Agenda item

Purpose: To monitor the progress of Priority 4 set within the Council Strategy - Deliver or enable key infrastructure projects in relation to roads, rail, flood prevention, regeneration and the digital economy.

The Commission considered a report (Agenda Item 11) concerning the Quarter two In Depth Performance Report – Council Strategy Priority 4 (Infrastructure).

Andy Day introduced the report to Members and reminded the Commission that they had requested a more in depth analysis of the overall performance status using the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to monitor progress of the Council Priority 4 – ‘ Deliver or enable key infrastructure projects in relation to roads, rail, flood prevention, regeneration and the digital economy.

Members were informed that there were 18 measures used to monitor progress and outturns were available for 10. Of the remaining measures, 3 were reported once a year and a further 5 were unavailable for the publication of the report (latest data for Quarter One was available instead).

Councillor Steve Ardagh-Walter asked whether the KPIs had been set nationally or locally. Catalin Bogos, Research, Consultation and Performance Manager, advised that KPIs were identified within the service which were subsequently reviewed by the Executive and the Task and Finish Group created by the Commission. He stated that national KPIs were not provided since there was no longer a National Data Set.

Councillor Alan Macro asked how Item SLE2pc01 could be considered ‘on track’ in light of the numerous delays. Gary Lugg, Head of Planning and Countryside, advised that the KPI monitored the delivery of a master plan for Theale and not the component parts of the project itself. He stated that the plan had been developed but there continued to be some delays on site which were outside the control of the Council.  The Council would continue to work with partner agencies to deliver the changes but progress was directly influenced by Network Rail.

Councillor Emma Webster suggested that the KPI should be amended to reflect the completion of the master plan and provide an alternative target to monitor the progress of development on site – considering the degree of influence available to the Council. Gary Lugg agreed that the KPI would be amended accordingly. Bryan Lyttle, Planning and Transport Policy Manager, advised that the site was reclassified from First Great Western Trains to Network Rail which caused delays in the overall process to date. Councillor Webster asked whether the Commission could assist with influencing progress. Gary Lugg thanked the Commission for the offer of assistance but felt that the matter was progressing. Councillor Macro stated that a number of local residents felt that progress had been very slow.

Councillor Paul Bryant asked why the satellite solution had been considered in response to item SLE2ict01. Officers stated that it was not practical to provide cabling infrastructure to every property – in particular where they were remote, lone properties.  Andy Day advised Members that a large portion of funding had been provided by Central Government to fund the project.

Councillor Rick Jones asked for clarification in terms of SLE2pc03. Bryan Lyttle advised that, in order to introduce Community Infrastructure Levies, a Viability Assessment must be conducted first. He stated that the assessment would be conducted by the end of the year which would enable the consideration of any changes to the Community Infrastructure Levy.  Members were informed that the findings would be presented to the Portfolio Holder and the Planning Advisory Group. The Commission agreed that they would also like to see the report.

Councillor Mike Johnston asked whether an assessment had been conducted to consider local flood alleviation needs. Mark Edwards advised that the 2015/2016 programme of works included projects to address those issues highlighted through the 2013/2014 severe weather incident. He advised that the service closely monitored water levels throughout the District whilst focusing on the delivery of the agreed programme. Members heard that there were 21 projects contained within the current programme which detailed larger, capital schemes. However, smaller scale improvements were carried out on a daily basis – clearing gullies/drainage clearance etc.

Members discussed how they could help promote self help messages in terms of flood alleviation – in particular around clearing areas to minimise flood risks. Officers agreed that it was a good idea and discussions had taken place to consider the most effective method of promoting such messages.

In response to questions raised by Councillor Jones, Gary Lugg advised that an audit of open space had taken place to identify green infrastructure within the District.

Resolved that:

1)    The Commission have sight of the report in response to item SLE2pc3.

2)    The report be noted.