Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillor John Getgood and Councillor Peter Fookes attended as his alternate.

Councillor Sarah Phillips declared that she was a governor of Bromley Adult Education College.

Councillor Reg Adams declared that he was a Member of the Executive Committee of Bromley Arts Council.

In relation to Item 6f: Bromley North Village – Public Realm Improvements Design for Consultation; Councillor Julian Benington declare,d that he knew the Principal of Landgroup and would not speak on the item.

Councillor Payne declared an interest in item 6e: Orpington Town Centre Bids as he was a Member of the British Bids Board and a Member of the Association of Town Centre Managers.

Councillors Michael Tickner, Reg Adams, Pauline Tunnicliffe, Julian Benington, Sarah Phillips and Ian Payne declared that they had attended a presentation by Citygate Church for the Best of Beckenham Awards Bid.

To hear questions to the Committee received in writing by the Democratic Services Team by 5pm on Wednesday 5^th October 2011 and to respond.

No questions were received.

No questions were received.

Councillor Michael Tickner noted that the names of the Members present at the last meeting were not in alphabetical order and asked that this be rectified in the future.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 5^th July 2011 be approved.

Report RES11076

The Committee considered progress on matters arising from the previous meetings.

In relation to Minute 78: Matters Arising from Previous Minutes and Updates, the Committee noted that a report regarding the variable messaging system for Bromley Town Centre would be considered at the December 2011 meeting.

In relation to Minute 81a: Libraries – Shared Services, the Director of Renewal and Recreation asked Members to note and endorse the joint decision with Bexley to bring forward the implementation date for the shared service to 1^st January 2012.  The revised start date was noted and welcomed by Members of the Committee.

A Member reported that he had heard that 5 Bromley staff would be made redundant under the shared services proposal whilst 2 Bexley staff would be made redundant.  The Member had also heard that there was a possibility of Bexley taking over libraries in Croydon.  The Director of Renewal and Recreation reported that he had not been aware of this and would look into the matter further.

In relation to Minute 89:Development of the Renewal and Recreation PDS Committee Work Programme 2011-2012, the Director of Renewal and Recreation reported that a briefing note regarding feedback from the upcoming royal visit would be issued to all Members after 8^th November 2011.

RESOLVED that the report be noted.

The Renewal and Recreation Portfolio Holder to present scheduled reports for pre-decision scrutiny on matters where he is minded to make decisions.

Report RR11/097

The Portfolio Holder introduced a report outlining the latest budget monitoring position for 2011/2012 for the Renewal and Recreation Portfolio based on expenditure and activity levels up to 31^st August 2011.  This showed a balanced budget.  The Head of Finance reported that there continued to be a number of cost pressures but that these had been controlled through management action.

Noting the reduction in income from major planning applications, a Member questioned whether a reduction staff could be made within the Planning Department in order to reflect the reduction in planning applications.  The Director of Renewal and Recreation reported that whilst there had been a reduction in income from major planning applications, the volume of planning applications remained unaltered as the Local Authority continued to receive the same number of more minor applications.  This meant that the Department needed to maintain staffing levels to meet demand.

A Member questioned whether the Department had experienced any loss in income from pursuing enforcement action.  The Director of Renewal and Recreation reported that where possible the Local Authority always sought to recover costs.  The Chairman reported that new a enforcement proposal had been considered at the Environment PDS Committee  on 4^th October.  This enforcement action allowed Fixed Penalty Notices to be issued which was less bureaucratic than the current systems in use.

RESOLVED that the Portfolio Holder be recommended to endorse the latest 2011/2012 budget projection for the Renewal and Recreation Portfolio.

Report RES11100

On 20th July 2011, the Executive received the 1st quarterly capital monitoring report for 2011/12 and agreed a revised Capital Programme for the four year period 2011/12 to 2014/15. The Portfolio Holder introduced a report highlighting the changes agreed by the Executive in respect of the Capital Programme for the Renewal and Recreation (R&R) Portfolio. The report also outlined any detailed issues relating to the 2010/11 Capital Programme outturn, which had been reported in summary form to the June meeting of the Executive.

RESOLVED that the Portfolio Holder be recommended to note the changes agreed by the Executive in July and agree that the following post-completion reports be received later in the year:

Walnuts Leisure Centre Roof

Biggin hill Leisure Centre.

Report DRR11/091

The Committee considered a report examining different options for the future governance of Crystal Palace park and recommending that management of the park in the form of a ‘not-for-profit’ organisation be further investigated. The report also suggested pursuing discussions with established and experienced organisations such as the National Trust, English Heritage and other industry sectors with a history and reputation for managing green spaces.

Recognising the complexities of the park’s history, the diverse range of parties with an interest in the future of the park and the scale of resources likely to be required to implement (in all or in part) the Master Plan, the report recommended the creation of the Crystal Palace Park Management Board This Board would be established to explore opportunities for the management, restoration, development and protection of Crystal Palace Park; recognising the site’s multi-faceted historical significance and creating an environment valued and admired by local people and visitors alike.

The Director of Renewal and Recreation introduced the report and provided the Committee with the background to the proposals and an outline of the proposals.  An evaluation of each of the options considered had been outlined within the report.  The Committee heard that extensive consultation had been undertaken in and around Crystal Palace.  The focus of work would now be on obtaining decisions surrounding governance and how to progress the project.  The Director of Renewal and Recreation emphasised that the proposed Crystal Palace Park Management Board would effectively act as an advisor to the Council’s Executive.

The Committee welcomed the approach that had been adopted by Officers and congratulated the Department on the thorough and well researched report that had been presented.  A Member questioned whether the Corporation of London had been considered to provide Generic Regional Borough Governance.  The Employment and Skills Manager reported that the remit of the Executive Board would be to explore all options.  The possibility of work with the Corporation of London could be explored as part of this.  Whilst acknowledging that it would require an amendment of an Act of Parliament, Members suggested that options including varying the Lea Valley Act to permit Crystal Palace Park to receive part of the Lea Valley precept should also be explored.

A Member sought clarification surrounding the Wandle Valley Initiative, and in response the Director of Renewal and Recreation reported that LB Croydon were exploring options for regional park status.  This would require Croydon to secure similar funding to that being pursued by Bromley for Crystal Palace Park and would increase the competition for the funding available.

The Committee considered the Community Organisations that would be represented on the Executive Board.  The Director of Renewal and Recreation highlighted that the report was recommending that advertisements be placed for the Community Representative and appointments made from the applications received.  Councillor Tom Papworth stressed that any community representatives would need to recognise that they were on the board to represent all community organisations and not just their own interests.  It was suggested  ...  view the full minutes text for item 97c

DRR11/105

The Portfolio Holder introduced a report which provided the Committee with an update on the progress of the review of adult education.

The Chairman welcomed Carol Arnfield, the Acting Principal, Bromley Adult Education College.

The Assistant Director, Organisational Improvement, introduced the report and outlined the options for the future provision of the service that were under consideration.  The Local Authority had received the high level business cases from both Bromley Adult Education College and Bromley College of Further and Higher Education and these would now be reviewed by Officers.

The Director of Renewal and Recreation highlighted the challenges that were facing Bromley Adult Education College in the future and stressed that both options merited serious further consideration.  The Local Authority needed to ensure that that the service was in the best possible shape before any funding cuts took effect.

A Member asked whether a social enterprise model had been considered.  The Assistant Director, Organisational Improvement reported that the possibility for a social enterprise had been considered in some detail but had been excluded on the grounds of the substantial assets held by Bromley Adult Education College.

The Committee heard that Bromley College planned to keep the Adult Education provision at Kentwood in the North of the Borough.  The Assistant Director, Organisation Improvement also confirmed that consultation with users would commence once firm proposals were in place.

A Member highlighted that further education colleges and adult education colleges delivered very different types of provision aimed at different audiences, and expressed concerns with further education colleges delivering adult education.  The Assistant Director, Organisational Improvement confirmed that this had been one of the key concerns of the Review Board and had been one of the issues to be addressed in the high level business plans.

In response to a question, the Assistant Director, Organisational Improvement confirmed that both the options under consideration would see a rationalisation of the provision.

The Committee considered the issues surrounding the Poverest site and the Acting Principal of Bromley Adult Education College outlined the difficulties that were experienced with the site.  The Director of Renewal and Recreation confirmed that options for the future use of the site would be explored.

The Assistant Director, Organisational Improvement highlighted that Bromley Adult Education College’s proposals were ambitious and if this option was to be pursued that the sustainability of the model would have to be reviewed in 18 to 24 months.

The Committee noted that a further report would be presented in December 2011.

RESOLVED that the Portfolio Holder be recommended to note the progress of the review.

Report DRR11/096

The Portfolio Holder introduced a report seeking Council support in principal for the establishment of a Business Improvement District (BID) in Orpington town centre, along with authorisation for officers to work alongside the Orpington Business Forum on the BID project ,and for the release of £44,310 from Section 106 funds to support this process. 

The report outlined that a Business Improvement District (BID) was a mechanism for raising funds, based on an additional levy paid by business ratepayers within a defined area. The business ratepayers would vote on a BID Proposal that clearly defined how the additional income would be spent within the BID area during the term of the BID – usually 5 years.  BIDs were introduced to the UK in the early 2000s and had now become an established way of managing many town centres and business areas. 

Although the approach may have been appropriate for other town centres in the Borough, Orpington had been selected first because there was a well established representative group of businesses in the town – the Orpington Business Forum (OBF) - and there was a history of positive partnership working between the businesses, the Council and other town centre stakeholders.  Members of the OBF had expressed a desire to pursue a BID on behalf of the town. 

The Director of Renewal and Recreation emphasised that town centre management services were discretionary and that if the Bid was not supported, the Local Authority could find it difficult to support Town Centre Management in the future.

Councillor Tunnicliffe, a local Ward Councillor, reported that the proposal to establish a BID had received overwhelming support from 60 businesses within the Orpington Business Forum.

Councillor Ian Payne emphasised that it was essential that the BID was driven by local businesses and that the benefits to retailers were highlighted.  The Committee heard that it would be important to clarify whether the whole Borough would be affected if the Orpington BID was unsuccessful, as there would be implications for the other town centres in Bromley.

The Director of Renewal and Recreation reported that a further update on the Orpington BID would be presented to the Committee in March 2012 but BIDs for other town centres might need to be explored before this time.

RESOLVED that the Portfolio Holder be recommended to:

1. Support in principal the formation of a Business Improvement District (BID) for Orpington Town Centre and approve the use of officer time to work towards the establishment of the BID.

2.  Note the allocation of £10,000 from Outer London Fund Round 1 monies for this Financial year for BID development in Orpington.

3.  Authorise the draw down of £44,310 from the Section 106 funding from the Nugent development, which added to the Outer London Fund money would be available to cover the costs of the BID project and footfall counting equipment.

4.  Note the projected timescales for the establishment of an Orpington BID as outlined in paragraph 3.13 of the report, and the potential financial  ...  view the full minutes text for item 97e

There is an appendix 1 for this item.  If you would like a copy please contact the report author by email; Kevin.munnelly@bromley.gov.uk or telephone 020 8313 4582. 

Report DRR11/100

The Portfolio Holder introduced a report updating Members on progress in developing the Bromley North Village Public Realm Improvement Project, and seeking authority to undertake public consultation on the draft plans prior to submission to the Transport for London (TfL) approval process. 

The Director of Renewal and Recreation emphasised that the purpose of the initiative was to attract new development and investment to the area and that as part of this, the Executive would be asked to release some funding in order to secure circa £3 million funding from Transport for London.

Whilst acknowledging the importance of consultation, a Member expressed some concerns regarding the scale of consultation that was proposed in the report.  The Committee welcomed the proposals outlined in the report and stressed the importance of progressing the proposals in a timely manner.

RESOLVED that the Portfolio Holder be recommended to agree that the draft plans be used as the basis for a public consultation and the results of the consultation be reported to the Renewal and Recreation PDS Committee in December 2011, prior to submission to Transport for London.

Report DRR11/098

The Portfolio Holder introduced a report seeking to inform the Committee of the scope of the proposed Penge Town Centre Renewal Strategy and the proposed timetable for production of the strategy document.

Councillor Peter Fookes, a local Ward Member, emphasised the importance of ensuring that basic services were provided such as keeping the high street clean and proactively marketing empty units.

The Committee agreed that Penge would benefit from the Round 1 Outer London Funding that had been received and Members heard that some events had been arranged for 19^th December 2011 and these had been well publicised.

RESOLVED that the Portfolio Holder be recommended to approve the development of a Renewal Strategy for consultation purposes.

Report DRR11/099

The Committee considered a report which provided an update on the progress made towards delivering the Town Centres Development Programme.  The report outlined the detail and funding timetable for the Outer London Fund Round 2 and the feedback on the ‘Invest Bromley’ conference.

Councillor Julian Benington reported that he had attended the ‘Invest Bromley’ Conference and congratulated the Portfolio Holder on his closing speech.

The Director of Renewal and Recreation reported that in respect of Site L, further consideration should be given to the nature of any future mixed use development on the site.

The Portfolio Holder emphasised the importance of finding retailers to fill the units within Site G.  The Director of Renewal and Recreation reported that the Local Authority would be seeking retailers that would compliment, rather than compete with, the retailers in the Glades.

The Head of Renewal reported that the deadline for submitting Round 2 Outer London Funding Bids had been extended.  It was anticipated that Round 2 would be over subscribed and very competitive with only the most robust and high quality bids likely to be supported.

Councillor Michael Tickner proposed a third recommendation for the Beckenham Town Centre Round 2 Outer London Funding Bid:

“Consideration should be given to the creation of the stables Town Green at rear of 86-132 High Street Beckenham consisting of amenity space around a ground level river bank together with new public car parking area. ”

A Councillor highlighted that the Mayor for London had also been encouraging businesses to submit bids supported by Local Authorities, and suggested that Beckenham Business Association could consider this.

RESOLVED that the Portfolio Holder be recommended to:

1.  note the report.

2.   agree the content of the Round 2 funding bid to the Outer London Fund, in consultation with the Chairman of the Renewal and Recreation PDS Committee and the Leader of the Council, to meet the funding deadline of 14^th October 2011.

3.  agree that Executive approval be sought for agreement for any necessary matched funding that may be required, prior to submitting a bid to TfL for Area Based funding towards the Beckenham PublicRealm project.

4.   agree that further consideration be given to the creation of the stables Town Green at rear of 86-132 High Street Beckenham consisting of amenity space around a ground level river bank together with new public car parking area. 

Report RES11116

The Portfolio Holder introduced a report seeking agreement to the 2011-2012 Local Authority Membership of the Local Joint Negotiating Committee for Tutors in Adult Education.

The Committee agreed that the following representatives:

Councillor Douglas Auld

Councillor Jane Beckley

Councillor Nicholas Bennett

Councillor Alexa Michael

Councillor Sarah Phillips

Councillor Michael Turner

Councillor Reg Adams

RESOLVED that the Portfolio Holder be recommended to appoint the following representatives to the Local Joint Negotiating Committee for Tutors in Adult Education:

Councillor Douglas Auld

Councillor Jane Beckley

Councillor Nicholas Bennett

Councillor Alexa Michael

Councillor Sarah Phillips

Councillor Michael Turner

Councillor Reg Adams

The report considered by the Executive on 7^th September 2011 has been circulated under separate cover and Members are requested to bring copies with them to the meeting.

Report RES11105

At its meeting on 7^th September 2011 the Executive considered a report by the Director of Finance (RES11075) updating members on the Council’s financial strategy and the various issues that would continue to shape it over the medium and longer term. This was the first in a series of reports leading up to the final budget proposals to be considered in February 2012.

The report gave the latest budget projections and highlighted the further budget gap identified for 2012/13 to 2014/15.  The Executive resolved that the report be referred to individual PDS Committees for their consideration and that any comments be reported back to the Executive.

Councillor Reg Adams highlighted the reduction in funding faced by Bromley Arts Council.  The Director of Renewal and Recreation confirmed that the reduction in grant would be phased in over a three year period as agreed with Bromley Arts Council.  The Committee highlighted the importance of ensuring that outside bodies were provided with sufficient notice of reductions in grants.

RESOLVED that the report be noted.

Report DRR11/092

The Committee considered the Renewal and Recreation Business Plan 2011/2012 Monitoring Report for Quarter 1.

In response to a question, the Director of Renewal and Recreation reported that the recent office accommodation move had caused delays in minor planning applications, however action had  been taken to rectify these delays.

RESOLVED that the progress made towards the delivery of actions agreed in the Renewal and Recreation Business Plan 2011/2012 for Quarter 1 be noted.

Report RES11077

The Committee considered its work programme for 2011/2012.  Members of the Committee agreed that the following items should be added to the Committee’s agenda for December 2011:

• Variable Messaging system
• Bromley North Village Public Realm Improvements.
• Bromley Adult Education College Review
• Town Centre Markets (Charter Market).

RESOLVED that the updates to the work programme outlined above be noted.

Members are requested to bring their copy of the Bromley Economic Partnership agenda to the Renewal and Recreation Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee meeting.

The Committee noted the agenda for the Bromley Economic Partnership on 18^th October 2011.

The Chairman to move that the Press and public be excluded during consideration of the items of business listed below as it is likely in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings that is members of the Press and public were present there would be disclosure to them of exempt information.

RESOLVED that the Press and public be excluded during consideration of the items of business listed below as it is likely in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings that is members of the Press and public were present there would be disclosure to them of exempt information

RESOLVED that the Exempt minutes from the meeting held on 5^th July 2011 be agreed.

Report DRR11/101

The Committee considered the report and supported the recommendations.

The Committee considered the report and supported the recommendations.