Agenda and draft minutes

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Venue: Committee Rooms 2 and 3, Town Hall, Burnley

Contact: Mike Neville  Tel: 01772 533431, Email:  mike.neville@lancashire.gov.uk

Items
No. Item

1.

Apologies

Minutes:

Apologies for absence were presented on behalf of Mick Cartledge, Burnley Borough Council, Councillor J Fifield, Burnley Borough Council, Councillor G Frayling, Burnley Borough Council, Parish Councillor Ms G Smith.

 

The Forum heard from Mr Marsh, grandfather of a young girl killed in accident on Canal Bridge at Hapton.

 

It was confirmed that some work had already been undertaken, and that the County Council had committed, in a letter to the family, to explore options for the long term safety of the road.

 

It was recognised that little further action could be taken until the conclusion of the ongoing inquest and any other legal proceedings, and that the outcome of these would clearly need to be considered when deciding on any future work.

2.

Note of the last meeting pdf icon PDF 101 KB

Minutes:

The notes of the last meeting were agreed as a correct record

3.

Action Sheet update from the Last Meeting pdf icon PDF 254 KB

Minutes:

The committee noted the Action sheet from the last meeting.

 

Some concerns were raised that roadworks around Trafalgar Street were causing issues with standing water. This would be reported back to the County Council for investigation.

 

Some further concerns were raised in relation to work being undertaken by British Gas. Again, this would be reported back to the County Council to investigate.

 

The forum requested that the pelican crossing at the Manchester Rd be planned so it doesn’t impact on neighbouring roads. Issues relating to the options for keep clear signs or box junctions at the roundabout were discussed.

4.

2014/15 Quarter 2 Environment Directorate Performance Dashboard pdf icon PDF 478 KB

Minutes:

The Forum considered the latest "dashboard" performance report. A number of issues were highlighted:

 

Changes to the reporting system for pot holes had impacted on performance, but this had largely been rectified, and 89% were now filled within target.

 

In relation to the work on Centenary way, it was felt that there needed to be better communication to the public about the length and complexity of the work, including positioning the information boards in a more convenient place.

 

Concerns were expressed that there had been changes to the timing of the traffic lights at The Mitre. It was confirmed that this would be looked into.

 

It was agreed to note the report

5.

2015/16 Capital Programme Update pdf icon PDF 671 KB

Minutes:

The Forum noted the report presented.

 

It was suggested that householders be given the option to contribute a small cost to retain a flag rather than a cheaper replacement of tarmac. Attention was drawn to the Action Sheet, which dealt with this issue.

 

The speed humps on Wellfield Drive were discussed. Further information was sought from the County council about the type and size of speed humps used in different areas.

 

The forum queried what happened to flagstone removed when work was undertaken. It was advised that if they are pre cast concrete they have no resale value, but stone flags were stored and re-used. Further information on how concrete flags were disposed of was requested.

6.

Report on Plane Tree and The Mitre public houses pdf icon PDF 172 KB

Minutes:

Tom Forshaw, Burnley Borough Council, presented this item.

 

It was confirmed that both buildings were Listed, which represented a significant difficulty in addressing the problems. The Borough Council has considered a number of options, including demolition, changes of use and improvement notices, although the latter could require the council to pay if the owner doesn't comply. Discussions were ongoing with the current owners to achieve a positive outcome.

 

The forum queried whether some action could be taken to cover up the building – perhaps with a mural – as a short term measure. In addition, specific details of the listing were requested, as it was believed that The Plane Tree Listing may only relate to the façade.

 

It was felt that, if demolition were to be considered as the long term option, consideration be given to the siting of a plaque to acknowledge the baby that was found there.

 

It was agreed that Burney Borough Council officers would hold a further discussion with the owners of the Plane Tree and report back to the next available forum.

7.

"A" Board Removal and Notices pdf icon PDF 8 KB

Minutes:

The Forum was presented with a report on A Boards. A number of issues were highlighted, and councillors were shown a number of photos taken from around the borough. It was confirmed that powers did exist to remove A Boards if they are causing an obstruction, and that the photos presented would be taken back to the County for further consideration and action where appropriate.

 

It was generally agreed that A Boards can have a detrimental effect on the appearance of an area if they are allowed to proliferate. However, this needed to be handled sensitively to ensure that business owners understood the rules and recognised where there could be a problem.

 

It was agreed that a joint approach between Burnley BC and Lancashire CC was needed, and that this suggestion would be given further consideration.

8.

Themes for future meetings

Any suggestions for themes to be discussed at future meetings should be forwarded to the Chair and Harry Ballantyne, Localities Officer, Environment Directorate: Strategy and Policy, Mobile 07717 423903 or by email to harry.ballantyne@lancashire.gov.uk

 

Minutes:

The Forum was asked for suggestions for inclusion in future agendas. Members considered ways to improve public engagement with the Forum, such as using different venues around the borough and advertising in the local press.

9.

Urgent Business

An item of urgent business may only be considered under this heading where, by reason of special circumstances to be recorded in the minutes, the Chair of the meeting is of the opinion that the item should be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency

Minutes:

None notified

10.

Date of Next Meeting

To be agreed

Minutes:

It was agreed that Monday 15 June would be the next meeting at 6.30pm.