Agenda and minutes

Councillors will elect a Chair for the meeting.

The Chair will introduce those present and make any necessary announcements.

The Chair and any other Councillors who are present will make any declarations as required by the Councillors’ Code of Conduct.

Councillor Clarke, elected as Chair, welcomed everyone and led introductions.

Councillor Clarke and Councillor Porter declared their interest concerning their involvement in agenda item 4 (Franklyn Fields Update) and item 5 (Sanvey Lane/ Marsden Lane update). Councillor Porter specified that his interest was as followed, he had:

·         Campaigned against the development of the Franklyn Fields site (prior to elections).

·         Presented a petition to the Council regarding Franklyn Fields.

·         Friends and supporters in relation to the site who were involved in the petition and also contributed time and funds towards Councillor Porter’s campaign.

Apologies were received from local resident Anne Hayto.

It was noted that Morris Homes were unable to attend this meeting, but however produced a statement and update in regards to the consultation/ survey which they carried out with residents in March 2016. The results and update is attached at the end of this action log.

The Action Log for the last meeting held on 26 May 2016 is attached for information and discussion.

The action log of the previous meeting was agreed.

Officers will give an update on developments with Franklyn Fields.

Grant Butterworth – Head of Planning and Martin Fletcher – Head of Highways were both present at the meeting to give an update on the Franklyn Fields site.

·         It was reported that Morris Homes would at some stage be submitting a formal planning application, however as this had not yet been received it was noted that Officers would not be able to provide firm details on the proposals until an application had been submitted.

·         The Planning department advised that residents’ concerns should be submitted following the formal submission of a planning application made by Morris Homes.

·         Grant noted that once the application was received, information such as letters would be delivered in the area as to what was being proposed in line with normal planning consultation requirements. Councillor Clarke confirmed that it would be heavily publicised to raise awareness of the application once it had been submitted.

Residents’ concerns:

·         A petition was submitted against the development of the site whereby residents stressed its value as green space. It was queried whether the petition would ‘hold weight’. Grant explained these issues could be considered in determining any planning application. Councillor Porter noted that he considered the site’s future should be determined through the adoption of the forthcoming local plan.

·         Impact on education provision from the development and no reference in the plans – Grant explained that the education department would be consulted once an application was submitted and education contributions would be explored.

·         Further concerns from residents included; the development of access from Marsden Lane would lead to increased queueing on Lutterworth Road. Martin noted that a traffic impact assessment would need to be carried out as part of the planning application process.

·         A resident noted that details of anticipated Section 106 contributions were not available on the website. Grant would re-circulate the information with this action log. Following the meeting this information was provided and can be found at the end of this action log.

·         Impact on air quality – Councillor Porter commented air pollution was 10% worse due to the bus lane. He added that housing near to Soar Valley Way would be exposed to bad air quality. He further requested that data / statistics be produced to look at the impact of increasing traffic and any possible mitigations such as trees. Grant noted that policy in respect of air quality was part of the Council’s Core Strategy and an air quality management plan had been produced. Air quality impacts would be considered as part of any planning application. Martin added that the Soar Valley Way / Glen Hills Way was a key area for monitoring air quality. Improvement measures would cost millions of pounds and it was not possible to make the developers cover all these costs. He further noted that as yet it was not clear whether houses would be built near to Soar Valley Way.

·         Martin Fletcher gave a presentation on the Morris Homes ‘Access Road consultation’. It was noted that the Highway Development Control Team  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.

An update will be provided on the issues regarding Sanvey Lane and Marsden Lane.

Ed Kocik – Team Leader for Traffic Operations presented the following information:

·         It was noted that since the last meeting, a detailed traffic survey had been carried out especially in the Aylestone Village area however, nothing further could be done until the Franklyn Fields site was finalised.

·         Enterprise car / van Hire Company at the corner of Marsden Lane would be holding a meeting later this month and local residents would be invited.

Following the finalisation of the Franklyn Fields development, the following proposals which could be options as part of a comprehensive scheme:

·         To install bollards along the road.

·         To introduce a one way system.

·         A resident suggested that double yellow lines were required at the top of that road. Ed noted that this could be possible but it was cheaper to put all works together to be considered at the same time.

·         Councillor Porter queried the cost of the works. Ed responded that it could cost between £2,500 and £4,000 which would also depend on objections.

·         Martin Fletcher from Highways noted that the inconsiderate/ illegal parking was a city wide issue. It was further noted that the Council had developed a parking improvement plan to address this issue with the use of more resources and enforcement officers. The consultation would end tomorrow and residents were advised to take a look and provide their opinions.

·         Councillor Clarke suggested that if residents still submit their views to Ward Councillors and they would encourage the Council to accept late submissions.

·         A resident had concerns regarding Church Street and requested a camera to be installed as drivers were still turning right. Martin reported that camera enforcement could not be used for such offences. Councillor Clarke noted that there had been some Police enforcement previously in that area and figures could potentially be obtained. He also noted that some intervention methods would be implemented in that area, however, the Franklyn Fields application was still being awaited.

Leicestershire Police will be at the meeting to provide an update on police issues in the Ward.

Sergeant Nathan Liddicott gave an update on the activities the Police had been involved in, within the ward since the last meeting.

·         In order to prevent burglaries and vehicle theft, residents were advised to not leave valuables in vehicles and to leave a light on and curtain closed when absent from home. Light switch timers were available from Police.

·         It was requested for residents to keep a look out for elderly neighbours who may become a victim of rogue traders.

·         For those residents who did not want trick or treat door knocking, it was noted that posters could be obtained from most Local Policing Units, Porkpie library or were available to download from the Leicestershire Police website.

·         Street drinking on Saffron Lane - Police were working with the shops to address the issue.

·         Parking concerns on Belvoir Drive – looking at ways to improve.

Residents’ concerns:

·         In response to residents’ concerns about speeding on Marsden Lane and Sanvey Lane, Police would look into some monitoring and enforcement.

The City Warden will give an update on environmental and enforcement activities in the Ward.

The City Warden was unable to attend the meeting but provided leaflets for distribution.

Councillors are reminded that under the Council’s Code of Conduct they should declare any interest they may have in budget applications.

An update will be given on the Ward Community Budget.

·         Anita Clarke - The Ward Community Engagement Officer (WCEO) informed the meeting that there had been four applications submitted and all of them had been supported.

14^th Nativity scout group requested funds for a group camp – grant of £500 was approved.

Spirit of Aylestone applied to hold a summer of sport – grant of £4,000 was approved.

Aylestone local action group requested funding for a community Christmas tree – grant of £1,605 was approved.

Friends of Aylestone Hall Gardens applied to fund first aid cover at their Queen’s birthday celebration event – grant of £100 was approved.

·         A resident discussed a potential application for funding towards a school. It was requested that the resident contact Anita Clarke - WCEO.

·         A resident raised concerns about a blocked gate/ area used for storing cars near Middleton Street under the railway bridge onto Braunstone Lane. Councillor Clarke reported that planning enforcement action was in the process and owners would have until January to remove the vehicles.

·         It was queried as to why the popular bus stop on Wigston Lane had been moved to the top of the hill. Councillor Porter responded that this was to make it more accessible for people with mobility issues.

·         It was noted that the cricket club would be testing their flood lights on 4th October between 9am-3pm.

The Chair declared the meeting closed at 8.20pm.