Agenda item

The Monitoring Officer submits a report informing the Overview Select Committee that the Executive Decision taken by the Deputy City Mayor Environment and Transport on 14 April 2021 relating to Connecting Leicester: Aylestone Road – Putney Road – Welford Road had been the subject of a five-Member call-in under the procedures at Rules 12 of Part 4D (City Mayor and Executive Procedure Rules) of the Council’s Constitution.

The Overview Select Committee is recommended to either:

a)    Note the report without further comment or recommendation; or

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

c)    Resolve that the call-in be withdrawn.

The Monitoring Officer submitted a report, which advised that an Executive decision taken by the Deputy City Mayor (Environment and Transport) on 14 April 2021 relating to Connecting Leicester: Aylestone Road – Putney Road – Welford Road 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.

Councillor Porter joined the meeting at 6.20pm.

The Chair invited the Deputy City Mayor (Environment and Transport) to open the item.  Cllr Clarke referred to the opportunity the call-in gave to explaining and supporting the positive aspects of the scheme, including expected confirmation of the minimal cost and disruption compared to the benefit to the environment and support to the manifesto commitment. 

Cllr Nangreave as Seconder of the call-in was invited to address the Committee.  Councillor Nangreave referred to the cost of the scheme which appeared excessive, commenting that the cycle lane proposed for Putney Road involved a steep incline, and doubt was raised as to its potential use and benefit.

The cost of the scheme relative to the length of pedestrian footway and cycleway involved was raised, with suggestions for an alternative use of the finance to fund other more appropriate and easier to use cycling schemes, and the increased availability of cycles, particularly to young people, being cited as a preferable alternative substitute project.  Question was also raised concerning the poor social value and ambitions of the appointed contractors.

The Chair then invited the Director of Planning, Development and Transportation and City Highways Director to comment on the call-in. 

A PowerPoint presentation was given, which provided information and comment on the following key aspects of the scheme:

• Details of the formal decision, and confirmation of the procedural issues since its call-in, in April 2021

• Explanation of the rationale for cycling/walking improvements:

o   Scheme Background – Evolution of cycling/walking scheme

o   Scheme Background – Early Contractor Involvement (ECI)

• Details of the cycling/walking scheme cost breakdown

• Details of the Leicester Walking and Cycling Infrastructure Plan (with detailed plans of infrastructure being displayed)

The Director of Planning, Development and Transportation concluded the presentation and commented on the process to allow the contractors to work concurrently on the scheme alongside other previously approved works, due to the efficiencies that would be realised through economies of scale.

The Chair reiterated previous comments made in considering the call-in and referred to the introduction of the item by the Deputy City Mayor, and to the issues raised by Councillor Nangreave as Seconder of the call-in, and to the content of the presentation made by the Director. 

Councillor Porter left the meeting at 6:35pm.

Comments of Committee members were requested.

The following points were raised and noted:

• The capital finance benefits to the Council of proceeding with the project at this juncture were acknowledged, although concern that the significant finance to deliver the scheme and the suggestions that the funds would be better used on alternative projects were noted.

• The need to ensure that adequate monitoring of the likely use of the cycle lane  and pedestrian footways against the cost was highlighted.  The added requirement to better explain the extent of consultation was also expressed, noting that liaison with Leicester City Football Club and other key partners located in the vicinity of the scheme had taken place.

• The links of the ambitions to the London Road and similarities in the approach and initial objections were noted.  The success of the London Road scheme since it’s inception and delivery were noted, having regard to the similar level of initial opposition to that scheme.

• The likely effect and disruption of the works were confirmed at approximately 13 months for completion of the entire scheme, with a shorter period for the initial roadworks and cycleways at 6-12 months being explained.

The Chair thanked all members for their contributions, and MOVED from the Chair that:

“The call-in be withdrawn, with there being no further action or need for consideration at Council on 17 June 2021, and the original decision takes immediate affect without amendment”.

The Motion was SECONDED by Councillor Westley.

On being put to the vote the Motion was Carried.

AGREED:

That the call-in be withdrawn, with there being no further action, or need for consideration at Council on 17 June 2021, and the original decision to take immediate affect without amendment.