Agenda and minutes

To receive any declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests and other relevant personal interests in any matters to be considered at the meeting.

There were no declarations of interests were made during this meeting.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 24^th September 2019.

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting of the Strategic Planning and Transportation Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on Tuesday 24^th September 2019 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

ORDER OF AGENDA

At the suggestion of the Chairman, the Committee agreed to deal with the following items in the revised order:

·  Item 16. West Putney (Paper No. 20-059) 

·  Item 6. Petition Response: Battersea Church Road (Paper No. 20-056) 

·  Item 7. Petition Response: Twilley Street Furmage Street Cycle Flow (Paper No. 20-049) 

·  Item 10. Garratt Lane Corridor Study (Paper No. 20-050) 

·  Item 3. Qtr 3 Topline Performance Report (Paper No. 20-048)

·  Item 8. Fees and Charges Annual Report (Paper No. 20-054) 

·  Item 9. Design Review and Heritage Issues (Paper No. 20-055) 

·  Item 11. Queenstown Road Corridor Study (Paper No. 20-051) 

·  Item 12. Thessaly Road Area (Paper No. 20-052) 

·  Item 13. Battersea Park Road/Nine Elms Corridor Scheme (Paper No. 20-053) 

·  Item 14. Car Club Update (Paper No. 20-057) 

·  Item 15. Battersea Park Station (Paper No. 20-058)

·  Item 17. Wandsworth Bridge Refurbishment (Paper No. 20-062) 

·  Item 18. Wandsworth Highway Maintenance Programme 2020/21 (Paper No. 20-089)

·  Item 19. Fernside Road Bikehangar (Paper No. 20-088)

·  Item 4. Petition Response: Fishponds Road (Paper No. 20-061)

·  Item 5. Petition Response: Keswick Road (Paper No. 20-060)

The Committee agreed to accept two items of urgent business previously circulated:

Fernside Road Bikehangar (Paper No 20-088) and Wandsworth Highway Maintenance 2020/21. 

A deputation request was received from Wandsworth Cycling Campaign (WCC) in connection with the following reports:-

Petition Response: Keswick Road (item 5, Paper No. 20-060)

Petition Response: Battersea Church Road (item 6, Paper No. 20-056)

Petition Response: Twilley Street, Furmage Street Cycle Flow (item 7, Paper No. 20-049)

Garratt Lane Corridor Study (item 10, Paper No 20-050)

Queenstown Road Corridor Study (item 11, Paper No 20-051)

Thessaly Road Area (item 12, Paper No. 20-052)

Battersea Park Road/Nine Elms Corridor Scheme (item 13, Paper No. 20-053)

West Putney (item 16, Paper No, 20-059)

Fernside Road Bikehangar (item 19, Paper No. 20-088).

The WCC were generally in support of the report recommendations and where there were additional concerns these were addressed as the committee considered each item individually on the agenda.

A deputation request was received from the Dover House Estate Residents Association (DHERA) in connection with item 16. West Putney (Paper No. 20-059) are concerned about the proposed traffic scheme.

Report by the Director of Environment and Community Services (Attached).

Mr Berry presented a deputation on behalf of the Dover House Estate Residents Association (DHERA).

The Committee considered the deputation from DHERA, the group were largely in agreement with the recommendations contained within the report, however it was felt that the response rates following the council’s period of consultation had not been as successful as it could have been.  DHERA stated that they would like to collaborate with the council to support future consultations in a bid to increase responses.

DHERA had also identified that a small rat run had been created by the scheme located on Dover Court Drive and that the signage had been confusing.

The Committee thanked Mr Berry for his submission and that the offer to assist with future consultations had been a very useful suggestion.

 The Committee then considered Paper No. 20.059.

The report detailed two separate petitions relating to traffic concerns on Dover House Road. One from the Dover House Estate Residents Association (DHERA) in October 2017 and one from the Westmead Conservation Area in November 2017.

The petitions generated an investigation as set out in Paper No. 18-187, lead to a trial of restricted movements into Longwood Drive, Dover House Road and Dover Park Drive from Roehampton High Street / Putney Heath was proposed for an external consultation to undertake an area wide traffic management investigation in the West Putney Ward.

The Committee agreed that high levels of traffic were a contributing factor and queried if this had been as a consequence of the closure of the Hammersmith Bridge.

RESOLVED:

That the Executive be informed that the Committee supports the recommendations in paragraph 3 of Paper No. 20-059 with the following amendment.

The Cabinet Member agreed to amend section (c), to “Authorise the Assistant Director (Traffic & Engineering) in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Transportation and the Opposition Speaker to amend the area and sign off marking the Traffic Management Order subject to satisfactory demonstration of benefits and resolution of any issues raised.”

Report by the Director of Environment and Community Services (Attached).

The Committee received representation from Ward Councillor Morgan on behalf of local residents in relation to the excessive speeds of vehicles that over the years had resulted in accidents.

The Committee then considered Paper No. 20-056.

The Committee discussed options to reduce excessive speeds which included removing the yellow box at one end of the road, which officers reported would not significantly change the traffic flow. The Committee were also in agreement that “do nothing” would not be a viable option moving forward.

When officers were in a position to conduct public consultation, Ward Councillors suggested giving their support in a bid to increase response levels.

RESOLVED:

That the Executive be informed that the Committee supports the recommendations in paragraph 3 of Paper No. 20-056.

The Cabinet Member agreed to amend section (c) to, “Authorise the Assistant Director of Traffic & Engineering in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Transportation and Opposition Speaker, to further develop design options based on the consultation feedback, engage with TfL and report back to Committee at a later date.”

Report by the Director of Environment and Community Services (Attached).

Councillor Mrs. A Graham, supported by local resident Mr Yeomason, made representation to the Committee on behalf of local residents. Concern was raised in regard to the traffic system in place as it had been regarded as not safe. It was suggested that the road should be recategorised as a low car zone.

Councillor Rigby, supported by local resident Ms Lines made representation to the Committee and raised continued concern in regard to speeding vehicles and the potential risks to cyclists.

The Committee then considered Paper No. 20-049.

Paper No. 13-532 sets out proposals to introduce measures throughout the Borough to improve permeability for cyclists and Furmage Street / Twilley Street was one of the desirable routes identified for a contraflow cycle scheme.  The Council reviewed all its one-way streets to identify which ones could safely be made two-way for cycling. When making two-way roads one-way or banning turns, it is also now normal to seek to exclude cyclists from such measures. 

A cycle contraflow trial in Twilley Street and Furmage Street was first introduced in July 2018 under an experimental Traffic Management Order (TMO).  The scheme was temporarily suspended due to some concerns over the initial design, incorrect road markings being laid by the contractor and a lack of segregation for cyclists at entry and exit points.  The trial was reintroduced in July 2019 and views were sought from residents and road users. 

The Committee were in agreement that Twilley Street and Furmage Street located to the West of Garratt Lane should be included in the Garratt Lane Corridor Scheme and that the TMO remain in place with additional safety measures considered.

RESOLVED:

That the Executive be informed that the Committee supports the recommendations AS AMENDED in paragraph 3 Paper No. 20-049.

The Cabinet Member agreed to amend section (c) to “Authorise the Assistant Director of Traffic & Engineering in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Transportation and Opposition Speaker to undertake further investigation to look at the possibility of reducing traffic volume in Twilley Street between Furmage Street and Kimber Road to support cycling and to review road safety at the junction of Kimber Road / Garratt Lane / Swaffield Road with TfL.”

including additional recommendations (e) to (f) as given below:

(e) Authorise the Assistant Director of Traffic & Engineering in consultation with the Cabinet Member and Opposition Speaker to include the West of Garratt Lane as part of a proposed Lower Traffic Neighbourhood concept scheme for consultation.

(f) Authorise the Assistant Director of Traffic & Engineering in consultation with the Cabinet Member and Opposition Speaker to provide options for more immediate traffic management measures to aid the reduction of traffic flow.

Report by the Director of Environment and Community Services (Attached).

A deputation was received from the parents of the Floreat Primary School seeking a crossing outside the school as part of the Garratt Lane Corridor Scheme.  Following pre-meeting consultation with the Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Transportation, this was subsequently withdrawn.  The Cabinet Member agreed ahead of the meeting that a crossing near the Floreat School would be included in the Garratt Lane Corridor scheme, subject to it being able to be safely provided and justified.

The Committee had agreed to include the west of Garratt Lane as a potential low traffic neighbourhood in response to Paper No. 20-049, Twilley Street and Furmage Street and amended the recommendations contained within that report as follows:

(e) Authorise the Assistant Director of Traffic & Engineering in consultation with the Cabinet Member and Opposition Speaker to include the West of Garratt Lane as part of a proposed Lower Traffic Neighbourhood concept scheme for consultation.

(f) Authorise the Assistant Director of Traffic & Engineering in consultation with the Cabinet Member and Opposition Speaker to provide options for more immediate traffic management measures to aid the reduction of traffic flow.

The Committee considered Paper No. 20-050.

RESOLVED:

That the Executive be informed that the Committee supports the recommendations in paragraph 3 of Paper No. 20.050.

Report by the Chief Executive (Attached).

The report was considered for information.

Report by the Director of Resources and the Director of Environment and Community Services (Attached).

This report reviews the current level of charges for services as set out in the attached Appendices. The Council’s charging policy is to maximise charges for specific services so as to minimise any indirect subsidy from the council tax-payer, seeking wherever possible to recover the cost of service provision as a minimum. However, this policy may be relaxed where there is economic, contractual, policy or statutory reasons for charging a reduced rate. Comparisons are undertaken with other similar facilities and neighbouring authorities that are considered to offer value for money.

RESOLVED: 

That the Executive be informed that the Committee supports the recommendations in paragraph 3 of Paper No. 20-054.

Report by the Director of Environment and Community Services (Attached).

This report sets out a review of the design review process in Wandsworth since its inauguration in 2012 and recommends a revision to the threshold that triggers the requirement for a scheme to be submitted for design review.

It also covers the response to the consultation carried out in August 2019 into the proposal to add Southfields Station and a K6 telephone kiosk in Roehampton High Street.

This report also sets out an update on Heritage at Risk and on a recent addition to the Statutory List of buildings of architectural or historic interest.

RESOLVED:

That the Executive be informed that the Committee supports the recommendations in paragraph 3 of Paper No. 20.055.

Report by the Director of Environment and Community Services (Attached).

The Committee heard from officers the outcome of the Queenstown Road corridor study and the vision for the scheme which would ultimately result in improvements for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users, in line with the headline LIP target for 80% of trips to be made by walking, cycling and public transport by 2041.

RESOLVED:

That the Executive be informed that the Committee supports the recommendations in paragraph 3 of Paper No. 20-051.

Report by the Director of Environment and Community Services (Attached).

The Committee heard from officers that parking demands in the Thessaly Road area had increased significantly, in part, as a consequence of, construction activity associated with the regeneration of Nine Elms and the surrounding areas.  It was predicted to further increase with the arrival in 2021 of the new Northern Line extension stations at Battersea Power station and to the north Nine Elms station to the east.

Parking difficulties had been a continued concern raised by residents and businesses with residents requesting the installation of controlled parking zones.

RESOLVED:

That the Executive be informed that the Committee supports the recommendations in paragraph 3 of Paper No. 20.052.

Report by the Director of Environment and Community Services (Attached).

The Committee were encouraged to hear that the corridor scheme and the project aims which included the delivery of a clear and consistent corridor approach through a high quality streetscape and urban realm which uses consistent materials; the improvements of cycling conditions for existing cyclists and to maximise cycling in the future.  In addition, the scheme would deliver on the improvement of conditions for pedestrians by providing a streetscape which better carers for the planned land uses.

Officers were praised for good project management that included a high level of monitoring.

RESOLVED:

That the Executive be informed that the Committee supports the recommendations in paragraph 3 of Paper No. 20.053.

Report by the Director of Environment and Community Services (Attached).

In response to the Council’s Car Club Strategy (Paper No. 11-113 to the Strategic Planning and Transportation Overview and Scrutiny Committee) and subsequently the Car Club Strategy for London, endorsed by London Councils. The Car Club provides users with access to a care without having to own a vehicle. Car clubs can reduce overall car use and thereby contributes to the lower levels of local pollution, traffic congestion and the reduction in parking pressure.  The Committee considered availability of parking spaces for car club cars with officers confirming that delivery of car club spaces and illegal occupation of them had not been an issue.

The Committee heard that all cars were transition to electric which was in line with the WESS.

RESOLVED:

That the Executive be informed that the Committee supports the recommendations in paragraph 3 of Paper No. 20.057.

Report by the Director of Environment and Community Services (Attached).

Battersea Park Station had been identified as a station that would be expected to have significant additional passengers from the new residential and commercial development expected in the Opportunity Area, as well as potential interchange with the Northern Line Extension. A sum of money (£13 million) was allocated to the station for improvements. Further funding had become available form the St William Gas Holder development on Prince of Wales Drive. Section 106 planning agreement provides £4 million, primarily for an improved walkway alongside the station to link Battersea Park Road with Prince of Wales Drive.  The Department for Transport (DfT) had also confirmed that Access for All funding had been allocated to the station in Control Period 6 (2019-2024).  The actual amount allocated had not yet been identified but is expected to be in the region of £3 to £4 million.

Consideration was given by the Committee to the current funding shortfall; officers confirmed that the Council’s contribution would be capped and that the government \Network Rail had agreed to fund the remainder. 

RESOLVED:

That the Executive be informed that the Committee supports the recommendations in paragraph 3 of Paper No. 20.058.

Report by the Director of Environment and Community Services (Attached).

The report was considered for information.

Officers reported to the Committee the urgency of the highway maintenance programme. If highways are allowed to reach their ‘end of life’ the repairs are usually very expensive and consequently only a few roads can be tackled from a fixed budget.  This can lead to a situation where, due to the lack of timely repair to other highways, the overall network deteriorates.  This in turn results in a higher number of urgent/reactive repairs being required which is not cost effective and does not provide a long-term solution.

Historically road surfacing materials included tar, which has been reclassified as hazardous waste. Therefore, a further consideration to the budget is the safe removal and disposal of tar from existing road surfaces. The Council is working with contractors to determine alternative methods for dealing with tar contaminated roads and options will be considered and trialled over the next year as appropriate.

RESOLVED:

That the Executive be informed that the Committee supports the recommendations in paragraph 3 of Paper No. 20.089.

Report by the Director of Environment and Community Services (Attached).

Following discussions it was,

RESOLVED:

That the Executive be informed that the Committee supports the recommendations in paragraph 3 of Paper No. 20-061 with the following amendment.

The Cabinet Member agreed to amend section (c), to “Authorise the Assistant Director (Traffic & Engineering) in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Transportation and the Opposition Speaker to amend the area and sign off marking the Traffic Management Order subject to satisfactory demonstration of benefits and resolution of any issues raised.”

Report by the Director of Environment and Community Services (Attached).

Following the Committee’s discussion, it was

RESOLVED:

That the Executive be informed that the Committee supports the recommendations in paragraph 3 of Paper No. 20-060 with the following amendment.

The Cabinet Member agreed to amend section (c), to “Authorise the Assistant Director (Traffic & Engineering) in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Transportation and the Opposition Speaker to amend the area and sign off marking the Traffic Management Order subject to satisfactory demonstration of benefits and resolution of any issues raised.”

Following the Committee’s discussion, it was,

RESOLVED:

That the Executive be informed that the Committee supports the recommendations in paragraph 3 Paper No. 20-088).