The Cabinet considered a report of the Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director (Growth and Housing) proposing a new approach for preparing the Southend new Local Plan (SNLP)

Recommended:-

Reason for Decision

To ensure the expeditious production a new local plan for Southend and associated evidence base to manage and guide future growth and development in Southend and its hinterland in a positive and timely manner, where the Council has control of decision making in the public interest as representatives of the local community

Other Options

As set out in the submitted report

Note: This is a Council Function

Referred direct to Place Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Mulroney

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Finance and Resources) concerning the calculation of the Council Tax Base for 2020/21 and the submission of the National Non Domestic Rates (NNDR1) form to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) by 31st January 2020.

Resolved:-

In respect of the Council Tax Base

In accordance with the Local Authorities (Calculation of Council Tax Base) Regulations 1992 (as amended by the Local Authorities (Calculation of Council Tax Base) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2003) and Local Government Finance Act 2012 (Calculation of billing authority’s council tax base Section 15):

1.  From 1st April 2020 the premium for properties (empty for 5 years but less than 10 years) will be increased to 200%.

2.  The amount calculated by Southend-on-Sea Borough Council as its Council Tax Base for the year 2020/21 shall be 58,680.94.

3.  That the amount calculated by Southend-on-Sea Borough Council as the Council Tax Base in respect of Leigh-on-Sea Town Council for the year 2020/21 shall be 8,845.24.

4.  That the new Care Leavers Council Tax Relief Policy set out at at Appendix A to the submitted report be endorsed and the subsequent impact on the Council Tax Base, be noted.

In respect of the Non-Domestic Rates Base (NNDR1 Form)

5.  The NNDR1 form attached at Appendix D to the report be approved for submission to MHCLG.

Reason for Decision

The setting of the Council Tax Base and National Domestic Rating Base enables the calculation of the core funding derived through local taxation that is used to finance the Council’s proposed budget for 2020/21.

Other Options

None

Note: This is an Executive Function

Referred direct to Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Gilbert

The Cabinet Committee received a report of the Executive Director (Neighbourhoods and Environment) that presented an update on the latest data for traffic flows and speeds in Oakwood Avenue, Leigh-on-Sea.  The Cabinet Committee also had before it the list of top 50 streets in the Borough where vehicles exceed the speed limit.

Whilst it was noted that the level and speed of traffic had reduced significantly in Oakwood Avenue, the Cabinet Committee felt that the situation should continue to be monitored and officers work with Ward Councillors to identify appropriate solutions to address the issue of speeding vehicles in the area.

Resolved:-

1.  That the report be noted.

2.  That officers continue to work with Ward Councillors in respect of the speed of vehicles in Oakwood Avenue.

Reason for Decision

To address concerns of speeding traffic in the area

Other Options

Do Nothing – speed traffic may continue and safety compromised

Note: This is an Executive function

Eligible for call-in to Place Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Councillor Woodley

Pursuant to Minute 217 of the meeting of Council held on 18^th July 2019, the Cabinet Committee received a report of the Executive Director (Neighbourhoods and Environment concerning the petition that had been submitted by Councillor Mitchell, requesting parking permits for the residents in Mariner House, Southend-on-Sea.

Resolved:-

1.  That the petitioner be thanked for taking the time to compile the petition.

2.  That the petitioner be informed that, whilst the Cabinet Committee sympathises with the residents of Mariner House, it is unable to progress the request.

Reason for Decision

As set out in the submitted report.

Other Options

As set out in the submitted report.

Note: This is an Executive function

Eligible for call-in to Place Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Councillor Woodley

The Cabinet Committee received a report of the Executive Director (Neighbourhoods and Environment) that presented a number of requests that had been set out in the Notice of Motion submitted to Council at its meeting on Tuesday 17th December 2019 (Minute 605 refers).  The Council had referred the requests to the Traffic Regulations Working Party and Cabinet Committee in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 8.4.

With reference to the request to review junction of Maya Close with Ness Road, Shoeburyness, the Cabinet Committee noted that this matter had now been approved and the scheme would be implanted shortly.

With reference to the request to introduce safety improvements at the junction of Royston Avenue and Eastern Avenue, the Cabinet Committee noted that these works were already underway.

With reference to the request to erect bollards along the kerbs in Highlands area of the London Road, Leigh-on-Sea outside the shops to prevent vehicles mounting and driving along the pavement to park outside the shops and the removal of the pavement crossing south of the Parade, the Cabinet Committee noted that trees would be planted as an alternative to bollards.

Having considered the views of the Traffic Regulations Working Party it was:

Resolved:-

1.  That the following requests be considered as part of the development of the Parking Strategy currently being developed:

·           St Mary's Road & St Benet's Road Short stay parking spaces - Increase permitted parking time from one hour to two hours and retain no return within four hours;

·           Priory Avenue near the junction with St Benet's Road - Remove stretch of double yellow lines on the west side of Priory Avenue alongside the newsagents, to create two short stay parking spaces (maximum stay 30 minutes);

·           Galton Road, Imperial Avenue, Crowstone Road, Alleyn Place - Consultation on one hour parking restriction for one side of each road only. This is to include new layout of the existing / proposed yellow lines staggered on either side of the roads to also provide traffic calming.

2.  That no further action be taken in respect of the following requests at this time:

·           A127 Kent Elms Corner (major scheme) - The length of the carriage way set aside to merge three lanes into one at Kent Elms Corner that the scheme be reviewed with a view to identifying the impact of making the Southend bound, inside lane left hand turn only;

·           Ness Road / Campfield Road / Seaview Road / Grove Walk – Improve the junction to cope with the expected increase in traffic from the construction the of Lidl store with its 140 car parking spaces;

·           Ness Road roundabout by the Bridge Garage - Widen the exit off the roundabout and increase the space of the pedestrian refuge which carries 40ft lorries all day long and 5 buses in each direction every hour mounting the kerb;

·           Campfield Road and New Garrison Road – Improve the junction and the Hinguar School Roundabout to allow for deliveries to the new Lidl store;

·           Riviera Drive – Introduce 1 hour parking restriction between 09:00 - 10:00 on the new parking bays;

·           Vickers Road, Avro Road, Wilmott Road and Bristol Road – Time restriction or other residents backed permit parking scheme; and

·           Highlands Boulevard at the junction of Dundee Close, - installation of yellow box junction markings.

3.  That it be noted that the following schemes, will be included in the Borough-wide review of junction protection restrictions scheduled to commence in 2020/21:

·           Junction of Eastwood Road North & Chalfont Close – Install double yellow lines; and

·           Thorpe Hall Avenue / Woodgrange Drive junction (southbound) – Install junction protection on the roundabout just below the railway bridge.

4.  That the request to review the parking restrictions in Mountdale Gardens, Suffolk, Norfolk, Kent and Surrey Avenues to deter inconsiderate parking at school drop-off and pick-up times be reviewed and reported to a future meeting of the Traffic Regulations Working Party and Cabinet Committee for determination in 2020/21. In the meantime, the CCTV enforcement vehicle will increase in patrols in this area at peak school dropping off and picking up times.

Reason for Decision

As set out in the submitted report

Other Options

As set out in the submitted report

Note: This is an Executive function

Eligible for call-in to Place Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Councillor Woodley

The Cabinet Committee received a report of the Executive Director (Neighbourhoods and Environment) that presented requests for the amendment and/or introduction of new traffic regulation orders at the locations indicated in the Appendix to the submitted report in accordance with the statutory processes and, subject to there being no objections received following statutory advertisement, to arrange for the relevant orders to be sealed and implement the proposals.

In response questions regarding these requests, the Cabinet Member for Transport, Capital, Inward Investment gave his assurances that any request from Councillors that sought the increase in parking spaces and/or revenue would be considered and submitted to the Traffic Regulations Working Party and Cabinet Committee for consideration where appropriate.

With reference to the proposed amendment to the taxi rank in Lucy Road, the Cabinet Committee noted that this matter had now been concluded.

Having considered the views of the Traffic Regulations Working Party it was:

Resolved:-

1.  That no further action be taken in respect of the following requests:

·      Arnold Avenue – Relocate parking from east to west side;

·      Shoebury Common South – Extend parking towards Maplin Way;

·      Shoebury Common South – Install play equipment and harden parking area;

·      Blackgate Road – Remove verge and layout diagonal parking;

·      Shoebury Common South – Extension of parking area towards Maplin Way and install two extra machines;

·      Prittlewell Chase – Provision of parking in central reservation for hospital staff;

·      Station Road, Westcliff-on-Sea (Cliffs Pavilion to Hamlet Court Road) – Provision of additional parking by removal of existing waiting restrictions; and

·      Clarence Road Car Park/Alexandra Road – Removal of Project 49 marked bays and increase ambulance bay in Alexandra Road and amend to shared pay and display at weekends.

2.  That the following requests be considered as part of the development of the Parking Strategy currently being developed:

·      Eastern Esplanade – Provision of diagonal parking bays to increase spaces;

·      Shoebury Common North – Relocation of car parking area to the west and increase parking area and reposition entrance;

·      Prittlewell Chase (Fairfax Drive end) – Introduction of parking charges between hospital area and Fairfax Drive;

·      Western Esplanade – Provision of diagonal bays on the south side outside Adventure Island to provide a further 10 bays;

·      Shoebury Common South – Installation of play equipment and harden parking area;

·      Scratton Road – Provision of parking bays and pay and display machines creating an additional 40 bays (estimated);

·      Clifftown Parade opposite Prittlewell Square – Removal of waiting restrictions and replace with parking bays; and

·      Westcliff Parade (Cliffs Pavilion end) – Replacement of unmarked bays with diagonal parking.

Reason for Decision

As set out in the submitted report

Other Options

As set out in the submitted report

Note: This is an Executive function

Eligible for call-in to Place Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Councillor Woodley

The Cabinet Committee received a report of the Executive Director (Neighbourhoods and Environment) that presented the representations that had been received in response to the statutory consultation for a traffic regulation orders in respect of the following:

(i)  the introduction of traffic calming features, a raised pedestrian crossing and the amendment of an existing crossing to feature a raised table in Hadleigh Road, Leigh-on-Sea; and

(ii)  the introduction of waiting and loading restrictions, including a built out kerbline, in Ness Road, Shoeburyness .

The report sought the Cabinet Committee's approval on the way forward in respect of these proposals, after having considered the views of the Traffic Regulations Working Party following consideration of all the representations that had been received in writing and at the meeting.  Details of the proposals were displayed at the meeting.

The Cabinet Committee noted that whilst one objection had been received following statutory advertisement, this was in relation to the proposed introduction of limited waiting bays in Ness Road and not in respect of the proposed introduction of the prohibition of waiting, including for the purposes of loading and unloading.

Resolved:-

1.  That the Southend-on-Sea Borough Council (Various Roads) (Stopping, Waiting, Loading and Unloading Prohibitions and Restrictions, Parking Places and Permit Parking Zones) (Consolidation) Order 2016 (Amendment No. 11) Order 2019 be confirmed as advertised.

2.  The Southend-on-Sea Borough Council (Various Roads) (Stopping, Waiting, Loading and Unloading Prohibitions and Restrictions, Parking Places and Permit Parking Zones) (Consolidation) Order 2016 (Amendment No. 10) Order 2019 be confirmed as advertised.

3.  That the Executive Councillor (Neighbourhoods & Environment) be authorised to undertake the statutory consultation and prepare the requisite traffic regulation order for the introduction of “no waiting at any time” restrictions on the southern kerbline of Maya Close, Shoeburyness and, subject to there being no objections following statutory advertisement to arrange for the order to be confirmed and the proposals implemented.

Reason for Decision

As set out in the submitted report

Other Options

As set out in the submitted report

Note: This is an Executive function

Eligible for call-in to Place Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Councillor Woodley

Resolved:-

That the Minutes of the Meeting held on Monday, 4^th November 2019 be received, confirmed as a correct record and signed.

The following interests were declared at the meeting:

(a)  Councillor Buck – Agenda Item No. 6 (Requests for Traffic & Parking Items – Mountdale Gardens) – Non-pecuniary interest: Lives off Mountdale Gardens;

(b)  Councillor Buck – Agenda item No. 8 (Update of Traffic Flows, Oakwood Avenue) – Non-pecuniary interest: Lives nearby and regular user of the road;

(c)  Councillor Collins – Agenda item No. 8 (Update of Traffic Flows, Oakwood Avenue) – Non-pecuniary interest: Lives in Green Lane, which is mentioned in the report;

(d)  Councillor Dear – Agenda item No. 8 (Update of Traffic Flows, Oakwood Avenue) – Non-pecuniary interest: Lives in the general vicinity of Oakwood Road;

(e)   Councillor F Evans – Agenda Item No. 4 (Traffic Regulation Orders Objections and Amendments – Hadleigh Road Area) – Non-pecuniary interest: Governor at St Michaels School and Director of Belfairs Academy;

(f)  Councillor Beth Hooper – Agenda Item No. 4 (Traffic Regulation Orders Objections and Amendments – Hadleigh Road Area) – Non-pecuniary interest: Lives near Hadleigh Road;

(g)  Councillor Nelson – Agenda Item No. 5 (Requests for Amendments to Parking Areas – Prittlewell Chase) – Non-pecuniary interest: Wife works at the hospital;

(h)  Councillor Terry – Agenda Item No. 5 (Requests for Amendments to Parking Areas – Eastern Esplanade) – Non-pecuniary interest: Lives in the street;

(i)  Councillor Terry – Agenda Item No. 5 (Requests for Amendments to Parking Areas – Arnold Avenue) – Non-pecuniary interest: Friends live in Arnold Avenue;

(j)  Councillor Terry – Agenda Item No. 8 (Update of Traffic Flows, Oakwood Avenue) – Non-pecuniary interest: Lives in Eastern Esplanade, which is mentioned in the report;

(k)  Councillor Wakefield – Agenda Item No. 5 (Requests for Amendments to Parking Areas – Alexandra Road) – Non-pecuniary interest: Owns a business in Alexandra Road).

There were no apologies for absence.