Agenda and draft minutes

The Democratic Services Officer will call for nominations for Chairman for 2024/25.

Nominations for Chairman were sought.

It was;

Resolved:

That Councillor Sam Charleston was elected as Chairman for 2024/25.

The Chairman will call for nominations for a Vice-Chairman for 2024/25.

Councillor Sam Charleston in the Chair.

Nominations for Vice-Chairman were sought.

It was;

Resolved:

That Councillor Caroline Corbin was elected as Vice-Chairman for 2024/25.

Apologies for absence had been received from:

• Councillor Sven Hocking
• Chris Hildrup – Highways England (Item 9)

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 7 March 2024.

The minutes of the last meeting were presented.

It was;

Resolved:

The minutes of the meeting held on 7 March 2024 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To receive any declarations of disclosable interests or dispensations granted by the Standards Committee.

There were no declarations.

The Chairman will give an update on outcomes and actions arising from previous meetings of the Area Board.

Fostering

Wiltshire Council was encouraging residents to consider becoming foster careers, particularly to help keep brothers and sisters together. Anyone able to help or for further information, details were available at: fosteringwiltshire.uk.

The Board is asked to note the following Information items:

·       Community First

·       Healthwatch Wiltshire

·       BSW Together (Integrated Care System)

·       Age UK

·       Wiltshire Council Consultation Portal

·       Wiltshire Council Information Items:

o   Draft Licensing Policy 2024-29 Consultation

o   Local Nature Recovery Strategy Engagement Update

o   Multiply – National Numeracy Day

The Board noted the Information Items as set out in the agenda pack, these were:

·       Community First 

·       Healthwatch Wiltshire

·       BSW Together (Integrated Care System)

·       Age Uk

·       Wiltshire Council Consultation Portal

·       Wiltshire Council Information Items:

                         o Draft Licensing Policy 2024-29 Consultation

                         o Local Nature Recovery Strategy Engagement Update

                          o Multiply – National Numeracy Day

To appoint nominated representatives to the Outside bodies and non-priority working groups as set out in the attached report.

The Area Board considered the report attached to the agenda.

It was;

Resolved:

That the Salisbury Area Board agreed to:

a.         Appoint Members as Lead representatives to Outside Bodies, any Non-Priority Working Groups and to the LHFIG, as set out at Appendix A;

b.         Note the Terms of Reference as set out in Appendix B.

c.         Appoint the Older People’s Champion (Irene Kohler) and Carer’s Champion (Helen Dowse) for the Area Board for 2024/25.

Verbal Updates

To receive any verbal updates from representatives, including:

·       A36 National Highways update – Chris Hilldrup

·       COGS Active Travel Conference Salisbury – Margaret Willmot

Note: Speakers are reminded that they each have a 3 minute slot, unless they have previously discussed alternative arrangements with the Chairman

Written Updates

The Board is asked to note the following written and online updates attached to the agenda:

·       Neighbourhood Policing Team

·       Road Safety Partnership Update

·       Fire & Rescue webpage: Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Service | News & Incidents (dwfire.org.uk)

·       Salisbury BID – website link

·       The Foyer Salisbury Update

The Board noted the written updates attached to the agenda and received the following verbal updates:

Foyer update

Councillor Rogers noted his thanks for the written update on the closure of the Foyer service in Salisbury and was pleased to know that the residents of the service had been found accommodation. He noted that it would be important to remain aware of future developments for the Foyer building, as it had been purchased with public funds.  

Warren Hathaway – Division Commander WDFRS

The new District Commander introduced himself and noted that he was looking forward to working with the Area Board in the future.

COGS Active Travel Conference Salisbury

Margaret Willmot from the Cycling Opportunities Group, Salisbury (COGS) gave a presentation on the recent Active Travel Conference which had been held in Salisbury. A copy of the slides are attached for information.

A verbal update from Carli van Niekerk, Major Highway Projects Engineer, on the Station Forecourt Scheme and to note the written update on other projects (to follow).

Station Forecourt Scheme

Carli van Niekerk, Major Highway Projects Engineer, gave an update on the Station Forecourt Scheme, the main points included:

·       This was the second project to be funded by the Future Highstreet Funding.

·       Three phased development, with works expected to last approximately 1 year.

·       Tree trimming and vegetation removal due to take place along Churchfields Road during off peak hours.

·       Some parking would be maintained on the forecourt for disabled/taxi spaces and buses.

·       The remainder of the parking spaces would be available in Central car park.

·       The Eastern Goods site was due to be developed into additional parking to be available later in the year. 

·       There would be a dedicated in box for queries, during the construction phase.

Questions:

·       What were the timelines for the phases?

Answer: It varied. Timelines could be provided later if needed.

·       Would South Western Road remain open and viable for the flow of traffic during works, as any restriction would make the busy route worse?

Answer: Some resurfacing work on South Western Road was required, but there was no plan to close the road during the day. There would be night closures and a two way traffic light system.

·       If closing at night, that may impact the many refuge trucks which travelled out of hours, so you would need to plan around them.

·       Central car park appeared to have two pricing structures now, how would you manage the difference?

Answer: There were two structures, short stay and long stay rates. Cars would only be able to park in the area they had a ticket for.

·       What was the plan for pickups and drop offs?

Answer: Currently there were some spaces and the car park to the west would also be available, however as part of the review of the process moving forward, if changes were needed in the future it would be address.

Maltings and Central Carp Park

Victoria Moloney, Head of Economy & Regeneration and Richard Walters, Head of Service, Major Projects and Enabling responded to questions on the written update attached to the agenda.

Questions:

The key was to make the city more accessible, rather than making parking more accessible.

Answer: The historic principle of the Parking Strategy was being considered in line with the current Parking Strategy. We would be looking at what was the best use of land in the city centre, which would include further engagement.

At the end of report, it mentioned an immediate action to ‘smarten up the centra car park’ what did that mean and was there an intention to address the poor quality of the road surface in the car park, once the River Project had completed?

Answer: There had been substantial investment in the city, which at present did not live up to the quality we were trying to create – interim measures wilts other works are ongoing around the city – discussions with owners. Try to minimise the disruption.

The update report sets the message that the original scheme is not now going  ...  view the full minutes text for item 22.

To note the written update and response to questions raised at the last meeting.

The Board noted the update attached to the agenda.

Questions and comments included:

1.     We were previously advised that due to the condition of the ceiling, a major inspection and a full survey was required. Had that work been done and could the Board have the details of the survey of the roof and ceiling?

2.     We were previously informed that it would take three months from the appointment of an agent, to announcing the name of the tenant for the 25-year lease.  The announcement of the appointment was made on 1 May 2024.  Savills had yet to advertise the opportunity or approach potential bidders.  Was the Council driving Savills to find a suitable tenant, within the stated timeline?

3.     Please reassure us that the updates on the timetable and decision-making process was on the Cabinet Forward Plan.

4.     City Hall was a vital part of the cultural and social offer within Salisbury.  How would Salisbury Area Board ensure that its priorities and social value would be included in the selection of an appropriate tenant?  Would Salisbury Area Board be included in the decision-making process?

The Chairman ensured that the questions would be put to the relevant officers for responses.

Responses to questions received after the meeting:

1.     Information regarding previous work and stages can be found on the page linked to: Salisbury City Hall - Wiltshire Council

2.     Following their appointment, Savills had been undertaking the extensive preparation work needed to market the City Hall opportunity. Given that the agreement would involve a 25+ year lease, it was important that this preparation work was carried out with diligence and to the highest standard. Given the commercial nature of the project and the need to ensure parity we are unable to provide any details of this phase of work at this time. However, council officers had been working with Savills to ensure that the opportunity was marketed professionally and efficiently. The opportunity would go live shortly. The 3-month period would begin once the opportunity was live. Stakeholders would be kept informed in due course.

3.     Wiltshire Council remained committed to the reopening of City Hall as an arts and entertainment venue. It was included as a priority in the new Salisbury Culture Strategy and will also be included in the Wiltshire Cultural Strategy that would be published shortly. Following the 3-month period the Council would ascertain the evidence that would inform future decisions.

4.     The council fully appreciate the importance of, and the vital part City Hall can play in the cultural and social offer within Salisbury. Whilst social value would be part of any conversation with a prospective operator, it was also important to secure an operator who could make the venue a sustainable cultural asset for the city and residents. However, as indicated previously, where a social value policy was available, we would ask a bidder to provide it but it would not form part of any scoring. Selection of an operator would be undertaken using officer delegated  ...  view the full minutes text for item 23.

To note the Highways Matters Update.

The Board noted the updates attached to the agenda.

Questions:

·       An update for Rampart Road was requested.

Answer: The Strategic Engagement and Partnership Manage would feedback the update when available.

·       How much of the budget awarded would go towards emptying gullies in Salisbury? 

·       Thanks were noted to members of the public and officers for producing the document. The Board would revisit the progress of the works over time.

·       An update on the Salisbury Transportation Strategy funding would be provided under LHFIG later in the agenda.

To note the written update, as attached.

The Board noted the updates attached to the agenda and noted its disappointment that no one was in attendance to take questions.

Questions:

·       It was good to read the work was on schedule, was the project funded by the Department of Transport?

·       Would the public continue to pay for the work at the risk the tunnel project did not go ahead?

The Area Board is asked to note the End of Year 2023/24 Report and to renew the Area Board Priorities, as informed by the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment.

(End of Year 2023/24 Report  and CAJSNA Report attached)

The Board noted the End of Year 2023/24 Report and received an update from

the Strategic Engagement and Partnerships Manager (SEPM), Karen Linaker on the findings of the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment.

The update included a summary of Area Board Investments through Grant

funding, a quintile investment table and details on the existing Area Board

Local Priorities, which were:

·       Youth engagement, employment and positive activity opportunities (Cllr Ricky Rogers)

·       Addressing climate change (Cllr Sven Hocking)

·       Supporting positive mental health and wellbeing (Cllr Caroline Corbin)

·       Supporting underrepresented groups (Cllr Caroline Corbin)

·       Improving transport and access (Cllr Sven Hocking)

The Board would work towards resetting new priority themes and actions, with

the view of reporting back on a new workplan at the next meeting in September.

Comments and questions included:

·       This was a momentous piece of work and there appear to be areas of work highlighted which would fit under the current 5 priorities. The Board would want to consider this out of the meeting and bring back a suggested workplan to the September meeting.

·       Thanks to the Area Board, Officers and community groups for the collaborative work, which included an impressive range and depth of work. It was however disappointing to hear only 300 responses had been received from Salisbury residents. Another challenge was how the Board would press the rest of the council to deliver on the priorities that were determined and ensure that social value was reflected in the decision making?

After discussing the renewal of the Area Board Priorities for 2024/25, it was;

Resolved:

The Area Board noted the end of year report and agreed to renew the priorities for 2024/25.

To note the remaining budgets and to consider any applications for funding, as detailed in the attached report and summarised below:

Remaining Budgets:

Community Area Grants:

Young People Grants:

Older & Vulnerable Grants:

Delegated Funding

There were no awards made under delegated funding since the last meeting.

Further information on the Area Board Grant system can be found here.

Cllr Paul Sample arrived at the meeting at the start of this Item.

The Board noted the budgets for allocation at the meeting and heard from representatives in attendance who gave a brief overview of their project followed by any questions by the Board.

Community Area Grants:

St Marks Church - Hall Renovation, requested £3,500

The Applicant Jo King spoke in support of the project.

Cllr Dalton moved the motion to award in full.

This was seconded by Cllr Charleston.

Decision

St Marks Church was awarded £3,500 towards the Hall Renovation project.

Reason – The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria 2024/25

Spire Inclusion - Resources, requested £1,500

The Applicant Claire Sines spoke in support of the project.

The Board was advised that as the applicant was set up as a private company, which did not meet the CAG criteria, the application had been to the Grant Assessment Panel which had agreed for it to be considered at the Area Board.

One suggestion made was that if funded the whiteboard could be asset locked so that it would stay in community if something happened to the business.

Cllr Corbin moved the motion to award in full with the caveat of applying an asset lock on the whiteboard.

This was seconded by Cllr Charleston.

Decision

Spire Inclusion was awarded £1500 towards the purchase of an Interactive Whiteboard, subject to the applicant agreeing to asset lock the item for future retention as a community asset.

Reason – The application had been cleared for consideration by the Grant Assessment Panel. 

Dennis Marsh House, Scout HQ, Salisbury & South Wilts Scouts – Safety Improvements, requested £4,494

The Applicant John Wyeth spoke in support of the project.

Cllr Charleston moved the motion to award in full.

This was seconded by Cllr Rogers.

Decision

Dennis Marsh House, Scout HQ, Salisbury & South Wilts Scouts was awarded £4,494 towards Safety Improvements.

Reason – The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria 2024/25

Ukrainian Community United (UCU) – Cultural Space, requested £2,500

The Applicant Valeriy Melnik spoke in support of the project.

Cllr Charleston moved the motion to award in full.

This was seconded by Cllr McClelland.

Decision

Ukrainian Community United (UCU) was awarded £2,500 towards The Cultural Space project.

Reason – The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria 2024/25

St Michaels Community Centre – Heating Replacement, requested £5,000

The Applicant Kate Varga spoke in support of the project.

Cllr Corbin moved the motion to award in full.

This was seconded by Cllr Rogers.

Decision

St Michaels Community Centre was awarded £5,000 towards the Heating Replacement project.

Reason – The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria 2024/25

Young People Grants:

Grants have not been to the youth panel for comments on this occasion due to timelines not permitting.

Salisbury Hockey Club – Youth Goals, requested £500

The Applicant spoke in support of the project.

Cllr Charleston moved the motion to award in full.

This was seconded by Cllr Corbin.

Decision

Salisbury Hockey Club was awarded £500  ...  view the full minutes text for item 27.

To note the minutes and consider any recommendations arising from the last LHFIG meeting held on 14 May 2024, as set out in the attached report.

Recommendations:

·        4a – York Road Dropped Kerb – £8,100

·       4d – Lower Bemerton Road Markings – £1,500

·        The Area Board write to Atkins formally requesting by the end of June 2024 the assessment report on the Safer Salisbury Street Lighting Improvements initiative.

Further information on the LHFIG process can be found here.

The Board considered the report and funding recommendations arising from the last LHFIG meeting held on 14 May 2024.

It was;

Resolved:

To approve the LHFIG funding recommendations to the following schemes:

·       4a – York Road Dropped Kerb – £8,100

·       4d – Lower Bemerton Road Markings – £1,500, and:

Salisbury Transportation Strategy

The Board also discussed the Area Board Bid for Funding for Local Schemes from the Salisbury Transportation Strategy, in that here had been no recent update on the progress of the bid.

Safer Salisbury Lighting Improvements Initiative

In addition the Board noted that following a request at the last meeting to Atkins for a report on the Assessment and Costs of the Safer Salisbury Lighting Improvements Initiative, one had not been presented.

The Board agreed to pass motions to seek responses on both matters.

It was;

Resolved:

That the Board agreed to:

1.     write to the Cabinet Member for Highways, Street Scene and Flooding and the Director of Highways requesting the long overdue report from Atkins on the Assessment and Costs of the Safer Salisbury Lighting Improvements Initiative, is made available by the end of June 2024.

2.     write to the Cabinet Member for Highways, Street Scene and Flooding and the Director of Highways requesting a report with answers to the Area Board Bid for Funding for Local Schemes from the Salisbury Transportation Strategy held funds and present the report and answers to the requests to the next Area Board meeting.