 2005. Historic Gloucester: an illustrated guide to the city and its buildings. Stroud: Nonesuch Publishing. Verey, D and Brooks, A 2002. The Buildings of England, Gloucstershire 2: The Vale and the Forest of Dean, New Haven and London: Yale University Press
Maps/topographical views: G Speed’s map of 1610 G Kip’s engraving of 1712 G Hall and Pinnell’s map of 1796 G Causton’s map of 1843 G Ordnance Survey map of 1902 G Ordnance Survey map of 1923
Denmark Road page 22 Page 71
Maps
Conservation Area 14 Townscape Appraisal Page 72
NORTH ROAD 8
MALVERN ROAD 7 8 Sports Ground 10 ESTCOURT CLOSE
HINTON ROAD
11 113
20
24
9 Townscape Appraisal Map
COOKS
17 19
14 ORCHARD COOKS
Playing Field 12a 6 16 ORCHARD
5
3 (Not to scale) 9
123 12
12 6
4 5
4 3 3 127 2
8
3
10
1a
19
1 1
1 20 Sports Ground
2
11 12
41 47
45 47a COOKS ORCHARD 31 100 27 49 51 25 The Willows 53 139 15 55 Playing Field COOKS 59
5 ORCHARD ESTCOURT ROAD 6
2
5 63
1 Proposed conservation area Hill Cottages
10 2 Cycle Track
LANSDOWN ROAD boundary 115
Cycle Track
Playing Field 114
14 Listed buildings 16 DENMARK ROAD 65 Playing Field
59
91 50 Tennis Courts
79
37
20 Positive buildings
Tennis Courts 8
LANSDOWN ROAD
49 36 John Wood's Alley 79
SEBERT STREET 51
High School for Girls Gloucester 91
SEABROKE ROAD
46 34
59
2 Neutral buildings
36 67
John Wood's Alley
43 54
Playground 65 34a
157
42 56a Mermaid Close 56 Sandling House
69
Wotton Tennis Ground Page 73 51 34
Recreation Ground HEATHVILLE ROAD 134 Negative buildings
Trevone 12 Knoyle Villa
14 49
(Old Peoples' Home) 64
32 22 100 to 106 to 100
18 39
22
79 143 124 30 65
Greenlands 23
(Nursing Home)
141a
29 Cotteswold Courts 27
141 98 Positive open spaces 24
YMCA Posy Lane
114 27 Wallbank 4 to 12 House
53 DENMARK ROAD
3
131 19 to
Kingsholm C of E 90 1 1 to 11 28 to 38 to 28
Primary School 41
13
104 MICHAELMAS COURT 34 Negative open spaces
Elizabeth House 32
41 82 (Clinic) 13 15 17 119
39a
ROAD 18 14 81 to 107 9 16 18 7 St Mark's 1 1 31 8
Court 9 2 7 7 12
10 3 1
11 HENRY ROAD 26 Denmark Court 6
15 11 4 94 5
19 24 12 6
107 Important trees
21 OXFORD ROAD2 27 HONYATT ROAD 2 Holland
102 Court 1
3 2
5
Tudor 13
10 2 Court 1 10a 4 30 to 13 6
21 7 The Firs 4
HEATHVILLE9 1 to 27 12 11
64
15
17 12
14
18 10
8 20
13 The 95 6
18
92 Firs
5
16
14 21 19 Nursery School
17 Important views
19
10
39 UNION STREET 60
Hall 76
Hillfield House
ROAD23 (Government Offices) 82
SHERBORNE STREET 3
80a 2
1 to 18 to 1 83 HILLFIELD COURT ROAD 3a
2b
31 2
80
1
68 Hillfield Rest Garden Hillfield 1a
Coach House 55 14 4 to 1
31 Focal buildings 16
8 26 Hillfield
HENRY ROAD 16 Court
15
72
9
31 to 54 33a
8 71 7
60 ALEXANDRA
Close 21 35 DENMARK
89 to 98 Columbia 11 9 Sherborne House 58 10 23 12 Hillfield Rest Garden
Hillfield ROAD 66 65 37 103 17 Court
HILLFIELD COURT RD
39
Posts 41 21
43 King's Board St Mary Magdalen's SHERBORNE STREET Dental
6
5 Surgery Chapel
57 1 to 30 (remains of) 101 Scriven's Wotton Hill 13 COLUMBIA CLOSE 15 99 Conduit
1 4
95b 52 44 97
95a 1 to 33
1 1 to 28
HENRY STREET 118 Cathedral Court
69b 93 110
53 32 22
12 2a
91 100 38 2 83 to 89 The Courtyard to Sovereign Court 81
15 41 St John 73 69a 69c
29 to 42
Radio 98 2
Broadcasting LONDON94 ROAD London Road 43 to 56 Page 74
Gloucester City Council
Policy, Design & T 01452 522232 Conservation F 01452 396668 Herbert Warehouse E [email protected] The Docks Minicom 01452 396161 Gloucester GL1 2EQ www.gloucester.gov.uk APPENDIX 2
CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISALS – PROPOSED DENMARK ROAD CONSERVATION AREA RESPONSE REPORT FROM RESIDENTS SEPTEMBER 2008
Ref Agree/Disagree Agree/Disagree Agree/Disagree Agree/Disagree to Comment Proposed Action To key To key Issues To Boundary Changes Characteristics identified Recommendations
1 Agree Agree Agree Disagree Concerns regarding demolition of properties and In determining applications for redevelopment with apartments. Conservation Area Consent , the Council will pay special attention to the desirability of preserving or enhancing the character or appearance of the conservation area in question. Account is taken of the contribution made by the building or structure for which demolition is proposed to the special architectural Page 75 or historic interest of the area. Consideration is also given to the effects of demolition on the wider surroundings and on the Conservation Area as a whole.
No change proposed to Conservation Area Appraisal.
2 Disagree Disagree Disagree Agree 31 and 33 Denmark Road should be positive These properties have been buildings. reassessed and agree they should be identified as positive buildings. No’s 31 and 33 have original windows and terracotta detailing which adds to the character of the Conservation Area.
Amended in the final Appraisal document.
1 Ref Agree/Disagree Agree/Disagree Agree/Disagree Agree/Disagree to Comment Proposed Action To key To key Issues To Boundary Changes Characteristics identified Recommendations
3 Agree Agree Agree No Response Issue regarding water collecting at the junction of Noted. Issue forwarded to the Denmark Road and Lansdown Road after heavy Highways Authority. rainfall.
4 No Comment No Comment No Comment No Comment More information required on the planning Restrictions to owners are not restrictions onerous and were discussed at the public meeting. A leaflet has been produced as guidance which can be found on the councils website and on
designation information will be sent Page 76 to all residents explaining these. The designation of a conservation area does not imply that no further development or change can take place. Designation does mean, however, that change needs to be carefully managed in order to ensure that the special interest which warranted designation is not eroded. To this end, there are extra planning controls over most building works within conservation areas, and over works to trees. These controls may affect alterations to existing buildings as well as new construction works.
No change proposed to Conservation Area Appraisal.
2 Ref Agree/Disagree Agree/Disagree Agree/Disagree Agree/Disagree to Comment Proposed Action To key To key Issues To Boundary Changes Characteristics identified Recommendations
5 No Comment No Comment No Comment No Comment I believe the whole area (Denmark Road + The process is trying to define a surrounds) should be a conservation area. cohesive Conservation Area rather than one that includes properties that do not contribute to the unique character. No change proposed to Conservation Area Appraisal.
6 No Comment No Comment No Comment No Comment There do not seem to be many "important trees" This has been reassessed and agree marked on the map - and those only in the further trees could be added, these Denmark Road/Heathville Road areas. Surely as include trees along Alexandra Road. a conservation area all trees within the boundary Trees have been identified as those are important. that are substantial in size and
contribute to the streetscape. Page 77 Map to be amended and included in the final Appraisal.
7 No Comment No Comment No Comment No Comment Litter a problem around High School and Noted. Issue to be forwarded to Street Lansdown Road. Care.
8 No Comment No Comment No Comment No Comment Concerns regarding the redevelopment of single Planning applications for dwellings and rear gardens. development in Conservation Areas should demonstrate that the proposals preserve or enhance the special
interest of the area. Particular attention should be given to the design, scale and materials of any proposed development in order to ensure that the existing character of the area is not damaged. The Council requires applications to be accompanied by detailed drawings for all developments in Conservation Areas. No change proposed.
3 Ref Agree/Disagree Agree/Disagree Agree/Disagree Agree/Disagree to Comment Proposed Action To key To key Issues To Boundary Changes Characteristics identified Recommendations
9 Agree Agree Agree Agree 1. Concerned over the loss of street trees within 1. All trees in conservation areas with the area especially Henry road and Henry Street. a trunk diameter of more than 7.5cm Could these be replanted? measured 1.5m from the ground are protected. Any person wanting to do works to trees in these areas must apply to the City Council for consent. Comment on replacement trees has been noted and forwarded to the County Council as Highway Authority. The Management Proposals within the Appraisal 2. The Stagecoach Bus Depot is not in the document will be amended to Conservation Area but it is a disgrace. Negative incorporate a policy on replanting of Page 78 building, negative open space yet a focal building. trees where they have been removed from the Conservation Area.
2. The Stagecoach Bus Depot would be a prime candidate for redevelopment if the opportunity arose. Due to its location between London Road and the proposed 3. Properties in Oxford Road have been Denmark Road Conservation Area it significantly altered. Would a conservation area would require a positive encourage the owners to return them to a more redevelopment that responds to the original state? character of the area.
3. If designated such alterations could not be retrospectively enforced. Once 4. Could a 20 mile an hour zone be implemented designated any future maintenance across the area? work, the council would encourage the reinstatement of original materials - timber windows, slate on roofs.
4. Noted. Forwarded to the Highways Authority.
4 Ref Agree/Disagree Agree/Disagree Agree/Disagree Agree/Disagree to Comment Proposed Action To key To key Issues To Boundary Changes Characteristics identified Recommendations
10 No Comment No Comment No Comment No Comment 1. Hinton and Malvern Road shouldn't be included. 1. Hinton Road and Malvern Road make a positive contribution to the Conservation Area due to the architectural and local character of the area as a whole.
2. More details must be published about how this 2.Restrictions to owners are not proposal will affect those living in or owning onerous and were discussed at the property in the proposed conservation area. public meeting. A leaflet has been produced as guidance which can be found on the councils website and on designation information will be sent to all residents explaining these. Page 79
No change proposed to Conservation Area Appraisal.
11 Agree Agree Agree Agree I strongly support the concept of the field bounded Comments noted. by Seabroke Road and Lansdown Road being a POSITIVE OPEN SPACE.
12 No Comment No Comment No Comment No Comment I strongly believe Kingsholm Road houses should 9-49 and 78 -86 Kingsholm Road are be included within area. designated as part of the “Kingsholm Conservation Area”.
No change proposed to Conservation Area Appraisal.
5 Ref Agree/Disagree Agree/Disagree Agree/Disagree Agree/Disagree to Comment Proposed Action To key To key Issues To Boundary Changes Characteristics identified Recommendations
13 No Comment No Comment No Comment Disagree 1. Map obtained is Not Up To Date - Why? 1.Noted. This has been rectified and (Mermaid Close is not on it.) will be amended in the final Appraisal.
2. Why playing fields in Heathville Road not 2.The area has been excluded to included? create a cohesive Conservation Area, which is defined as of "special architectural or historic interest". Playing fields and recreational open space are protected by the Council Local Plan Policy SR.2 and therefore
has some protection against Page 80 development.
3. Why Hillfield House and gardens not in? 3.Hillfield House is in London Road Conservation Area.
4. Why have the four "focal" buildings been 4.There are many attractive buildings singled out within the Conservation Area but it was felt the four focal buildings were particularly attractive and retained almost all of their original features.
5. Why aren't the houses in Denmark Road 5. The properties outside the opposite the High School included? boundary have been excluded to create a cohesive Conservation Area that is defined as of "special architectural or historic interest".
6. Why aren't the five houses on right of Denmark 6. As question 5. Road (going up from school) beyond mini roundabout junction with Heathville Road No change proposed to Conservation included? Area Appraisal in respect Q 2-6.
6 Ref Agree/Disagree Agree/Disagree Agree/Disagree Agree/Disagree to Comment Proposed Action To key To key Issues To Boundary Changes Characteristics identified Recommendation
14 Agree Agree Agree Agree 1.The conservation area proposal should be in 1. Restrictions to owners are not place to help prevent the demolition of fine onerous and were discussed at the buildings, but it should not be overly restrictive public meeting. A leaflet has been on those residents wishing to improve their produced as guidance which can be properties through minor adjustment. found on the councils website and on
designation information will be sent to all residents explaining these. The designation of a conservation area does not imply that no further development or change can take place. Designation does mean, however, that change needs to be Page 81 carefully managed in order to ensure that the special interest which warranted designation is not eroded. To this end, there are extra planning controls over most building works within conservation areas, and over works to trees. These controls may affect alterations to existing buildings as well as new construction works.
2. We would encourage the return of trees that 2. Regarding replacement trees this have been removed from pavements within the issue has been forwarded to the conservation area. Highway Authority. The Management Proposals within the Appraisal document will be amended to incorporate a policy on replanting of trees where they have been removed from the Conservation Area.
7
3. The following areas should be included as A Conservation Area is defined as public open space: “an area of special architectural or historic interest the character or • The sports ground at the west end of appearance of which it is desirable to Denmark Road (and bordering the preserve or enhance”. The boundary Kingsholm Conservation Area) has been drawn to create a cohesive • The large playing field between area of special interest; the boundary Lansdown Road and Estcourt Road has included properties of a similar • The lawn tennis courts off Posy Lane age and of architectural interest.
Playing fields and recreational open space are protected by the Council Local Plan Policy SR.2 and areas therefore have some protection against development. Such areas of open space are included in Page 82 Conservation Areas if they are surrounded by properties of “special architectural or historic interest”.
Denmark Road High School and associated playing field is in the heart of the Conservation Area and has been included in the Conservation Area due to its location and surroundings.
No changes to proposed boundary.
4. We would also like to see the replacement of 4. Noted and forwarded to Street modern road name signs with ones more in Care. The Management Proposals keeping with the older cast iron ones. Policy 9.1 within the Appraisal document will be amended to incorporate the proposed replacement of modern road signs with original signage within the Conservation Area.
8 Ref Agree/Disagree Agree/Disagree Agree/Disagree Agree/Disagree to Comment Proposed Action To key To key Issues To Boundary Changes Characteristics identified Recommendation
15 Agree Agree Agree Agree We agree with all aspects of the conservation area Comments noted. and are delighted to be part of it.
16 Agree Agree Agree Agree We are very pleased that this area is being Comments noted. considered as a conservation area and we very much hope it will be designated. We want to see the character of the area preserved, and the prevention of building over gardens.
Agree Agree Agree Agree No Comment Comments noted. 17 Page 83
18 No Comment No Comment No Comment No Comment Will properties with unsuitable alterations been If designated such alterations would expected to replace/remove these items if not be retrospectively enforced. Once designated. I.E UPVC windows or car hard designated any future maintenance standing to front of properties. work, the council would encourage
the reinstatement of original materials. Satellite dishes are a particular problem and the council would seek that these dishes are removed where single properties have several on the front façade. Any new development will require timber windows, slate roofs and characteristic features of the area. No change.
9 Ref Agree/Disagree Agree/Disagree Agree/Disagree Agree/Disagree to Comment Proposed Action To key To key Issues To Boundary Changes Characteristics identified Recommendation 19 No Comment No Comment No Comment No Comment 1. Why have Nos 71-101 Denmark Road been 1. No 71-101 have been excluded to omitted? create a cohesive area of special interest, the Conservation Area identifies properties of a similar age and of architectural interest 2. Why are 59/61 and 63/65 Denmark Road 2. The properties have been assessed classified as neutral buildings, when 35/37, 39/41, based on architectural detailing, 43/45 and 47/49 are the same design, yet original boundary walls and windows classified as positive buildings? and lack of modern alterations. Due to the lack of architectural detailing on the buildings, loss of original boundary walls and parking to the
front No’s 59/61 and 63/65 are not Page 84 identified as positive buildings. 3. 59/61 and 63/65 should be classified as positive 3.No change to classifications due to buildings. above considerations.
No change proposed to Conservation Area Appraisal
20 Agree Agree Agree Agree Fully Supports Conservation Area designation Comments noted.
21 Agree Agree Agree Agree Welcome proposals but have concerns over Restrictions to owners are not restrictions on owners if designated. onerous and were discussed at the public meeting. A leaflet has been produced as guidance which can be found on the councils website and on designation information will be sent to all residents explaining these. No change.
10
22 No Comment No Comment No Comment No Comment Fully Supports Conservation Area designation Comments noted.
23 No Comment No Comment No Comment No Comment Fully Supports Conservation Area designation Comments noted.
Page 85
11 REF Letter Address 1 Address 3 21 N Hargrave 4 Heathville Road GL1 3JB
1 Mrs P M Hill 102 Oxford Road GL1 3EE 22P Fawri 132 Oxford Road GL1 3ED
2 Ms J Hurrell 31 Denmark Road GL1 3JQ 23Mrs M Gould 32 Heathville Road GL1 3DS
3 J Nash 15 Hinton Road GL1 3JS
4 Mr R Cann 54 Hinton Road GL1 3JS
5 P A Bullock 23 Michaelmas Court GL1 3HX
6 Mr & Mrs K Hills 113 Oxford Road GL1 3ED
7 Ms Y Lowe 18 Malvern Road GL1 3JT
8 Mr R Kent 59 Heathville Road GL1 3JB Page 86 9 Mr J Hoad 68 Henry Road GL1 3DY
10 Mr S Whitson 36 Hinton Road GL1 3JS
11 Mr P E Bloomfield 59 Lansdown Road GL1 3JG
12 Mrs M J Corfield 109 Denmark Road GL1 3JW
13 Ms A Welsh 24 Malvern Road GL1 3JT
14 Dr & Mrs P Gee 25 Denmark Road GL1 3HZ
15 Ms C Crowley High School for Girls
16 Mr & Mrs P Baker 30 Heathville Road GL1 3DS
17 Ms H Magson Flat 4 Tudor Court GL1 3DR
18 Mr R Gray 38 Heathville Road GL1 3JB
19 JB & J Hobley 67 Denmark Road GL1 3JL
20 Councillor Tracy 50 Henry Road GL1 3DY
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PLANNING POLICY SUB COMMITTEE MEETING : Thursday, 13th November 2008 PRESENT : Cllrs. Gillespie (Chair), P. McLellan (Vice-Chair), Lewis (Spokesperson), Heath and Dee Officers Mick Thorpe, Group Manager of Regeneration, Strategy and Delivery Charlotte Lewis, Principal Conservation and Design Officer 35. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST There were no declarations of interest. 36. MINUTES The minutes of the meeting held on 9 September 2008 were taken as read and signed by the Chair. 37. QUESTIONS FROM THE PUBLIC There were no questions from the public. 38. PETITIONS AND DEPUTATIONS There were no petitions or deputations. 39. CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL AND MANAGEMENT PROPOSALS AND SUPPLEMENTARY PLANNING DOCUMENT FOR PROPOSED DENMARK ROAD CONSERVATION AREA (PT13118A) The Principal Conservation and Design Officer stated there had been a public meeting with an excellent turnout of over 60 people and a very positive response had been received. There had been considerable debate at the meeting about trees in the local area. The issue of replacing the street trees which had been cut down in the past and protecting trees in the area in the future was raised. The changes in the boundary of the conservation area were welcomed by the public. The Group Manager of Regeneration, Strategy and Delivery advised there had been a Scrutiny Task and Finish Group set up to look at the type of street trees used in the city to make sure the right choice of trees was made, for future environmental conditions. Some Members commented that fruit trees which may become a nuisance, causing slippery pavements would be inappropriate. Comments were made by the Members present regarding protecting the native trees in the area. The Chair asked if concerns had been expressed from the public regarding the cost of installing the correct windows, ie. using the original materials instead of using UPVC. The Group Manager of Regeneration, Strategy and
1 Page 88 PLANNING POLICY SUB COMMITTEE 13.11.08 Delivery explained this was all part of living in a conservation area and was usually compensated for by increases in property values resulting from the designation. The Principal Conservation and Design Officer advised that when the Conservation Area is designated, the Council would encourage the reinstatement of original materials for any future maintenance works. RESOLVED That the proposal to accept the conservation area be agreed. 40. HEIGHTS OF BUILDINGS SUPPLEMENTARY PLANNING DOCUMENT (PT131108B) The Group Manager of Regeneration, Strategy and Delivery referred to pages 28 and 29 of the report. There needed to be some amendments to the paragraphs on these pages as it referred to the consultation process as if it had not yet taken place. He also referred to page 34 regarding conservation areas which stated that in Conservation Areas buildings will be limited to heights that do not exceed the existing form. He advised that there had been some debate on this wording, as it was very restrictive and allowed for no exceptions, and that some flexibility had been suggested in the response to a comment recorded at page 68 in the response report. The Group Manager of Regeneration Strategy and Delivery suggested that the wording be amended to allow for possible exceptions where these had a justification from the character of the area and fitted comfortably with the pattern of historic tall buildings – church towers and spires. Members agreed that some exceptions of very high quality might be appropriate but that it would generally not be appropriate to exceed the heights of existing buildings in Conservation Areas. The Group Manager of Regeneration, Strategy and Delivery proposed that the exact wording would be agreed with the Sub-Committee Members prior to the report going before the Council and this was agreed by the Members. A Member asked the Group Manager of Regeneration, Strategy and Delivery if, for example, the extension to the rear of the Gloucestershire County Council Shire Hall building was demolished, would the subsequent new building need to fit in with the new policy? He stated that it would, and agreed to add a paragraph to make this clear in the first page of the Guidance (page 27 of the agenda papers). A Member then queried the number of mobile phone masts on the Gloucestershire Royal Hospital. The Group Manager of Regeneration, Strategy and Delivery said that telecommunications had become a fact of life and sometimes masts on tall buildings could reduce the number of smaller structures on other buildings or in streets. He confirmed that care was needed to avoid making the clutter worse, and Members agreed that more elegant structures were preferred. A Member noted that the City Centre Partnership had commented on this report and asked if any other Partnership had been consulted as Tall Buildings had not been mentioned at either Barnwood or Quedgeley Partnership. The Chair suggested that Partnerships away from the city centre may not have the same interest.
2 Page 89 PLANNING POLICY SUB COMMITTEE 13.11.08 A Member said that the city centre belonged to us all and the Group Manager of Regeneration, Strategy and Delivery advised that there had been an exhibition in the Eastgate Centre and it had been well advertised in the evening paper. He advised that he expected all the Neighbourhood Partnerships would be on the LDF mailing list but he would check and ensure this was the case for the future. RESOLVED That the recommendations be accepted and forwarded to Scrutiny. 41. ANY OTHER BUSINESS 1 A Member asked what stage things were at with the LDF Joint Core Strategy. The Group Manager of Regeneration Strategy and Delivery advised that there had been some slippage but the first meeting of the Member Steering Group to agree the organisation was likely to be soon. Consequently, the Cross Boundary Programme Board had not yet met. However, the Local Strategic Partnerships of Cheltenham, Tewkesbury and Gloucester had met earlier this week to discuss the key aims for the project with the aim of bringing together and combining the visions from the three Sustainable Community Strategies. 2. Members discussed the shrubs that were planted near the new view of the cathedral in the Tall Buildings guidance from the canalside by the new road bridge on the South West By-pass. The Group Manager of Regeneration Strategy and Delivery said that the issue of maintaining the height of the shrubs so as not to get too high would be raised with the highway authority. 42. DATE OF NEXT MEETING Monday 15 December 2008. Time of commencement: 18:30 hours Time of conclusion: 19:00 hours Chair
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This page is intentionally left blank Page 91 Agenda Item 10 Gloucester City Council
COMMITTEE : GLOUCESTER LEADERSHIP TEAM PLANNING POLICY SUB COMMITTEE COUNCIL DATE : 14 TH OCTOBER 2008 13 TH NOVEMBER 2008 27 TH NOVEMBER 2008 SUBJECT : HEIGHTS OF BUILDINGS SPD DECISION TYPE : - WARD : ALL REPORT BY : CABINET MEMBER FOR REGENERATION & CULTURE NO. OF APPENDICES : 1 – Response report 2 – Revised Supplementary Planning Document REFERENCE NO. : PT13118B (4/11/2008 10.00am)
1.0 PURPOSE OF REPORT
1.1 To advise members of the recent public consultation on the Draft Heights of Buildings Supplementary Planning Document, the comments received and the recommended response of officers together with proposed changes to the document.
2.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
2.1 That the officers’ recommended responses be agreed and that the proposed amendments to the Revised Draft SPD be approved.
2.2 That the revised document be approved for the purposes of Development Control and adopted as a Supplementary Planning Document.
3.0 BACKGROUND
3.1 Gloucester has a rich heritage and a large number of listed buildings and conservation areas. The influence of the cathedral and other historic structures on the local distinctiveness of the City cannot be underestimated. Protecting and wherever possible enhancing these historic and cultural assets is a key issue for the City. The potential impact of tall buildings requires careful consideration and management to ensure that these assets are conserved and enhanced.
3.2 The importance of maintaining views of historic buildings was initially prompted by the Jellicoe Plan in the 1960’s and has been carried on in planning policy terms since that time. The original concept was to maintain heights as at that time within a defined area of the city centre and along avenues of vision to the Cathedral, to restrict heights within an area of special control moving outwards from the city centre to an area where higher buildings would be acceptable.
REF: PT13118B 1 Page 92
3.3 Since that time the policy has been adapted within various documents to meet the needs of the particular time period. Now, with the Government’s emphasis on high density development coupled with the very high levels of interest in development opportunities within the central area there is an increasing need to review the approach to and improve the design advice relating to tall buildings.
4.0 PROGRESS
4.1 Members may recall that, following a consultation on the issues and options for a new Heights of Buildings Policy, a report was considered by Council in July 2008 when a revised draft document was approved for a further round of consultation. This was undertaken in August/September and the responses received are set out together with the officers comments and recommended responses in Appendix 1 of this report. The recommended changes from this are included within the revised Heights of Buildings document attached at Appendix 2 which Members are now asked to adopt as a Supplementary Planning Document.
5.0 FUTURE WORK
5.1 Subject to Council’s ratification the proposed revisions will be incorporated into a final document to be posted on the Council’s website to advise potential developers on how to approach the design and siting of tall buildings within the City. It will further be used as a Development Control tool within the pre-application and design team process to inform and advise the design process.
6.0 CONCLUSIONS
6.1 Tall buildings define the City’s roofscape with potential impact on local and distant views. By producing a policy and advisory process these important views should be taken into account at the beginning of the design stage, rather than an afterthought. The adoption of the proposed revisions set out in the Appendices below will provide a positive input to the Development Control process to the benefit of the City and its historic environment.
7.0 FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
7.1 There are no direct implications.
8.0 LEGAL IMPLICATIONS
8.1 The SPD will be a material consideration when deciding planning applications and the Planning Inspectorate will also take SPDs into account when considering planning appeals provided they are subjected to vigorous procedures of community involvement.
9.0 RISK MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS (Authors to complete) Identify all key risks (scoring 8 and above) for the recommendation including the impact and likelihood of the risk occurring and what measures will be taken to mitigate the risk.
9.1 No key risks have been identified.
REF: PT13118B 2 Page 93
10.0 PREDICTIVE IMPACT ASSESSMENTS (EQUALITIES) (Authors to complete) Identify all risks for customers and staff, in the areas of gender, disability, age, race, religion, sexual orientation etc.
10.1 The Revised SPD proposed relates to criteria affecting the design of structures and buildings based upon their relationship to other structures, buildings and corridors of view. No risks relating to equalities have been identified.
11.0 OTHER CORPORATE IMPLICATIONS
1. Community Safety (Author to complete)
The proposed document will have no impact upon existing levels of community safety.
2. Environmental (Author to complete)
The Revised SPD will serve to conserve and enhance the historic environment of the city.
3. Staffing
The report has no staffing implications.
4. Trade Union
None.
Background Papers :
Published Papers :
Person to Contact : Les Warriner/Matt Haslam Tel: 396825/6847 E-mail: [email protected] [email protected]
MVJ/PT13118B 4.11.2008
REF: PT13118B 3 Page 94
This page is intentionally left blank APPENDIX 1 HEIGHTS OF BUILDINGS SPD RESPONSE REPORT
Name/Reference Number Support/Object/ Policy/Section Comment/Representation Officer Response Comment
1 City Centre Community 1. Support 1. An excellent and concise statement, Support noted. No change proposed. Partnership with clear guidelines for developers.
2. Comment 2. It is noted that the earlier points Comment noted. No change proposed. expressed by the Partnership on the first draft at its consultation session have all been taken into account. Page 95 3. Comment 3. The views identified (26) should all Noted. No change proposed. be retained and every opportunity taken to improve them. The ones our members feel particularly ‘cherished’ are numbers: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 9 – 16, 19, 21 – 26.
4. Comment 4. Protection of view 2 important Agree. This is a key, elevated view on the especially in the light of any approach into Gloucester from the east. potential development along Metz No change proposed. Way.
5. Comment 5. View 4 would be much improved if Noted. The NCP car park and office the opportunity to demolish the right building do have an impact on the hand tall building arose as part of character of the central area. No change the Kings Quarter plans. proposed.
6. Comment 6. One view that could be added is Disagree. This view is from a private one through Gloucester Park from residence and as such, cannot be
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Name/Reference Number Support/Object/ Policy/Section Comment/Representation Officer Response Comment Midland Road where the spires of considered for inclusion within this St Michael’s Tower and St Nicholas document. Church can be seen through the open corridor created by the removal of 5 trees from the Metz Way park entrance. The Tower block from the Gloscat building currently invades this view but of course that will be resolved in the near future.
7. Comment 7. A further view which we strongly Comment noted. The link between these Page 96 feel should be added to the list is important areas is being considered, both the view of the Cathedral from the by the City Council and the Gloucester Docks entrance on Llanthony Road Heritage Urban Regeneration Company. – a key element in the Quays / City It is considered a valuable view and is linkages. Any building of any height recommended for inclusion in the local along this line will detract from the views section. importance of this connection Quays / Docks / City.
8. Comment 8. Consideration to enhancing these Comment noted. No change proposed. views should be given at every opportunity other than building heights being controlled e.g. placement of trees, street furniture, rooftop aerials, etc.
2. Gloucestershire County Comment No comments. Noted. No change proposed. Council
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Name/Reference Number Support/Object/ Policy/Section Comment/Representation Officer Response Comment
3. Environment Agency Comment With regard to the design guides and Noted. No change proposed. detailed management proposals for the area, the Agency would have no comments to make in relation to the revised heights of buildings document.
4. White Young Green Support Our client continues to support the latest Support noted. No change proposed. Planning on behalf of document. Welcome the positive approach Gloucester Quays LLP of not restricting tall buildings to set locations across Gloucester. The area-
based approach, for proposals within Page 97 Conservation Areas is also considered a robust method of protecting the historic character of these parts of Gloucester.
Comment It is suggested that the conservation area Disagree. The historic environment within appraisals will be used as a basis to restrict much of central Gloucester is considered tall buildings. Would suggest a better a valuable asset for the city and should be approach would be for these appraisals to protected from inappropriate development. form the basis for assessment of proposals No change proposed. for tall buildings.
Support Turning to local and strategic views, we are Support noted. The multi-layered pleased to see that criteria based approach put forward in the SPD should assessments are included in the draft SPD. provide the necessary balance between This should allow a flexible approach to be preserving the character of historic areas, adopted which recognises the benefits that while also not being overly restrictive in tall buildings can bring to the continued development terms. The criteria checklist regeneration of Gloucester subject to also provides useful information to be ensuring such buildings are appropriate in taken into account when developing
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Name/Reference Number Support/Object/ Policy/Section Comment/Representation Officer Response Comment their context. The Strategic View Corridors proposals. No change proposed. should not be used to unnecessarily restrict the potential to develop tall buildings.
Comment As a point of clarification, the SPD should Disagree in part. The primary purpose of provide more guidance on whether views of introducing the corridors is to protect the the cathedral tower should be maintained view of the cathedral and other historic from the 'starting point' of the view corridor, structures. Therefore a clear view corridor or along the entire length of the corridor. If must be retained from the start point to the the latter approach is envisaged we object in question. However, if a tall consider that it may be overly restrictive and building was proposed which is sited
preclude the development of appropriate tall below the view (as could be the case with Page 98 buildings. strategic view 7 from Robinswood Hill) but is on the line marked on the plan, this could be acceptable if it does not interfere with the impression of the cathedral. The actual viewing points shown in the document are a key part of the justification, as they are public areas where people can congregate, or where a clear view exists. No change proposed.
5. White Young Green Comment Our client has land holdings along the canal Noted. Part of the justification for the Planning on behalf of Peel corridor. The Local Development multi-layered approach set out in the SPD Developments (UK) Ltd. Framework allocates this area for Mixed is to provide more flexibility when Use development. This area will therefore considering potential development areas, be subject to significant change in the future which are located away from the more and a location in which a flexible approach sensitive central areas. No change will be required to ensure that development proposed. meets the aspirations set out in the LDF Central Area Action Plan.
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Name/Reference Number Support/Object/ Policy/Section Comment/Representation Officer Response Comment
Support In general our client supports the content of Support noted. No change proposed. the SPD, which accords with the tall buildings guidance produced jointly by CABE and English Heritage.
Comment It is suggested, however, that the Strategic Noted. The provision of tall buildings in View Corridors to the south west of the city the general area adjacent to the canal will should not unnecessarily restrict the option be considered, providing the proposals to develop tall buildings. Given the excellent have regard to existing planning policies, opportunity that the waterfront location of as well as policies set out in the Heights of the canal corridor provides, it is considered Buildings SPD. No change proposed.
that appropriately designed tall buildings in Page 99 this area of the city have the potential to complement the townscape, enhance the public realm and further the regeneration of Gloucester. The option to put forward proposals for tall buildings should not be unduly hindered.
Comment It is also suggested, for the avoidance of Disagree in part. The primary purpose of doubt, that the SPD should provide more introducing the corridors is to protect the guidance on whether views of the cathedral view of the cathedral and other historic tower should be maintained from the structures. Therefore a clear view corridor 'starting point' of the view corridor, or along must be retained from the start point to the the entire length of the corridor. If the latter object in question. However, if a tall approach is adopted we consider that if may building was proposed which is sited be overly restrictive, stifle innovation and below the view (as could be the case with prevent the development of appropriate tall strategic view 7 from Robinswood Hill) but buildings. is on the line marked on the plan, this could be acceptable if it does not interfere with the impression of the cathedral. The
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Name/Reference Number Support/Object/ Policy/Section Comment/Representation Officer Response Comment actual viewing points shown in the document are a key part of the justification, as they are public areas where people can congregate, or where a clear view exists. No change proposed.
6. Nathaniel Lichfield and Comment As advised previously, the success of the Disagree in part. The Heights of Buildings Partners on behalf of new streets and spaces created by the SPD is intended to strike a balance Morley Fund Management Kings Square and Bus Station between the need to preserve
redevelopment would be dependent on the Gloucester’s heritage and the present Page 100 scale of the proposed new redevelopment demand for development and and its interaction with the public realm. It is regeneration within the city. It will have the therefore clear that the emerging Heights of effect of reducing the potential for Buildings SPD will have a direct effect on inappropriate development in sensitive the plans to regenerate the city centre and areas and give developers a guide to the could potentially jeopardise the viability of key considerations. the regeneration proposals.
Paragraph 1.2 of the emerging Supplementary Policy Document advises that it is an extension of Policy A1.a of the 1983 Local Plan, which has been modified to take account of the current planning and market conditions. Moreover, the emerging SPD advises that the Council is currently preparing its Local Development Framework and that this draft SPD would be - a material consideration with significant weight afforded to it.
Reference is made to PPS12: Local
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Name/Reference Number Support/Object/ Policy/Section Comment/Representation Officer Response Comment Development Frameworks (2004) at paragraph 1.2 of the emerging policy document. We note however, that PPS12: Local Development Frameworks was superseded in June 2008 by PPS12: Local Spatial Planning. Chapter 6 of the revised PPS12 (June 2008) provides guidance on Supplementary Planning Documents and states at paragraph 6.1:
“A planning authority may prepare Supplementary Planning Documents to
provide greater detail on policies in its Page 101 DPDs. SPDs should not be prepared with the aim of avoiding the need for the examination of policy which should be examined”.
As the emerging policy document is an extension of the adopted 1983 Local Plan, in accordance with PPS12, it cannot comprise an SPD. Moreover, as progress on the joint Core Strategy between Gloucester, Tewkesbury and Cheltenham Council is at an extremely early stage, this Disagree. The current SPD expands on a emerging SPD appears to be advancing number of the issues outlined in the 1983 towards adoption in isolation from the Core Local Plan. The relevant policy, A1a, of Strategy DPD. Thus, the principle of the that plan is a “saved” policy. The Heights policy approach being advocated towards of Buildings SPD will be adopted as the consideration of tall buildings in the Supplementary Planning Guidance in due emerging supplementary policy document course and will therefore become a has not been tested for soundness and is in material consideration within the planning
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Name/Reference Number Support/Object/ Policy/Section Comment/Representation Officer Response Comment clear conflict with PPS12. process.
It is therefore clear that until the emerging A delay in the production of a DPD should Core Strategy DPD is examined, the not prevent the preparation of important emerging SPD cannot form part of the LDF. supplementary planning policy that will On this basis, the emerging SPD could be have a positive impact on future approved by the Council as Draft development in Gloucester. The Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) document in question has now been as a material consideration of limited weight subject to a six-week and a seven-week and in due course, revised and/or updated period of consultation and is proposed to to reflect the policy position adopted in the be adopted as a Supplementary Planning Page 102 joint Core Strategy DPD. Document. No change proposed.
Comment We note that the second consultation draft Comment noted. The emphasis of the of this emerging SPD has responded in part document is clear in that there are certain to our initial comments. However, we areas within Gloucester (the Conservation remain concerned that the overall emphasis Areas), where it generally would not be is negative towards tall buildings, with a appropriate to develop a tall building. If clear presumption against such part of the character of the local area development in Gloucester. includes existing landmark buildings of historic and positive nature, for example tall and slender structures such as church spires, this local design reference could be incorporated into the design of a new development if the location is appropriate. Landmarks, focal and positive buildings are identified within the Conservation Area Appraisals which should inform this issue. Within such circumstances, this could provide for a more diverse and interesting
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Name/Reference Number Support/Object/ Policy/Section Comment/Representation Officer Response Comment development. This point is clarified in Section 2.2 of the SPD.
In locations outside the conservation areas, a system of view corridors and assessment criteria is proposed which will guide developers in the creation of tall buildings, which are appropriately designed and sited. There is quite clearly not a presumption against such development. No change proposed.
Greater clarification has been provided in Disagree. CABE do not give an explicit Page 103 the second consultation draft of the definition for the term ‘tall building’. They emerging SPD as to the characteristics of a do however state that their own criteria tall building. The suggested definition at are relevant to buildings which are paragraph 1.1 reads: substantially taller than their neighbours and/or which significantly change the “…any structure that breaks the skyline skyline. The definition provided in the and/or which is significantly or noticeably Draft Heights of Buildings SPD is very taller than its surrounding built fabric .” similar to that of CABE’s wording. No change proposed. We object to the above draft definition of a tall building as it deviates significantly from the CABE definition set out in Guidance on Tall Buildings.
As currently drafted, the suggested Disagree. The definition provided within definition would imply that a two-storey the draft SPD (as is stated in the house in an area characterised by response), has two parts. In the example bungalows would be classed as a tall given, the 2-storey house would not be building as it would simply break the significantly taller than the bungalow, even
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Name/Reference Number Support/Object/ Policy/Section Comment/Representation Officer Response Comment skyline. The classification of a two-storey though it breaks the skyline, therefore it house as a tall building and subject to the would not be considered as a tall building. policy approach sought by the Council No change proposed. would clearly be unreasonable. We would therefore request that the suggested draft definition is amended to read:
“…buildings which are substantially taller than their neighbours and/or which significantly impact upon the skyline.”
Page 104 We note that certain aspects of the CABE Disagree in part. The guidance from good practice guide ‘Guidance on Tall CABE and English Heritage has been Buildings’ has been incorporated into the followed. For example, an urban design emerging SPD. However, we believe that study has been presented and this has been done on an ad-hoc basis and assessment criteria provided. As in every used to rationalise the preferred approach other example of guidance documents in determining proposals for tall buildings. from other local authorities, the Heights of Buildings document for Gloucester has been tailored to respond to the local situation. No change proposed.
Paragraph 2.8 of ‘Guidance on Tall Noted. Areas where tall buildings are Buildings’ advises that having identified the considered either sensitive or likely to be constraints and opportunities through an inappropriate have been identified in the urban design study, specific policies should Draft SPD. An urban design study is be included in the development plan and presented in section 2 (p.5). No change SPDs, clearly identifying locations that are proposed. appropriate, sensitive or inappropriate for tall buildings. In addition to considering the wider objectives of sustainable urban design, CABE set out the various aspects of
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Name/Reference Number Support/Object/ Policy/Section Comment/Representation Officer Response Comment the built form that an urban design study should take into account.
Chapter 2 of the emerging SPD, in Disagree. The Conservation Area accordance with Guidance on Tall Appraisals adopted by the Council form Buildings, advises that an urban design the basis of only part of the urban design study has to be undertaken to aid in the study. It is clear that subsequent sections understanding of the issues relating to tall present information on local tall buildings buildings. It is clear however, that the urban (both historic and modern), the special design study that the emerging character of 2 sensitive areas where a tall supplementary policy document refers to is building would damage the existing simply a compilation of the 13 Conservation historic character and finally view corridor
Area Appraisals (CAA’s) undertaken by the designations at both the local and Page 105 Council. strategic level. No change proposed.
We object to the use of Conservation Area Disagree. The conservation area Appraisals as a basis for an urban design appraisals form a detailed and thorough study. The objectives and subsequent set of documents, which identify the analysis of CAA’s do not reflect the thrust of special character of areas within key considerations that comprise an Gloucester’s historic centre. It is this appropriate urban design study seeking to special and diverse character which exists investigate the scope for tall buildings. which should be protected against inappropriate development. As indicated above this provides a basis as part of the urban design study. No change proposed.
Indeed, paragraph 2.2 of the emerging SPD based on the conservation area appraisals concludes that the special character possessed by the 13 conservation areas in central Gloucester could be potentially
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Name/Reference Number Support/Object/ Policy/Section Comment/Representation Officer Response Comment harmed with the introduction of a building that competes in terms of height or massing. To this effect, the emerging SPD highlights 4 modern buildings as examples of tall buildings that detract from the character of the wider area.
Nonetheless, we believe that the Agree in part. The poor design of the 4 detrimental impact the 4 exemplar modern modern buildings identified in the SPD has buildings present to the wider area are not a been attributed not only to their height, but product of them simply being ‘tall’, but a also their bulk and massing (being slab- Page 106 result of their poor design, particularly in like). This is why the SPD not only focuses respect of massing and scale. on the overall height of proposed buildings, but also on other factors, such as their design/architectural quality and scale and massing (included as criteria in section 3). No change proposed.
We believe that a blanket restriction on The special character possessed by the building heights based on conservation area 13 conservation areas in Gloucester could appraisals is clearly unjustified and fails to be potentially harmed with the introduction consider the potential of an appropriately of a building that competes in terms of designed tall building that is sympathetic to height or massing. Examples of tall, its surroundings, particularly in terms of its poorly designed and inappropriate mass. development are clearly visible around Gloucester. These developments detract from the quality of the city and similar developments should be avoided. No change proposed.
We believe that the 26 local view corridors Disagree in part. Each view has been identified are an ad hoc compilation of the included due to its significance in
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Name/Reference Number Support/Object/ Policy/Section Comment/Representation Officer Response Comment majority of direct views available of the promoting a positive image of the city and Cathedral. We are concerned that the for its contribution to the character of each emerging SPD has failed to distinguish area. The majority of the views identified between immediate glimpsed views, which in the Draft SPD are not glimpsed views, enhance the character of an area and but rather are significant views from strategic views, which focus on a particular points, which are easily accessible and landmark in order to provide a source of well used. A number of the views are orientation and legibility. ‘moving’ in that they are viewed from communication routes but this does not detract from their impact.
After further study, view 3 – ‘Station
Road’, is proposed to be moved to the Page 107 edge of Kings Square, where a stronger view of the cathedral exists.
View 4 – ‘Bruton Way’ is proposed to be removed. This view takes advantage of a relatively unhindered view across the bus station where the built form is fragmented and where the townscape would benefit from additional built form. Protection of the longer distance view (Local View 2) is considered more justifiable and will not unreasonably restrict the desirable regeneration plans for the bus station area.
View 7 – ‘Gloucester Rugby Club’ is proposed to be removed from the document, as on further consideration, it does not provide a significant contribution
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Name/Reference Number Support/Object/ Policy/Section Comment/Representation Officer Response Comment to the image of the city.
The protection of designated views is an established policy objective of the London Plan, which is elaborated on by the London View Management Framework (LVMF). However, in order for a particular view to be designated for protection it must have the following characteristics:
“…The viewing place is open, publicly Page 108 accessible and well used, a place in its own right allowing for pause and enjoyment of the view;
Significant parts of the city, or significant buildings, would be visible.
The view is highly valued and allows for the appreciation and understanding of the city as a whole, or of major elements within it, and does not replicate existing managed views without added benefit…”
Whilst we acknowledge that the above Comment noted. The London guidance criteria for the identification of protected on tall buildings, and the methodologies views is the adopted policy position for used were fully researched in the London, it does however, provide a useful preparation of the guidance for point of reference in the interpretation of Gloucester. Elements of this guidance of national guidance on assessing the relevance to the nature character and significance of heritage within views. scale of the City have been incorporated. No change proposed.
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Name/Reference Number Support/Object/ Policy/Section Comment/Representation Officer Response Comment
We recognise that the Cathedral and St. Agree. No change proposed. Nicholas Church are strategically important landmark buildings that are easy to see and recognise. They provide a geographical and cultural orientation point, and are aesthetically pleasing.
Nonetheless, the viewing place in relation to Disagree. One of the key criteria for the majority of the local views identified in establishing a viewpoint was whether or the emerging SPD do not comprise ‘a place not members of the public would in their own right’. This is particularly the congregate there. The example given
case for local views 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 24 suggests that a car park would not be a Page 109 and 26. It is clearly unreasonable to suggest suitable viewpoint. This is not the case, that a car park or petrol filling station due to the high frequency of users of provides a key viewing location within the these areas, often in key locations. Views hierarchy of urban spaces and the 6, 9 and 10 fall into this category and all circulation network. are important views from high use locations. No change proposed.
Moreover, we are concerned that the local Disagree. The locations of 9 and 10 are views identified in the emerging SPD are positioned outside of different retail units replicating each other, without any added and are therefore used by different groups benefit. By way of example, local view 10 of people. The angle of the view in relation captures the same elevation of the to the cathedral is also different with each Cathedral as local view 9 from the same corridor passing over different potential general viewing location. development sites. No change proposed.
We believe that the designated views Agree in part. Strategic views are worthy of protection are those views of certainly important to preserve, but local strategic importance. The emerging SPD views within the built up area are also goes some way in this direction by worthy of protection and add to the
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Name/Reference Number Support/Object/ Policy/Section Comment/Representation Officer Response Comment identifying 10 strategic views. positive image of the city. No change proposed.
In addition to these 10 strategic views, we Agree in part. As noted above, the believe that local views 2, 17 and 18 allow document classifies local views as those for the appreciation and understanding of within the built up area, while the strategic the city as a whole and should therefore views offer wider views of the city from comprise strategic views. outside of the built up area. Based on this approach, view 2 and 18 should remain within the local views section, but view 17 is proposed to be moved to the strategic Page 110 views section. Amend as above.
It is clearly unreasonable to seek to protect Noted. Gloucester’s built form and layout, the immediate glimpsed views of the much like any other urban area, has Cathedral or any other historic buildings as changed over time. Part of the such views naturally change over time with justification for proposing policy guidance the evolution of the urban form. In any on this subject is to protect against event, as set out above, not all glimpsed inappropriate forms of development, in the views are important and it may well be the more sensitive areas, as has been case that the addition of a tall building experienced within Gloucester during the would further enhance the glimpsed view by past few decades. No change proposed. introducing a series of unfolding views and experiences.
On this basis, we object to the identification Disagree. Local views within the built up of any local glimpsed views, but support the area are worthy of protection and add to protection of the strategic local views and the positive image of the city and enhance propose that local views 2, 17 and 18 are people’s experiences of Gloucester while included within this category. If however, moving about within the city. The the Council is minded to designate a series connection with the city’s historic past is of local views worthy of protection, we also an essential part of the tourist offer.
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Name/Reference Number Support/Object/ Policy/Section Comment/Representation Officer Response Comment believe that such views should be prioritised Views of significant landmark buildings at taking into account the importance of the close quarters can also aid legibility. No view, including the characteristics of the change proposed. viewing location.
Assessment criteria 2 relates to the ‘area Noted. The special character possessed based’ approach, which has been informed by the 13 conservation areas in by the compilation of the 13 conservation Gloucester could be potentially harmed area appraisals undertaken by the Council. with the introduction of a building that Supporting text to assessment criteria 2 competes in terms of height or massing. advises that the introduction of a tall Examples of tall, poorly designed and building within a significant part of the city inappropriate development are clearly
centre will be considered inappropriate. visible around Gloucester. These Page 111 developments detract from the quality of the city and similar developments should be avoided. No change proposed.
We believe that the application of a blanket Disagree. The Conservation Area restriction on tall buildings based on the Appraisals adopted by the Council form compilation of the 13 conservation area the basis of only part of the urban design appraisals under the heading of an study. Subsequent sections present appropriate urban design study is clearly information on local tall buildings (both unsound. historic and modern), the special character of 2 sensitive areas where a tall building would damage the existing historic character and finally view corridor designations at both the local and strategic level. The conservation area appraisals which have been adopted are a detailed and thorough set of documents, which identify and establish the special character of areas within Gloucester’s
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Name/Reference Number Support/Object/ Policy/Section Comment/Representation Officer Response Comment historic centre. It is this special and diverse character which exists which should be protected against inappropriate development. No change proposed.
Likewise, criteria 3 sets out an overly See previous comments on this subject. restrictive policy basis seeking the protection of the identified view corridors. We have set out above our concerns regarding the identified view corridors and believe that the policy basis advocated Page 112 through criteria 3 is unsound and does not reflect national guidance.
We are concerned that the emerging SPD Disagree. The Heights of Buildings SPD simply represents a policy statement that provides guidance to developers and aims advocates a blanket restriction on tall to protect the most sensitive historic areas buildings within the city centre. We believe from inappropriate forms of development, that a sound SPD on this matter should while also providing more detailed present a balanced approach for the guidance on design issues. The multi- consideration of proposals that may include layered approach to this issue has been tall buildings. Flexibility is a key component developed in order to form a balanced that has to be built in to the emerging SPD, policy document and clearly sets out which would allow the economic benefits of which areas are inappropriate for a comprehensive redevelopment scheme, development. A blanket restriction on tall which may include tall buildings to be buildings is not proposed by the considered against the partial loss of a document, but rather an approach, which glimpsed view. As it stands, the proposed requires proposals to respond to the assessment criteria would not allow for a existing character of an area. In some balanced consideration of proposals for tall cases, as in the Docks, proposals for buildings as the principle of such buildings, which are of similar height to the development in the city centre as a starting warehouses and which would be
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Name/Reference Number Support/Object/ Policy/Section Comment/Representation Officer Response Comment point is being advocated as being inappropriate, say, in Westgate Street, unacceptable. would be supported by the Guidance and could be considered appropriate. This is an alternative approach to the example of guidance produced by Bath and North East Somerset, which sets a height limit of 4-storeys with the city. No change proposed.
We believe that the emerging SPD as a See previous comments on this subject. whole is overly restrictive. We are concerned that the urban design study that
forms part of the emerging SPD is unsound Page 113 and the viewing corridors identified do not reflect national guidance or best practise.
We would ask the Council that our concerns Comment noted. The Draft SPD regarding the urban design study are requested feedback on the views addressed and that a thorough review of the identified and this Response Report identified views is undertaken in the light of provides that review. No change our comments. proposed.
In addition, we would request that the status Comment noted. The status of the of the emerging policy document is clarified document has been outlined on pages and that greater flexibility is in-built into the 6&7. No change proposed. methodology used for the consideration of proposals for tall buildings.
7. Government Office for Comment GOSW has no comments. Noted. No change proposed. the South West
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Name/Reference Number Support/Object/ Policy/Section Comment/Representation Officer Response Comment
8. Mrs P.E. Davies Comment 2.0 Where tall buildings stand-alone just on the Noted. The prominence of the cathedral city boundary they do not always detract but will be safeguarded. No change no buildings should be taller than the lovely proposed. cathedral. The hospitals are ugly. I think the Docks is very interesting for their history, shops, cafes and museum.
9. Douglas Blackstock, Support QAA supports the introduction of guidance Support noted. No change proposed.
QAA for developers on the height of buildings in Page 114 the Gloucester area, and agrees with the need to introduce strict criteria for such developments.
Comment QAA believes that a lower limit on building Noted. Design issues such as height in the Docks Conservation Area overshadowing, density and general would be more appropriate. The primary appeal are considered as a matter of reason is that the historical and cultural course during the determination of interest of the Docks area includes the planning applications. While there is a existing warehouse buildings as well as the physical limit on the heights of new waterfront area. QAA feels the shift away developments of no higher than the from manufacturing and industry in the existing warehouses, developments of docks area towards retail and leisure smaller scales could be considered more presents a new set of functional appropriate, in order to preserve the practicalities to be considered. The existing dominant character of the warehouses. warehouse buildings are seven stories high. It may be considered unreasonable to If developers are allowed to construct new impose a 2-storey limit, considering the buildings in the docks of comparable height, heights of the existing warehouses. There there is a very real risk that the area will are however, areas, such as those directly become too dark, overcrowded and adjacent to the warehouses, where a uninviting, and therefore unsuitable for the recessive building could be more
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Name/Reference Number Support/Object/ Policy/Section Comment/Representation Officer Response Comment leisure and tourism activities that are slowly appropriate, in order to preserve the starting to build in the area. dominance of the existing buildings and to follow historical development patterns. No For the reasons presented above, we change proposed. suggest that any new buildings in the Gloucester docks are restricted to a height of two stories.
10. Mrs A. Jones Support Support proposed approach. Support noted. No change proposed.
11. F & M Pockett Comment Nothing over 12m. Nobody likes living off Comment noted. However, the need for a Page 115 the floor. flexible approach within the design and assessment criteria does not rule out heights inn excess of 12m. No change proposed.
12. Mrs Prior Support This seems a sensible way forward. This Support noted. No change proposed. approach could be easily implemented.
13. B. Degge Comment Less blocks, more height, more glass & Noted. No change proposed. steel – better surface finish.
14. Policy, Design & Comment Update base maps to reflect recent All points noted. Proposed amendments Conservation Officer changes prior to final publication. all reflect comments made internally to comments improve the appearance of the document, Remove purple boundary box within Plan 3 enhance its legibility and address Strategic View Corridors, and replace with typographical errors. Change document
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Name/Reference Number Support/Object/ Policy/Section Comment/Representation Officer Response Comment simple line border with label identifying the as indicated. Local Views area.
Add grey backing colours to body text and use colour range for criteria (red to yellow for principle criteria and greys for detailed criteria) to enliven document, prior to final publication.
Insert appendix information prior to final publication. Page 116
P.12, first line, replace ‘uf’ with ‘of’.
Replace Local View 1 (p.15) with better quality image.
Alter position of Strategic View no.6. to reflect actual position on other side of canal.
Insert word ‘lighting’ into final sentence p.33.
Insert paragraph break within criteria 12 (p.33).
Local views numbers 4 and 7 should be View 4 – ‘Bruton Way’ is proposed to be deleted. removed as it relies on the existing fragmented urban form at the bus station and its retention would unreasonably impact on desirable regeneration of the bus station area.
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Name/Reference Number Support/Object/ Policy/Section Comment/Representation Officer Response Comment View 7 – ‘Gloucester Rugby Club’ is proposed to be deleted as it is not a significant local view of the cathedral.
Local view 3 should be relocated to within View 3 – ‘Station Road’ should be moved Kings Square. to Kings Square, where a stronger view of the cathedral exists, from a well-used location.
Local view 17 should be moved to the This viewpoint falls outside of the built up Strategic View Corridors plan. area and should be considered a strategic view.
Page 117 Local view 23 (updated plan) from the This view is important to preserve as it Docks area should be included. provides a visual connection between the Quays development and the city centre, along one of the key routes identified as part of the GHURC linkages work.
15. The Theatres Trust Comment No comment to make. Noted. No change proposed.
16. Helen Lancaster on Comment No comments to make. Noted. No change proposed. behalf of Natural England
17. Ian Williams on behalf Support The GHURC Design Review Panel has Support noted. No change proposed. of Gloucester Heritage previously encouraged the adoption of Urban Regeneration policy guidance on tall buildings, and Company GHURC therefore broadly welcomes this initiative.
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Name/Reference Number Support/Object/ Policy/Section Comment/Representation Officer Response Comment
Support As the only Heritage URC, GHURC agree Support noted. No change proposed. that it is important to ensure that development conserves views of significant buildings and their settings in a sensitive way. To that end, this draft policy document offers some useful background on the significant existing views, townscape relationships and to an extent the City skyline.
Page 118 Comment The process for assessing applications for Agree. A balance must be found between tall (and comparatively ‘tall’) buildings could an unreasonably strict set of assessment be perhaps be clarified or expanded, since requirements and more flexible reliable accuracy is essential in the representations. It is proposed toad the photomontage or three-dimensional word ‘accurate’ to the first line of the visualisations, where they are considered requirement text, to read, ‘Produce necessary. accurate 3-dimensional computer…’ (p.29).
Comment Whereas GHURC agree that this townscape Noted. The regeneration of Gloucester issue is an important consideration, clearly and the preservation and enhancement of successful and appropriate regeneration will the city’s historic assets, are shared entail some existing views being altered, priorities and it is anticipated that during reduced or lost; just as other attractive this process, some important existing views may be created, and would not wish views may be affected, while others might this consideration to be seen to be created. The guidance is intended to automatically trump other objectives. enable well-informed judgements and Indeed, there are certain specific decisions to be made. No change regeneration aspirations that are at a proposed. reasonably advanced stage in preplanning where such changes can be anticipated: the
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Name/Reference Number Support/Object/ Policy/Section Comment/Representation Officer Response Comment Kings Quarter including the bus station site, Southgate Moorings and Merchants Quay in the Docks and the Blackfriars quarter are three such examples. In these cases positive views and townscape are clearly considerations that deserve careful analyses and an appropriate response, but in is perhaps also foreseeable that in each case some reduction in visibility of City landmarks and their settings is likely to be part of the overall best outcome.
Page 119
25 Page 120
This page is intentionally left blank BUILDINGSHeights of guidelines for developers in the Gloucester area Page 121
TRIU ES MPHAT November 2008 FID INVICTA Page 122 1.0 Purpose of guidance 1 1.1 What is a tall building? 2 1.2 Status 2 1.3 Public consultation 2 1.4 Related work 2 Heights of1.5 National and local policy context 3 2.0 Tall buildings urban design study 5 2.1 Local tall buildings 5 BUILDINGS2.2 Conservation areas analysis 5 2.2.1 Westgate Street 8 2.2.2 Historic Docks and Quays 10 guidelines for developers in the Gloucester area2.3 View corridor designations 12
3.0 Design and assessment criteria 27 3.1 Planning applications 27
3.2 Application assessment requirements 27 Page 123
• 1 Policy context 28 • 2 Siting of tall buildings: Areas 28 • 3 Siting of tall buildings: View corridors 28 • 4 Scale and massing 28 •5 Relationship to context 29 • 6 Archaeology 30 • 7 Design/architecturalquality 30 • 8 Publicrealm 30 • 9 Transport, access and parking 30 • 10 Microclimate/local environment impact 31 • 11 Sustainability 31 • 12 Lighting 32
4.0 Further advice and information 33
Plans 1 Conservation Areas 13 2 Local View Corridors 14 3 Strategic View Corridors 24
November 2008 Page 124 Applicants should also note that where it is proposed to demolish a tall structure, it does not necessarily follow that a replacement tall Heights of structure would be acceptable. In such circumstances the guidance within this document will be applied to ensure that any BUILDINGS replacement is both appropriate and acceptable. By setting out the application requirements, a direct emphasis can guidelines for developers in the Gloucester area be placed on some of the important issues surrounding the development of tall buildings. This guidance provides a clear and transparent evaluation process, which should be used when 1.0 Purpose of guidance preparing a planning application. It will reduce the scope for unnecessary, speculative applications in the wrong places and help Tall buildings often stimulate debate and generate strong opinion. to protect the historic environment and the qualities, which make Whilst they can in some cases enhance an area, they can also Gloucester special. obscure important views and sometimes detract from the character of an area through poor siting or inappropriate design. It should be noted that pre-application discussions would be Page 125 encouraged involving any application for a tall building within the Gloucester has a rich heritage and a large number of listed City. This process will identify at an early stage the issues, which buildings and conservation areas. The influence of the cathedral are likely to cause objection or to suggest design improvements and other historic structures on the local distinctiveness of before an application is formally submitted. The benefits of the Gloucester cannot be underestimated. Protecting and wherever service are to introduce certainty, increase the chances of success possible enhancing these historic and cultural assets is a key issue and speed up the formal decision process. for the City, and the potential impact of tall buildings requires careful consideration and management. Following advice set out in the document 'Guidance on Tall Buildings' (July 2007), published by English Heritage and CABE, Gloucester City This Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) provides guidance Council has provided within this document a background study to on issues relating to the heights of buildings within Gloucester. the heights of buildings issues within the city. This study, in Section Clear criteria are set out which developers are required to work 2, sets out an evaluation of Gloucester's existing tall buildings. through, leading to a clear justification for the need for a tall Identification of the unique character of two of Gloucester’s building. Applicants should note that it will not generally be conservation areas and the identification of important local and appropriate to use outline applications where the development strategic view corridors completes the analysis. This background involves a tall building. The Planning Authority will strongly information is then used to support the assessment criteria set out recommend the submission of a detailed application in accordance in Section 3.0, which any applicant will be required to address. with the advice of English Heritage and the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE).
1 November 2008 1.1 What is a tall building? document set out five options for consideration, which were as follows. Although no official definition of a 'tall building' exists for the purposes of this Supplementary Planning Document, a 'tall building' Option 1 Do Nothing (Business as Usual) will be defined as any structure that breaks the skyline and/or Option 2 Continuation of the 1983 Local Plan Approach which is significantly or noticeably taller than its surrounding built Option 3 An 'Area Based' Approach fabric. Option 4 A 'View Corridor' Based Approach Option 5 Prohibitive Approach 1.2 Status The options ranged from a flexible approach, where each 'Gloucester Heights of Buildings SPD' has been prepared as Interim application would be dealt with on its merits, to a prohibitive Guidance, in accordance with PPS12 Local Development approach whereby tall buildings would be discouraged. Options 2 to Frameworks (2004) and the Town and Country Planning (Local 4 offered different methods of managing the process, which Development)(England) Regulations 2004. reflected the local context within Gloucester. Page 126 This document is, in effect, an extension of the 1983 Local Plan The consensus of opinion was to produce guidance that followed a policy on tall buildings and has been modified to take into account combination of Options 3 and 4. This combination appeared to the current planning and market conditions that exist both provide the best option when considering both the protection of the nationally and locally. unique character of the city and the need to consider taller buildings, and their potential associated benefits of higher density Gloucester City Council is currently preparing its Local Development development and greater land use efficiency. It also performed well Framework, and this SPD will become an important material when assessed using the Council's Sustainability Appraisal Matrix. consideration with significant weight in the planning decision making process. This approach has already been adopted in a wide variety of tall building policies produced by other Councils, with a different emphasis placed on each technique depending on each local 1.3 Public consultation context.
Between 3 December 2007 and 21 January 2008, a six-week Issues and Options consultation exercise was carried out (allowing an extra 1.4 Related work week for the Christmas break) in order to gauge public opinion on the most appropriate approach to the development of tall buildings The urban design study set out in Section 2.0 is based partly on the in Gloucester. recently reviewed and updated Conservation Area Appraisals, which identify the unique historic character of the 14 designated Results from this exercise were taken into account when developing Conservation Areas within Gloucester. this draft SPD document. The Issues and Options consultation
2 November 2008 Conservation Area status recognises the architectural or historic • Highlight opportunities for the removal of past mistakes and their interest of whole areas, not just individual buildings. These areas replacement by development of an appropriate quality contain both ancient and comparatively modern structures, open spaces, gardens, parks and expanses of water like the Docks and the The Jellicoe Plan for Gloucester (December, 1961) defined Gloucester and Sharpness Canal. important central areas where development should not exceed a certain height and a number of important 'avenues of vision' based The Council has approved Conservation Area Appraisals and on the protection of the views towards the Cathedral. This plan was Management Plans for all 14 Conservation Areas, and they now form contained within a document titled 'A Comprehensive Plan for the interim planning guidance, and in due course will be adopted as Central Area of the City of Gloucester' which also proposed a Supplementary Planning Documents within the Local Development comprehensive development plan for the city. Framework. This plan was subsequently used as the basis for the heights of buildings policy within the central area, as set out in the 1983 City 1.5 National and local policy context of Gloucester Adopted Local Plan,saved policy A.1(a) (p.38).
'Guidance on Tall Buildings' (July 2007, English Heritage and the The 'Gloucester City Council Second Stage Deposit Local Plan Page 127 Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment), identifies (2002)', approved for Development Control purposes, sets out a the Government's guidance on tall buildings. A number of the key number of clear policies relating to the character of Gloucester and issues from that document, which have relevance to Gloucester, are the development of tall buildings. Policy BE.2 'Views and Skyline', summarised below. located in Chapter 4: The Built Environment, sets out the following advice. • Enable areas appropriate for tall buildings to be identified in advance within the local development plan or framework 'Proposed development should respect and protect the city skyline and important views and vistas within the city, views of the • Identify locations where tall buildings would and would not be surrounding countryside from within the city, and views of the city appropriate, local planning authorities should, as a matter of good from the surrounding countryside. It will be particularly important practice, carry out a detailed urban design study to protect views of the Cathedral.'
• The presentation of illustrative material should be of a very high Within the same chapter of the Local Plan, paragraph 4.10 describes standard. All proposals for tall buildings should be accompanied by the overall scale of Gloucester as modest, but does state that there accurate and realistic representations of the appearance of the will be opportunities for landmark buildings if there is no conflict building. These representations should show the proposals in all with established patterns of development. significant views affected, near, middle and distant, including the public realm and the streets around the base of the building Paragraph 4.11 relates to the skyline of the central area, with the Cathedral as the focal point. The views to this landmark should be preserved or enhanced.
3 November 2008 Policy ST.7 'Urban Design Principles', sets out that the City Council will 'expect high quality development that respects the rhythm, density, massing, height, layout and appearance of neighbouring buildings and the landscape of the local area.'
There are a couple of emerging Local Development Framework documents which also have a bearing on the issue of heights of buildings. The Central Area Action Plan (Preferred Options Paper) contains policy 'CA6 Views and Skyline'.
'Proposed development should respect and protect the City skyline and important views and vistas within the Central Area.
It will be particularly important to protect views of the Cathedral and the Docks. Page 128
Development that would adversely affect important views including those identified on the Proposals Map will not be permitted.'
The Site Allocations & Designations (Non-Central Area) Preferred Options Paper contains Policy 'SAD10 Views and Skyline', also covers the heights of buildings issue, along the lines detailed in the 2002 Second Stage Deposit Local Plan.
4 November 2008 2.0 Tall buildings urban design study Historic buildings Modern buildings Gloucester Cathedral Gloscat Tower The following study has been developed to aid in the understanding St. Nicholas Church Hospital Tower of the issues relating to tall buildings and to help identify the St. Michael's Tower County Council offices locations where tall buildings would, and would not be appropriate. St. Johns Clapham Court St. Peters etc The study aims to provide a design reference when developing St. Marks proposals for a tall building within Gloucester, based on whether or not a tall building would both detract from the character of a specific area or if it could actually enhance the urban form and 2.2 Conservation areas analysis setting. Specific examples are given in 2.2, which will illustrate the principles surrounding the development of a tall building, in two Conservation Areas are designated to preserve and enhance the conservation areas, of contrasting character. special character of areas of architectural or historic interest. They are of value because they have a strong sense of place. They form part of the familiar and cherished local scene, and contain
2.1 Local tall buildings significant components of our regional and national cultural Page 129 heritage. They make an important contribution to the quality of the Gloucester has a wealth of tall structures of historical importance, lives of all those who live, work or play in them. such as churches. There are also a number of modern tall buildings, which are not considered to enhance the image of the city. Several There are 14 of these areas within Gloucester and each has its own of these modern tall buildings are proposed for demolition as part of unique character. Within these areas, it is considered that a special the Gloucester Renaissance initiative, involving the regeneration of character exists that could potentially be harmed with the large parts of the city centre. introduction of a building that competes in terms of height or massing. The modern buildings identified within this section are characterised by their bulky, 'slab-like' appearance, which do not respect the historic patterns of development within the city. It is essential to take account of the history of development within Gloucester and not repeat past mistakes.
Details of the tall buildings within Gloucester are given below and overleaf.
5 November 2008 Historic buildings Page 130
St. Michael's Tower St. Peters St. Johns St. Nicholas
Gloucester Cathedral
6 November 2008 Modern buildings Page 131
Clapham Court Gloscat Tower County Council offices
Hospital tower
7 November 2008 Development in Conservation Areas will be informed by the Cross, reflecting their Roman origin, with the boundary of the area approved Conservation Area Appraisals and Management Plans. Such largely following the line of the former Roman wall, now lost below development will normally be limited to a height that does not later development. noticeably or significantly exceed that of the surrounding built form. An exception is only likely to be acceptable where it has some The conservation area has a dense urban character along the four justification based on the character of the area, and sits main streets, where continuous terraces of varied buildings sit on comfortably with the pattern of existing historic tall buildings. the back of the pavement. Of note is the variety in width of these principal streets, representing the sites of medieval markets or For larger development sites within conservation areas, it may also island buildings, which have been demolished as part of highway be appropriate to mirror the variety of building heights within the improvements, which started as early as the 18th century. local context, in order to better integrate the development into the existing built environment. The most complete and unaltered street is Westgate Street, containing a rich mix of well-detailed historic buildings with very During 2006/2007 the City Council undertook a review of all little 20th century infill. Because most of the buildings were built as conservation areas in Gloucester, and developed Management houses, the street retains a more intimate domestic scale, despite Page 132 Proposals for each of those areas. On 20 September 2007, Full most of the ground floor accommodation now being in commercial Council approved all 14 Conservation Areas Appraisals. They are now uses. interim planning guidance, and in the future will be adopted as Supplementary Planning Documents of the Local Development There are a number of defining characteristics of the street. Firstly, Framework. These appraisals will be used as the evidence base to there is a noticeable change in gradient along Westgate Street, support the need for restrictions on building heights in these areas. which drops gradually towards the river and the historic quay area. This gives greater prominence to a number of the buildings around In order to illustrate this approach, two examples of the special the Cross, when viewed from further down the street. character which exists in the conservation areas, will now be presented. This will help to show how consideration of building The street also curves slightly as it progresses away from the Cross, heights in new developments would have to take into account quite leading to changing views around the curve of the street. The different character details and respond to contrasting urban combination of the slope and street curve presents an interesting contexts. and diverse montage.
Alternating height and plot widths of properties along Westgate are 2.2.1 Westgate Street a feature common in medieval settlements, as organic patterns of growth emerged. A variation in materials from property to property Westgate Street sits within the City Centre Conservation Area, is noticeable and further enhances the distinctions between which itself lies between The Docks and the Cathedral Precincts, buildings and the character of the area. encompassing the main commercial core of the city. The introduction of a tall building along the street would have The four principal streets (of which Westgate is one) meet at The obvious impacts on the existing character of the conservation area
8 November 2008 Westgate Street Page 133
9 November 2008 and would uncomfortably disrupt the historic development Since designation as a conservation area, Gloucester Docks has pattern. Proposals for new developments along Westgate Street undergone and continues to undergo massive redevelopment, which should reflect the variation of building heights and take account is transforming the character and appearance of the original of the character of the area. conservation area. It is therefore important to identify the unique character of the area, within which development will take place.
2.2.2 Historic Docks and Quays In contrast to, say, an industrial complex linked to a road transport network, all the major industrial buildings in the Docks Conservation The Docks Conservation Area is important historically as an Area have been located in relation to the water network i.e. the example of a 19th century dock and canal terminus on the River River Severn, the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal and the dock Severn. When at its busiest, the Docks contained 15 major corn basins. warehouses, two basins and a complicated network of rail lines that covered 22 acres. Most of the original 19th century buildings Tall rectangular-plan warehouses are set back from the quayside remain albeit converted to new uses. with either their short sides or long sides facing the water. The spacing between warehouses was developed to allow a team of Page 134 horses or railway track to pick up and deliver goods and so are narrower than a normal street. The Cathedral seen from Gloucester Docks A characteristic of the Docks is the large scale and massing of the warehouse buildings, formed into defined clusters, with distinct gaps or spaces between. This pattern of development forms a rhythm along the canal frontage, which extends from the first Warehouses within bakers Quay to the very terminus of the canal, adjacent to North Warehouse.
In contrast to the Westgate Street example, brick is the predominant construction material within the area, with natural stone elements that exist as quoining features.
The similarities in appearance of the Warehouse buildings can be attributed to their common use and the insistence of the Canal Company that the warehouses conform to a common design and setback from the quay. The uniformity of warehouse widths and heights is also based on functional principles. They are all of red brick with slate roofs and display very uniform patterns of fenestration, notably for ventilation within the buildings.
10 November 2008 Docks Details Page 135
11 November 2008 Several places within the Docks offer clear views of the cathedral, Specifically, the document promotes the concept of providing notably Alexandra Quay, from where the cathedral's stone tower is justifications for why particular viewpoints and corridors have been framed between warehouses with a background of sky and a chosen, as well as defining the significance of features within the foreground of water. Gloucester Cathedral's tower can also be seen view. The following information is provided to develop the from West Quay, as well as from the Dry Docks area. understanding of each of the selected view points.
The historic Docks contain examples of unique warehouse buildings Another consideration is whether the key views identified should be which share a common character, including heights, massing and enhanced during redevelopment of city centre sites. The proposed materials. Any proposals for a new development should not exceed regeneration of parts of the city centre may present opportunities the established heights of buildings in the conservation area. to enhance views and we are seeking opinions on the importance of this issue.
2.3 View corridor designations
Specific view corridors are proposed which are considered Page 136 strategically important in retaining the unique character and distinctiveness of Gloucester. Direct or partial views of the Cathedral tower and other historic buildings have an important influence on people's perceptions of the historic character of the city.
Developments which impact on the settings of historic landmark buildings, or which are adjacent to the identified view corridors, should be avoided. The proximity of the proposed development to the view corridor will be a key consideration.
Views from both strategic points outside of the built-up area and from localised points within the city are important to consider. The view corridors identified in Plans 2 and 3 will be taken into account when considering the details of an application for a tall building within Gloucester.
'Seeing the History in the View' (April 2008), is a draft document, produced by English Heritage, which outlines a method for assessing heritage significance within views. It is a useful reference document for any new heights of buildings guidance and some of its recommendations appear relevant to Gloucester.
12 November 2008 Plan 1 Conservation Areas Page 137
© Crown copyright. Glos City Council 100019169 (2008) Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown Copyright
13 November 2008 Plan 2 Local View Corridors Page 138
© Crown copyright. Glos City Council 100019169 (2008) Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown Copyright
14 November 2008 1 Playground area, Gloucester Park Viewing site Site well used by families and other general park users. It is a local node of activity.
Heritage assets Clear view of the cathedral tower (both between and over buildings) and Georgian buildings along park Road, within the Spa Conservation Area. Page 139
2 Metz Way bridge over railway triangle Elevated site with fairly long, moving views. Metz Way is a heavily used road into central Gloucester.
Clear view of the cathedral tower as well as other church spires. Views over central Gloucester and its conservation areas. Partial competition within view from tall lamp columns.
15 November 2008 3 Kings Square Well-used focal area within the city centre. A meeting place and congregation area for residents and location for events. Within main shopping area and will be focus for regeneration plans in the near future.
Clear view of the cathedral tower along NE side of square. View from within City Centre Conservation Area looking NW. Page 140
4 Gloucester Royal Hospital Viewpoint from pedestrian and cycle path, which links Great Western Road with the main hospital grounds. Well used throughout the day.
View of cathedral tower between mature trees. Partially obscured during summer.
16 November 2008 5 London Road The main route into central Gloucester from eastern areas.
Long and clear views of the cathedral tower from the junction with Denmark Road. The view is framed with mature trees with staggered built form curving off. The viewpoint lies within the London Road Conservation Area. Page 141
7 Kingsholm Road View along Kingsholm Road of St. Mark's Church, which lies within the Worcester 6 Sainsbury’s car park Street Conservation Area. An important area of activity within the centre, located within the Cathedral This is one of the main routes into the centre Precincts Conservation Area. from the north of Gloucester.
Clear view of the cathedral tower, in close proximity to the structure.
17 November 2008 8 Dean's Walk View from pathway adjacent to the Gloucester rugby ground, a well-used route specifically on match days.
Clear view of the whole cathedral tower and part of the main structure. Page 142 10 St.Oswald's Retail Park A well-used congregation point within the car park of the retail area, used throughout the day.
Clear view of the whole cathedral tower and upper parts of the main structure.
9 St Oswalds Road View south from St Oswalds Road adjacent to the retail park area.
Clear view of much of the cathedral and tower through a natural break in the existing vegetation along the road.
18 November 2008 11 Tesco St.Oswald's A well-used congregation point within the car park of the retail area, used throughout the day.
Clear view of the whole cathedral tower and upper parts of the main structure. Page 143
13 Over Causeway An important view area on a heavily used road 12 Kings School playing field into and around Gloucester. View can be either Well-used area catering for cricket as stationary at the traffic lights or moving. well as a general playing field for the Kings School. The Cricket Festival is Illustration of seasonal changes within a view. also held there. Clear view of St. Nicholas Church and partially obscured view of cathedral tower during One of the well-established views of summer, with clear views of both during the the cathedral, across open ground. winter. A key view, which reinforces the image The primacy of the cathedral is well of the city. represented with only limited competition from the trees.
19 November 2008 14 Over footbridge Main pedestrian and cycle crossing over the River Severn, connecting the city centre with areas to the west.
Clear view of St. Nicholas Church along much of bridge. During winter months, the cathedral tower is also an obvious feature, although partially obscured by tree branches. Page 144
15 Lower Westgate Street 16 Western By-pass Viewpoint at the exit point of the busy A very busy vehicular route around the western petrol station. part of Gloucester. There are a number of vantage points and there are opportunities for During both the summer and winter moving and stationary views. months, there is a partially obscured view of both the cathedral tower and Provides long and unobstructed views across the St. Nicholas Church. floodplain towards the Barbican and City Centre Conservation Areas. The cathedral tower and St. Nicholas Church are both clearly visible above existing development along The Quay.
20 November 2008 17 The Quay The Quay connects lower Westgate Street with the Docks area and will be downgraded to vehicular traffic and improved as a pedestrian promenade.
A gap in the building line along The Quay, following Quay Street, offers clear views of both the cathedral tower and St. Nicholas Church.
19 South-Western By-pass Page 145 A very busy vehicular route around the western part of Gloucester. There are opportunities for moving and stationary views (particularly during peak periods).
Provides long views across the floodplain towards 18 Barbican Road the Barbican and City Centre Conservation Areas. The strategic route between the Docks The top of the cathedral tower and St. Nicholas and cathedral (via Westgate Street) is Church are both visible, but the Shire Hall well-used by pedestrians and cyclists. extension obscures much of the cathedral tower.
Views along its length of the cathedral tower and Crown Court building, within the Barbican and Cathedral Precincts Conservation Areas.
21 November 2008 20 Dry Docks An important location adjacent to the listed Dry Dock structure, along the route between the river and Quays development.
One of the 'postcard' views of the city, with the combination of the cathedral, St. Nicholas Church, North Warehouse, the joined group of Herbert, Kimberley and Phillpotts Warehouses and the main Docks basin. Page 146
21 Victoria Dock (South end) This position offers a clear view of the cathedral tower, in a busy part of the Docks Conservation Area. The combination of the dock and boats, with 22 Llanthony Road the listed buildings along Commercial Road, form a rich composition. The connection of the cathedral and Docks is important to preserve.
22 November 2008 23 Spa Road/Southgate Street junction Southgate Street, from Bristol Road, is one of the main routes into the city centre.
This position offers both stationary and moving views towards the city centre, through the Southgate Street Conservation Area, terminating in the buildings around the City Centre Conservation Area. The cathedral tower can be glimpsed over the roofline of the modern County Court buildings. Page 147
24 St.John's Lane This viewpoint was chosen due to the very close proximity of the cathedral and the clear views of large parts of the overall structure. The only viewpoint within the centre (outside of the precincts themselves) where such a good view exists.
23 November 2008 Page 148
Plan 3 Strategic View Corridors
© Crown copyright. Glos City Council 100019169 (2008) Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown Copyright
24 November 2008 4 A48 Elevated position from lay-by 1 Tewkesbury Road along the A48 (off the A40 A main road into Gloucester from near Highnam). the north, close to junction with A40. Clear view of the cathedral, Clear view of the cathedral tower. as well as the landscape around the western edge of Gloucester.
5 Castle Meads Ham Viewpoint within the floodplain 2 Highnam from a pedestrian and cycleway, Elevated position on edge of Highnam, which runs from Llanthony Road Page 149 from a popular viewing area. towards Over Farm.
Clear views of the cathedral, including a The view of the cathedral tower natural foreground and backdrop and St. Nicholas Church is of landscape. A number of modern tall influenced by the modern Shire buildings are also visible, as well as pylons. Hall extension, which is due for removal as part of the regeneration of the area.
6 Hempsted village 3 A40/B4215 View from Hempsted to the Traffic lights along the A40, south of the city centre. at the junction with the B4215 Viewpoint from a public provide an opportunity to footpath, within the stop on this busy road Hempsted Conservation Area. connecting Gloucester to other western areas. Many landmarks can be viewed from this location, Clear view of cathedral with including St. Nicholas Church, hills in the background. the cathedral and County Council Offices.
25 November 2008 10 Robinswood Hill View from the base of 7 Netheridge Robinswood Hill near to the View north east over open visitor centre. This area ground from the start of the is within the Country Park newly opened south western and is well used by visitors. bypass. The cathedral is a prominent landmark in this view.
11 View west from 8 Canal side Churchdown Hill towards View north along canal from Gloucester, from a public Page 150 a publicly accessible area. footpath. The cathedral is clearly visible in the centre, with other St. Nicholas Church and the notable landmarks, such as cathedral tower are seen St. Nicholas Church, Clapham across the Docks Conservation Court, Gloscat Tower and the Area. A number of listed Hospital Tower. The modern Docks Warehouses are also development in the foreground, visible. including the Walls factory site, sits adjacent to the A417.
9 Ribston Hall High School View north towards the city centre across the playing fields of the school.
26 November 2008 3.0 Design and assessment criteria It should be noted that simply answering each criteria might not be sufficient to satisfy the requirements for planning permission. The following section outlines the criteria against which an This SPD is designed to provide a structure to obtain the most application for a tall building will be considered, as well as the appropriate information upon which to make a decision. The application type and process. following criteria have been selected as important issues, which a proposal for a tall building will need to present.
3.1 Planning applications These criteria are split into principle criteria (1-5) and detailed criteria (6-12). The first set form the basis for assessing in Scheme designs should be developed to the level of detail required principle, the appropriateness of the development of a tall by a full planning application. This is mainly due to the fact that building within Gloucester. These should be applied first, before only a detailed design, as required by a full application, will be moving onto the detailed criteria. sufficient to allow proper consideration of the proposals. 1 Policy context This information should be presented within the design and access 2 Siting of tall buildings: Areas
statement, which is already a requirement of the application 3 Siting of tall buildings: View corridors Page 151 process. This document should present information under the 4 Scale and massing standard design and access statement headings (Use, Amount, 5 Relationship to context Layout, Scale, Landscaping, Appearance), as well as the headings relating specifically to the issue of the height of the proposal, listed 6 Archaeology under section 3.2 below. 7 Design/architectural quality 8 Public realm Applications for significant alterations to existing tall buildings will 9 Transport, access and parking be considered against the full criteria set out in section 3.2. 10 Microclimate/local environment impact 11 Sustainability 12 Lighting 3.2 Application assessment requirements The following section gives specific details for each criterion, Where the term 'tall building' is considered applicable to a proposal, each setting out exactly what the applicant will need to the following 13 assessment criteria will be used as a tool during the demonstrate as part of an application. consideration of an application.
Pre-application discussions are essential within the design process. It is recommended that an initial scale and massing study is prepared which demonstrates that criteria 1-5 are capable of being answered, before proceeding further.
27 November 2008 1 - Policy context For development proposals, which fall outside the conservation areas, proposals will be dealt with on an individual basis, taking This SPD forms part of the emerging Local Development into account the merits of each scheme. Any effects on the Framework. The Local Development Framework is a 'portfolio' of setting or character of adjacent conservation areas will also be planning documents that collectively provide the strategic considered. planning framework for a particular area. Applicants will be required to: When it is adopted as part of the LDF, this SPD will be a material consideration in the determination of planning applications. · Produce a detailed justification, which demonstrates that the siting of a proposed tall building is appropriate within its context. Applicants will be required to:
· Set out in a clear and concise manner the underlying evidence 3 - Siting of tall buildings: View corridors and policy justification on which the development is based, making reference to all relevant policy at a national, regional and The view corridors plan, presented within the urban design study, Page 152 local level. sets out what are considered to be significant views of the Cathedral Tower, as well as other historic structures. This does not constitute a comprehensive record but rather a guide that 2 - Siting of tall buildings: Areas aims to identify the most sensitive examples, as a tool for quickly considering the likely impact of a tall building. Tall buildings should be sited in areas of the City which have minimum visual impact on sensitive historic environments. The Applicants will be required to: Conservation Areas, which are identified within the Urban Design Study above, comprise a significant part of the city centre, and · Produce accurate 3-dimensional computer and photomontage on the basis of the Study and the relevant Conservation Area visualisations which demonstrate that important views of the Appraisals are unlikely to be appropriate sites for further tall Cathedral Tower and other important historic structures, are not buildings. All of the Conservation Areas in the City have the blocked or harmed by the introduction of a tall building (see Plan benefit of Conservation Area Appraisals, which can be found on 2 'Local Views' Section 2.3). the City Council's website. Each of these Appraisals includes detailed consideration of the special character of these areas which must be taken into consideration when preparing and 4 - Scale and massing assessing proposals for a tall building, which will only be acceptable in exceptional circumstances within Conservation Tall buildings have a tendency to impact on surrounding areas, Areas. due to their height, bulk and massing.
28 November 2008 Historically, churches tended to be bulky at lower levels, rising to There are a number of different approaches to the design of a tall slender spires at the higher levels. Modern buildings have the building. One would be to incorporate locally distinctive design capacity for greater mass at higher levels, due mainly to features and materials sympathetic to the existing character, improved construction techniques. This inevitably leads to greater while another would be to design a scheme, which stood out or impacts on views and the character of areas. contrasted with the surrounding built form.
In Gloucester, a series of modern buildings (as identified in Comments on this point are invited and will help in determining section 2.1) have been constructed which have been poorly an appropriate approach to this issue. designed, bulky, 'slab-like' and tall. They have not responded to historic patterns of development and have competed with Applicants will be required to: existing historic structures in terms of their effect on the image of Gloucester. · Demonstrate by way of a local character assessment how a proposed tall building would: Generally, a tall building, which fails to respond positively to the character of an area, or its sense of place, will not be accepted. - Contribute to and enhance the urban environment
- Be an appropriate new element within the local area Page 153 Applicants will be required to: · Use a range of 3-dimensional illustrative techniques to · Demonstrate how the massing of a tall building has been demonstrate how the proposal will sit within the existing built developed with reference to its setting, taking into account any form. existing buildings or features which surround the development. · Provide a detailed urban design analysis of surrounding areas · Illustrate how the massing of the proposal creates an that details the positive and negative contributions that the appropriate form. proposed tall building makes to the visual quality of that area.
· Describe how the proposal relates to the public realm at 5 - Relationship to context street level. This is essential in encouraging active frontages at a human scale. PPS1 states that, 'design which is inappropriate in its context, or which fails to take the opportunities available for improving the character and quality of an area and the way it functions, should not be accepted.'
The way in which a proposal for a tall building responds to the local context will be a key principle in creating an appropriate and successful design.
29 November 2008 6 - Archaeology · Describe how the roofline of the proposed development affects the skyline of the City. Any proposal for a tall building which may have an impact on above or below ground archaeology will require a full desk-based archaeological assessment to be submitted with an application. If 8 - Public realm the area is identified as potentially sensitive, further works may be required. The areas of public space surrounding a tall building are important to consider in the design process. These spaces should Applicants will be required to: be safe, attractive and provide amenity value for the general public. · Detail how the proposals affect any archaeological remains, both above and below ground level. Specifically, the location of Proposals should seek to provide ground floor uses which lead to foundations of tall buildings may be a key issue. activity around the building and overlooking into the public
realm. Edges should be flexible and provide good visual Page 154 connections between the building and surrounding spaces. 7 - Design/architectural quality Applicants will be required to: A very high standard of design will be required of any proposed tall building. Due to the greater visual and physical impacts of tall · Describe how the proposals are designed to provide high buildings on surrounding areas, care will have to be taken to quality spaces around the development, including issues relating develop proposals which clearly utilise high quality materials. to daylight and over-shadowing, landscaping, surveillance, safety and the hierarchy of spaces. Policies within the Gloucester Local Plan (2002) are clear on the importance of high quality design. There are specific references · Describe the arrangements for short, medium and long-term to the poor quality of development in the second half of the maintenance of the public realm. twentieth Century, examples of which can be seen in section 2.1.
Applicants will be required to: 9 - Transport, access and parking · Produce a statement, which describes the rationale behind Parking is a major urban issue and one which has an influence the design of the tall building. This should be accompanied by over many design elements. Development of high-density urban detailed colour elevations and 3-dimensional illustrations of the forms should be capable of generating or linking with more proposals. sustainable transport options. A proposal for a tall building within the existing urban area should be developed to make full use of · Show precedents for the use of specific materials, in order to public transport services and other sustainable transport options. show how they have been successfully used in developments elsewhere.
30 November 2008 Innovative methods for dealing with issues of parking will be Evidence of shadow patterns will be required in order to show considered for urban areas, along with ways of using existing how a proposed tall building will affect existing adjacent parking provision more efficiently. development.
The current capacity or provision of the transport and parking Increased wind speeds around the entrances to buildings, along network should be assessed before any proposals are put forward. pedestrian routes and through recreation areas should be properly The projected impact on these systems from a new development mitigated, or avoided completely. should be considered. Applicants will be required to: Applicants will be required to: · Describe how the local environment has been assessed and · Assess the current capacity of existing transport considered within the proposals. infrastructure, including public transport, road capacity, and cycle networks. · Explain and justify how the proposed design will effectively mitigate the effects of overshadowing and enhanced wind speeds
· Assess the parking capacity within the local area. at ground level. Page 155
· Provide information on the accessibility to local public transport systems. 11 - Sustainability
· Provide information on how the proposed development will Sustainability is one of the most important emerging issues provide adequate parking for the residents or users of the relating to the built environment. There are significant development. environmental impacts from both the building industry and private homes and any new development should aim to be as efficiently constructed and operated as possible. 10 - Microclimate/Local Environment Impact The key issues here are the use of limited and non-renewable Tall buildings can have impacts on the surrounding natural and resources, combined with the production of many forms of built environment, in terms of overshadowing to residential pollution. Raised public awareness of environmental issues and properties and alteration and focussing of ground level wind design, along with advancements in construction technology, has patterns. Both of these effects can be mitigated through a proper started to focus attention on ways to improve the sustainability of assessment during the design process, as well as sensitive siting of existing and new-build developments. the building. Developers should be aware of a number of key issues. The energy consumption and retention of a building should be as efficient as
31 November 2008 possible. This can be achieved through efficient insulation, as 12 - Lighting well as recycling the heat generated around internal spaces. Passive thermal cooling systems should be used, such as bris The lighting of the urban environment is an important design soleil, to shield the building from direct light exposure. Natural element to consider, as this will have a big impact on the way a ventilation should be considered to avoid reliance on air place is perceived after dark. conditioning systems. The lighting of Gloucester's central area has been the subject of a The use of renewable energy systems will be key to reducing the recent study, which aims to improve both architectural and street energy demand of a tall building. Systems, which should be lighting. It is hoped that the product of this work, the Gloucester considered, are building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) or other Lighting Strategy, will contribute to the improvement of the photovoltaic systems, solar water heating and wind turbines. evening and night-time economy of the city as well as the safety of the general public. The promotion of Gloucester's historic Using rainwater storage systems, as well as grey water recycling environment is also a key consideration when developing tourism systems can reduce water demand. Sustainable drainage systems within the city. and living roofs (using Sedum or other plants), can reduce water Page 156 run-off. The strategy sets out both technical and creative guidelines for architectural and street lighting within the central area and it Developers should seek to create adaptable and sustainable should be used as a reference when developing lighting proposals internal spaces and footplates, which can be altered over time to for a tall building. accommodate alternative uses. Applicants will be required to: Applicants will be required to provide a sustainability statement, which provides: · Address key issues contained within the Gloucester Lighting Strategy, paying particular attention to both the quality and · Information on how the development will achieve 10% of energy efficiency of the lighting scheme. energy demand from on-site renewables.
· A BREEAM statement to fit regional/national guidance for commercial development.
· Code for sustainable homes to fit regional/national guidance.
· A waste management plan in line with County SPD.
· A Seagull management plan.
32 November 2008 4.0 Further advice and information
If further information is required, please contact the sustainable development team, as detailed below.
Policy Design and Conservation Gloucester City Council Herbert Warehouse The Docks Gloucester GL1 2EQ
01452 396847
Appendix 1: Statement of Consultation Appendix 2: Sustainability Appraisal
Appendix 3: Design criteria checklist Page 157 1 Policy context 2 Siting of tall buildings: Areas 3 Siting of tall buildings: View corridors 4 Scale and massing 5 Relationship to context 6 Archaeology 7 Design/architectural quality 8 Public realm 9 Transport, access and parking 10 Microclimate/local environment impact 11 Sustainability 12 Lighting
33 November 2008 Page 158
Policy Design and Conservation Gloucester City Council Herbert Warehouse
S TRIUMPHAT FIDE INVICTA The Docks Gloucester GL1 2EQ
01452 396847 November 2008 Page 159 Agenda Item 12 Gloucester City Council
COMMITTEE : Cabinet Briefing Overview & Scrutiny Management Committee Organisational Development Committee Council th DATE : 29 October 2008 10 th November 2008 12 th November 2008 27 th November 2008 SUBJECT : City Council Restructuring – Proposals for Phase 2a DECISION TYPE : For information WARD : All REPORT BY : Corporate Director of Resources and Corporate Director of Services and Neighbourhoods NO. OF APPENDICES : 1) Draft Document for Consultation
REFERENCE NO. : RMD200816 Version: 23/10/08 12:30
1.0 PURPOSE OF REPORT
1.1 To inform cabinet members of progress to date on the second phase of restructuring within the city council.
2.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
2.1 Members are recommended to note progress made and the timetable for completing this phase of restructuring as indicated in 5.1 and within the draft document (pages 13 and 14 in Appendix 1).
3.0 BACKGROUND
3.1 The need to restructure
The Chief Executive in his original restructure brief for the first phase of restructuring in 2007 highlighted the significant change the council has experienced in recent years. New arrangements for the delivery of services and an associated reduction in staff numbers are among the key changes and re-alignment of the current structure is necessary to meet future challenges and achieve council objectives.
3.2 The design imperatives for the first phase of restructuring involving the corporate management team are equally important for further phases:
• Grouping and combining appropriate services to enable us to deliver the council’s priorities in a co-ordinated and joined up way, ensuring that we focus strongly on delivering for the customer and improve the experience and outcome for them.
1 Page 160 • We need to be mindful of the shared services and efficiency agenda and the structure needs to facilitate this, allowing effective sharing and procurement.
• It is imperative that we retain and develop effective management of contractual partners, and that we influence and work in partnership with other agencies and stakeholders. Productive alliances need to be established and developed in the interest of improved performance.
• We need to ensure that our approach to service delivery in neighbourhoods is aided by the way we are organised and structured.
• It is a ‘non-negotiable’ that we focus on agreed objectives, drive performance upwards and deliver achievement.
• Throughout the council we need to ensure we acquire and develop the appropriate skills, behaviours and competencies to deliver our agenda.
• Within the context of ongoing budgetary pressure, we must ensure that we achieve high value in all our activities and dealings, removing unnecessary cost.
• We need to create a flexible and learning organisation so that we can respond promptly and effectively to external pressures - and to the opportunities!
4.0 PROGRESS
4.1 The process for phase 2a
Following the appointment of two of the new corporate directors in July this year, the Leadership Team agreed that it was important to maintain the momentum of the initial phase of restructuring in order to avoid an unnecessarily extended period of uncertainty for staff, and that attention should be turned without delay to the structures below corporate director level.
4.2 The Corporate Director of Services and Neighbourhoods and Corporate Director of Resources began by meeting with managers on a one to one basis and used the thoughts and ideas which came out of these discussions to help form a series of ‘groupings’ of services and functions below director level. These groupings were informally discussed with managers during August and September. Formal consultation is currently underway, ending on 28 th October 2008. The consultation proposals and timescales are detailed in the paper attached as Appendix 1.
4.3 The draft restructuring proposals
Under phase 2a, it is proposed that the number of managers currently reporting to the corporate directors is reduced. Changes are proposed to the two levels below corporate director. Firstly, new group manager posts will be created immediately below corporate directors, reducing the unsustainably large number of managers reporting directly to these posts at present. Secondly, at the level below group manager, it is proposed that new service manager posts are created. Functions and services are identified below each service manager, and clear accountability and responsibility is considered an essential part of this process.
The principles underpinning the proposals within these two directorates represents a consistent approach to that already undertaken in the first two directorates.
2 Page 161 4.4 How we have consulted to date
The draft proposals were shared with both managers and union representatives at meetings on 16 th October and 20 th October 2008.
All staff and all members were sent a copy of the proposals on 9 th October 2008 and a discussion forum was set up on the intranet. Group leaders were given an opportunity to discuss the proposals on 13 th October 2008.
The proposals were subsequently considered at the TU Consultation meeting on 20 th October 2008 and following this, the draft proposals will be presented to Employee Forum members on 30 th October 2008.
To date, feedback has been received directly by both of the corporate directors from managers and other staff. This has been generally positive in terms of the overall proposals, with some members of staff seeking clarification regarding individual circumstances/roles/location. Following the close of the consultation period on 28th October, all feedback received will be responded to and cabinet members will be provided with a verbal update at the cabinet briefing meeting on 29 th October 2008.
5.0 FUTURE WORK
5.1 At the end of the consultation period, further consideration will be given to the proposals before they are finalised. Following that, they are due to be considered by Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee on 10 th November 2008, Organisational Development Committee on 12 th November 2008 and Full Council on 27 th November 2008.
5.2 Subject to agreement by Full Council, assessment centres (including interviews) for the new group manager posts will be held at the beginning of January 2008, with appointments to the new service manager posts following as soon as possible afterwards.
6.0 CONCLUSIONS
6.1 The draft proposals for the second phase of city council restructuring have been widely circulated to staff, members and other key parties as part of the consultation process.
6.2 Feedback received to date has been generally positive and, following the close of the consultation period on 28 th October 2008, members will be given and up to date briefing at the cabinet briefing meeting on 29 th October 2008.
7.0 FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
7.1 The city council restructuring has potential to have large budgetary implications, with the overall expectation that costs will reduce in the long term.
7.2 As the process progresses, the financial implications will be monitored and fed into the Budget and Medium Term Financial Planning process to ensure the council’s financial objectives are achieved.
3 Page 162 8.0 LEGAL IMPLICATIONS
8.1 The council has the power to structure itself in such a way as it considers necessary to provide its functions.
8.2 The council has policies on re-organisation, redeployment and redundancy which will need to be followed in any restructuring.
9.0 RISK MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS
There are no high risk implications which have been identified at this stage.
10.0 PREDICTIVE IMPACT ASSESSMENTS (EQUALITIES)
10.1 The restructuring is being dealt with in accordance with the council’s policies on change management and equal opportunities.
11.0 OTHER CORPORATE IMPLICATIONS
1. Community Safety
None specific to the report.
2. Environmental
None specific to the report.
3. Staffing (Personnel to complete)
As indicated in the report the proposals have been consulted upon extensively and members of staff and unions had considerable opportunity to comment.
The restructuring has significant implications for staff and causes some uncertainty. Every effort is being taken to minimize that uncertainty. Should members of staff be unsuccessful in applications for positions in the restructure then the council’s redeployment, early retirement and redundancy policies will apply as appropriate.
A clear statement of how the council’s management of change policy applies to this restructure is being produced and will be agreed with the unions shortly.
The new posts will be graded using the Hay job evaluation scheme.
4. Trade Union
To follow.
Background Papers : Published Papers : Person to Contact : Peter Gillett, Corporate Director of Resources Tel: 396400 E-mail: [email protected]
4
GloucesterPage City 163 Council
A New Structure for Gloucester City Council
Phase 2a
Draft Document
for Consultation
contact: Martin Shields Corporate Director of Services and Neighbourhoods
Peter Gillett Version : 08/10/08 Corporate Director of Resources
Page 164
1. A new structure for Gloucester City Council : Phase 2
Introduction
Through its corporate plan ‘Building a Better Gloucester’, the city council has a clear set of aims for the next three years:
Put Gloucester on the map A thriving, 21 st century city A city with strong and cohesive communities The city council is a top performing organisation
In achieving these aims and the specific outcomes that lie beneath them, it is essential that the authority has a ‘fit for purpose’ structure that is right for a council which has seen significant change both internally and externally in recent years.
This second phase of restructuring follows on directly from the work undertaken by the Chief Executive to create a completely new structure for the corporate management team at Gloucester and the subsequent recruitment of four corporate directors to those posts in the first part of this year.
All staff will be aware that the recruitment process for Group managers is already underway for the Regeneration and Strategy and Development Directorates.
Why is further restructuring needed?
In his original restructure brief, the Chief Executive highlighted the need for structural change:
“In looking forward, it is clear that the level of change will not subside and the challenges that we face as a council are likely to increase. Short term measures have not as yet organised the council to deal with these challenges.
In summary, therefore, the current structure needs to be re-aligned in terms of both shape and size, in order to meet the future challenges, as well as realising the ambitions for Gloucester.”
The design imperatives referred to in the original brief are also equally important in respect of the second phase of restructuring:
- Grouping and combining appropriate services to enable us to deliver the council’s priorities in a co-ordinated and joined up way, ensuring that we focus strongly on delivering for the customer and improve the experience and outcome for them.
- We need to be mindful of the shared services and efficiency agenda and the structure needs to facilitate this, allowing effective sharing and procurement.
- It is imperative that we retain and develop effective management of contractual partners, and that we influence and work in partnership with other agencies and stakeholders. Productive alliances need to be established and developed in the interest of improved performance.
- We need to ensure that our approach to service delivery in neighbourhoods is aided by the way we are organised and structured.
- It is a ‘non-negotiable’ that we focus on agreed objectives, drive performance upwards and deliver achievement. 1 Page 165
- Throughout the council we need to ensure we acquire and develop the appropriate skills, behaviours and competencies to deliver our agenda.
- Within the context of ongoing budgetary pressure, we must ensure that we achieve high value in all our activities and dealings, removing unnecessary cost.
- We need to create a flexible and learning organisation so that we can respond promptly and effectively to external pressures - and to the opportunities!
In addition, there are specific needs and imperatives within each new directorate which are discussed more fully within the proposals.
The approach
The Chief Executive clearly set out the way forward for this second phase of restructuring in his original proposal:
“There will without question be a need for reshaping of teams and services within directorates, but I believe that it is important for the new corporate management team to fully participate in the creation and development of that structure.
In short, the people appointed to these new positions will be fully involved in designing and deciding how their services will be structured and organised, and in filling the key positions within these revised directorates. Therefore, whilst I clearly have views on the way that teams should be organised – the proposals at this stage do not cover that for the reasons that I have given.”
Following the appointment of the first two corporate directors in February this year, it was agreed by the new Gloucester Leadership Team (Julian Wain, Phil Staddon and Amanda Wadsley) that work on the second phase of restructuring within the directorates of Regeneration and Strategy and Development should get underway immediately. The aim of this was to maintain the momentum which had been created and avoid an unnecessarily long and drawn out process, for those below director level, within these two directorates. It was further agreed that as part of this process corporate frameworks and policies would be put in place to guide the remaining two directors (Peter Gillett and Martin Shields) on their arrival at Gloucester in July this year and ensure a consistent approach across the council.
In carrying out this work the two directors have worked together closely to ensure a common approach. Following an initial period of informal consultation with managers, both are in a position to announce number of ‘groupings’ within their directorates as the basis for structural design. Further consultation has since taken place within teams and within the directorates.
Drawing on this initial period of consultation and feedback to date, proposed structures have been produced which see a number of new Group Manager posts being set up at the level below directors. Below this, reporting to the Group Managers, a level of Service Manager posts is shown, together with teams, roles and functions. It is envisaged that the detail of structures below this level will be the subject of further consultation as with the other two Directorates.
2 Page 166
2. The proposals
a) Services & Neighbourhoods
Overview
The newly created Services and Neighbourhoods directorate brings together some of the council’s key corporate support services including Streetcare, Housing, Community Safety, Environmental Health, Leisure and Customer Services.
Under the current structure, thirteen managers and other officers report directly to the Corporate Director, a situation which is clearly unsustainable. There are also a number of small units across the directorate which operate to some extent in isolation and there is a strong case for joining and aligning these operations more effectively to improve service delivery and the achievement of objectives.
The proposed restructuring of services and functions through the management level below corporate director sees the creation of three new groups. The intention is to facilitate better inter-service working, increase focus on council objectives and improve service performance overall. In addition to this is a Business Planning & Performance Management Team with a Service Manager who will also report directly to the Corporate Director.
The three groups, each headed up by a group manager are as follows:
Director of Services & Neighbourhoods
PA to Director Business Planning & Performance Service Manager
Group Manager, Group Manager, Group Manager, Housing Services, Environmental Health & Customer Services & Streetcare & Community Regulatory Services Leisure Safety
The posts which are identified at this stage as being directly affected by the creation of the three new group managers and the Business Planning and Performance Management Team are:
• Principal Housing Needs Officer • Streetcare Manager • Environmental Health Managers • Sports Development Manager • Customer Services Manager • Client Services Manager • Community Safety Manager • Environmental Services Manager • Business Planning and Performance Manager
3 Page 167
Housing Services, Streetcare and Community Safety
This group maintains the important links between Housing, Streetcare and Community Safety. Improving the environment, preventing and addressing ASB and providing a range of housing options are key service areas of Gloucester City Council and main priorities of residents living in the City. In order to improve these services we need to improve communication within and across teams and draw upon the expertise of external partners to help us expand and improve the services offered to residents.
The Group Manager will have particular responsibility for:
• Developments of services to meet the growing demands for improved services • Improved communication with and across service areas • Development of a range of housing options to tackle homelessness and reduce pressure upon the housing register • Expand partnership working across the range of services to enhance budgets and extend the range of solutions to tackle ASB, homelessness, and the environment. • Expansion and improvement of waste and recycling services • Implementation of the principles of ‘Neighbourhood Management’ to improve our estates through greater liaison and partnership working • Budget control across the service area • Achievement of excellent performance standards and ratings
Service Managers will support Group Managers in the delivery of services
The structure proposed is:
Group Manager, Housing, Neighbourhoods & Community Safety
Housing Community Neighbourhood Neighbourhood Services Safety Service Service Manager Service Manager Manager Manager (Streetcare) (Waste & Recycling)
Roles & Functions Roles & Functions Roles & Functions Roles & Functions
• Homelessness • ASB (Prevention/ • Environmental • Waste & Recycling • Choice Based enforcement) Maintenance Services Lettings • Family Intervention • Partnership • Partnership • Housing Options & Support Working Working • Community Support • Co-ordination of • Co-ordination of • Children & Young Services Services People • Community • Community engagement Engagement
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Environmental Health & Regulatory Services
The Group Manager, Environmental Health & Regulatory Services has responsibility for Environmental Protection, Private Sector Housing and a range of Health and Safety issues. These will be delivered through specialist teams with professional expertise in assessment, monitoring, management and delivery of services.
The Group Manager will have particular responsibility for:
• Ensuring the delivery of clean neighbourhoods • Partnership working to address ASB • Delivering internal and external Health & Safety strategies • Emergency planning & flood response • Developing and expanding services delivered to private sector residents • Budget control across the service area • Achievement of excellent performance standards and ratings
Service Managers will support Group Managers in the delivery of services
The structure proposed is:
Group Manager Environmental Health & Regulatory Services
Private Sector Housing & Commercial Team Environmental Protection Service Manager Team Service Manager
Roles & Functions Roles & Functions
• Housing Standards • Emergency Planning Enforcement • Food Safety • HMO Licensing • H&S (Internal & • Grants, loans, empty External) homes • Licensing • Clean Neighbourhoods • Contaminated Land • Land drainage
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Customer Services & Leisure
The Group Manager, Customer Services & Leisure, has responsibility for ensuring customers are dealt with professionally, courteously and with respect, actioning 80% of enquiries at first point of contact.
The Group Manager will have particular responsibility for: -
• Developing and enhancing customer services • Embedding a Customer culture within and across the organisation and into all of Gloucester City Council’s partners. • Expanding services provided to hand to reach groups and improving take up of services to groups with special needs. • Ensuring Gloucester City Council maintains a high standard of customer services and continues to be recorded for excellence. • Developing and expanding sport facilities and opportunities for residents • Safe, efficient and caring delivery of services provided by Gloucester City Council’s Cemeteries and Crematoriums. • Enhancing services to residents who access the Shopmobility services and raising awareness of the service across the city. • Budget control across the service area • Achievement of excellent performance standards and ratings
Service Managers will support Group Managers in the delivery of services
The structure proposed is:
Group Manager Customer Services & Leisure
Customer Sports Cemeteries & Shopmobility Service Manager Development Crematoriums Service Manager Service Manager Service Manager
Roles & Functions Roles & Functions Roles & Functions Roles & Functions
• Front line • Youth Involvement • Customer Service • Customer Service services • Special events • Grounds • Maintenance • Contact Centre • External funding Maintenance • Service • Opening times • New services/ • Partnership Development • Development of facilities Working • Accessibility to the I.T. • Leisure Client • Service City • “One-Stop” shop Development
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b) Resources
Overview
The Resources Directorate comprises some of the council’s key corporate support services including Finance (both Accountancy, Procurement, Payroll, Debtors and Creditors), Revenues Services, Internal Audit, Information and Information & Communications Technology. The Directorate also includes the Benefits Service from the Housing and Health Portfolio.
The intention for each of the support services is to better support the outward facing aims of the councils other service areas, to enable and deliver business transformation, maximise income due to the council and to help services achieve better value for money in their use of resources.
Development of the structure has also been informed by the review of corporate and transactional support services.
The proposed structure of services and functions through the management level below the Corporate Director is based on five areas.
The five areas, each headed up by a Group Manager are as follows:
Resources Directorate
Head of Internal Audit, PA to Director Risk and Appraisal
Group Manager Group Manager Benefits, Revenues, Fees Financial Services Business Investigations and and Charges Group Technology and Welfare Group Manager Transformation Mana ger
The posts, which are identified at this stage as being directly affected by the Group Manager Proposals, include:
• Head of Benefits Service • Head of Revenues Service • Financial Services Manager • Head of Internal Audit • Systems and Technical • Procurement Manager Accountancy Manager • Head of ICT Services • Senior Accountant (?)
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Financial Services
The proposed post of Group Manager for Financial Services will fulfil the formal role of Deputy Responsible Financial Officer for the Council.
The Group Manager will have particular responsibility for: -
• Management Accounting – Support provided to budget holders to monitor and manage their service budgets for both revenue and capital expenditure • Treasury and Investment Management • Better supporting the achievement of value for money across all services • External Financial Accounting – ensuring the council fulfils its statutory responsibilities in financial reporting through its annual statement of accounts • Key liaison with the External Audit team. • The range of services for both the Council and where possible, its partners for: • Payroll services • Creditors • Debtors • Management of the councils approach to Insurance, the strategy for determining levels of cover required and administration of claims. • Project management of the council’s strategic Three-Year Money Plan • Development and implementation of the council’s procurement strategy and policies, including support and advice to managers on key purchasing issues.
The structure proposed is:
Group Manager Financial Services
. Financial Technical Procurement Planning Service Accountancy Service Manager Manager Service Manager
Roles & Functions Roles & Functions Roles & Functions
• Management • VAT • Development and Accountancy • Insurance Implementation of Support to budget • Compliance with Procurement Strategy holders for both external financial and associated Revenue and reporting policies Capital budget requirements • Lead on key corporate setting and • Production of annual contract/purchasing expenditure financial statements reviews monitoring • Treasury and • Advice and guidance • Budget setting and Investment to budget Managers reporting Management on procurement • Service functions matters including Debtors Creditors and BusinessPayroll Technology • 8 Page 172
The Group Manager for Business Technology and Transformation is responsibility for the provision of services to support the council’s programme of Business Improvement.
The role will focus on how the council will use ICT to enable and support service transformation.
The Group Manager will have particular responsibility for: -
• Development and Implementation of a business focussed ICT strategy • Communications systems – with a view to developing a Unified Communications approach for telephony and IT • Information security and System security including compliance with national standards • User Support - ICT Support to staff, members and partners through the Service Desk • Applications Support - development and support of corporate applications • Infrastructure support - Maintenance of a fit for purpose, flexible ICT infrastructure • Web Services technical developments • Business Continuity • ‘Intelligent client’ and liaison role with major suppliers for hosted ICT solutions • A joined-up approach with the Business improvement role in the Strategy and Development Directorate.
Service Managers will support Group Managers in the delivery of services
The proposed structure, which has been based on best practice principles identified in Skills for The information Age is shown below:
Group Manager, Business Technology and Transformation
Service Manager: Service Manager: Operations Systems Information Business Service Manager Development Systems and Transformation Services Management and Programme Manager Management
Roles & Functions Roles & Functions Roles & Functions Roles & Functions
• First and second • Onward development of • Support to core • Transformation line user support existing back office information services projects and • Service desk systems such as Local Land programme operation • Project management and and Property management lead • Asset delivery of the information Gazetteer, and • Commissioning management technology and business Geographic the work from the • Telephony process changes to Information Systems Systems management implement the • Information security Development • Application and transformation programme compliance procedure team and/or infrastructure • Consolidation of all development and external providers support systems on web service associated services standards and developing such as Data
linkage of back office Protection, and
systems to core data and Freedom of information
front office systems • Internet web services • Third line user support
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The Group Manager for Benefits, investigations and Welfare Rights has responsibility for ensuring that claims for Housing and Council Tax benefits are processed promptly and efficiently. The service is based on best practice models for administering benefits, including a quality assurance and performance function. The recent review of Transactional Support services identified that Benefits Services in Gloucester City operate at top quartile performance, with a relatively low cost compared to other local authorities. Key opportunities for the future in these areas should include exploring joint arrangements with other partners. The role also now includes management of the Welfare Rights service, which exists to promote and encourage the take up of benefits within the community and support to claimants including advice clinics and outreach work to ensure the council reaches as many members of the community as possible. A further element includes management of the benefit fraud and recovery service.
Specific Areas of responsibility include:
• Management of the services to determine and pay both council tax and housing benefit in accordance with national regulations • To secure and maximise Benefit Subsidy on behalf of the council from central government • To prevent, investigate and prosecute Council Tax Benefit and Housing Benefit Fraud • To prosecute and apply sanctions for fraudulent claims • To ensure the invoicing and recovery of benefit overpayments • Managing the transition of the welfare rights service from Community Services to the Benefits Service, developing synergies between the teams, while continuing to support and advise potential claimants in the community.
Service Managers and other technical staff will support the Group Manager in the delivery of services
The structure proposed is:
Group Manager, Benefits, Investigations and Welfare Rights
Benefits Service Benefit Fraud Performance Welfare Rights Managers (x2) and Recovery and Information Team Leader Service Manager Service Manager
Roles & Functions Roles & Functions Roles & Functions Roles & Functions
• ManagementBenefits, of Benefits Investigations • Fraud and Investigation Welfare Rights • Quality Assurance • Promoting and teams for determination Team • Appeals encouraging take The Group Manager for Benefits, investigations and Welfare Rights has responsibility for and processing of • Recovery of Benefit • Projects up of benefits ensuring that claims for Housing and Council Tax benefits are processed promptly and benefits claims for : Overpayments • Service admin within the City efficiently. The service is based on best practice models for administering benefits, including • Housing Benefit • Verification Officers support • Support to existing a quality assurance and performance function. The recent review of Transactional Support • Council tax Benefit • Training and potential services identified that Benefits Services in Gloucester City operate at top quartileclaimants through: performance, • Implementation of new regulations and • Outreach workers Group Manager – Revenues, Fees and Charges and local clinics legislation
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The Group Manager for Revenues, Fees and Charges is responsible for the prompt and efficient collection of many of the councils key income streams and cash flow. These include collection of council tax (51,000 properties with a net income of £45.5million), non domestic rates (3,600 properties with a net income of £47.4million), Invoicing and collection of Sundry Debts 8,900 invoices p.a with a net value of £11.3m). the role is also responsible for providing a secure corporate payments and income management service for the council nd partners, as well as administering the national concessionary travel scheme, which covers some 17,000 applicants in the City.
The recent review of Transactional Support services identified that Revenues Services in Gloucester City operate at comparatively high performance levels and comparatively low costs in relation to other local authorities. Key opportunities for the future in these areas should include exploring joint arrangements with other partners.
Service Managers and other technical staff will support the Group Manager in the delivery of services
The structure proposed is:
Group Manager Revenues, Fees and Charges Control Officers
Service Manger Service Manger Revenues Revenues Council Tax and Enforcement and NNDR Sundry Debts
Roles & Functions Roles & Functions
• Property Inspections • Sundry debt • Council Tax invoicing and collection collection • NNDR collection • Concessionary fares • Control function scheme • Cash Management • Car Parking income services
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Internal Audit, Risk and Appraisal
The council has a statutory requirement to maintain an adequate and effective system of Internal Audit, the responsibility for which has been delegated to the Corporate Director of Resources.
Internal Audit is an assurance function that is required to provide an independent and objective opinion to the council on the control environment comprising risk management, control and governance by evaluating its effectiveness in achieving the council’s objectives.
Emphasis is required on evaluating and reporting on the adequacy of the controls to the economic efficient and effective use of resources. It is important that Internal Audit is independent of the areas that it audits. As such, it is proposed that the Group manager reports directly to the Director of Resources. It is possible for the Service to provided externally, or indeed for the council to provide Internal Audit Services to other councils – Gloucester City already provide the role of Internal Audit manager to Tewkesbury BC, and under the new arrangements, the Head of Internal Audit, Risk and Appraisal will be charged with seeking out similar fee-earning opportunities in the future.
The Service will be managed by the Head of Internal Audit, Risk and Appraisal, supported by a team of audit specialists.
3. Overview of the Process
General support
The level of care and consideration shown to those affected by the first phase of restructuring will be fully maintained during this further phase of change, recognising that it will be a difficult time for some members of staff.
HR support throughout the process will be provided. Support of a more general nature will also be provided by the Gloucester Leadership Team – Julian Wain (Chief Executive), Martin Shields (Corporate Director of Services and Neighbourhoods) and Peter Gillett (Corporate Director of Resources) and other Directors where appropriate.
Our aim at all times will be to provide clear and timely information for everyone involved and to maintain a close and open dialogue with the Trade Union and effected employees throughout.
Assimilation
The majority of the new group manager posts are considerably different in type, nature and scope to other posts currently to be found within the council. They also reflect the requirements of the new management competency framework. This means therefore that assimilation is unlikely. Assimilation may be possible, however, at the level below the group manager posts.
Ring fence arrangements
A ring fence will be drawn around the new group manager posts within the two directorates, to include those posts which are directly affected.
Where a redeployment post pays lower than the employee’s existing level, protection arrangements will apply in accordance with the council’s current policy.
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Application and selection process
Jobs will be evaluated using the council’s job evaluation scheme, as indicated in the outline timetable.
The selection process will be as outlined in the document “Appointing Staff to The New Structure” which is available on the intranet.
Expressions of interest in the new group manager posts should be made using the council’s standard application form. Applications will be invited following consultation and formal approval.
Candidates will be assessed against the person specification and the operational level competencies which were agreed last Autumn.
Assessment centres designed specifically for this purpose will be used, incorporating a range of assessment tools and techniques. Further details of the assessment centres will be provided nearer the time.
Implications for those affected
We fully appreciate the challenging nature of this process, the anxiety and the uncertainty that may be felt by some members of staff. It is important that we provide help and support throughout this period of change, particularly to those who are directly affected.
For those who prefer not to be considered for these posts, the two corporate directors, Martin Shields and Peter Gillett will be happy to discuss potential alternatives with staff where the needs of the council make this possible.
If it is not ultimately feasible to match individual aspirations with the council’s requirements, those members of staff may wish to be considered for voluntary redundancy. In this instance, the council’s Redundancy and Early Retirement policy will apply and an application in writing will be required. Applicants may of course be represented through the process if they choose to be.
Support
For anyone who is unsuccessful in securing a position in the new structure or where voluntary redundancy is agreed, support will be provided on an individual need basis. This can be discussed in more detail, as required, with the appropriate Director.
Timetable
The outline timetable for this part of the process, incorporating the recruitment of the Group Managers, is as follows:
Informal consultation Ended 29 Aug 2008
GLT 30 Sept 2008
Leadership and Trade Union 9 October 2008
Formal consultation period starts 9 Oct 2008
Group Leaders 13 Oct 2008
Managers Forum 16 Oct 2008
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Trade Union consultation 20 Oct 2008
Close of consultation 28 Oct 2008
Cabinet Briefing 29 Oct 2008
Job descriptions By 29 Oct 2008
Employee Forum 30 Oct 2008
OSM Committee 10 Nov 2008 (papers ready by 31 Oct)
Job evaluation 14 Nov 2008
OD Committee 12 Nov 2008
Council 27 Nov 2008 (papers ready by 19 Nov)
Individual letters 28 Nov 2008
Closing date 19 Dec 2008
Assessment centre + interviews 5-16 Jan 2009
4. How to respond
Please send your comments or questions to:
Services and Neighbourhoods Directorate
Martin Shields Corporate Director of Services and Neighbourhoods Email: [email protected] Fax: 01452 396857 Internal post: 3 rd Floor, Phillpotts Warehouse,
Resources Directorate
Peter Gillett Corporate Director of Resources Email: [email protected] Fax: 01452 396400 Internal post: Chief Executives Office, 1 st Floor, North Warehouse
A feedback facility will also be set up for this purpose on the intranet. All comments and questions will be responded to at the end of the consultation period.
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This page is intentionally left blank Page 179 Agenda Item 14
PLANNING COMMITTEE
MEETING : Tuesday, 7th October 2008
PRESENT : Cllrs. P. McLellan (Chair), Ravenhill (Mayor), Hilton, Durrant, Smith, Gillespie (Vice-Chair), Noakes, Lewis, Heath, Dee, Porter and Taylor
Officers in Attendance Rob Eaton, Development Control Manager Mike Gethin, Principal Planning Officer Gary Spencer, Head of Legal Services Neil Troughton, Principal Area Manager, Gloucestershire County Council
APOLOGIES : Cllr. Bhaimia
46. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Councillor Taylor declared a personal interest in agenda item 7, on the grounds that his employer organised occasional car boot sales in competition with Hempsted Meadows.
47. MINUTES
Councillor Gillespie had been listed as present twice and Councillor P. McLellan had been omitted. With this correction, the minutes of the meeting held on 2 September 2008 were taken as read and signed by the Chair.
48. APPLICATION NO. 08/01250/COU - HEMPSTED MEADOWS
The Principal Planning Officer presented a report on a proposal to amend the conditions to allow the site to be open to traders between 7.00am and 3.00pm and visiting members of the public between 8.00am and 2.00pm on Sundays. He explained the variation to the hours on a Sunday was sought to help prevent problems with queuing vehicles along the bypass waiting to enter the site and to improve the overall traffic management on the busiest market day.
He referred Members to the Late Material he had distributed at the start of the meeting, which is attached as an addendum to these minutes. This proposed the deletion of the first condition from the officer’s recommendation.
The PPO stated that the proposal has been submitted to address traffic related matters of traders queuing and the public visitors parking on the highway. In terms of the latter
The Principal Planning Officer said that the Highways Authority were preparing a Traffic order restricting restrictions on both sides of the approach road leading to Netheridge Close.
1 Page 180 PLANNING COMMITTEE 07.10.08
Further he drew attention to the officer recommendation to allow a 12 months temporary permission in order for the operation with the proposed extended hours to be monitored.
Members agreed there was a problem at Hempsted Meadows on Sundays because of vehicles queuing on the bypass but they felt that advancing the opening time by one hour would simply advance the problem by one hour. Members felt that the management of the site should be reviewed before considering an extension to the hours.
Welcoming the proposed parking restrictions on the approach to Netheridge Close, Members expressed concern that this would take several months to come into effect and would not be enforced because the Council parking enforcement officers were not contracted to work on a Sunday.
Members commented that parking problems were aggravated on a Sunday because of the lack of a bus service.
It was moved by Councillor Hilton, seconded by Councillor Heath, that permission be refused on the grounds that the case had not been proved that extending the hours would solve the problems that had arisen. The Chair proposed adding, as a reason for refusal, the unreasonable environmental impact it would have on nearby residents and highway safety. When put to the vote, the motion was passed.
RESOLVED
That planning permission be refused on the grounds that the case had not been proved that extending opening hours would solve the traffic problems and because of the unreasonable environmental impact the extension would have on nearby residents.
49. APPLICATION NO. 07/01297/OUT - OLD B & Q SITE, 98-108 BARTON STREET
The Development Control Manager presented a report recommending that, in the light of additional information from the Environment Agency placing the former B&Q site within a defined flood zone, the failure of the applicants to submit a flood risk assessment with the application should be added to the reasons for refusal of the previous application heard by the Committee on 25 March 2008. He referred Members to Late Material distributed at the start of the meeting which contained two further letters of representation. This Late Material is attached as an addendum to these minutes and Members were given time to read them.
In discussion, Members were keen to see development on the site that would not distract from the redevelopment of the city centre but agreed the importance of receiving a flood risk assessment for any application for the site.
RESOLVED
That the City Council would have refused the application for the four reasons given by officers in the report if the applicant had not submitted a non-determination appeal.
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50. LAND AT EDISON CLOSE (08/00169/FUL) (PT07108D)
The Development Control Manager presented a report to seek additional time to complete the legal agreement for the development previously approved on 27 May 2008. He explained that an agreement in principle had now been reached with all parties and that it would be unreasonable to refuse the application on the grounds that the legal agreement had not been completed and signed and he recommended an extension of the time limit to 31 December 2008.
Members asked for an additional condition to the planning permission that the windows overlooking residences on Naas Lane should be fitted with obscure glazing.
RESOLVED
1. That additional time be approved to complete the legal agreement, as per the officer’s recommendation.
2. That an additional condition be added to specify obscure glazing to windows overlooking residences on Naas Lane.
51. APPLICATION NO. 08/00818/FUL - TELEDYNE SITE, WOODROW WAY
The Development Control Manager presented a report on an application to demolish the existing buildings on the site and erect two buildings each for use within Classes B1C (light industry), B2 (general industry) and B8 (warehouse).
He referred Members to Late Material distributed at the start of the meeting and attached as an addendum to these minutes clarifying the height of the proposed development.
Members were in agreement that the development would be a considerable improvement on the existing buildings.
RESOLVED
That planning permission be granted, as per the officer’s recommendations.
52. APPLICATION NO. 08/01138/FUL - KINGS SCHOOL, ST. OSWALD'S ROAD
The Principal Planning Officer presented a report on an application for the erection of a new sports hall. He referred Members to revised recommendations in the Late Material which had been distributed to Members at the start of the meeting and which is attached as an addendum to these minutes. Members were given time to read these.
RESOLVED
That planning permission be granted, as per the officer’s recommendations as amended in the Late Material.
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53. PROTOCOL FOR CONSULTATION ON PLANNING APPLICATIONS
The County Highways Principal Area Manager distributed a paper on the protocol for consultation on planning applications between the County Council and the six local planning authorities within Gloucestershire. The protocol was being applied for a three month test period.
The Development Control Manager said that the district planning authorities supported the protocol. It did not involve transfer of work to the City Council nor did it involve a shifting of resources from the City.
Members requested that a simplified version be circulated to all Councillors as a Members’ Information Sheet and that the statistical results of the test period be reported back to the Committee..
54. MATTER FOR REPORT (PT07108B)
RESOLVED
That the report be noted.
55. DELEGATED DECISIONS (1ST - 31ST AUGUST 2008) (PT07108C)
RESOLVED
That the report be noted.
56. DATE OF NEXT MEETING
Tuesday 4 November 2008.
The Chair noted this would be the last meeting attended by Committee Secretary Henry Mordaunt and thanked him for his service to the Committee during the past 2½ years and wished him luck for the future.
Time of commencement: 18:00 hours Time of conclusion: 19:05 hours Chair
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PLANNING COMMITTEE
MEETING : Tuesday, 4th November 2008
PRESENT : Cllrs. P. McLellan (Chair), Ravenhill (Mayor), Hilton, Gillespie (Vice- Chair), Noakes, Lewis, Heath, Bhaimia, Dee, Porter and Taylor
Officers in Attendance Rob Eaton, Group Manager: Development Services Adam Smith, Major Projects Officer Gary Spencer, Head of Legal Services Neil Troughton, Principal Area Manager, Gloucestershire County Council
APOLOGIES : Cllrs. Durrant and Smith
57. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
There were no declarations of interest.
58. MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting held on 7 October 2008 were taken as read and signed by the Chair.
59. APPLICATION NOS. 08/01127/FUL & 08/01128/LBC – NEW COUNTY HOTEL
The Chair explained that a site visit had taken place on the Saturday, 1 November 2008.
Following consideration of the proposals it was -
RESOLVED
That planning permission be granted as per the recommendation.
60. APPLICATION NO. 08/01060/FUL – 5 NYMPSFIELD ROAD, TUFFLEY
The Development Service Manager explained the plan with the single storey extension and recommended Members’ acceptance.
Members agreed in general that this was in line with other properties in the area.
RESOLVED
That planning permission be granted as per the recommendation.
61. APPLICATION NO. 08/01302/FUL – LAND ADJACENT TO 2 OAKLEAZE
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The Development Control Manager explained the plan. The Committee also noted a representation received from a property in Meadowleaze.
Following consideration and the representation received it was –
RESOLVED
That planning permission be granted as per the recommendation included in the late material.
62. APPLICATION NO. 08/00681/FUL – ‘BLOCK Q’ OF GLOUCESTER QUAYS SITE (AT CORNER OF LLANTHONY ROAD AND CANAL)
The application was explained and the use of the facilities.
Simon Metcalfe, of WYG, on behalf of the applicant, then spoke in favour of the proposals.
The Chair pointed out there had been a request from Clare Stephenson of Nataniel Lichfield and Partners to speak against the proposal, but she was not present at the meeting.
Councillor Lewis said he supported the proposals and felt they would complement the Quays area.
Councillor Dee said he was concerned about the car parking arrangements as the units were located a considerable distance from the St Ann’s Peel Centre development.
Adam Smith, Major Projects Officer, commented on the car parking arrangements for Gloucester Quays and the surrounding linkages. The Chair then said he was also concerned that this development may take business away from the city centre on balance he considered that the proposal was acceptable.
RESOLVED
That planning permission be granted as per the recommendation.
63. APPLICATION NO. 08/01116/FUL – CINEMA AND ADJACENT LAND, PEEL CENTRE
The Principal Planning Officer referred to the late material and introduced the application.
Tristan Hutton of WYG then spoke for the Peel Investments Company in favour of the plans.
Councillor Lewis stated that he felt these proposals would enhance the area as the cinema was not up to standard at the moment. This would only benefit the people of Gloucester and the improvements to the canalside would be tremendous. He
2 Page 185 PLANNING COMMITTEE 04.11.08 would like to see more food and drink areas in the city, but not so much in the Quays region.
Councillor Gillespie said that she welcomed the ideas for the cinema as it was looking rather tired at the moment and the increase in the capacity size for the screens was good, along with the wind turbine idea. She was concerned regarding the quantity of food and drink outlets and asked if four more restaurants were really needed. She understood the cinema experience idea of dining and seeing a film, but there were already two restaurants in this area, Pizza Hut and the Angel Chef restaurant and also many outlets on Bristol Road. She asked would this take business away from the city and were there really enough customers in the Gloucester area for these outlets.
Councillor Heath said that he did not like the plans or the graphic impressions for this application and it was not aesthetically pleasant. They were not in line with the original canalside setting, and the wind turbines did not add anything to the area, in fact he felt they were rather glitzy. He also thought that it was important to keep the city centre buoyant and it was really outside of the city centre area.
Councillor Hilton said he did not agree. He felt these plans were much more attractive than what the city had at present. More establishments were needed next to the cinema to encourage use of the cinema and the plans would have a positive impact on the area.
Councillor Noakes said she agreed with Councillor Hilton. People avoided the cinema at present as the eating houses did not represent everyones tastes, and more food and drink and outlets would make the area more vibrant.
Councillor Dee referred to the visualisation, and raised concerns about the ‘cinema’ text on the canalside elevation, and also the materials finish for the food and drink building. He was also concerned that white would discolour quickly and make the building look rather ‘dirty’. The Principal Planning Officer said this was not a major issue, and that Members could discuss a different colour if they felt this was too bright.
Councillor Ravenhill noted that he felt the modern building was acceptable, as was the ‘cinema’ lettering.
The Chair said he felt the cinema would be a good idea. He was a bit concerned with the food and drink outlets and whether this could possibly affect the Quays development area. He asked the Principal Area Manager (Gloucestershire County Council) to comment on the Travel Plan.
The Principal Area manager noted that he was generally happy with the Travel Plan and that is should be resolved the following day.
Councillor Lewis asked if the wind turbines were there for any certain purpose, ie. to power the individual additional food outlets proposed. The Principal Planning Officer noted that the applicants had considered a variety of sustainable technologies, and the rationale for using wind turbines.
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Councillors then had further discussions regarding the materials for the food and drink building. A vote was taken and it was resolved not to support the request to change the white rendered finish.
Councillor Heath sought a guarantee for the maintenance of the canalside area. The Principal Planning Officer proposed an amendment to the suggested materials condition to ensure maintainance of the canalside materials to a suitable standard in perpetuity. This was accepted.
RESOLVED
That planning permission be granted in accordance with the late material and additional revised condition as verbally reported by the Principal Planning Officer.
64. MATTER FOR REPORTS (PT04118B)
RESOLVED
That the report be noted.
65. DELEGATED DECISIONS (1ST - 30TH SEPTEMBER 2008) (PT04118C)
RESOLVED
That the report be noted.
66. THE INTRODUCTION OF A PRE-APPLICATION PROTOCOL (PT04118D)
Councillor Dee enquired if there could still be changes made to the Protocol and the Development Control Manager confirmed that changes could still be made in the future subject to the agreement of Members if the changes proposed were significant.
RESOLVED
That the protocol be adopted as per the recommendation.
67. PERFORMANCE REPORT: DETERMINATION OF PLANNING APPLICATIONS (PT04118E)
RESOLVED
That it be noted that targets had been met and exceeded.
68. PLANNING ENFORCEMENT QUARTERLY REPORT (JULY-SEPTEMBER 2008) (PT04118F)
The Development Control Manager advised there had been 213 new cases so far this year and this had led to a considerable increase in their workload.
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Members were generally not clear as to the function or purpose of S.215 Notices. The Development Control Manager explained their purpose.
Councillor Dee then asked if it were up to Councillors to draw attention to upkeep of residential gardens in their areas and this was agreed. The Development Control Manager said each case was judged on its own merits and that if it was a Gloucester City Homes property, they would contact Gloucester City Homes.
The Chair then asked for a briefing of the Section 215 process to be sent to all Councillors.
RESOLVED
That the report be noted.
69. DATE OF NEXT MEETING
Tuesday 2 December 2008.
Time of commencement: 18:00 hours Time of conclusion: 19:35 hours Chair
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This page is intentionally left blank Page 189 Agenda Item 15
LICENSING AND ENFORCEMENT COMMITTEE
MEETING : Tuesday, 14th October 2008
PRESENT : Cllrs. Gillespie, Witts (Vice-Chair), Lewis, Wilson, Gill, Emerton, Whittaker, Field, Pandor and Porter
Officers in Attendance Gill Ragon, Environmental Health Manager Tony Moseley, Licensing Enforcement Manager Steve Isaac, Solicitor
APOLOGIES : Cllr. Durrant
9. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Councillor Gill and Pandor declared personal and prejudicial interest in their knowledge of the applicant and withdrew from the meeting.
10. MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting held on 15 July 2008 were taken as read and signed by the Chair.
11. MINUTES OF LICENSING SUB-COMMITTEES
There were no minutes of Licensing Sub-Committee.
12. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
There were no questions from the public.
13. PETITIONS AND DEPUTATIONS
There were no petitions or deputations.
14. EXCLUSION OF PRESS AND PUBLIC
The resolution was put to exclude the press and public from the meeting on the grounds that it was likely, in the view of the nature of business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that information relating to an individual would be disclosed.
RESOLVED
That the press and public be excluded from the following agenda item.
15. LOCAL GOVERNMENT (MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS) ACT 1976 - CONSIDERATION OF OBJECTION NEW HACKNEY CARRIAGES DRIVERS LICENCE APPLICATION
1 Page 190 LICENSING AND ENFORCEMENT COMMITTEE 14.10.08
The Chair introduced the applicant and his representative and outlined the procedures to be followed.
The Licensing and Enforcement Manager summarised the main issues from his report.
The applicant and Members had an opportunity to question the Licensing and Enforcement Manager.
The applicant’s representative made a statement in support of the application. Afterwards the Licensing and Enforcement Manager and Members had the opportunity to ask questions.
The Licensing and Enforcement Manager and the applicant both had an opportunity to summarise their cases.
The applicant, his representative and officers left the hearing while Members considered their decision.
The applicant, his representative and officers returned to the meeting and the Chair reported the Committee’s decision.
RESOLVED
That the application be granted on the condition that the applicant undergoes a medical examination.
16. DATE OF NEXT MEETING
Tuesday, 18 November 2008 at 18.30 hours.
Time of commencement: 18:30 hours Time of conclusion: 20.05 hours Chair
2 Page 191 Agenda Item 16
OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
MEETING : Monday, 6th October 2008
PRESENT : Cllrs. Wilson (Chair), Hobbs (Vice-Chair), Noakes, Field, Haigh and Taylor
Other Members Present Cllrs. James (Leader of the Council), Gravells (Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Housing and Health), Llewellyn (Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources), White (Cabinet Member for Heritage and Leisure), Morgan (Cabinet Member for Environment) and Williams (Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods)
Also in Attendance Julian Wain, Chief Executive Phil Staddon, Corporate Director of Regeneration Amanda Wadsley, Corporate Director of Strategy and Development Martin Shields, Corporate Director of Services and Neighbourhoods Peter Gillett, Corporate Director of Resources
APOLOGIES : Cllr. Crawford, Jones and Emerton
50. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Councillor Noakes declared an interest under item 7, Market Rent and Grant Policies for Sports Clubs and Similar Organisations.
51. MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting held on 1 September 2008 were taken as read and signed by the Chair.
52. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME (MAX. 15 MINS)
There were no questions from the public.
53. PETITIONS AND DEPUTATIONS (MAX. 10 MINS)
There were no petitions or deputations.
54. HOMELESSNESS STRATEGY
The Cabinet Member for Housing and Health presented the draft reviewed Homeless Strategy and Action Plan.
The Strategy had also been considered by the Scrutiny Committee for the Built Environment on 25 September 2008. It had raised a number of issues in relation to
1 Page 192 OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE 06.10.08
the report. (An extract from the Scrutiny Committee for the Built Environment is attached for ease of reference.)
During discussion by the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee the following principal points were made.
• 4.5 of the report was highlighted and the proposal for improved emergency accommodation to be available in the Autumn reducing the need of placements into Bed and Breakfast for families and young vulnerable adults.
• Board Members needed to be kept informed of the homelessness allocations within their Wards.
RESOLVED
That the report be noted and comments already expressed by the Scrutiny Committee for the Built Environment.
55. MARKET RENT AND GRANT POLICIES FOR SPORTS CLUBS AND SIMILAR ORGANISATIONS
The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Culture presented a report which advised Members of the Market Rent and Grant Policies applicable for Sports Clubs and similar organisations.
During discussion the following principal points were made.
• The rationale behind the policy was to improve accountability and transparency.
• There was a need for clarification between grants policy and the review of rents.
The Chair suggested that the Market Rents and Grant Policies should take into account other organisations such as Scout Groups and the circumstances of such groups should not be put at risk. There was a need for flexibility in the application of the policy. The issue of a nominal rent to such voluntary organisations as Scout Groups should be explored.
It was recognised that the Council had responsibility to achieve the best possible return from its assets but it was also possible for the Council to support organisations through the application of its grants system – this gave the opportunity for the Council to consider organisations on their merits. In applying a grants system, an equalities impact assessment also needed to be considered.
RESOLVED
That the report be noted.
56. PROGRESS REPORT FOR WHEELED SPORT AND PLAY FACILITIES IN THE BARNWOOD, ABBEY AND HUCCLECOTE WARDS
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The Cabinet Member for Heritage and Leisure presented a report to the Scrutiny Committee which would be updating Cabinet on action taken in relation to play and wheeled sports facilities since their previous report to Cabinet in December 2007 and also revisited the facilities at the locations recommended in the report.
The Scrutiny Committee received the report and noted the comments of the Cabinet Member.
RESOLVED
That the report be noted.
57. SICKNESS ABSENCE MANAGEMENT REPORT
The Corporate Director of Strategy and Development presented sickness absence statistics for the period March-August 2008.
During the presentation, the following principal points were made.
• The Committee’s attention was particularly drawn to the headline figures which showed persistent improvement over the last five months.
• The Chair referred to the graph on page 4 of the document that had been circulated and suggested the need for a graph illustrating a 12 month analysis, giving a year by year presentation.
RESOLVED
That the presentation be noted.
58. SCHEDULE OF INDIVIDUAL EXECUTIVE DECISIONS
The Committee noted the Schedule of Individual Executive Decisions.
59. SCHEDULE OF CABINET DECISIONS
The Committee noted the Schedule of Cabinet Decisions.
60. SCRUTINY WORK PROGRAMMES AND CABINET FORWARD PLAN
In respect of the Scrutiny Work Programmes, Councillor Hobbs suggested the need for review and the involvement of the Scrutiny Chairs Panel.
The Scrutiny Committee were advised that Mr Andrew Brent had been engaged through Solace Enterprises to assist and carry forward work in relation to the review of the Constitution and the Scrutiny Panel would be invited to comment on proposals.
3 Page 194 OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE 06.10.08
The Scrutiny Committee were also advised of the intention to convene a special meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee to scrutinise the Gloucestershire Airport Runway End Safety Project.
RESOLVED
That the current Scrutiny Work Programmes and the Cabinet Forward Plan be noted and that it be further noted that both documents would be subject to review.
61. EXCLUSION OF PRESS AND PUBLIC
That pursuant to Section 100A (4) of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended), the press and public be excluded during the consideration of Agenda Item No. 14 (Minute No. 62) on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information at defined in paragraph 3 of Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).
62. KINGS QUARTER
The Committee considered the report by the Chief Executive advising Members of the legal position relating to the Kings Quarter development and updating on the discussions held with Morley. The report also proposed a way forward for the procurement of a development partner.
Following a presentation from a consultant engaged by the City Council, the Committee noted the recommendations to Cabinet on 8 October 2008.
RESOLVED
That the report and the recommendations be noted.
63. DATE OF NEXT MEETING
Monday 10 November 2008 at 18.30 hours.
Time of commencement: 18:30 hours Time of conclusion: 19:58 hours Chair
4 Page 195 Agenda Item 17
SCRUTINY COMMITTEE FOR THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
MEETING : Thursday, 25th September 2008
PRESENT : Cllrs. Haigh (Chair), Heath (Vice-Chair), Hanman (Sheriff & Deputy Mayor), Lawlor, Noakes, Whittaker and J. McLellan
Also in attendance Councillor Paul James, Leader of the Council, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Culture Councillor Andrew Gravells, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Housing and Health Councillor Debbie Llewellyn, Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources Julian Wain, Chief Executive Phil Staddon, Corporate Director of Regeneration Trea Connon, Housing Services Client Manager Mary Hopper, Housing Options Service Manager Mr R. Wharton, Finance Manager, Gloucester City Homes
APOLOGIES : Cllr. Crawford Peter Gillett, Corporate Director of Resources Amanda Wadsley, Corporate Director of Strategy and Development
117. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
There were no declarations of interest.
118. MINUTES
The Minutes of the meeting held on 12 March 2008 were taken as read and signed by the Chair.
119. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME (MAX 15 MINS)
Kay Powell asked the Committee who owned Tanner Hall and enquired why there had been no progress in its restoration in the last year?
The Director of Regeneration commented that Tanner Hall was in private ownership and that discussions had taken place with the owner. Solutions took time to come to fruition and Tanner Hall was listed in the Buildings at Risk register.
120. PETITIONS AND DEPUTATIONS (MAX 10 MINS)
There were no petitions and deputations.
121. CABINET MEMBERS QUESTION TIME (MAX. 45 MINS)
(a) Report by the Cabinet Member for Housing and Health 1 Page 196 SCRUTINY COMMITTEE FOR THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT 25.09.08
The Scrutiny Committee considered a report by the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Culture setting out work undertaken since the last meeting.
Councillor Heath asked if a Cinema was being planned for the Kings Quarter area. The Leader of the Council informed Members it was early to say but a city centre Cinema would be a positive step. The Corporate Director of Regeneration felt that the idea of having a Cinema in the Kings Quarter would anchor nicely within the retail scheme which would make for a vibrant area. These opportunities would be explored in more detail at a later time.
A Member asked if Enterprise were meeting their contractual obligations in relation to the grot spot areas. The Leader of the Council advised that monitoring of Enterprise contract was now under the Environmental portfolio. Officers would exercise their powers under the Environmental Protection Act where appropriate.
A Member expressed disappointment that the County Cricket Club were not holding any matches in Gloucester in 2009. The Leader of the Council advised Members that discussions with the Executive of the Cricket Club had taken place and he had expressed disappointment that no matches would be held in Gloucester.
A Member asked for an update on Gloucester City FC. The Leader of the Council advised that discussions were taking place with the Club.
A Member enquired about the possibility of a large screen to be erected to screen events such as rugby. The Leader of the Council informed Members that it was still a possibility and that a design team were putting together a specification but no design had yet been agreed.
A Member asked what was being done to attract more traders to Hempstead meadows Market especially on a Saturday? The Leader of the Council informed Members that it was early days for the Market as it had not been operating on the new site for very long. Charges from £30 had been reduced to £10 to bolster Saturday trading.
(b) Cabinet Member for Housing and Health
The Scrutiny Committee considered a report by the Cabinet Member for Housing and Health on work commitments since the last meeting.
A Member enquired as to why there was no reference to the housing review and the future of the City Council’s housing stock and the delivery of decent homes. In response, it was reported that this matter was included in the Cabinet Forward Plan.
RESOLVED
That the Cabinet Members’ reports be noted.
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122. HOMELESSNESS STRATEGY
The report by the Cabinet Member for Housing and Health presented the draft reviewed Homelessness Strategy and Action Plan.
The Homelessness Act 2002 made it a statutory requirement for all Councils to carry out a review of homelessness in their area and develop a homelessness strategy and review it at least every five years.
The Cabinet Member for Housing and Health informed Members with regard to emergency accommodation. An extra 14 places where people would have otherwise ended up in B&B accommodation. Work was being done to prevent homelessness in compliance with CLG would be available. A Member asked to review this again in six months time to see how effective the plans had been and also to see if the ‘credit crunch’ had had any effect. The Cabinet Member advised that an update would be produced in six months’ time. A Member advised that he would like to see monthly updates examining statistics of homelessness and single people, looking at month by month to see what trends emerged. The Housing Options Service Manager reported that an Action Plan could be produced in six months time or on a monthly basis if this was more helpful.
In answer to a question from a Member, the Cabinet Member advised that Environmental Health staff regularly checked accommodation in the private sector to ensure it was of an acceptable standard.
The Chair asked if street-sleeping was on the increase. The Cabinet Member for Housing and Health reported that officers were alerted to any street sleepers and responded accordingly. The Housing Options Service Manager advised that the Council funded outreach workers who were fully aware of all the rough sleepers and they offered help and advice to them.
RESOLVED
That the report be noted.
123. COUNCIL TARGETS FOR BUILDING A BETTER GLOUCESTER - CORPORATE PLAN 2008-2011
The Leader of the Council presented the updated measures and targets used in ‘Building a Better Gloucester’ the corporate plan for 2008-2011. The Leader of the Council presented the attached performance report in Appendix 2, showing performance of the high level measures up to July 2008. Baseline standards would be set using the half year data available after 30 September.
The Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources informed Members that the report reflected ‘work in progress’. The Chair commented that it would also be helpful to have an historical trend data incorporated in the Appendix.
RESOLVED
That the report be noted.
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124. REGENERATION UPDATES AND PROJECTS
Members received regeneration updates and projects for August 2008.
The Chair asked if the developers of the Kwik-Save site were taking the scheme forward. The Corporate Director of Regeneration informed Members that discussions with planning officers and developers would be taking place.
A Member asked if funding was available for the railway station on the Railway Triangle. The Chief Executive informed Members that the GHURC had set up a Steering Panel to examine the feasibility of a station on this site. It would be very costly to implement and Network Rail would not support the Railway Triangle site for operational use. A further report on this issue would be brought before Members.
A Member asked if there was to be a Theatre sited at Blackfriars. The Corporate Director of Regeneration reported that the masterplan was still to be firmed up but there would be a strong cultural content in the Blackfriars area and opportunities through the University Campus. There would also be funding for the Priory to make it fit for modern use so that a variety of events could then be staged there.
RESOLVED
That the report be noted.
125. BUILDINGS AT RISK REGISTER
The Corporate Director of Regeneration updated Members on the buildings at risk register, particularly highlighting the following matters:-
• 66 Westgate Street - progressing • Llanthony Priory - next week the Trustees were meeting to consider plans to update the Priory and make fit for modern day use.
A Member advised that he had been approached by two concerned citizens about 333 Stroud Road with regards to the badly dilapidated state of the property. The Corporate Director of Regeneration advised that it would be timely to look at this property to assess its condition.
The Chair commented on the appearance of Oxford Street and asked if there were any plans to improve the look of the street for example by planting more trees, improving bins and street furniture. The Corporate Director of Regeneration advised that Oxford Street would be examined to see what improvements could be made.
RESOLVED
That the report be noted.
126. PERFORMANCE MONITORING OF GLOUCESTER CITY HOMES
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The report by the Cabinet Member for Housing and Health provided members with information on the performance of Gloucester City Homes (GCH) and in comparison to the top quartile performance of District Councils and ALMO’s.
Members noted areas of good performance particularly the increased percentage of emergency repairs completed within target (page 4 of the attached appendix), customer satisfaction with the delivery of the Decent Homes work (page 6) and the void turnaround time (page 8) which remained well above top quartile performance for District Councils as well as for ALMO’s.
The Committee noted that whilst overall performance was good, there were a number of areas where there was still room for improvement.
RESOLVED
That the report be noted.
127. SCRUTINY INFORMATION REQUESTS
The Cabinet Member for Housing and Health reported that the proposal for Supporting People Scrutiny jointly with County Council was a very worthwhile piece of work and that he would consult with the Corporate Director of Services and Neighbourhoods on progressing this piece of work through the County.
The Leader of the Council reported on the Eastgate Street Crime figures for Gloucester drawing attention to the fact that crime was going down in the area.
RESOLVED
That the item be noted.
128. OUTCOME FROM GCH DELIVERY PLAN
The report by the Housing Services Client Manager advised Members of the key objectives in GCH’s Delivery Plan for 2008-09.
The Chair asked if Equalities monitoring was reflected in the report. The Finance Manager of Gloucester City Homes advised that quarterly monitoring was taking place on equality issues within GCH.
RESOLVED
That the report be noted.
129. GCH YEAR END PERFORMANCE 2008
The report by the Cabinet Member for Housing and Health provided Members with information on the performance of Gloucester City Homes (GCH) in comparison to top quartile performance of other District Councils and ALMOs, and to scrutinise performance over time. Quarter 4 ended on 6 th April 2008.
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RESOLVED
That the report be noted.
130. GCH DELIVERY PLAN 2008/09 REPORT
The report by the Housing Services Client Manager advised Members of the key objectives in GCH Delivery Plan for 2008-09.
RESOLVED
That the report be noted.
131. SCRUTINY BUILT ENVIRONMENT WORK PROGRAMME
The Chair reported that a revised programme for the Tree Task and Finish Group had been reported to Scrutiny Committee No. 2.
The Chair reported that the Housing Green Paper should be on the agenda for the next meeting.
The Chief Executive advised that a Scrutiny Consultant had been assigned to look at how the scrutiny process worked within the Council.
RESOLVED
That the work programme be noted.
132. DATE OF NEXT MEETING
Monday 24 November 2008 at 18.30 pm.
Time of commencement: 18:30 hours Time of conclusion: 20:40 hours Chair
6 Page 201 Agenda Item 19
STANDARDS COMMITTEE
MEETING : Tuesday, 23rd September 2008
PRESENT : Ms E.K. Abderrahim, Independent member Councillor Phil S. McLellan Councillor Geraldene Gillespie Mr J. Stedman, Independent member Mr A. Stewart, Independent member Mr A. Wood, Independent member Mr R. Langston, Quedgeley Parish Council
APOLOGIES : Councillor Andrew S. Lewis Mr A. Hunt, Quedgeley Parish Council
1. INTRODUCTIONS AND ELECTION OF CHAIR FOR THE JOINT MEETING
At the start of the meeting, the Committee was sitting jointly with the Audit Committee.
Members of both Committees and officers introduced themselves and it was agreed that Councillor Lawlor act as Chair for the joint session.
2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
There were no declarations of interest.
3. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
There were no questions from the public.
4. PETITIONS AND DEPUTATIONS
There were no petitions or deputations.
5. REVIEW OF INTERNAL AUDIT CHARTER AND INTERNAL AUDIT STRATEGY (RDF200806)
The Head of Internal Audit introduced his report for Members to consider and approve the revised Internal Audit Charter and Internal Audit Strategy. These documents were important elements in providing the required independent and objective opinion to the organisation on the adequacy of the control environment.
He explained that the CIPFA Code of Practice for Internal Audit in Local Government in the United Kingdom 2006 required all authorities to have a charter and strategy. The purpose of the report and debate was to review and update the current strategies.
1 Page 202 STANDARDS COMMITTEE 23.09.08
He pointed out the main changes in Appendix A, page 6, of the report, how Internal Audit arrived at the conclusion on the adequacy of the control environment and how recommendations were prioritised.
The Chair asked the Head of Internal Audit to distribute copies of the CIPFA code to Members of the Audit and Standards Committees. The Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources asked if there was a copy that could be placed on the intranet. The Head of Internal Audit undertook to find out.
RESOLVED
That the revised Internal Audit Charter as detailed in Appendix A and the revised Internal Audit Strategy as detailed in Appendix B be approved.
6. REVIEW OF COUNCIL'S WHISTLEBLOWING POLICY (RDF200807)
The Head of Internal Audit presented a report on behalf of the Corporate Management Group to present to Members for their consideration and approval the revised Whistleblowing Policy.
He said that the Council had a policy which required updating for the reasons given in paragraph 4.3 of the report.
The Audit Commission survey of Members had shown that most staff were not aware of the link between the Whistleblowing Policy and the Public Interest Disclosure Act (PIDA). This has therefore been emphasised in the revision.
The contact names required updating as a result of staff changes. The Corporate Governance Group had recommended that a representative from Personnel Services be added and he proposed inclusion of the Group Manager (Organisational Development).
Bullet points 3 and 4 were new items, included for best practice. The Head of Internal Audit explained that the majority of allegations had been made anonymously and sometimes this made it difficult to investigate the allegations thoroughly.. It would not be obligatory to agree to an interview, but it would assist investigations if members of staff did agree.
No central register had been kept in the past and one would now be maintained for regular reports to GLT, Audit and Standards Committees.
The Chair of the Standards Committee understood the reasons for the proposal for interviews, but proposed the inclusion of a clear statement in the policy that whistleblowers would not suffer detriment to their careers from making a report. She felt the policy should make this explicit. The Chair of the Audit Committee and the Head of Internal Audit agreed.
Darren Gilbert, KPMG, said that KPMG ran a national PIDA hotline and suggested that details be included in the list of alternative avenues for making a report at the end of the policy. The Chair of the Audit Committee thought that would be a helpful addition.
2 Page 203 STANDARDS COMMITTEE 23.09.08
The Chair of the Standards Committee was concerned about the proposed register; who would have responsibility for maintaining it, which committees would review it and how often? The Head of Internal Audit said that the report would normally go to the Audit Committee, but offered to forward it also to the Standards Committee, an offer which was welcomed by the Chair of that Committee. The Chair of the Audit Committee suggested that format, content and regularity of the report would be determined outside the meeting. Members were assured that employees would not be identifiable from the report.
RESOLVED
1. That the revised whistleblowing policy as detailed in Appendix A, amended placing greater emphasis on the protection of the identity of the whistleblower and providing information on the KPMG PIDA hotline, be recommended to Cabinet.
2. That Cabinet be recommended to approve that the Corporate Director of Resources be given delegated authority to make minor changes to the policy.
Members of the Standards Committee, including Councillor McLellan, then withdrew for their own meeting and Members of the Standards Committee continued with the Standards Committee agenda.
7. MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting of the Standards Committee held on 12 June 2008 were confirmed as a correct record.
Arising from the minutes:
It was confirmed that the Liberal Democrat Group had now received training on Standards (Probity and Ethics) and protocol issues/code of conduct.
The Standards Committee also congratulated Lizzie Abderrahim on her appointment to the Standards Board.
8. EQUALITIES IMPACT ASSESSMENT - CODE OF CONDUCT COMPLAINTS
The Committee considered a report by the Head of Legal Services/Monitoring Officer on the Equalities Impact Assessment (EIA) carried out on the new Code of Conduct and possible investigations thereunder.
Councillor McLellan commented on the arrangements for the Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) conducted by the County Council; he queried as to who was consulted within the City Council in preparing EIAs, particularly referring to the roles of the Race Equality Forum and Disability Equality Forum.
The Head of Legal Services/Monitoring Officer reported that at this moment in time no other persons over and above those referred to in the report had been consulted at this time.
3 Page 204 STANDARDS COMMITTEE 23.09.08
Councillor McLellan also questioned the correct body for assessing the production and effect of Equalities Impact Assessments. He particularly enquired as to who was dealing with Environmental Impact Assessments and asked that this matter be placed on the agenda for the next Standards Committee in order that the Standards Committee be clear with regard to internal processes. He felt that as a matter of urgency it was necessary to identify an officer dealing with equalities issues.
Attention was drawn to the standard template for Equalities Impact Assessment contained within the committee reporting template. It was recognised the need for Officers completing the section to have the requisite training. The Standards Committee noted with concern that the Head of Legal Services had to complete this particular work without the requirements for necessary training in this respect.
RESOLVED
1. That the work carried out so far be noted.
2. That the concerns expressed by this Committee on the effectiveness of the Equalities Impact Assessment process be conveyed accordingly.
3. That the Committee note that in receiving reports to this Committee, whether or not an Equalities Impact Assessment was required, be identified in each report.
9. MONITORING OFFICER FUNCTION
The attention of the Scrutiny Committee was drawn as a matter of urgency to the changing management structure within the City Council and in particular to the relationship to the Monitoring Officer.
The Committee was advised of the possible timescale for the appointment of Group Manager, Legal and Democratic Services and at present it was estimated that it was unlikely the post would be advertised until late October early November.
The Chair registered concerns on behalf of the Scrutiny Committee that the Monitoring Officer and its important and key role within the organisation, had appeared not to have been fully recognised in the establishment of the new structure and would seek assurance from the City Council that the future of the Monitoring Officer functions would be attended to particularly in relation to the interim period. She stated that the Committee would wish to be assured that the role of the Monitoring Officer was not compromised with roles of other officers. Whilst the Committee recognised that the role did not necessarily need a person with a legal qualification, it was however recognised that a holder of a legal qualification was an attribute in terms of the performance of this role.
Mr Stedman commented that in the event of Gary Spencer not continuing as Monitoring Officer, the Standards Committee wished to place on record their thanks for his work and advice afforded to the Committee. The Chair of the Committee undertook to write to the Chief Executive regarding the future of the Monitoring Officer’s role expressing the Committee’s concerns in this matter and in particular:
4 Page 205 STANDARDS COMMITTEE 23.09.08
• That the Monitoring Officer’s role had been absorbed into the role of the Group Manager for Legal and Democratic Services and the possibility that the overall responsibilities of the Group Manager may diminish the time needed to undertake the Monitoring Officer’s role.
• That the need for a legal background had been de-valued and that this Committee considered that it would be desirable for someone to have a legal qualification in order to support the role of Monitoring Officer.
• That the Committee notes the support that has been offered by the Monitoring Officer to the role of the Committee which they have found extremely helpful, knowledgeable and of valued assistance in relation to the performance of the Committee’s role.
Councillor Langston supported the comments made by the Chair.
The Chair undertook to draft a letter on behalf of the Committee further commenting that it would have been desirable for the Standards Committee to have been consulted as to the role of the Monitoring Officer in relation to the proposed structure. A copy of the letter would be circulated to all Members of the Committee once finalised.
At the conclusion of the meeting the Committee expressed the view that it had been helpful to meet jointly with the Audit Committee previously that afternoon and that such an arrangement would continue.
10. DATE OF NEXT MEETING
Tuesday 13 January 2009 at 19.00 hours.
Time of commencement: 18:00 hours Time of conclusion: 19:45 hours Chair
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AUDIT COMMITTEE
MEETING : Tuesday, 23rd September 2008
PRESENT : Cllrs. Lawlor (Chair), P. McLellan and Noakes Mr I. Pennington, KPMG LLP Mr D. Gilbert, KPMG LLP Ms Stephanie Smith, KPMG LLP Peter Gillett, Corporate Director of Resources Terry Rodway, Head of Internal Audit Gary Spencer, Head of Legal Services (joint meeting only)
APOLOGIES : Cllrs. Emerton and Wilson
16. INTRODUCTIONS AND ELECTION OF CHAIR FOR THE JOINT MEETING
At the start of the meeting, the Committee was sitting jointly with the Standards Committee.
Members of both Committees and officers introduced themselves and it was agreed that Councillor Lawlor act as Chair for the joint session.
17. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
There were no declarations of interest.
18. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME (MAXIMUM 15 MINUTES)
There were no questions from the public.
19. PETITIONS AND DEPUTATIONS (MAXIMUM 10 MINUTES)
There were no petitions or deputations.
20. REVIEW OF INTERNAL AUDIT CHARTER AND INTERNAL AUDIT STRATEGY (RDF200806)
The Head of Internal Audit introduced his report for Members to consider and approve the revised Internal Audit Charter and Internal Audit Strategy. These documents were important elements in providing the required independent and objective opinion to the organisation on the adequacy of the control environment.
He explained that the CIPFA Code of Practice for Internal Audit in Local Government in the United Kingdom 2006 required all authorities to have a charter and strategy. The purpose of the report and debate was to review and update the current strategies.
He pointed out the main changes in Appendix A, page 6, of the report, how Internal Audit arrived at the conclusion on the adequacy of the control environment and how recommendations were prioritised.
1 Page 208 AUDIT COMMITTEE 23.09.08
The Chair asked the Head of Internal Audit to distribute copies of the CIPFA code to Members of the Audit and Standards Committees. The Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources asked if there was a copy that could be placed on the intranet. The Head of Internal Audit undertook to find out.
RESOLVED
That the revised Internal Audit Charter as detailed in Appendix A and the revised Internal Audit Strategy as detailed in Appendix B be approved.
21. REVIEW OF COUNCIL’S WHISTLEBLOWING POLICY (RDF 200807)
The Head of Internal Audit presented a report on behalf of the Corporate Management Group to present to Members for their consideration and approval the revised Whistleblowing Policy.
He said that the Council had a policy which required updating for the reasons given in paragraph 4.3 of the report.
The Audit Commission survey of Members had shown that most staff were not aware of the link between the Whistleblowing Policy and the Public Interest Disclosure Act (PIDA). This has therefore been emphasised in the revision.
The contact names required updating as a result of staff changes. The Corporate Governance Group had recommended that a representative from Personnel Services be added and he proposed inclusion of the Group Manager (Organisational Development).
Bullet points 3 and 4 were new items, included for best practice. The Head of Internal Audit explained that the majority of allegations had been made anonymously and sometimes this made it difficult to investigate the allegations thoroughly.. It would not be obligatory to agree to an interview, but it would assist investigations if members of staff did agree.
No central register had been kept in the past and one would now be maintained for regular reports to GLT, Audit and Standards Committees.
The Chair of the Standards Committee understood the reasons for the proposal for interviews, but proposed the inclusion of a clear statement in the policy that whistleblowers would not suffer detriment to their careers from making a report. She felt the policy should make this explicit. The Chair of the Audit Committee and the Head of Internal Audit agreed.
Darren Gilbert, KPMG, said that KPMG ran a national PIDA hotline and suggested that details be included in the list of alternative avenues for making a report at the end of the policy. The Chair of the Audit Committee thought that would be a helpful addition.
The Chair of the Standards Committee was concerned about the proposed register; who would have responsibility for maintaining it, which committees would review it
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and how often? The Head of Internal Audit said that the report would normally go to the Audit Committee, but offered to forward it also to the Standards Committee, an offer which was welcomed by the Chair of that Committee. The Chair of the Audit Committee suggested that format, content and regularity of the report would be determined outside the meeting. Members were assured that employees would not be identifiable from the report.
RESOLVED
1. That the revised whistleblowing policy as detailed in Appendix A, amended placing greater emphasis on the protection of the identity of the whistleblower and providing information on the KPMG PIDA hotline, be recommended to Cabinet.
2. That Cabinet be recommended to approve that the Corporate Director of Resources be given delegated authority to make minor changes to the policy.
Members of the Standards Committee, including Cllr. McLellan, then withdrew for their own meeting and Members of the Audit Committee continued with the Audit Committee agenda.
22. MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting held on 26 June 2008 were taken as read and signed by the Chair.
23. ANNUAL GOVERNANCE REPORT
KPMG representatives presented their report, apologising that Members had not had the opportunity to read the report before the meeting. In consequence, they went through the report in detail.
There was still some detail to be finalised, but they and the Corporate Director of Resources were confident these could be done so before the deadline of 30 September 2008. They explained that the Statement of Recommended Practice that they were obliged to follow had greatly increased the requirements of the report for this year. The auditors had received every assistance from Council officers, but they said a lot of knowledge was held in few heads which slowed the process.
They said that the required changes to the account reports had been introduced as well as they had seen in any Council. They praised a sterling effort in a difficult year.
Going through the report in detail, they emphasised the expectation that outstanding matters would be resolved before next week. They also emphasised that none of the matters were of great materiality and the accounts as presented to the previous meeting were fundamentally correct.
On Use of Resources assessment, they were confident that once the report was completed, they would be able to award the Council at least a Level 2.
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On the accounts and Annual Statement of Governance, they expected to issue an unqualified audit opinion on 30 September.
Referring to the Action Plan, the Corporate Director of Resources agreed regular reconciliations were a valuable tool. Members felt particularly strongly that the poor performance of returns of Related Party Transactions. They saw no excuse for Members failing to submit the required returns in time.
The Corporate Director of Resources apologised for the late report and thanked KPMG for their flexibility. They said he was adamant that the Governance Report would be completed and discussed with the Audit Team before the equivalent meeting of the Audit Committee next year. He also said that he would work to further develop an understandability of the report to members of the public.
He accepted the action plan in full and wanted to use it as a template to take things forward for the Council. The agreed systems needed reconciling regularly and properly and he thought they should be signed off monthly.
He was happy to present reports on progress and putting the Action Plan into effect to Audit Committee meetings.
On the issue of a bottleneck, too few officers having too much knowledge, he said this was a structural problem within the finance team. He would work towards greater shared knowledge.
Supporting evidence for transactions should be put together regularly through the course of the year.
The IT Strategy was high on his personal agenda. He would seek an opportunity to update Audit on the issues.
Members thanked the auditors for a positive report and sensed that KPMG were trying to help the Council. The Chair agreed.
The Chair proposed regularly inviting service heads to attend the committee to go through issues affecting their services. He proposed inviting Jan Harris, Head of I.T. Services, to attend the December meeting to discuss progress on required actions identified by the audit. Other heads of service would be invited to future meetings.
Members supported the proposal, saying they expected the Action Plans to be given more detail.
RESOLVED
That the Annual Governance Report be noted and that, subject to no substantive issues arising, gave delegated authority to the Corporate Director of Resources to send off the letter of representation.
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The Corporate Director of Resources said that he would ensure that committee Members not present at the meeting would receive a copy of the Annual Governance Statement.
24. BARTON & TREDWORTH DEVELOPMENT LTD
The Corporate Director of Resources said that he had been looking at the arrangements behind Barton & Tredworth Developments Ltd. and was keen to carry out more root and branch review in order to present a written report to the next meeting.
The Chair said that Barton & Tredworth Developments Ltd. was an ongoing issue for the Committee and he felt it was important to the company to review its business plan and see that they were meeting the clear objectives they had been set.
Members looked forward to the Corporate Director’s report to the next meeting.
25. INTERNAL AUDIT PLAN MONITORING REPORT (RDF200805)
The Head of Internal Audit presented his report informing Members of progress against the Internal Audit Plan for the period ending 31 August 2008.
As previously agreed, a recommendation not implemented within the agreed timeframe was escalated up to the next level.
The Corporate Director of Resources said it was clear that, if the issues identified in previous reports had been dealt with in a timely fashion, there would have been fewer issues raised in the external auditor’s recommendations.
The Head of Internal Audit, referring to paragraph 4.2.3 ‘Whistleblowing’, said that the investigation into the second allegation had been completed. Nothing amiss was found in terms of the allegation, but a watching brief would be kept.
The Head of Internal Audit agreed that a future report should detail the actions taken in respect of all red traffic light issues raised in the previous report.
The Strategic Risk Register would be reviewed quarterly.
Work was in progress on the matter of waivers to get levels of delegation within Contract Standing Orders reviewed.
26. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Reference had been made in the Annual Governance Statement of the International Finance Reporting Standards. The Chair stressed the importance of getting the standards engraved in the Council’s accountancy practice. The Corporate Director of Resources said that the team had been attending training sessions. Ian Pennington, KPMG, said that most of the changes required had already been introduced in the current year.
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The Chair asked if the Committee could receive a regular progress report on the introduction and the Corporate Director of Resources said that could be done within the existing report programme. He undertook to send an e-mail to Members explaining the standards and where the Council stood at the moment.
27. DATE OF NEXT MEETING
Wednesday 17 December 2008 at 18.30 hours.
Time of commencement: 18:30 hours Time of conclusion: Time Not Specified hours Chair
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ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
MEETING : Wednesday, 23rd July 2008
PRESENT : Cllrs. James (Chair), Gravells (Vice-Chair), Hilton (Spokesperson), Hobbs and Wilson
Others in Attendance Julian Wain, Chief Executive Peter Gillett, Corporate Director of Resources
1. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
There were no declarations of interest.
2. MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting held on 28 November 2007 were taken as read and signed by the Chair.
3. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME (UP TO 15 MINUTES)
There were no questions from the public.
4. PETITIONS AND DEPUTATIONS (UP TO 10 MINUTES)
There were no petitions or deputations.
5. CITY COUNCIL RESTRUCTURING – PROPOSALS FOR PHASE 2 (PC200810)
The report by the Chief Executive was to bring to the attention of Members the outcome of a consultation on the proposals for the second phase of restructuring of the City Council and to ask the Organisational Development Committee and Council to agree the proposals.
He said that the process followed that established by the previous report with proposals followed by consultation. Group Managers’ job descriptions and person specifications had been drafted and were currently being appraised by the advisers Hays. Notification would go out to those affected and an explanation of the process of application.
The Chief Executive said there had been a number of comments on the role and location of Welfare Benefits and as a result he suggested some further review before a final decision was taken.
On Health and Safety, nothing in the proposals detracted from the Council’s commitment to employees and its desire to deliver a safe working environment. He considered it a valid principle to place health advice and enforcement together.
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At the top level alone, the structure would cost around £700,000 less than the existing structure. However, this saving would be reduced by the service manager level. At this point in time it was not possible to say exactly how much would be saved, but there would be a saving. Managerial roles would also be clarified and aligned.
Members enquired who would be the Monitoring Officer. The Chief Executive said he foresaw the role being carried out by the Legal and Democratic Services Group Manager, but he must be flexible and not prejudge the appointment procedure. He recognised the complication of the proposal for joint legal services with other local authorities. He was expecting the final report on this matter shortly and it would need to be discussed before the JIB meeting in September.
The Tapestry language service currently employed two people. He believed there were better solutions to deliver this service.
The Corporate Directors of Regeneration and Strategy and Development were well advanced in their proposals and their restructuring would proceed in advance of the other two directorates, but the other directorates would follow the same principles. It would be possible for a manager who failed to gain a post as a Group or Service Manager within Regeneration and Strategy and Development to still possibly apply for such a post in one of the other directorates, but may be better advised to consider alternative paths.
The need was to show sympathy and sensitivity and to try and avoid forced redundancies as much as possible. The Chief Executive summarised by saying that the result would be fewer senior managers, a tidier structure and savings for the authority.
RESOLVED
That the proposals for the second phase of the restructuring for the Directorates of Regeneration and Strategy and Development be approved.
6. CHILDCARE VOUCHER SCHEME
The Chief Executive distributed an updated report seeking approval to proceed with implementing a childcare voucher scheme for staff.
He said that trade union representatives and the Employee Forum had been pressing for such a scheme, which brought benefit to employees and employers.
It had not been possible to “piggyback” on another authority’s scheme, so the report recommended a scheme for the authority based on salary sacrifice in which the cost of the scheme to employees would be partly offset by tax savings. He referred to the financial implications contained within the report.
The Corporate Director of Resources confirmed that membership of the scheme could have a marginal affect on pensions.
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RESOLVED
That the implementation of the scheme using ‘Kiddivouchers’ as the voucher provider be agreed.
7. DATE OF NEXT MEETING
Monday 13 October 2008.
Time of commencement: 17:30 hours Time of conclusion: 18:10 hours Chair
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ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
MEETING : Monday, 13th October 2008
PRESENT : Cllrs. James (Chair), Gravells (Vice-Chair), Hobbs and Wilson
Others in Attendance Julian Wain, Chief Executive Amanda Wadsley, Corporate Director Strategy and Development
APOLOGIES : Cllr. Hilton
8. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
There were no declarations of interest.
9. MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting held on 23 July 2008 were taken as read and signed by the Chair.
10. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME (UP TO 15 MINUTES)
There were no questions from the public.
11. PETITIONS AND DEPUTATIONS (UP TO 10 MINUTES)
There were no petitions or deputations.
12. SECONDMENT POLICY (PC200814)
The Committee received a report by the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources seeking approval for proposed changes to the City Council’s Secondment Policy.
RESOLVED
That the draft Secondment Policy be approved.
13. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
1. The Chief Executive reported that the Aspire Leisure Trust had been established on 1 October 2008 and that TUPE transfers had been carried out.
RESOLVED
That the information be noted.
14. DATE OF NEXT MEETING
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Wednesday 12 November 2008.
Time of commencement: 19:00 hours Time of conclusion: 19:25 hours Chair
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