Economy and Place Policy Development Committee

18 September 2018

 

Report of the Assistant Director Transport, Highways and Environment

 

Street Lighting Policy Cover Report

Summary

1.        This report informs the Economy and Place Policy Development Committee of proposed changes to the Street Lighting Policy following an officer review.

2.        This issue was referred to Scrutiny by the Executive Member for Transport and Planning at a Decision Session in July 2018 with this Committee invited to comment on the updated policy prior to it going back to the Executive Member for approval.

3.        Also in July 2018 this Committee agreed to add the Street Lighting Policy to its work plan to be considered at this meeting.

        Background

4.        The officer review of the Street Lighting Policy identified a number of areas where the policy can be strengthened. A copy of the new document is attached at Annex A.

5.        The previous policy did not differentiate between the historic core conservation area and other conservation areas.  The redrafted policy clarifies that the Council will be flexible with light levels and equipment within the historic core.  Outside the historic core the aim is for standardised light levels and column heights with new columns on the back of the footway.  Within conservation areas embellishment kits will be installed if that improves the match with adjacent lights.

6.        The practice of placing columns to the back of the footway has highlighted issues where this creates a conflict with street trees.  The policy has been changed to reflect that when lamp columns are replaced they will be put at the back of the footway, but this will not be done if there is a public or private tree that will place the lamp head in the crown of the tree. In these instances the column will be sited at the front of the footway.

7.        The review also identified that the Street Lighting Policy and the Councils Streetscape Strategy and Guidance are not complimentary.  The Streetscape Strategy and Guidance document is a useful guide for officers in respecting and maintaining the character and quality of the City.  However, it can only be guidance given that it is unbudgeted and in some regards cuts cross our legal obligations in respect of procurement.  For this reason confirmation is sought that it should be treated as advisory guidance only for officers.  A review and refresh is proposed of the document.

Analysis

8.        The key changes in the updated policy are:

                          ·            To strengthen the policy about sensitive areas in the city and differentiate between the historic core and conservation areas;

                          ·            To improve the policy with regards to managing risk between trees and lamp columns.

9.        The review highlighted that the Street Lighting Policy and the Streetscape Strategy and Guidance do not give consistent advice and therefore the Streetscape Strategy and Guidance needs to be confirmed as guidance.

Council Plan

10.    This report is linked to the A Council That Listens to Residents priority in the Council Plan in that the review was originally initiated by local residents to ensure a proportionate and consistent approach to the management of street lighting across the city

Implications

11.    There are no Financial, HR, Equalities, Legal, Crime and Disorder, IT, Property or other implications arising from the recommendations in this report.



Risk Management

 

12.    There are no risks associated with the recommendations in this report.

Recommendations

13.    The Committee is asked to consider and comment on the proposed update of the Street Lighting Policy before it goes back to the Executive Member for approval.
 

Reason: So this Committee plays an active role in policy development proposals for the city.

Contact Details

Author:

Steve Entwistle

Scrutiny Officer

Tel: 01904 554279

steven.entwistle@york.gov.uk

Chief Officer Responsible for the report:

James Gilchrist

Assistant Director Transport, Highways and Environment

 

 

Report Approved

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Date

7/09/2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Specialist Implications Officer

Bill Manby

Head of Highways and Fleet                                                                                                                  

Tel No. 01904 553233                                                     

 

 

Wards Affected: 

All

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For further information please contact the author of the report

 

 

Annexes

 

Annex A – City of York Council Street Lighting Policy