To report any issues with the information below please email executivecycle@westberks.gov.uk.

Agenda and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber Council Offices Market Street Newbury. View directions

Contact: Democratic Services Team 

Note: This meeting will start at the rising of the extraordinary meeting 

Items
No. Item

18.

Chairman's Remarks

The Chairman to report on functions attended since the last meeting and other matters of interest to Members.

Minutes:

The Chairman asked Members to observe a minute’s silence in respect of former Councillor Peter Dolphin who had sadly passed away. Councillor Dolphin was a highly regarded councillor who had lead the Conservative Group in the 1980s and was Chairman of Council in 1987/88. Councillor Tony Linden commented that he had served his country in the Second World War and was a very decent and principled man.

 

The Chairman reported that he and the Vice Chairman had attended a number of events since the last Council meeting. The most poignant of these was attending the funeral of Councillor Andy Harper in oxford which had been a very moving experience.

19.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 171 KB

The Chairman to sign as a correct record the Minutes of the Council meeting held on 12 September 2019.

Minutes:

The Minutes of the meeting held on 12 September 2019 were approved as a true and correct record and signed by the Chairman.

20.

Declarations of Interest

To remind Members of the need to record the existence and nature of any personal, disclosable pecuniary or other registrable interests in items on the agenda, in accordance with the Members’ Code of Conduct.

Minutes:

Councillor Lee Dillon declared an interest in Agenda Item 20, and reported that, as his interest was a disclosable pecuniary interest he would be leaving the meeting during the course of consideration of the matter.

All Members declared that they had been lobbied on Agenda Item 6.

21.

Petitions

Councillors may present any petition which they have received. These will normally be referred to the appropriate body without discussion.

Minutes:

There were no petitions presented to the meeting.

22.

Council's Response to a Plastic Waste Recycling Petition - Additional Plastic Waste Collections pdf icon PDF 150 KB

To provide a response to the e-petition submitted on 5 September 2019 by Ms Sukey Russell-Hayward.

The wording of the e-petition is as follows:

“We, the undersigned, petition the Council to

1. Improve the environmental solutions for single-use plastics, including the collection and recycling of domestic plastic waste within West Berkshire.

2. Provide more effective communication on the environmental solutions for single-use plastics, including the collection and recycling of domestic plastic waste within West Berkshire.

3. Improve research into alternative and more ecological approaches to managing domestic plastic waste within West Berkshire.

As a resident of West Berkshire I am very concerned at the low level of plastic recycling which is collected in West Berkshire and challenge the council to improve this situation. I am also concerned about the council’s use of incineration to dispose of plastics, when far less polluting, effective and efficient processes are available and used by other councils.

Some local residents have tried to compensate by offering collection points at their homes and then driving cars full of plastics to collection bins at Sainsbury’s in Reading. This is not sustainable, and these people and businesses have become overrun with the volume of plastics being deposited, posing significant issues in terms of storage, handling and health risks.

Many councils, e.g. Stroud, Gloucester and Oxford, have excellent kerbside collections and transparency in terms of their contracts and recycling policy, including what happens to the plastics post collection. I would like to see West Berkshire Council taking a lead in, and communicating clearly, environmental solutions which directly impact our community and the wider environment.”

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Chairman informed those present how the petition for debate would be managed. He explained that in accordance with paragraph 1.4 (f) of the Council’s Procedure Rules for Dealing with Representations, the petition organiser had five minutes to introduce the petition and the petition would then be discussed by Councillors for a maximum of 15 minutes. This time limit was specified in the Constitution and could not be extended. Based on proportionality the Conservative Group would be allocated eight of these minutes, the Liberal Democrat Group would have six minutes and the Green Party one minute.

 

The Council had three options for dealing with petitions for debate:

 

1.         To take the action the petition suggests

2.         Not to take the action for the reason put forward in the debate

3.         To commission a further investigation into the matter

 

Members could propose one of the options, which if seconded, would be put to a vote. 

 

The petition stated:

“We, the undersigned, petition the Council to

1. Improve the environmental solutions for single-use plastics, including the collection and recycling of domestic plastic waste within West Berkshire.

2. Provide more effective communication on the environmental solutions for single-use plastics, including the collection and recycling of domestic plastic waste within West Berkshire.

3. Improve research into alternative and more ecological approaches to managing domestic plastic waste within West Berkshire.”

 

As the petition organiser Ms Sukey Russell was uncertain if she would be able to get to the meeting on time she asked Councillor Steve Masters to introduce the petition on her behalf.

 

Councillor Masters stated that residents were making lots of sacrifices in order to take items that were not collected in West Berkshire to neighbouring authorities that did recycle them. Residents were concerned about the low levels of single use plastics collected by the Council. They were also concerned that the plastic was being incinerated and that residents were making a significant number of car journeys to take the plastics elsewhere. They were urging the Council to emulate recycling activity undertaken by other authorities. They urged the Council not only to look into the issue of food waste but also to increase the range of plastics collected at kerbside. They urged the Council to improve research into alternative and more ecological approaches to managing domestic plastic waste within the District and to improve consultation and engagement with the public on this matter.

 

Councillor Steve Ardagh-Walter proposed that Members did not take the action proposed in the petition for the reasons that would be put forward in the debate and as set out in the accompanying report. Councillor Ross Mackinnon seconded the motion. Councillor Carolyne Culver stated that she would like to propose that the Council commission a further investigation into the matter. The Monitoring Officer explained that only one motion could be moved at any one time and no further motion could be moved until that proposal had been dispensed with.

 

Councillor Steve Ardagh-Walter stated that while he welcomed the spirit of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 22.

23.

Public Questions

Members of the Executive to answer the following questions submitted by members of the public in accordance with the Council’s Constitution:

(a)         Question to be answered by the Executive Member for Transport and Countryside submitted by Mr Brian Withers:

Will the Council consider removing the ban on private cars crossing the Wharf Bridge in light of the changes that have been made to the Bear lane/A339 junction?

(b)         Question to be answered by the Executive Member for Economic Development and Planning submitted by Mr Simon Gardner:

“What agreement was made with Vodafone regarding the planning permission for the HQ and restrictions upon the employee parking in the local streets within 2 miles of said buildings?”

(c)         Question to be answered by the Executive Member for Economic Development and Planning submitted by Mr Simon Gardner:

“Is parking in the local streets within a 2 mile radius of the Vodafone HQ lawful given that an individual pays a vehicle road tax that has no restrictions with respect to parking within the Highway Code?”

Minutes:

A full transcription of the public and Member question and answer sessions are available from the following link: Transcription of Q&As. (right click on link and ‘Edit Hyperlink’. Insert URL to pdf on website in ‘address’ field)

a)        It was agreed that a question standing in the name of Mr Brian Withers would receive a written response, given that he was unable to attend the meeting.

 

b)        It was agreed that a question standing in the name of Mr Simon Gardner would receive a written response, given that he was unable to attend the meeting.

 

c)         It was agreed that a question standing in the name of Mr Simon Gardner would receive a written response, given that he was unable to attend the meeting.

 

24.

Membership of Committees

The Council to agree any changes to the membership of Committees.

Minutes:

MOTION: Proposed by Councillor Lynne Doherty and seconded by Councillor Graham Bridgman:

 

That the Council:

“amends its appointment to the Licensing Committee as follows: Councillor Hilary Cole to replace Councillor Peter Argyle.”

 

The Motion was put to the meeting and duly RESOLVED.

 

MOTION: Proposed by Councillor Lynne Doherty and seconded by Councillor Graham Bridgman:

 

That the Council:

“amends its appointment to the Overview and Scrutiny Management Commission as follows: Councillor Dennis Benneyworth to replace Councillor Peter Argyle.”

 

The Motion was put to the meeting and duly RESOLVED.

 

MOTION: Proposed by Councillor Lynne Doherty and seconded by Councillor Hilary Cole:

 

That the Council:

“amends its appointment to the Eastern Area Planning Committee as follows: Councillor Ross Mackinnon to replace Councillor Peter Argyle on the Committee with Councillor Graham Bridgman replacing Councillor Ross Mackinnon as substitute on that Committee.”

 

The Motion was put to the meeting and duly RESOLVED.

 

MOTION: Proposed by Councillor Lynne Doherty and seconded by Councillor Graham Bridgman:

 

That the Council:

“amends its appointment to the Appeals Panel as follows: Councillor Clive Hooker to replace Councillor Peter Argyle.”

 

The Motion was put to the meeting and duly RESOLVED.

 

MOTION: Proposed by Councillor Lynne Doherty and seconded by Councillor Hilary Cole:

 

That the Council:

“amends its appointment to the District Planning Committee as follows: Councillor Graham Bridgman to replace Councillor Peter Argyle as a substitute.”

 

The Motion was put to the meeting and duly RESOLVED.

MOTION: Proposed by Councillor Lee Dillon and seconded by Councillor Jeff Brooks:

 

That the Council:

“amends its appointment to the Personnel Committee as follows: Councillor Adrian Abbs to replace Councillor Nassar Kessell as a member of the Committee and Councillor Nassar Kessell to replace Councillor Adrian Abbs as a substitute on the Committee.”

 

The Motion was put to the meeting and duly RESOLVED.

 

 

25.

Motions from Previous Meetings pdf icon PDF 74 KB

To note the responses to Motions which have been presented to previous Council meetings.

a)    Response to Motion from Councillor Keith Woodhams presented to the 02 July 2019 Council Meeting.

b)    Response to Motion from Councillor Lee Dillon presented to the 12 September 2019 Council Meeting.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Council noted the following responses to motions which had been brought to previous Council meetings:

 

1.    a motion relating to Traffic Safety on Bowling Green Road which was presented to the 02 July Council 2019 meeting by Councillor Keith Woodhams.

2.    a motion about reopening London Road Industrial Estate Football Ground which was presented to the 12 September 2019 Council meeting by Councillor Lee Dillon.

26.

Licensing Committee

The Council is asked to note that since the last meeting of the Council, the Licensing Committee met on 18 November 2019.  Copies of the Minutes of this meeting can be obtained from Legal and Strategic Support or via the Council’s website.

Minutes:

The Council noted that, since the last meeting, the Licensing Committee had met on 18 November 2019.

 

27.

Personnel Committee

The Council is asked to note that since the last meeting of the Council, the Personnel Committee met on 12 September 2019 and 15 October 2019.  Copies of the Minutes of these meetings can be obtained from Legal and Strategic Support or via the Council’s website.

Minutes:

The Council noted that, since the last meeting, the Personnel Committee had met on 12 September 2019 and 15 October 2019.

28.

Governance and Ethics Committee

The Council is asked to note that since the last meeting of Council, the Governance and Ethics Committee met on 25 November 2019.  Copies of the Minutes of this meeting can be obtained from Legal and Strategic Support or via the Council’s website.

Minutes:

The Council noted that, since the last meeting, the Governance and Audit Committee had met on 25 November 2019.

 

29.

District Planning Committee

The Council is asked to note that since the last meeting of the Council, the District Planning Committee has not met.

Minutes:

The Council noted that, since the last meeting, the District Planning Committee had not met.

 

30.

Overview and Scrutiny Management Commission

The Council is asked to note that since the last meeting of the Council, the Overview and Scrutiny Management Commission met on 29 October 2019.  Copies of the Minutes of this meeting can be obtained from Legal and Strategic Support or via the Council’s website.

Minutes:

The Council noted that, since the last meeting, the Overview and Scrutiny Management Commission had met on 29 October 2019.

 

31.

Joint Public Protection Committee

The Council is asked to note that since the last meeting of the Council, the Joint Public Protection Committee met on 07 November 2019.  Copies of the Minutes of this meeting can be obtained from Legal and Strategic Support or via the Council’s website.

Minutes:

The Council noted that, since the last meeting, the Joint Public Protection Committee had met on 07 November 2019.

32.

Response to a Motion on Development Sites for the New Local Plan (C3842) pdf icon PDF 130 KB

To set out a response to a Motion brought to the 12 September 2019 Council meeting.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Council considered a report (Agenda Item 16) which set out a response to a motion brought to the September 2019 Council meeting.

MOTION: Proposed by Councillor Hilary Cole and seconded by Councillor Alan Law:

That the Council:

“does not support the motion for the reasons set out in the report”.

Councillor Hilary Cole in introducing the response commented that West Berkshire was a Plan led authority which took public consultation very seriously. She informed Members that the legislation required all Councillors, at a full Council meeting, to make the final decision on which sites to include in the plan. This decision was made after and open process which included setting out the reasoning in the public domain. In addition the decision was subject to an independent examination in public.

The motion made reference to transparency and democracy but failed to take cognisance of the legislative requirements set out in Part 2 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (as amended) and The Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012 (as amended).

Councillor Hilary Cole highlighted that the Housing Sites Allocation Development Plan Document had over 4488 consultees, resulting in over 18000 comments, at the first stage and a further 616 consultees at the final stage. Both consultations were agreed by Council and following the second consultation all the evidence and proposals were subjected to an independent public examination.

She also reminded Members that parishes could make use of Neighbourhood Planning processes should they wish to do so. A number of parishes including Burghfield, Cold Ash, Compton, Hermitage, Hungerford, Lambourn and Tilehurst had embarked on this journey and Stratfield Mortimer had already adopted a Neighbourhood Plan.

Councillor Alan Macro stated that he was disappointed with the response. Anecdotal evidence gathered during campaigning for the General Election showed that residents did not feel involved in decision making which led to cynicism on their part. He reiterated the need for this process to be transparent given the impact that it had on land values.

Councillor Macro commented that when a planning application was submitted and there were ten or more letters of objection the matter was determined at a public meeting. The objectors were able to address the committee about their concerns. However during the site allocation process where a proposal could affect hundreds of residents that lived close by they were not given the opportunity to address Members at the Council meeting. The Planning Advisory Group was a private meeting. Making the proposed changes would make the process more transparent and would provide the opportunity for residents to make changes to proposals.

Councillor Alan Law was concerned that the motion could mislead members of the public who were not conversant with the process. He highlighted that during the previous Local Planning process the proposed sites at Pincents Hill and Siege Cross were both withdrawn following the public consultation process. In addition a site in Kintbury was also removed during the process in 2016.

Councillor Law explained that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 32.

33.

Response to a Motion on CO2 Emissions and Water Usage (C3843) pdf icon PDF 133 KB

To set out a response to a Motion brought to the 12 September 2019 Council meeting.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Council considered a report (Agenda Item 17) which set out a response to a motion brought to the September 2019 Council meeting.

MOTION: Proposed by Councillor Hilary Cole and seconded by Councillor Alan Law:

That to Council notes the following response to the motion:

“The motion to the Council seeks the introduction of an SPD for CO2 and H2O, while this is possible it would not be advisable to do so as any SPD would not be enforceable under planning legislation as it would it would not be in conformity with both national and our local planning policies.

In order for the Council to progress such a policy as proposed, it will have to part of the new local plan and subject to consultation and examination in public and this is the intention.

However, this does not prevent the Council from progressing with the Environment Strategy, the consultation on which ends on the 21st February 2020, and which aims to make West Berkshire Council is carbon neutral by 2030.

For the reasons set out in this report the motion to Council is not supported.”

Councillor Hilary Cole informed members that West Berkshire Council was one of the first authorities in the country to have a policy adopted which went beyond the Merton Rule which required a standard of house building that was not only energy efficient but was able to be independently monitored. The policy was the Code for Sustainable Homes. It required all new homes built after 2016 to be zero carbon. Unfortunately the Government abolished the Code and stated that building regulation would be enhanced instead to deal with this issue.

The Motion proposed by Councillor Macro at the September Council meeting requested the introduction of a Supplementary Planning Document within six months which Councillor Cole commented was not possible given the regulations associated with their production.  Councillor Cole stated that if the Council tried to insist on standards which exceeded those set out in the building regulations with regard to CO2 emissions and water usage then the Council would be exposed to additional appeals.

Councillor Hilary Cole stated that despite this the Council was not ignoring the issue. The merging Local Plan was looking at assembling evidence to support a new planning policy on this issue and some of the issue would be considered as part of the Environment Strategy albeit that this was not a planning document.

Councillor Alan Macro stated that he was pleased that this issue was being looked at but that the new Local Plan would not be in place for another three years. The Council needed to act now and should not rely on the introduction of enhanced building regulations in order to decrease emissions.

Councillor Lee Dillon stated that despite declaring a Climate Emergency a number of initiatives that had been brought forward to address issues had not been supported. He urged members to vote against the recommendations in the report and start building a profile for the future  ...  view the full minutes text for item 33.

34.

Minerals and Waste Local Plan – Proposed Submission Version for Consultation and Associated Evidence Base Documents (C3720) pdf icon PDF 103 KB

To present the Proposed Submission version of the Minerals and Waste Local Plan and supporting evidence base for approval to undertake public consultation on these documents in accordance with the West Berkshire Statement of Community Involvement and the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

This item was withdrawn after the agenda was published.

35.

Revised Statement of Community Involvement (2019) (C3751) pdf icon PDF 122 KB

To seek agreement to adopt the Revised Statement of Community Involvement (SCI).

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Council considered a report (Agenda Item 19) concerning the adoption of the Revised Statement of Community Involvement (SCI).

MOTION: Proposed by Councillor Hilary Cole and seconded by Councillor Alan Law:

That the Council:

“agrees to adopt the Revised Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) following the public consultation on the draft Revised SCI carried out in July/August 2019.”

Councillor Hilary Cole stated that the document set out the policy for involving the community in the plan making and the consideration of planning applications within the district. The Council was required to review the document every five years under the Town and Country Planning Regulations 2017. The current SCI was published in September 2014. Consultation on the draft revised SCI was carried out in July/August 2019. A number of minor changes were made to the document as a result of the consultation and these were included in Appendix D to the report.

Councillor Alan Macro noted that in the flowchart on page 259 of the document it stated after ‘analysis of comments received’ the DPD would be submitted to the Secretary of State. He was concerned that this might give the wrong impression to the community as it appeared that cognisance would not be taken of their input.

In addition Councillor Macro asked that consideration be given to reinstating the requirement to notify neighbours of an application albeit that this should be

dependent on the nature and scale of the development and the character of the area. The orange notices were often not seen by parties. He did try and notify residents  in his ward himself but he felt that this was something that the Council should be doing in order to promote consistency across the District. While it was not a requirement to do so he felt that it constituted good practice.

 

Councillor Alan Law welcomed the document which he felt would aid transparency. In response to Councillor Macro’s comment about the flowchart he suggested that the inclusion of the words ‘amended DPD’ would address the issue.

 

Councillor Hilary Cole stated that she agreed with the proposed wording change and if agreed by Members it would be inserted into the document. Councillor Cole noted that many members and parish councils already notified their residents about planning applications.

 

The Motion was put to the meeting and duly RESOLVED subject to the inclusion of the word amended in the flowchart on page 259 of the agenda. .

 

36.

Revision of the 2019/20 Investment and Borrowing Strategy (C3856) pdf icon PDF 126 KB

The 2019/20 Investment and Borrowing Strategy was approved by Full Council at the meeting held on 5 March 2019 meeting its legal obligation under the Local Government Act 2003.  This report is an amendment of the agreed strategy to reflect:

(1)       Outline compliance against the Prudential Indicators

(2)       An expansion in the sources of borrowing available to the Council

(3)       An allowance for provision of loan financing to local enterprises, charities, wholly owned companies and joint ventures as part of a wider strategy for local economic growth.  In particular the joint venture in the form of Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) with Sovereign Westing House Developments Ltd, a subsidiary of Sovereign Housing Association (SHA). 

The Council has approved a revised Property Investment Strategy in July 2018. The criteria for investment in property are different from those for cash based investments.  However the strategy for borrowing set out in this document also applies to borrowing to fund investment in property. 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

(Councillor Lee Dillon declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in Agenda item 20 by virtue of the fact that he was employed by Sovereign Housing Association. As his interest was a disclosable pecuniary interest  he determined to leave the meeting and took no part in the debate or voting on the matter).

Councillor Dillon left the meeting at 8.59pm and returned at 9.02pm

Councillor Steve Masters left the meeting at 8.59pm

The Council considered a report (Agenda Item 20) concerning amendments to the 2019/20 Investment and Borrowing Strategy which was approved by Full Council at the meeting held on 5 March 2019.

MOTION: Proposed by Councillor Ross Mackinnon and seconded by Councillor Howard Woollaston:

That the Council:

“agrees the proposed amendments to the 2019/20 Investment and Borrowing Strategy.”

This report is an amendment of the agreed strategy to reflect:

(1)       Outline compliance against the Prudential Indicators

(2)       An expansion in the sources of borrowing available to the Council

(3)       Allow for provision of loan financing to local enterprises, charities, wholly owned companies and joint ventures as part of a wider strategy for local economic growth.  In particular the joint venture in the form of Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) with Sovereign Westing House Developments Ltd, a subsidiary of Sovereign Housing Association (SHA). “

Councillor Ross Mackinnon noted that the 2019/20 Investment and Borrowing Strategy was approved by Full Council at the meeting held on 5 March 2019. A number of amendments were being proposed to that document. The reasons for the amendments were to ensure compliance against the Prudential Indicators, allow for the expansion in the sources of borrowing available to the Council and to allow for provision of loan financing to local enterprises, charities, wholly owned companies and joint ventures as part of a wider strategy for local economic growth. In particular it would allow the Council to undertake the joint venture initiative with Sovereign Westing House Developments Ltd in the form of a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP).

Councillor Jeff Brooks raised concerns about the ongoing increase in the Council’s borrowing and the risk this exposed the Council to.

Councillor Howard Woollaston accepted that borrowing levels were increasing he was not concerned about the level of risk the Council was being exposed to.

The Motion was put to the meeting and duly RESOLVED.

Councillors Steve Masters and Lee Dillon did not vote on this item.

Councillor Alan Law left the meeting at 9.02pm.

 

37.

2020/21 West Berkshire Council Timetable of Public Meetings (C3845) pdf icon PDF 73 KB

To recommend a timetable of public meetings for the 2020/21 Municipal Year.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Council considered a report (Agenda Item 21) concerning a timetable of meetings for the 2020/21 Municipal Year.

MOTION: Proposed by Councillor Lynne Doherty and seconded by Councillor Lee Dillon:

That the Council:

“approves the timetable of public meetings for the 2020/21 Municipal Year”.

Councillor Lynne Doherty commended the calendar of meetings to the Council for approval.  Councillor Doherty welcomed the proposal to move the July 2020 Council meeting back a week to accommodate the LGA Conference. She stated that she would like to revisit the Overview and Scrutiny Management Commission dates outside of the meeting to ensure that they were aligned to key decision making times.

Councillor Dominic Boeck asked Members of the Panel to note the dates of the Corporate Parent Panel meetings. He reminded all Members of their responsibilities as Corporate Parents. Councillor Graham Bridgman urged all Members to attend the Member Development session on Corporate parenting which was due to take place soon.

Councillor Dillon stated that he supported the timetable of meetings.

The Motion was put to the meeting and duly RESOLVED.

 

38.

Notices of Motion

(a)          The following Motion has been submitted in the name of Councillor Jeff Brooks:

We contend that there is considerable risk to pedestrians and motorists along the A4/Benham Hill section from the Lower Way Traffic lights to Henwick Lane in Thatcham.

 

It is extraordinary that this section along the A4 allows a 40 Mile Per Hour speed limit when the rest of the A4 through Thatcham is at 30 MPH. Recent installation of a Pedestrian refuge at the top of Pound Lane is welcome but did not prevent a serious incident involving a young girl in September when her foot was run over and broken by a speeding vehicle.

 

We believe that the speed limit in these two stretches of road is anomalous and we therefore propose that this section of the A4 is adapted to a 30 Mile Per Hour limit by West Berkshire Highways Department and with a high degree of urgency.

 

(b)          The following Motion has been submitted in the name of Councillor Richard Somner:

“Maintaining a Green District is one of this Council’s priorities for improvement.  It’s about natural habitats, it’s about biodiversity, it’s about our open spaces, it’s about the improving the environment we live and work in, it’s about our communities, it’s about our homes, our health, our wellbeing and more.

 

The Council recognises the freedoms for some that vehicle ownership brings, whilst it acknowledges that many older properties do not have designated off road parking.  It fully recognises vehicle drivers are often reliant upon street parking with little alternative option.  However, the practice of parking on pavements is becoming more widespread, and is a nuisance at best and a public danger at worst.   Parking is not the only cause of pavement obstruction.  It also arises from poorly placed advertising stands, protruding shop front displays and street clutter. 

 

This Council notes the Healthwatch Voice of Disability Report which raises concerns for the disabled in our community; this Council has a long been concerned that pavement obstruction can risk public health and is detrimental to public wellbeing.  The lack of easy navigability for wheel chair uses, those with sight conditions and limited mobility as well as for parents with pushchairs, can become trapped in their homes, leading to social isolation or a danger to pedestrians, particularly children in often having to step in to traffic to avoid obstructions.

 

While the government select committee is considering widening the ban on pavement parking outside London and until legislation in England comes in to force;

 

The Council calls on:

 

·         Parish Councils to champion an awareness campaign for considerate parking in their parishes.

 

·         Drivers to respect the rights of pedestrians to exercise their right to safe and unobstructed passage on footpaths and pavements. 

 

·         Drivers to park any vehicle, motorcycle or bike with the maximum consideration to pavement users and to avoid blocking lines of sight or the passage of emergency vehicles.

 

·         Drivers to limit their use of pavement parking where damage to curbs, street furniture and grass  ...  view the full agenda text for item 38.

Minutes:

The Council considered the under-mentioned Motion (Agenda item 22a refers) submitted in the name of Councillor Jeff Brooks relating to pedestrian safety along the A4/ Benham Hill section from the Lower Way traffic lights to Henwick Lane in Thatcham.

The Chairman informed the Council that the Motion would not be debated at the meeting. In accordance with Procedure Rule 4.9.8. it would be referred to the Speed Limit Review Task Group for consideration and the response would be reported back to a future Council meeting.

MOTION: Proposed by Councillor Jeff Brooks and seconded by Councillor Keith Woodhams:

That the Council

contends that there is considerable risk to pedestrians and motorists along the A4/Benham Hill section from the Lower Way Traffic lights to Henwick Lane in Thatcham.

 

It is extraordinary that this section along the A4 allows a 40 Mile Per Hour speed limit when the rest of the A4 through Thatcham is at 30 MPH. Recent installation of a Pedestrian refuge at the top of Pound Lane is welcome but did not prevent a serious incident involving a young girl in September when her foot was run over and broken by a speeding vehicle.

 

We believe that the speed limit in these two stretches of road is anomalous and we therefore propose that this section of the A4 is adapted to a 30 Mile Per Hour limit by West Berkshire Highways Department and with a high degree of urgency.

 

Councillor Steve Masters re-joined the meeting at 9.11pm.

 

The Council considered the under-mentioned Motion (Agenda item 22b refers) submitted in the name of Councillor Richard Somner relating to widening the ban on pavement parking.

The Chairman informed the Council that the Motion would be debated at the meeting.

MOTION: Proposed by Councillor Richard Somner and seconded by Councillor Rick Jones:

“Maintaining a Green District is one of this Council’s priorities for improvement.  It’s about natural habitats, it’s about biodiversity, it’s about our open spaces, it’s about the improving the environment we live and work in, it’s about our communities, it’s about our homes, our health, our wellbeing and more.

 

The Council recognises the freedoms for some that vehicle ownership brings, whilst it acknowledges that many older properties do not have designated off road parking.  It fully recognises vehicle drivers are often reliant upon street parking with little alternative option.  However, the practice of parking on pavements is becoming more widespread, and is a nuisance at best and a public danger at worst.   Parking is not the only cause of pavement obstruction.  It also arises from poorly placed advertising stands, protruding shop front displays and street clutter. 

 

This Council notes the Healthwatch Voice of Disability Report which raises concerns for the disabled in our community; this Council has a long been concerned that pavement obstruction can risk public health and is detrimental to public wellbeing.  The lack of easy navigability for wheel chair uses, those with sight conditions and limited mobility as well as for parents with pushchairs, can  ...  view the full minutes text for item 38.

39.

Members' Questions

Members of the Executive to answer the following questions submitted by Councillors in accordance with the Council’s Constitution:

(a)          Question to be answered by the Executive Member for Transport and Countryside submitted by Councillor Keith Woodhams:

“Can the Executive Member for Transport and Countryside tell me why on one hand he is promoting getting out of the car to walk and cycle when cycle ways are not being swept leading to tyre punctures, and when London Road & Hambridge Road flood when it rains leading to pedestrians and cyclists being drenched in water by passing cars, vans and heavy lorries?”

 

(b)          Question to be answered by the Executive Member for Transport and Countryside submitted by Councillor Keith Woodhams:

“Given that it was recently reported that a passing HGV knocked off a branch from an overhanging tree in Bowling Green Road, which then fell onto the bonnet of a car travelling in the opposite direction, can the Executive Member for Highways and Transport tell me if the highways authority has a duty to maintain public roads to a standard that ensures they are safe and passable?”

 

(c)          Question to be answered by the Executive Member for Transport and Countryside submitted by Councillor Phil Barnett:

“Can the Executive Member for Highways identify what official powers private security guards controlling traffic movements on certain public roads have to undertake these activities?”

 

(d)          Question to be answered by the Executive Member for Transport and Countryside submitted by Councillor Phil Barnett:

“Can the Executive Member for Highways identify when the highly valued speed indicator devices [SIDS] that the West Berkshire Council own are likely to be upgraded or replaced?”

 

Minutes:

A full transcription of the public and Member question and answer sessions are available from the following link: Transcription of Q&As. (right click on link and ‘Edit Hyperlink’. Insert URL to pdf on website in ‘address’ field)

(a)          A question standing in the name of Councillor Keith Woodhams on the subject of cycling and pedestrian safety was answered by the Executive Member for Transport and Countryside.

(b)          A question standing in the name of Councillor Keith Woodhams  on the subject of the Council’s duty to maintain public roads safely was answered by the Executive Member for Transport and Countryside.

(c)          A question standing in the name of Councillor  Phil Barnett on the subject of powers of private security guards controlling traffic movemenets was answered by the Executive Member for Transport and Countryside.

(d)          A question standing in the name of Councillor Phil Barnett on the subject of the replacement of speed indicator devices was answered by the Executive Member for Transport and Countryside.

 

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Questions and Answers pdf icon PDF 147 KB