Agenda item

The Monitoring Officer submits a report, informing the Commission that the Executive decision taken by the City Mayor on 5 October 2018 relating to the Putney Road Project has been the subject of a five-member call-in under the procedures at Rule 12 of Part 4D, (City Mayor and Executive Procedure Rules), of the Council’s Constitution.

The Monitoring Officer submitted a report which detailed the Executive decision taken by the City Mayor on 5 October 2018 relating to the Putney Road Project. 

It was reported that the decision had been the subject of a five-member call-in under the procedures at Rule 12 of Part 4D, (City Mayor and Executive Procedure Rules), of the Council’s Constitution.

The report confirmed that the options for the Commission were to:

·         Note the report without further comment or recommendation.

·         Comment on the specific issues raised by the call-in; or

·         Resolve that the call-in be withdrawn

The Chair referred to previous discussion on the scheme by the Commission making particular reference to the consideration on 12 July 2018 where the proposals had been endorsed.  A Minute extract from that meeting was appended to the report. 

Councillor Kitterick, as proposer of the call-in, was invited to address the Commission.

Councillor Kitterick referred to the motivation leading to the call-in and to the statement made at the previous item from the ‘Putney Road Say No’ campaign.  He reiterated his frustration that members of the public had not been allowed to answer questions from the Commission to support their opinions.  He made particular reference to the unanswered questions concerning rat-running in Clarendon Park and commented that the call-in offered the opportunity to clarify those issues.

He expressed concern that, as pointed out in the statement made earlier by the members of the public, it appeared that documentation had been altered.  The technical advice for the changes in consultation materials had been received and noted.

In discussing the expected changes in behaviour of drivers and suggested alternative routes, it was accepted that certain routes could be identified, but that this was a subjective issue that could not be defined at this stage.

Councillor Porter commented on the amendments to the consultation documents and asked the City Mayor to respond.

In response, the City Mayor referred to his previous comments regarding technical information received from Officers and stated that there was absolutely no intention or attempt to mislead the public.

In terms of the traffic movements and the study undertaken as part of the modelling exercise, concern was expressed at the figures.  It was suggested that discrepancies were evident at the vehicle numbers identified.

In response, the City Mayor indicated that clarification of the technical data within any report could be sought from Officers prior to meetings.

In response to a further question, the City Mayor confirmed that there were no proposals to either widen Victoria park Road or alter the Mayfield Road roundabout following any introduction of the Putney Road Scheme.  He also confirmed that any relevant data could be provided to Commission members on request.

The Chair commented on the previous discussion on the scheme at the Commission’s meeting held on 12 July 2018 and asked that a proposal be made in accordance with the options outlined in the report.

Councillor Kitterick MOVED and Councillor Porter SECONDED:

“That the Putney Road scheme be withdrawn, and alternative options be considered”

On being put to the vote, the motion fell.

Councillor Patel referred to previous discussion on the scheme at this Commission and at Full Council with debate on a petition.

Councillor Patel MOVED and Councillor Sandhu SECONDED:

“That the call-in be withdrawn by resolution of this Commission”

On being put to the vote, the Motion was carried.

AGREED:

That the call-in of the Putney Road scheme be withdrawn.

Councillor Kitterick and the City Mayor left the meeting following this item.