Agenda, decisions and minutes

At this point, Members are asked to declare any personal or prejudicial interest they may have in the business on this agenda.

Members were invited to declare at this point in the meeting any personal or prejudicial interests they might have in the business on the agenda. 

Cllrs Reid and Moore announced that, as members of the Planning Committee, they would they would withdraw from the room during consideration of agenda items 7 (Terrys Development – Proposed new Link Road) and 9 (Urgent Business – Proposed Big Wheel in St George’s Field Car Park) under the provisions of the Planning Code of Good Practice, so as not to prejudice their consideration of any future planning applications in respect of those items.

Cllr Vassie announced that, as a member of the Planning Committee, he would withdraw from the room during consideration of agenda item 7 for the same reason.  However, as he did not intend to participate in any subsequent planning decision in respect of agenda item 9, he would not withdraw during consideration of that item.

To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting of the Executive held on 3 March 2009.

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the Executive meeting held on 3 March 2009 be approved and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

At this point in the meeting, members of the public who registered their wish to speak regarding an item on the agenda or an issue within the Executive’s remit can do so.  The deadline for registering is 5:00 pm on Monday 16 March 2009.

It was reported that three members of the public had registered to speak at the meeting under the Council’s Public Participation Scheme, all in relation to agenda item 6 (Progress on York and possible World Heritage Status).

Prof. Ron Cooke urged Members to support the proposal to bid for WHS status, which was about developing and enhancing the WHS area and which he considered to be key to meeting residents’ expectations, enhancing tourism and attracting investors, employers and entrepreneurs to the City.  

Dr Peter Addyman stressed the overwhelmingly positive response received to public consultation on the proposed bid and highlighted the protection that World Heritage status would give to the City’s below ground archaeological heritage and its civic and ecclesiastical archives.

Mrs Janet Hopton reminded Members that York had missed out on a previous opportunity to bid for WHS status in 1990 and noted that this could be the last chance for the City to make a successful bid, given the restrictions that were likely to be in place by the time of the next government review in 2022.

To receive details of those items that are listed on the Executive Forward Plan for the next two Executive meetings.

Members received and noted details of those items that were currently listed on the Forward Plan for the next two Executive meetings.

This report, which incorporates the Single Improvement Plan update, presents the result of York’s Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) and Direction of Travel (DoT) for 2007/08.

RESOLVED: (i)         That the Council’s 2007/08 CPA and DoT result be noted.

                        (ii)        That the progress made in addressing areas identified for improvement be noted.

REASON:      To allow Members to assess external inspection results against service improvement achieved and planned.

Members considered a report which presented the results of York’s Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) and Direction of Travel (DoT) for 2007/08.  This would be the final CPA assessment before the transition to the Comprehensive Area Assessment (CAA).  Officers reported at the meeting that the CPA refresh score, covering performance up to 31 March 2008, would be published today in the Annual Audit Letter, copies of which would be circulated to all Council Members.

City of York Council had been awarded a 2 star (fair) CPA result, with a judgement of ‘improving adequately’ for DoT.  The full DoT Statement was provided in Annex 1 to the report and the breakdown of the category scores used to calculate the overall score was provided in Annex 2.  Progress on the Single Improvement Plan was set out in Annex 3.  The DoT statement was largely positive and highlighted strong managerial and effective political leadership, as well as sustained focus on improving corporate capacity through the Single Improvement Plan.

It was noted that, although the overall score was lower this year than the 3 stars awarded in 2006/07, the range of scores was much better, with two 4 star and six 3 star ratings being achieved across the ten sub-categories.  Many councils had experienced a similar fall in their overall scores, due to changes to the CPA rules and scoring methodology.  York was in a good position to do well under the more outcome-based CAA regime.

Members expressed surprise at the reduced overall rating, particularly in view of the positive DoT Statement, and noted that good progress had been made on the SIP, which would result in improved service delivery to residents.

Having noted the comments of the Shadow Executive on this item, it was

RESOLVED: (i)         That the Council’s 2007/08 CPA and DoT result be noted.

                        (ii)        That the progress made in addressing areas identified for improvement be noted.

REASON:      To allow Members to assess external inspection results against service improvement achieved and planned.

This report presents the results of consultation on whether York should become a World Heritage Site (WHS), together with advice to potential WHSs from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.  It examines the boundary options for a York WHS and asks the Executive to consider how they wish to proceed on this matter.

RESOLVED: (i)         That the DCMS’s proposal to adopt a new, short UK Tentative List and the two-stage nomination and decision process to create the new UK Tentative List be supported.

REASON:      The DCMS preferred proposal is a cost effective means of gaining nomination to a revised Tentative List.

(ii)               That it be agreed that:

a.      A Stage 1 application be submitted for nomination to the new UK Tentative List, based on Option 3 and

b.      If successful at Stage 1, a Stage 2 application be submitted for nomination to the new UK Tentative List.

REASON:      This is the only route available to be nominated to a revised UK Tentative List.  Option 3 offers the best fit to the Statement of Significance and acknowledges the case that York is of outstanding universal value and merits World Heritage status.

(iii)             That approaches and investigations to secure partnership funding to facilitate the early appointment of a World Heritage Site Project Officer be supported.

REASON:      To facilitate further promotion of, and possible early delivery on, some of the key benefits outlined in the report and allow work to commence in good time to develop the more detailed bid information, by reducing the burden on existing Council Officers.

(iv)              That the Executive be updated on progress at each stage and that a further report on partnership, finance, timetable, HR and other arrangements be brought to the Executive if York is successful at Stage 2.

REASON:      To ensure that the Executive is fully aware of progress, and to enable decisions to be taken on key issues if York is successful in gaining nomination to a revised UK Tentative List.

Members considered a report which presented the results of consultation on the issue of whether York should become a World Heritage Site (WHS) and examined the boundary options for a York WHS.

The report followed on from a previous report on the work of the York World Heritage Steering Group (YWHSG), presented in April 2007, when the Executive had requested further consultation and investigation of the options.  The public consultation process had demonstrated overwhelming support for York gaining World Heritage status.  The Statement of Significance developed by the YWHSG had been used to assess the following boundary options for the site:

Option 1 – the Minster precinct;

Option 2 – the Minster precinct, St Mary’s Abbey City Walls and Defences, including York Castle;

Option 3 – the Central Historic Core Conservation Area.

The conclusion of the assessment was that Option 3 should be chosen, as this would introduce no additional statutory controls or constraints.

Details of the World Heritage Policy consultation, review and advice published by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) were set out in paragraphs 48 to 57 of the report.  The DCMS intended to introduce a simpler, cheaper two-stage route for sites seeking nomination to a new, shorter UK Tentative List.  Although achieving nomination to this List would be a difficult task, once nominated progression to formal approval by UNESCO would be almost guaranteed.  Costs of preparing documentation for approval would be £50k per year for four years.  Costs of operating a York WHS would be around £50k per year.  Members were asked to agree a positive response to the consultation and to consider whether York should pursue World Heritage Status and seek nomination to the List (Option B) or not (Option A).

Officers reported at the meeting the receipt of three additional letters of support, from Hugh Bayley MP, York Centre for Early Music and York Archaeological Trust.

Having noted the comments made by the Shadow Executive on this item, and the comments made under Public Participation, it was

RESOLVED: (i)         That the DCMS’s proposal to adopt a new, short UK Tentative List and the two-stage nomination and decision process to create the new UK Tentative List be supported.¹

REASON:      The DCMS preferred proposal is a cost effective means of gaining nomination to a revised Tentative List.

(ii)               That it be agreed that:

a.      A Stage 1 application be submitted for nomination to the new UK Tentative List, based on Option 3 and

b.      If successful at Stage 1, a Stage 2 application be submitted for nomination to the new UK Tentative List. ²

REASON:      This is the only route available to be nominated to a revised UK Tentative List.  Option 3 offers the best fit to the Statement of Significance and acknowledges the case that York is of outstanding universal value and merits World Heritage status.

(iii)             That approaches and investigations to secure partnership funding to facilitate the early appointment of a World Heritage Site Project Officer be supported. ³

REASON:      To  ...  view the full minutes text for item 202.

This report responds to a motion agreed by Full Council on 25 September 2008.  The motion instructed Officers to undertake a feasibility study to consider the potential implications of the creation of a link road between Bishopthorpe Road and Sim Balk Lane, together with an investigation of sustainable transport measures, as an aid to the development of the Terry’s site.

RESOLVED: (i)         That the contents of the report be noted and that Officers be instructed to cease any further work on this proposal.

REASON:      To ensure that the Council’s position is consistent with its obligations under the provisions of Highway and Planning legislation and in its implementation of existing policies.

                        (ii)        That Officers be requested to address local traffic issues by further developing options aimed at improving public transport, cycling and pedestrian facilities in the vicinity of the former Terry’s factory site.

REASON:      In order to address some of the issues identified in the Council motion.

                        (iii)       That the Executive’s decisions on this item be reported to the next Full Council meeting.

REASON:      Because the proposal originated through a Council notice of motion.

Members considered a report which responded to a motion agreed by Full Council on 25 September 2008, instructing Officers to undertake a feasibility study regarding the creation of a link road between Bishopthorpe Road and Sim Balk Lane, as an aid to the development of the Terry’s site.

The report responded to each of the points in the Council motion and discussed the wider implications associated with the proposed link road.  It described the provision of two sections of link road, from Tadcaster Road to Bishopthorpe Road, at a cost of £6.1m.  The results of traffic modelling suggested that there would be some reduction of traffic flows on Tadcaster Road but that the main benefit would come from the redistribution of traffic flowing through Bishopthorpe.  However, the consideration of York’s Green Belt would make it difficult to support the proposal in planning terms.  It was noted that further work would be necessary to improve the punctuality of the no. 11 bus and that cycle connections could be introduced to reduce the traffic implications and increase access to the new Terry’s development.

The report concluded that, since there were limited opportunities for funding the link road, it would be difficult to achieve anything other than a low cost benefit ratio.  It was therefore recommended that Officers be instructed to cease any further work on this proposal.

Having noted the comments of the Shadow Executive on this item, it was

RESOLVED: (i)         That the contents of the report be noted and that Officers be instructed to cease any further work on this proposal.

REASON:      To ensure that the Council’s position is consistent with its obligations under the provisions of Highway and Planning legislation and in its implementation of existing policies.

                        (ii)        That Officers be requested to address local traffic issues by further developing options aimed at improving public transport, cycling and pedestrian facilities in the vicinity of the former Terry’s factory site.

REASON:      In order to address some of the issues identified in the Council motion.

                        (iii)       That the Executive’s decisions on this item be reported to the next Full Council meeting. ¹

REASON:      Because the proposal originated through a Council notice of motion.

Note:               Cllrs Moore, Reid and Vassie left the room during consideration of the above item, as indicated under Minute 197, and took no part in the debate or decisions thereon.

This report provides details of the progress made to address the outstanding staffing matters relating to the shared service between City of York Council and North Yorkshire County Council for internal audit, counter fraud and information governance services.  

RESOLVED: (i)         That the action taken to address the remaining staffing implications associated with the shared service be endorsed.

REASON:      To ensure that, where possible, all the outstanding staffing related matters are resolved before the date of transfer to the shared service company.

                        (ii)        That the Director of Resources, in consultation with the Executive Member for Corporate Services (both being Directors of the shared service company) ensure a satisfactory resolution to any remaining staffing matters mentioned in the report after 1 April 2009.

REASON:      To ensure that any matters mentioned in the report still outstanding as at 31^st March are satisfactorily resolved.

Members considered a report which provided details of the progress made to address the outstanding staffing matters relating to the shared service between City of York Council (CYC) and North Yorkshire County Council (NYCC) for internal audit, counter fraud and information governance services.

The report had been requested by Members following consideration of the final Business Case for the shared service at the Executive meeting on 20 January 2009.  In response to questions raised by Unison at that meeting, it was reported that:

• To demonstrate compliance with the Teckal principles, the provision of services to external customers would be limited to 10% of the shared service company’s total activities.
• Individual staff consultation meetings had been held with all staff on the implications of the transfer and now new issues had arisen from these.
• Details of the new job grades would be shared with staff and unions in the week commencing 1 March 2009.
• Work was ongoing to ensure that new HR policies and guidance for the company were finalised by 31 March 2009.

With reference to paragraph 10 of the report, Officers reported at the meeting that there had been a delay in sharing details of the new grades with staff but that this would be dealt with by the beginning of next week.

Having noted the comments of the Shadow Executive on this item, it was

RESOLVED: (i)         That the action taken to address the remaining staffing implications associated with the shared service be endorsed.

REASON:      To ensure that, where possible, all the outstanding staffing related matters are resolved before the date of transfer to the shared service company.

                        (ii)        That the Director of Resources, in consultation with the Executive Member for Corporate Services (both being Directors of the shared service company) ensure a satisfactory resolution to any remaining staffing matters mentioned in the report after 1 April 2009. ¹

REASON:      To ensure that any matters mentioned in the report still outstanding as at 31^st March are satisfactorily resolved.

Any other business which the Chair considers urgent under the  Local Government Act 1972.

The Chair has agreed to consider under this item a report which advises of the receipt of a proposal made by WTA Ltd to site a Yorkshire Wheel in the St George’s Field car park for a temporary period of 3 months to assess its usage and impact.  The matter is urgent due to the deadlines to apply for planning permission if the proposal is approved.  The agenda was re-published on 9 March 2009 to include this report.

RESOLVED: That the proposal to provide a site for an observation wheel in the St George’s Car Park for a temporary period of three months be agreed in principle, subject to reaching agreement on the detail of any scheme, including security and practical issues, achieving planning approval and agreeing acceptable terms.

REASON:      To increase the visitor offer in the City and to enable the impact of the wheel to be assessed.

Members considered a report which advised them of the receipt of a proposal made by WTA Ltd. to site a Yorkshire Wheel in the St George’s Field car park for a temporary period of three months, to assess its usage and impact.

The Chair had agreed to deal with this item as Urgent Business, to enable the deadlines for the submission of a planning application to be met, should Members support the proposal.

On 20 January 2009, the Executive had rejected WTA’s proposal to site the Yorkshire Wheel in North Street Gardens.  WTA had since approached Officers with a new proposal to site the wheel in the north-east corner of St George’s Field car park for a three month period, with a target opening date of before Easter 2009.  It was anticipated that the wheel footprint would take out approximately 27 car parking spaces.  There was a use precedence for the site as a temporary fairground.

Advantages and disadvantages of the proposal were summarised in paragraphs 8 to 20 of the report.  By increasing visitor attractions, a wheel in this location could help boost the City’s economy and the temporary arrangement would enable such benefits to be assessed.  However, there were concerns about the risk of flooding on the site, the loss of at least 27 car parking spaces and potential problems resulting from an increase of pedestrian movements on the site.  Officers reported at the meeting the receipt of a letter from the management company representing the occupants of a residential development opposite St George’s Field, on the other side of the river, objecting to the proposal.

Having noted the comments of the Shadow Executive on this item, it was

RESOLVED: That the proposal to provide a site for an observation wheel in the St George’s Car Park for a temporary period of three months be agreed in principle, subject to reaching agreement on the detail of any scheme, including security and practical issues, achieving planning approval and agreeing acceptable terms. ¹

REASON:      To increase the visitor offer in the City and to enable the impact of the wheel to be assessed.

Note:               Cllrs Moore and Reid left the room during consideration of the above item, as indicated under Minute 197, and took no part in the debate or decisions thereon.