Agenda item

To consider the decisions made by Cabinet at their meeting held on 1 July 2014 in relation to the above item, which has been called in by CouncillorsWatson, Warters and Wisemanin accordance with the Council’s Constitution.  A cover report is attached setting out the reasons for the call-in and the remit and powers of the Corporate and Scrutiny Management Committee (Calling-In) in relation to the call-in, together with the original report and the decisions of the Cabinet.

Members received a report which asked them to consider the decisions made by the Cabinet on Tuesday 1 July 2014, in relation to the implementation of the Theatre Interchange project, as the first phase of a rolling programme of linked public realm improvement works at Exhibition Square. 

Details of the Cabinet’s decision were attached at Annex A to the report, with the original report to the Cabinet attached at Annex B. The decision had been called in by CouncillorsWatson, Warters and Wisemanon the following grounds:

·        “The proposed funding is a waste of money on a scheme that is not compliant with the aims of Reinvigorating York.

·        Concerns regarding the bus facilities included in the scheme.”

Members were asked whether to confirm the decision (Option a) or to refer it back to Cabinet for re-consideration (Option b) as set out in the report.

Councillor Watson addressed the meeting as one of the Calling-In members, expanding on the reasons given for the call in, in particular that the refurbishment of the area did not appear to provide value for money or result in little gain for the public. He raised concerns regarding the removal of a tour bus stop and the natural shelter for bus users at the Theatre Royal. He also expressed concern that the reinvigorate schemes appeared to do little to improve the attractiveness of the city centre and that the investment would be better used in the Parliament Street area.

Councillor Warters also addressed the meeting as a Calling-In member, expressing his support for the earlier speaker’s comments and the need for further scrutiny of this scheme. He reiterated his opposition to the proposals and questioned, if approved, would refurbishment schemes outside the city be undertaken using similar design and cost principles.

Councillor Wiseman as the final Calling-In member, raised issues regarding the siting of the bus shelters. She also highlighted the removal of a number of bus services wait time at Exhibition Square which would be transferred to Memorial Gardens and to the impact this would have on elderly and infirm passengers.

The Cabinet Member for Transport responded, by expressing his concern at the reasons provided for the call in of this decision. He highlighted the extensive consultation undertaken both with the bus companies and the public and to the proposed mitigation strategies. He acknowledged difficulties the area posed however the proposals were designed to improve the quality of the space.  Discussions would, he confirmed, continue with the bus companies and the Theatre Royal although he pointed out that the area in front of the Theatre, presently used as a shelter, was outside the control of the Council. 

In answer to Members questions the Cabinet Member confirmed that details of attendance at the drop in sessions were available in the supplementary documents attached to the agenda item. Confirmation that the Equality Advisory Group had been consulted on the proposals and that the road safety team had been satisfied with the changes to cycle lanes in Exhibition Square. 

Members confirmed the difficulties in the area with the space available however the scheme would provide improved facilities for the public. Other Members expressed sympathy with the call in Members regarding value for money and following further discussion Cllr Potter moved and Cllr Horton seconded, and it was

Resolved:                     That Option (a) identified in the report be approved and that the decision of the Cabinet be confirmed.

Reason:                        In accordance with the requirements of the Council’s Constitution