Agenda and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber, Swale House, East Street, Sittingbourne, Kent ME10 3HT

Contact: Democratic Services, 01795 417330 

Items
No. Item

Audio Recording

72.

Confirmation of Chairman and Vice-Chairman

To confirm the Chairman and Vice-Chairman for the Municipal Year 2019/20.

Minutes:

Resolved: 

 

(1)  That Councillor Angela Harrison be confirmed as Chairman and Kent County Councillor Andrew Bowles as Vice-Chairman for the 2019/20 municipal year.

73.

Emergency Evacuation Procedure

The Chairman will advise the meeting of the evacuation procedures to follow in the event of an emergency. This is particularly important for visitors and members of the public who will be unfamiliar with the building and procedures.

 

The Chairman will inform the meeting whether there is a planned evacuation drill due to take place, what the alarm sounds like (i.e. ringing bells), where the closest emergency exit route is, and where the second closest emergency exit route is, in the event that the closest exit or route is blocked.

 

The Chairman will inform the meeting that:

 

(a) in the event of the alarm sounding, everybody must leave the building via the nearest safe available exit and gather at the Assembly points at the far side of the Car Park; and

 

(b) the lifts must not be used in the event of an evacuation.

 

Any officers present at the meeting will aid with the evacuation.

 

It is important that the Chairman is informed of any person attending who is disabled or unable to use the stairs, so that suitable arrangements may be made in the event of an emergency.

 

Minutes:

The Chairman ensured that those present were aware of the emergency evacuation procedure.

74.

Minutes

To approve the Minutes of the Meeting held on 4 March 2019 (Minute Nos. 529 - 541) as a correct record.

Minutes:

The Minutes of the meeting held on 4 March 2019 (Minutes Nos. 529 – 541) were taken as read, approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

75.

Declarations of Interest

Councillors should not act or take decisions in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves or their spouse, civil partner or person with whom they are living with as a spouse or civil partner.  They must declare and resolve any interests and relationships.

 

The Chairman will ask Members if they have any interests to declare in respect of items on this agenda, under the following headings:

 

(a)          Disclosable Pecuniary Interests (DPI) under the Localism Act 2011.  The nature as well as the existence of any such interest must be declared.  After declaring a DPI, the Member must leave the meeting and not take part in the discussion or vote.  This applies even if there is provision for public speaking.

 

(b)          Disclosable Non Pecuniary (DNPI) under the Code of Conduct adopted by the Council in May 2012.  The nature as well as the existence of any such interest must be declared.  After declaring a DNPI interest, the Member may stay, speak and vote on the matter.

 

(c)          Where it is possible that a fair-minded and informed observer, having considered the facts would conclude that there was a real possibility that the Member might be predetermined or biased the Member should declare their predetermination or bias and then leave the room while that item is considered.

 

Advice to Members:  If any Councillor has any doubt about the existence or nature of any DPI or DNPI which he/she may have in any item on this agenda, he/she should seek advice from the Monitoring Officer, the Head of Legal or from other Solicitors in Legal Services as early as possible, and in advance of the Meeting.

 

Minutes:

Councillor Benjamin Martin declared a pecuniary interest in Item 11 A2/A251 Update and left the room whilst the item was discussed.

76.

Public Session

Members of the public have the opportunity to speak at this meeting.  Anyone wishing to present a petition or speak on this item is required to register with the Democratic Services Section by noon on Friday 21 June 2019.  Questions that have not been submitted by this deadline will not be accepted.  Only two people will be allowed to speak on each item and each person is limited to asking two questions.  Each speaker will have a maximum of three minutes to speak.

 

Petitions, questions and statements will only be accepted if they are in relation to an item being considered at this meeting.

Minutes:

The Chairman welcomed the members of the public to the meeting.

 

Councillor Simon Clark presented a petition for a residents parking scheme in Park Road, Sittingbourne from the junction with Valenciennes Road running south.  Councillor Clark outlined the parking issues residents in the area suffered with.  The Chairman accepted the petition which was passed to Officers so that a report could be submitted to a future meeting of the Board.

 

Steven Maulden, a local resident, spoke against the proposed double yellow lines in Ridham Avenue, Sittingbourne.  He explained the problems he had experienced which included buses reversing dangerously; poor vision at the junction; damage to the footpath from vehicles and noise issues.

 

Laura Maulden, a local resident, spoke against the proposed double yellow lines in Ridham Avenue, Sittingbourne and highlighted that she was unable to open her windows due to air pollution in the area.  She explained that she had experienced hostility from some bus drivers and asked Members to review the proposal.

 

Tim Stone, a local resident, spoke on the A2/A251 update.  He spoke in support of the traffic light option and encouraged Officers to work together to improve the proposed design to encourage pedestrians and cyclists and balance the needs of all road users.

 

Amanda Russell spoke on the 20’s Plenty for Faversham working group update.  She thanked Officers at KCC for their assistance.  She referred to the recent KCC policy change in supporting 20mph speed limits based on support rather than the number of casualties and outlined the benefits that 20mph speed limits could bring.

77.

Formal Objection to Traffic Regulation Order - Swale Amendment 1 pdf icon PDF 94 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Members considered the report of the Seafront and Engineering Manager which provided details of objections received to the recently advertised Traffic Regulation Order (TRO), Swale Amendment 1 which covered various amendments to on-street waiting restrictions in the Borough. 

 

A Member asked that clarification be sought on whether the TRO in Sydney Avenue, Sittingbourne could be varied to term time as there had been confusion around this.  Kent County Councillor (KCC) Mike Whiting advised there were ongoing discussions.

 

In response to a Member’s question on consultations carried out, the Seafront and Engineering Manager advised that Ward Members had been consulted on the TRO for Coldharbour Lane, Kemsley, and one Member had responded to say that he was unsure what recommendation he would make at this time.  He added that no objections had been received from the Sandford Road consultation and agreed to ensure that all relevant parties were consulted in future.

 

In the discussion that followed, Members raised points including:

 

·        Clarification on enforcement of parking and maintenance of private land off Orchard Place, Faversham and who was paying the cost of the TRO?;

·        Suggested timed control parking  at the school (land off Orchard Place, Faversham); and

·        Suggested that Officers should look at longer-term solutions to the parking issues in Bell Road, Sittingbourne and other areas where commuters parked.

 

In response, the Seafront and Engineering Manager explained that parking enforcement could be carried out if there was a TRO in place, confirmed that the school contributed to the cost and maintained the land on behalf of SBC. 

 

In response to a Member highlighting that school coaches were parking in Bell Road, Sittingbourne, a Member gave a brief history of the parking issues and previously suggested solutions,  and advised that the current proposal was the most suitable.

 

Councillor Mike Baldock proposed and Councillor Monique Bonney seconded that recommendation (b) in the report be abandoned. 

 

Councillor Benjamin Martin proposed an amendment to recommendation (e) that there be timed control parking within the school holidays.  During the discussion that followed, Councillor Benjamin Martin withdrew the amendment.

 

Recommended to SBC Cabinet:

 

(a)  That the proposed double yellow lines in Bell Road, Sittingbourne be progressed and that the parking situation outside of Spicer Homes be monitored.

 

(b)  That the proposed double yellow lines in Ridham Avenue, Sittingbourne be abandoned and the issues reported by residents be referred to the bus operator for comment.

 

(c)  That the proposed double yellow lines opposite Kestrel Close and Highsted Road, Sittingbourne be progressed.

 

(d)  That the proposed loading/unloading ban on the junction of The Mall/Nelson Street, Faversham be progressed but with the installation of a loading bay in The Mall or double yellow lines across the side entrance to the business in Nelson Street, depending on the preferred option from the nearby business.

 

(e)  That the proposed double yellow lines on the private land off Orchard Place, Faversham be progressed and the comments received from the residents be passed to the land owners for possible liaison with residents.

78.

Proposed Amendments to Waiting Restrictions - Conyer Road, Teynham pdf icon PDF 54 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Members considered the report of the Seafront and Engineering Manager which provided details of the recent information consultation on proposals to remove the existing single yellow line on the east side of Conyer Road, Teynham, and extend the existing double yellow lines on the west side of the road, near the junction with The Crescent/Lower Road.

 

The Seafront and Engineering Manager drew attention to an error at paragraph 3.4 on page 54 on the Agenda which should have said “……that the Parish Council did not want to see an amendment to the existing waiting restrictions,….”.

 

KCC Councillor Mike Whiting proposed and KCC Councillor Andy Booth seconded that the proposed amendments be progressed through a Traffic Regulation Order.  KCC Councillor Whiting gave a brief history of the issue.  KCC Councillor Andrew Bowles gave his support to the Parish Council and did not support the proposal.

 

Recommended to SBC Cabinet:

 

(1)  That the results of the recent information consultation on the proposed removal of the single yellow line on the east side of Conyer Road, Teynham and extension of the existing double yellow lines on the west of the road be noted and the proposed amendments be progressed through a Traffic Regulation Order.

79.

Proposed Single Yellow Line - Lyndhurst Grove, Sittingbourne pdf icon PDF 73 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Members considered the report of the Seafront and Engineering Manager which provided details of the recent informal consultation on proposals to install a single yellow line in Lyndhurst Grove, Sittingbourne.

 

In response to questions, the Seafront and Engineering Manager clarified the responses to the consultation and advised that two residents later withdrew their support for the petition.

 

Recommended to SBC Cabinet:

 

(1)  That the results of the recent information consultation on a proposed yellow line in Lyndhurst Grove, Sittingbourne be noted and that Officers abandon the proposals.

80.

Capel Road, Sittingbourne pdf icon PDF 57 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Seafront and Engineering Manager introduced the report which provided an update on the e-petition requested by residents of Capel Road, Sittingbourne.

 

A Member highlighted the difficulties caused by commuters and parents picking up school children.  In the discussion that followed, the Seafront and Engineering Manager advised that extensive consultations had taken place, and any changes could risk moving the issue elsewhere.

 

Recommended to SBC Cabinet:

 

(1)  That the contents of the report be noted and that, considering the previous high number of consultations undertaken in Capel Road, no further action be taken at the present time.

81.

A2/A251 Update pdf icon PDF 109 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Principal Transport and Development Planner introduced the report which provided Members with a further update on studies that KCC had commissioned for the A2/A251 and A2/B2041 junctions.  He gave a brief history for the benefit of newly-elected Members, outlined the 4 schemes (2b, 3, 5 and 6) detailed in the report, and advised that scheme 3 was the preferred option.  Further information was set out in paragraph 8.1 of the report.  The Principal Transport and Development Planner advised that since the Agenda had been produced, Helen Whately MP had submitted her views which included the lack of pedestrian and cycle routes in option 2b.

 

In the discussion that followed, Members raised points which included:

 

·        Support for scheme 3 with ‘tweaking’ for pedestrians and cyclists;

·        concern over the damage to the heritage entrance at the top of The Mall;

·        lack of support for roundabouts;

·        roundabouts were not cyclist-friendly;

·        would the scheme be fully funded?;

·        further information on Air Quality levels for each option was needed;

·        was any purchase of land required and were there any covenants on land?; and

·        more pedestrian crossings should be included; the staggered pedestrian crossing proposed in Scheme 3 was not sufficient.

 

In response, the Principal Transport and Development Planner advised that the construction costs for Scheme 3 was £1.3million and funding of £820k from Section 106 Agreements had been assigned for the scheme.  A further £100k would be available should the supermarket/hotel application at Perry Court be granted planning permission. He added that the Air Quality information had not been received in time, KCC owned the land and he was not aware of any covenants.

 

Recommended:

 

(1)  That option 1, progression of Scheme 3, be commenced and delivered as soon as practically possible.

82.

Highways Work Programme pdf icon PDF 133 KB

Minutes:

The Board considered the report which provided an update on the identified schemes approved for construction in 2019/20.

 

In response to a Member’s request that the entrance to the SBC car park be resurfaced as part of the works to Bank Street, Faversham (page 99), the Schemes Project Manager agreed to look at this.

 

A Parish Councillor drew attention that the A250 Millenium Way, Sheerness (page 99) required urgent attention and praised the work on the repairs to the Sheppey Way. He drew attention that lining works often followed on too late after micro surfacing and the Schemes Project Manager explained the process.

 

A Member requested an update on the shortage of cats eyes on A2500 Lower Road, Minster (page 101).  The Schemes Project Manager explained that there had been severe damage from heavy snow and to carry out the work would necessitate the complete closure of roads.  He said that funding had now been secured and works to replace and follow with lining was due to start in July 2019.  The Member thanked the Schemes Project Manager for his work and assistance.

 

In response to a Member’s question on repairs to the kerb from Hempstead Lane to East Street, Sittingbourne (page 101), the Schemes Project Manager advised that the work programmed for July/August 2019 did not include these repairs but it would be resurfaced later in the year.

 

The Schemes Project Manager agreed to give an update on works to Tunstall Road, Tunstall and Power Station Road, Halfway (page 108).

 

There was a discussion around the Sittingbourne Town Centre Regeneration works and the Schemes Project Manager confirmed that the works had not been signed off. He agreed to give an update.

 

In response to a Member’s comments on the new roundabouts at A251 Perry Court and Ospringe Brickworks, Western Link, the Schemes Project Manager confirmed that the Development Team was working on the issues and it would not be signed off until they had been addressed.

 

The Schemes Project Manager agreed to confirm the locations of Sections 1 and 2 in St. Michael’s Road, Sittingbourne (page 112).

 

A Parish Councillor drew attention to the discharge of water in Admirals Walk, Halfway (page 113) making it unsafe.  The Schemes Project Manager agreed to pass this on.

 

A Member sought clarification on the works to Church Road and Lomas Road, Sittingbourne (page 113).  The Schemes Project Manager agreed to find out more about this.

 

Members sought an update on Stones Farm, Bapchild (page 113).  The Schemes Project Manager agreed to find out more about this.

 

A Member gave thanks and praise to Paul Brand (KCC) for his assistance on the proposed Zebra pedestrian crossing upgrade at Whitstable Road, Faversham due to commence in October 2019.

 

Resolved:

(1)  That the report be noted.

83.

Progress Update Report pdf icon PDF 103 KB

To consider the Progress Update which outlines progress made following recommendations and agreed action at previous meetings.

Minutes:

Members considered the report which gave an update on the progress made regarding various schemes in the Borough.

 

A2 Teynham Speed Limit Petition Response

 

The Schemes Project Manager clarified that the gateway feature would run from the east side of Teynham at the change of speed limit, and work was due to commence at the end of the year.  He added that the main part of the work between Cellar Hill and Station road was due to go out to public consultation in September 2019.

 

Church Road, Eastchurch

 

In response to a Member’s question, the Schemes Project Manager advised that Eastchurch Parish Council had only recently been approached.  A Member advised that a cycle lane had now been proposed in the one-way road.  The Schemes Project Manager advised that there had been a delay in progressing the scheme as an objection had been received.

 

Parking at The Leas, Minster

 

A Member thanked Officers for their assistance and advised the scheme had been completed in April 2019.

 

Highsted Road proposed footway

 

A Member expressed his hope that the school would respond favourably as the scheme would benefit their pupils.

 

St. Mary’s School, Orchard Place/Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Abbey Place, Faversham

 

The Seafront and Engineering Manager advised that the lining order was in place but had been delayed by the contractor and the work would be carried out by the end of the week.

 

Resolved:

 

(1)  That the report be noted.

84.

Date of Next Meeting

The next meeting will be held at 5.30pm on Monday 10 September 2019.

Minutes:

The next meeting of the Board would be at 5.30pm on Monday 10 September 2019.