Agenda and minutes

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting of the Salisbury Area Board and invited the members of the Board to introduce themselves.

Apologies for absence had been received from:

• Councillor Bill Moss
• Mike Franklin – Wiltshire Fire and Rescue
• Bev Flanagan – Wiltshire College

Decision

The minutes of the meeting held on 14 July and those of the Extraordinary meeting held on 4 August were both agreed as correct records and signed by the Chairman.

Councillors are requested to declare any personal or prejudicial interests or dispensations granted by the Standards Committee.

Councillors Brian Dalton, Mary Douglas and Paul Sample all declared personal interests in the item relating to the Salisbury Market Place, as members of the Southern Area Planning Committee who would eventually determine the planning application on the site.

There were no other declarations of interest.

1. Wiltshire Warm and Well – Free home insulation scheme (see info attached)
2. Any other announcements

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

• 14 July 2011
• 4 August 2011 – Extraordinary meeting relating to Car Parking

The Chairman referred to the written update on actions and outcomes from previous meetings (as set out at page 31 of the agenda) and noted the following information:

·         In relation to the proof of disability card, it was noted that the Safe Places project was due to be launched on 28 September at the Library.  In addition, an ICE card (In Case of Emergency) was currently available, which could be used in some instances.

• The outcome of the Community Area Transport Group’s bid to the Substantive Highways Scheme budget would be known by the end of September.
• The query over whether Wiltshire Council needed to undertake a lengthy consultation to vary the car parking charges had now been passed to the Department for Transport, and a response was outstanding.  In the meantime, the Council had decided to reintroduce 1 hour charges, with effect from Monday 19 September.

Young people to talk about achieving their ASDAM (Award Scheme Development and Accreditation Network) Awards, involving over 60 hours of voluntary work in the community, and their on-going commitment to volunteering.

Winnie Manning, Youth Development Coordinator, Wiltshire Council, introduced this item, referring to the excellent work being done by young volunteers with disabled young people in Salisbury.  A number of the volunteers were also present at the meeting and spoke of the impact of the project on their own development, and how they had grown in confidence and experience.  Some of them had also achieved awards as a result of their work.

A short film was played, showing the volunteers in action.  The rest of the film can be viewed via the following link:

http://www.sparksite.co.uk/entries/salisbury_bridging_project_young_people

At this point in the meeting, the Chairman invited a short presentation from Ruth Jones, of the Unit, and a number of young people who were in attendance in support of the Area Board project bid for the Unit at item 12 on the agenda.  The young people spoke about how important the Unit was for them, reading out a number of ideas and comments from others who were not able to attend.

To receive updates from the Salisbury City Council representative and the Laverstock and Ford Parish Council representative, in addition to other partner agencies.

Councillor Jane Scott thanked the Area Board for the invitation to the meeting, and gave a brief outline of her role as Leader of the Council.

Councillor Scott led an Executive of ten Councillors, each of whom focussed on a particular area of responsibility.  This group of Councillors, known as the Cabinet, developed and proposed policies and the Council’s budget to the full Council for approval.  Once approved, it was the responsibility of the Cabinet to deliver services and make decisions within the budget and policy framework as agreed by the Council.

As Leader of the Council, Councillor Scott also represented the Council locally and nationally.

Councillor Scott also responded to two questions:

• In relation to car parking the Council was undertaking a complete review across the County.  It was hoped that the reintroduction of the 1 hour charge in Salisbury would help address the concerns of traders and residents.  The Chairman added that the Area Board would be looking at a number of new residents’ parking zones.

• Responding to a question on the financial outlook for the Council, Councillor Scott referred to the 28% savings needed over the next 4 years.  Of this 17% was required in the first year, which was in addition to the increased pressure on a number of service areas.  However, Wiltshire Council was well placed to withstand these pressures, having made a number of on-going savings through the move to unitary council status.

The Area Board will receive a presentation on the following petition, which has received over 8,400 signatures:

“We the undersigned disagree totally with the plan to needlessly fell the trees in Salisbury Market Place as in plan number S/2011/0520 and to replace them with 17 immature trees. We feel the trees add immeasurably to the character of the Market Place and any destruction of these trees is a retrograde step, and we oppose this plan without reserve.”

This will be followed by an opportunity for comment and debate.

(It should be noted that this item is on the agenda to allow a public debate on the issue.  However, this matter is subject to a current planning application. The Area Board has no powers to determine planning applications; this authority rest with the Southern Area Planning Committee.  Those Area Board Councillors who are also voting members of the Southern Area Planning Committee are advised not to declare a final or closed view of the matter at this stage, to avoid any perception of predetermination.)

The Chairman introduced the item, explaining that a petition of over 8,500 signatures had been collected, opposing the removal and replacement of the trees in the Market Place, as proposed by a design being put forward by the Salisbury Vision.

At the Chairman’s invitation, Laura Bell spoke on behalf of Save our Salisbury Trees (SOS Trees), who had organised the petition:

• The majority of signatures had been collected in the Marketplace on market days, with some forms being taken away and sent in to the campaign.  The current number of signatures was 8,962.  The petition welcomed the proposed £3 million investment in the marketplace, but opposed the felling of the existing trees. 

• In response to the main arguments given for the removal of the trees, the petitioners considered that only eight of the trees were currently unhealthy.  In relation to the concerns over rising pavements caused by root growth, it was noted that there were options for addressing this, such as good maintenance and use of flexible surfacing.  Furthermore, a Freedom of Information request had revealed that there had been no insurance claims for trips over rising pavements at the Market Place.

• It was considered that tree pits (as proposed by Salisbury Vision) were untested and could not be guaranteed to deal with the issue.  Reference was also made to measures used in Norwich to retain mature trees in the market place, such as built up cobblestones and circular seating around the base of trees (pictures of this were circulated to the Area Board members).  Finally, in relation to the point about damage to drains, the petitioners noted that the new drains could be relocated away from the trees, to minimise the risk of future damage by tree roots.

• The SOS Trees campaign welcomed the change to the type of trees proposed, and also the Salisbury Vision’s undertaking to talk to the Council’s Tree Officer.  It was hoped that a mutually acceptable solution could be found.

The Chairman thanked Laura for her comments and invited Richard Walters, Director of Salisbury Vision, to respond to the points made.

• Richard set out the background to the refurbishment of the Market Place, referring to the background to the project.  It seemed to be generally agreed that some form of refurbishment was required in the Market Place to match the investment being made by regional competitors in their city centres. The proposals had been designed to address a number of issues, by improving lighting, replacing the current poor quality surfacing, and providing a more flexible space.  The principle of this development was supported by the business community, including the Federation of Small Businesses, the Chamber of Commerce, and the City Centre Management. 

• This was a timely opportunity for significant investment in the Market Place to provide a long term solution over the next 50 years or so. The original design, selected via a competition in 2009, had included the retention of the existing trees. However, following specialist advice on trees and sub-surfaces, the decision  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

To receive information on the proposed new GP surgery at the Old Manor Hospital Site.  A planning application is expected to be submitted shortly, and this is an opportunity for the Area Board and the community to have advance sight of the proposals.

(It should be noted that this item is being presented to the Area Board for information only.  A planning application is expected to be submitted regarding this site in the near future. The Area Board has no powers to determine planning applications; this authority rest with the Southern Area Planning Committee.  Those Area Board Councillors who are also voting members of the Southern Area Planning Committee are advised not to declare a final or closed view of the matter at this stage, to avoid any perception of predetermination.)

Dr Robert Hewetson, spoke on behalf of the Grove House and New Street practices, who were hoping to move the proposed new surgery at the Old Manor Hospital Site.  The current premises were not suitable and the opportunity to move to the new site also presented opportunities in terms of the co-location of a wider range of services.

Tim Scruton of GVA, the architects for the project, presented the outline site plan.  He also confirmed that there would be over 100 car parking spaces, and that the new facilities would allow the expansion and enhancing of the existing GP services, with a wider role for nurses and specialist services.

Charlie James, also of GVA, presented a number of photos of the existing site, and also drawings of the proposed design.  It was noted that the listed buildings would be retained with the Old Ballroom kept and preserved as part of the scheme.  Vehicular access would be from the existing points, although details such as the road surfacing had yet to be determined.

In response to questions regarding the timescale, Tim reported that the plans would shortly be submitted for planning permission.  The planning process could take 6 months, following which there would be a 6 month tender exercise, and a 12 month construction period.  As such, an estimated completion date of 2 years may be possible.

In the meantime, the practices and architects hoped to engage with patients and residents over the proposals, and comments were welcomed.

The Chairman invited questions and comments; there were none.  The Area Board thanked Robert, Tim and Charlie for attending.

The Chairman welcomed Tony Barron, Chairman of NHS Wiltshire, who was present to give an update on the plans for the rest of the Old Manor Hospital Site.

Tony reported that Wiltshire Council had expressed an interest in acquiring the site, and were currently undertaking a feasibility study to see if the site would be suitable for adult care provision.  The PCT was working with Wiltshire Council to produce this during October and the outcome would hopefully be known before the end of the calendar year.  If this did not prove to be a possible future use then other options would be considered, possibly including going back to the marketplace to find a developer.  However, the future of the site would be discussed with the Area Board prior to any final decision.

Councillor Jane Scott commented on Wiltshire Council’s interest in the site.  It was considered that the site may be suitable for sheltered housing provision, to help people maintain independence and to stay in their own homes, whilst having access to the necessary services for an aging population.  It was also considered that as the site was currently in public ownership, it was appropriate to initially consider the possibility of using it for the benefit of the community.

The Chairman reported that he would vary the order of the agenda to take the Area Board project application for the Unit (listed at item 16 of the agenda) at this stage, in view of the attendance of a number of young people in support of the project.

Tom Gardner (Senior Traffic Engineer) will give a presentation on speeding in the Salisbury Community Area and the deployment of Speed Indicator Devices (SIDs).

Tom Gardner gave a presentation on the Council’s recently adopted protocol for use of Speed Indicator Devices (SIDs).

SIDs were movable signs which displayed the speed of on-coming vehicles, and which were proven to be effective at reducing the speed of traffic when used at targeted locations for a short period of time.

The Council now had one SID for each of the Community Areas in Wiltshire.  These would be allocated on a rotating basis to sites as agreed by the relevant Area Board.  In order to be eligible for a SID, sites had to go through a process and meet certain criteria.

Once a site had been reported as having a perceived speeding problem, this would be assessed by a metrocount, which gathered data on the actual speed of traffic over a set period.  This could then be used to determine whether there was an actual problem, and if so how best to address the issue.  The figure used for this was the 85^th percentile, or the speed at which 85% of the traffic was travelling at or above. 

For sites with an 85^th percentile of 35mph or above, Community Speed Watch could be used as an option.  SIDs could also be used on these sites.  Sites with an 85^th percentile of 38mph or above would be prioritised for direct police enforcement.

SIDs were most effective when used for no longer than two weeks at a time in one location, and so there was a rolling programme to deploy the SID in each Community Area.

Tom concluded by inviting people to report any sites with speeding issues, these could be done via the Area Board issues system, or direct to the Salisbury Community Area Manager, Marianna Dodd.

The Chairman thanked Tom for the presentation and invited questions and comments:

• In response to a question, Tom reported that each SID cost around £6,000 to purchase, but there were on-going costs in terms of moving the unit to each new deployment of around £500, which could amount to £13,000 per year.

• It was noted that enforcement may be required on Castle Street and Brown Street.  It was also suggested that London Road may be a suitable location for a SID.  Fisherton Street and Waymare Road were also raised as locations with speeding issues.

• It was noted that the Police ran regular neighbourhood tasking meetings, where requests for speeding enforcement could also be raised.

The Chairman explained that this item was to seek the Area Board’s approval of a small change to the prioritisation of Residents’ Parking Schemes for review, as agreed by the Area Board at its meeting on 17 March 2011.  Priorities 3 and 4 current read as follows.

3. Requests no. 11 & 12 – Residents’ Parking Zone D – Full review of zone especially Sidney Street and York Road, plus new Zone to the North, in Kingsland Road area.
4. Request no. 1 – Residents’ Parking Zone A – Full review of the zone to increase number of available bays.

However, it was proposed to combine the proposed reviews of zones D and A to allow work to proceed on the new zone in the Bedford/Kingsland Road area.

Decision

To amend the Area Board parking priorities, as agreed at the 17 March 2011 meeting, as follows:

3. To consider a new Zone North of Zone D in the  Bedford / Kingsland Road area
4. To conduct a full review of Residents Parking Zones A and D to increase the number of available bays in the fastest and most cost effective way possible.

ACTION: Joanne Heal / Paul Shaddock

Marianna Dodd (Salisbury Community Area Manager) will report on the progress of the issues recently raised by local people.

Detailed information on the progress of individual issues is available on the council’s website.  Go to www.wiltshire.gov.uk/areaboards and click on “Track your community issues”.

In view of the hour, no update was given, but new issues were welcomed and updates could be viewed by the Council’s website:

http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/council/areaboards/salisburyareaboard.htm

To consider community grants with the opportunity for questions from the public.

The Chairman invited a representative from each of the grant applicants to give a brief overview of their project to the Board.  After each of the applicants had spoken the Chairman invited questions and discussion, then asked for a show of hands from those present to reflect public opinion. The Board members then voted on each application.

Decision

The Wildlife Rescue and Care Centre was awarded £643 towards running a community wildlife awareness project giving 20 free talks in the Salisbury area over a period of six months to the elderly or disabled people in care homes, and young people in schools or hospitals.

Reason – The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria 2011/12 and would allow this community project to go ahead.

In relation to the application from the Friary Gardening Club, Reg Williams, Salisbury City Clerk, invited the organisation to contact Salisbury City Council who may be able to provide some spare tools.

Decision

The Friary Residents’ Gardening Club was awarded £1000 as start up costs for the organisation.

Reason – The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria 2011/12 and would allow this gardening club to be set up, and to help develop the sense of community in the area and other benefits in terms of encouraging a healthy lifestyle.

ACTION: Marianna Dodd

To consider requests for funding in relation to the following proposed Area Board projects:

• Marketing Campaign to promote Salisbury, and use of Park and Ride to people living outside Wiltshire.
• Footpath - Bemerton St John Primary School
• The Unit

Marketing Campaign for Park and Ride to people living outside Wiltshire

The Chairman, who had proposed this project, introduced the item, explaining that the suggestion was to promote Salisbury as a destination to people living in Hampshire and Dorset, and to emphasised that over-60s could use the Park and Ride service for free.  This was to help increase footfall in the city, following recent publicity over high car-parking charges, which had led to anecdotal evidence of a drop in trade.

The Chairman added that, if approved, the marketing information would be circulated to Area Board members for approval prior to publication.

Councillor Paul Sample declared a prejudicial interest in this item, as his company had previously discussed undertaking some marketing work for Park and Ride.

Decision

The Salisbury Area Board agreed to provide £5,000 of funding towards a marketing campaign to advertise the Salisbury Park and Ride service to people living outside of Wiltshire.

Reasons – As above, to help maximise the use of Park and Ride and to bring new visitors to Salisbury from outside the area.

Improvement of Footpath – Bemerton St John Primary School

Councillor Chris Cochrane, who had proposed this project, explained that walking busses had long been used to escort children along Church Lane to the school.  However, it had been considered that the road was too dangerous for large groups of children, and so parents were obliged to escort Children on foot or take them by car, contributing to traffic congestion on the Lower Road.

This project sought to facilitate the use of a path through the St John’s churchyard, by providing a lockable gate, and reinforcing the path to allow use by two pupils who use wheelchairs.

The funding was for materials alone; the work would be undertaken by volunteers.

Decision

The Salisbury Area Board agreed to provide £1,750 of funding to the Bemerton St John PTA towards materials to reinforce the existing path through a gate in the fence, to allow use by children travelling to the primary school.  The funding is subject to approval of the project by the Diocesan Board, subsequent planning permission, and to the school PTA agreeing to manage the project.

Reasons – To allow safe access for children travelling to the Primary School, and to support this volunteer-run project.

ACTION: Marianna Dodd

At the meeting on 17 March 2011, the Area Board agreed to release the first tranche of 2011/12 core funding (£7,808) to Salisbury City Community Area Partnership (SCCAP).  The remainder of the 2011/12 funding was agreed in principle, provided certain conditions were met.  The Area Board is asked to consider the release of the remaining core funding (£7,807) on that basis.

The Chairman briefly introduced the report, and requested that an early draft version of the community plan be available for the next meeting of the Area Board.

The Area Board expressed its thanks to the members of the Community Area Partnership for their hard work as volunteers to support the project.

Decision

The Salisbury Area Board approves the release of the second and final tranche of core funding for 2011/12 to Salisbury City Community Area Partnership (£7,807)

ACTION: Marianna Dodd

Further to a request from Salisbury Vision that the Area Board’s Chairman is the appointed representative, the Area Board is asked to appoint Councillor Richard Clewer to this position, which is currently held by Councillor Chris Cochrane.

Recommendation

The Salisbury Area Board appoints Councillor Richard Clewer as its nomination representative to the Salisbury Vision Board.

The Chairman reported that the Salisbury Vision had requested that its representative from the Area Board, should be the Area Board Chairman.

Decision

The Salisbury Area Board appointed Councillor Richard Clewer as its nominated representative to the Salisbury Vision Board, in place of Councillor Chris Cochrane.

ACTION: James Hazlewood

The Chairman thanked everyone for attending and noted that the next meeting of the Salisbury Area Board would be held on 17 November 2011 at the Guildhall, the Marketplace, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP1 1JH.

In addition there would be an extraordinary meeting as agreed under item 10 above; this was likely to be on Monday 10 October at South Wilts Grammar School for Girls, and would be confirmed in due course.