Agenda and minutes

The Chairman, Cllr Atiqul Hoque welcomed everyone to the first online meeting of the Salisbury Area Board and invited the members of the Board to introduce themselves.

Apologies for absence had been received from:

Cllr Matthew Dean

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 16 June 2020.

Decision

The minutes of the meeting held on 16 June 2020 were agreed as a correct record and would be signed by the Chairman.

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

Cllr Rogers noted that he had previously worked for the grant applicant Studio Theatre and stated that he would abstain from discussion and the vote on that application.

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

The Chairman gave the following updates:

Covid-19 Response

Salisbury has seen an incredible response to the COVID19 pandemic with volunteers across the city leading the response and strategic partners working collaboratively to support our communities. 

He gave a personal thank you, to every single person that stepped up and ensured that those members of the city that needed support got it and that nobody was left behind.

Noting a recent example of this, when on Silver Sunday (1^st October), the Board’s Older People’s Champion, Irene Kohler, oversaw the delivery of afternoon teas to 175 older people from across the city.

For more information about this, and to watch the film that Irene had produced, about what life in lockdown was like for older people in the city, visit  www.silversalisbury.co.uk  

a.     Wiltshire Council Information Items:

·       Covid 19

·       Area Board Boundary Review: A consultation on the Draft Recommendations of the Electoral Review Committee for Area Board boundaries to take effect for May 2021.

·       Connect 5 – mental health & wellbeing training programme.

The Board noted the following written updates and information items attached to the agenda or available online:

• Covid 19
• Area Board Boundary Review: A consultation on the Draft Recommendations of the Electoral Review Committee for Area Board boundaries to take effect for May 2021.
• Connect 5 – mental health & wellbeing training programme.

To note the written updates attached to the agenda and to receive any verbal updates from representatives present.

a)    Police – written update attached

b)    Salisbury BID – online

c)     Air Quality Group – minutes attached

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

Any written updates for future meetings can be sent to the Democratic Services Officer.

The Board noted the following updates available in the agenda:

a)    Police – written update

b)    Salisbury BID – online

c)     Air Quality Group – minutes

The Chairman also welcomed Inspector Pete Sparrow, who gave a verbal update, the main pointes were:

Salisbury had recently been allocated 5 new PC’s and 3 new PCSO’s from November. This increase would help during these rather strange times.

Covid had had a huge impact on crime, it had dropped off in March and April, but was starting to rise again now, however based on averages for the last 2 years, crime still remained low.

A recent focus was centred around Culver Street carpark area, with partnership working to try and apply a problem-solving approach. Some funding had been allocated to additional CCTV coverage for the area.

Questions

Thank you for all the work that you do. Grateful that we are policed by consent.

Aware that in some places where lockdown was eased, some people went crazy, was that the case for Salisbury and if so had it since resumed to normality?

Answer: One area it did show in was reporting in domestic abuse. Since August this had now dropped back down to the average of where you expect it to be. Could be down to risk assessments or because schools are back, it needs more analysis to see.

To receive updates from Richard Walters, Head of Service, Major Projects.

The Board received an update from Richard Walters, Head of Service, Major Projects. A copy of the presentation slides are attached to the minutes.

Maltings Regeneration Update:

·       In terms of the wider maltings regeneration project, since the pandemic, plans to make purchases has been on hold.

·       The previous scheme was reliant on the developer securing buyers for the gym and hotel. With the delivery of that scheme on hold we have had to think again about the wider approach.

·       Beyond library block, the council continues with a plan to deliver a regeneration with the benefits that we are seeking.

·       Timing conditions on the £6m Local Growth Fund (LGF) Grant required it to be spent by March 2021. Prior to pandemic there were plans to use £4m on a new library and the remainder on the River Corridor Scheme, now named the River Park Scheme.

·       Working with partners and LEEP continues.

·       Secured funding from Environment Agency of £11m and plans to deliver flood mitigation works.

·       Resumed discussions with landowners, over the summer.

·       Paper due to be considered by Cabinet in November.

·       The market was still in a volatile state, we would need to take careful independent advice.  

·       The economic landscape had changed significantly

Questions

·       Was it fair to say that we were in a situation where the current library site was not likely to change for some time and that the money had been put over to river park, is that it?

·       Answer: We have the LGF money which had a deadline on when it had to be spent. If we could have spent in on the Library then we would have, but we moved it to the River Fund project otherwise it would have been lost. We plan to do something with cultural quarter and market walk. We were currently exploring what the opportunities were. It made sense for the library to remain in the maltings regeneration area for time being, it would stay where it was until a new plan could be brought forward.

·       Throughout the development of the Maltings we have asked how had the expected shape changed due to use of the internet. It was also likely that Covid had brought forward changes, so what is the shape of the city likely to be, in terms of experience rather than spending?

Answer: The Covid situation had accelerated trends. The way people use the city centre was different these days, it was more about the experiential side of things. The Playhouse, City hall, pubs, restaurants were all experiencing strains, this may go on for some time. It was difficult to know what that would look like even in 12 months’ time. There was more demand for residential in city centres and workspace facilities that accommodate new trends.

·       A request for updates on four areas of the scheme had been requested by Cllr Rogers ahead of the meeting. He asked that Richard provide those answers to the Board when available.  He asked whether there was still a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 27.

An update on the High Street Fund projects for Salisbury, from Victoria Moloney, Head of South Wilts Economic Recovery Team.

The Board received an update from Victoria Moloney, Head of South Wilts Economic Recovery Team.

There had been no announcement regarding a decision on the bid for a High Street Fund (HSF). The deadline had been pushed back a month to the end of July. A decision was expected in autumn. The council had been asked for one more piece of work and was still on track for a November timescale.

Projects:

·       Train Station forecourt,

·       Fisherton Gateway

·       Heritage Living & Artisan Space

There had been reactions as a result to Covid. There were many listed buildings around Salisbury, which were expensive to hold and change. There was a project to work with landlords across the city.

Questions:

·       Was the picture of the station a creative representation?

Answer: We are at creative representation stage, the designs were not finalised.

·       What was happening from the railway point of view, they had plans for a double story car park. Was that moving along still?

Answer: They support the principle, we would continue the discussions regardless of the outcome of the HSF. They did have a parking programme due to be signed off by department for transport, I will ask for an update on that and feedback.

·       Was the funding available potentially up to £25m, and was that  dependent on phase 2 of People Friendly Streets?

Answer: Yes, £25m was the total a location could bid for at one time, our total bid was close to £17m when we tested the proposals. It was for the decisionmakers to decide how that played out. In terms of the phase 2 of the pedestrian project these were separate projects. We would consider at the time, but not a linked project.

·       What was the feeling on whether we would be successful with the bid? Answer: We would push really hard for Salisbury; it has had a difficult time. However, we cannot predict an outcome, we struggle with the perception that Salisbury was wealthy which is not the case.

A presentation from Robert Murphy, Principal Transport & Development Manager.

The Board received a presentation from Robert Murphy, Principal Transport & Development Manager. The presentation slides are attached to the minutes.

Background and context.

One key objective of the Central Area Framework (CAF) was to create People Friendly Streets.

A consultation was held in Late July / early Aug 2020, with 784 residents and business owners participating in sharing their views on the scheme.

Changes were then made to the consulted scheme and a revised proposed plan produced. These were shown in the presentation. The Experimental Traffic Regulations Orders (ETRO) related to:

·       Three bus gates on Castle Street, Fisherton Street and Catherine Street (adding to existing restrictions elsewhere in the city centre)

·       A 7.5t weight limit (10am to 4pm)

·       No left turn (except for exempted vehicles) from Chipper Lane on to Castle Street

·       Removal of on-street pay and display spaces from Catherine Street and Milford Street (west of Brown Street)

A council decision was made on 29 September, following consultation with Police and others.

Jo Pattison – Parking Services Manager explained that the basis of the scheme was that people could still access the area if they fit into one of the listed criteria.

Proposed enforcement system:

There would be an approved list of number plates such as taxis and buses, and all vehicles passing through the area would be monitored by a camera enforcement system. Users were able to apply on the MiPermit portal to register if they met the criteria. 

When a vehicle was captured entering the area, it would go into a viewing suite, to be assessed. If it was a bus or taxi or a vehicle that met the criteria it would then be added to the approved list of users.

Because it was known that some people may drive into the area not realising there was a need for a permit, there would be a period of time where the council would issue warning notices. This would be an interim period only.

Rob noted that there was the ability to make changes, so the scheme would be monitor and the information looked at to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 29.

Available funding at this meeting:

·       Community Area Grants £46,420

·       Youth Funding £20,532

·       Health & Wellbeing £3790

To consider applications for funding, as detailed in the attached report.

Funding available at this meeting:

• Community Area Grants £46,420
• Youth Funding £20,532
• Health & Wellbeing £3790

The Board considered the funding requests as detailed in the report attached to the agenda.

Community Area Grants

My Salisbury - Community Journalism Media Training, requested £4971.92

Andy Munns spoke in support of the project to run workshops to enable community journalists to represent the city. To purchase equipment to enable more people to take part due to not having their own equipment.

Decision

My Salisbury was awarded £4971.92towards the Community Journalism Media Training .

Reason – The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria 2020/21

Studio Theatre – Ground Works, requested £4384.80

Hugh Abel spoke in support of the project to carry out groundworks at the theatre site.

Decision

Studio Theatre was awarded £4384.80towards the Ground Works.

Reason – The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria 2020/21

Young People Funding

Rise 61 – Creative Hub, requested £5000. 

Robin Imeson spoke in support of the project which was also supported by the Bemerton Heath Inter Agency group. Helping young people tell a different story with their lives. 

Decision

Rise 61 was awarded £5000 towards theCreative Hub.

Reason – The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria 2020/21

Health & Wellbeing Funding

Cancer Support Salisbury – requested £1000

Sue Waldron spoke in support of the project.

Decision

Cancer Support Salisbury was awarded £1000 towards theset up costs.

Reason – The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria 2020/21

Wiltshire Music Centre, Celebrating Age Phase 2, requested £1500

Cassy Tate spoke in support of the project.  

Decision

Wiltshire Music Centre was awarded £1500 towards theCelebrating Age  Phase 2 project.

Reason – The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria 2020/21

The date of the next meeting is Thursday 3 December 2020, 6pm Online.

The Chairman thanked everyone for attending the online meeting  and noted that the next meeting of the Salisbury Area Board would be held online on Thursday 3 December 2020, at 6.00pm.