Agenda and minutes

To receive apologies for absence and notification of any substitutes present

The Chairman welcomed those present including those registered to speak as part of the meeting. It was agreed that item C1, Solutions to Operation Stack: Freight Fluidity for the UK’s Gateway to Europe, be pulled forward to accommodate the BBC South East camera team who would be in attendance as part of their coverage of the Operation Stack agenda item.

 Apologies were received from Mr Hill. Apologies were also received from Mr Bowles and Mr Homewood who were represented by Mr Marsh and Mr Angell.

To receive any declarations of interest made by Members in relation to any matter on the agenda.  Members are reminded to specify the agenda item number to which it refers and the nature of the interest being declared

No declarations of interest were received.

Mr Caller suggested minor corrections to the second resolution at item 96, referred to in the minutes as Section 3. Mr Caller also requested the reason why he withdrew his first recommendation be captured.

It was RESOLVED that the minutes be agreed subject to the requested amendments.

The Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport

·         Update on Find and Fix pothole campaign

·         Young Person’s Travel Pass take up

·         Launch of “Discovery” bus ticket

·         Imminent completion of North Farm highway improvement scheme, Tunbridge Wells

The Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, Mr Balfour, made the following comments and announcements:

a)    Gratitude was expressed for the hard work of Kent County Council officers who had successfully carried out the work at Willington Street despite being delayed by Operation Stack.

b)    An update was given on the Find and Fix pothole campaign. In April 2015 the council identified an additional £2 million to deliver this scheme. Another successful ‘Find and Fix’ programme had been delivered over the summer months, with only a small number of jobs to be finalised. The works were delivered by local Kent companies who are part of the Amey supply chain for highways maintenance.

c)    Following a review of the Young Person’s Travel Pass scheme, the subsidy was reduced for this school year, resulting in an increase in the cost of the pass from £200 to £250 per year. It was emphasised this pass still represented excellent value for money for the home to school journey, and this was reflected in the take-up, which had not substantially reduced. However, the start of the application process was delayed this year, and applications continue to be received.  All passes for on-time applications, plus many for late applications, had been delivered to schools for the start of term.

d)    The Discovery Bus ticket was launched in Kent at an event at County Hall on 5 September. Officers from the Public Transport team have brokered the arrangements with operators and with neighbouring local authorities, and this has enabled the scheme, which already existed in East and West Sussex, Surrey and East Hampshire to be rolled out across Kent and Medway.   The Discovery tickets offers travel on any bus across the South East region for a cost of £8.50 for an adult or £7.00 for a child. Mr Balfour hoped this would increase the numbers of those visiting Kent.     

e)    The North Farm highway improvement scheme in Tunbridge Wells, which aimed to ease the very significant congestion around the North Farm retail area, was programmed to be substantially complete by 24 September, although there would be some minor works to do plus design alterations on the Knights Park roundabout surfacing during late September/early October. An official opening ceremony was being planned with Rt. Hon. Greg Clark MP attending, and invitations would be going out shortly to key stakeholders and businesses. The new Landscaping Contract was due to commence on the 2 November to introduce new planting throughout the scheme area (various grass mixes, trees and low level shrubs).

The following comments were made by the Cabinet Member and officers in response to questions raised by members of the committee:

1. In regards to the changes in bus routes Mr Balfour confirmed that protecting buses for scholars had been ensured. Philip Lightowler, Head of Public Transport, also explained that changes in bus routes addressed the issue of the commercial timetable being insufficient and the demand from Upchurch not being great enough. These changes reflected demand and were designed  ...  view the full minutes text for item 108.

To receive a report by the Cabinet Member for Environment & Transport and the Corporate Director for Growth, Environment and Transport that invites the Cabinet Committee to consider whether to make any recommendations to the Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport in relation to the action taken by the petitioners.

The Chairman invited Ms Debbie Barwick, the petition organiser who represents Canterbury Independent Traders Alliance, to address the committee on the above petition. Ms Barwick presented the petition statement, which had been published with the agenda for the meeting, and gave a speech supporting the statement. The petition asked KCC to ensure Stagecoach ran buses through the Westgate Towers or to get a bus provider that will.

The Chairman then invited the committee to debate the petition. During debate the following concerns were raised and views expressed:

      i.        Mr Caller explained on behalf of a local Canterbury Councillor that he had been contacted by elderly constituents on this subject including a 95 year old resident of Canterbury who feels he no longer has access to the St Dunstans area without this bus service.

    ii.        A view was expressed that the altered bus route favoured the Whitefriars area as opposed to supporting local businesses in the St Dunstans area.

   iii.        A view was expressed that Stagecoach had a monopoly over bus services in Canterbury and that Kent County Council should look into tendering for a bus company that would provide the service the petition requests.

   iv.        A question was raised in regards to what Kent County Council could do to encourage other bus operators. It was also suggested that members of the committee look at West Sussex County Council’s website as a good example of offering alternative bus services.

    v.        A question was raised as to whether a different size of bus would be possible to make using Westgate more feasible.

Phil Lightowler, Head of Public Transport, was in attendance and provided the following information:

1.    That Stagecoach buses that pass through Westgate Towers would be required to stop while passing through the towers and have the driver exit the vehicle to pull its mirrors in to continue.

2.    It was confirmed that Westgate Towers was a Scheduled Listed monument and, as such, damage to the building was a criminal offence. Mr Lightowler stated that Stagecoach had been very firm on their position, continuing to take their buses through Westgate Towers had not passed the appropriate risk assessment. They were unwilling to risk damaging Westgate Towers or to undertake the manoeuvre in passing through.

3.    By the end of 2016 all single decker buses would have to be wide enough to enable wheelchair access to be DDA compliant, as set out in law by the UK Government.  The same would apply to double decker buses by 2017.

Mr Balfour, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, responded to questions raised and comments made by members by confirming the following:

1.    That although he would want more competition, as it stood Kent County Council had no regulatory function over the bus market and was not in a position to break a Stagecoach monopoly in Canterbury.

2.    That he would look into improving Kent County Council’s webpage on bus services to give more comprehensive information to the public.

3.    It was suggested that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 109.

To receive a report of the Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport and the Interim Director of Highways, Transportation and Waste and to consider and endorse or make recommendations to the Cabinet Member for Environment & Transport on proposed changes to the Winter Service Policy for 2015/16

Carol Valentine, Highway Manager, introduced the report which asked the committee to endorse or make recommendations to the Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, on proposed changes to the Winter Service Policy for 2015/16.

She referred in particular to the following: 

      i.        The past two years Kent has seen an average winter with no snow days.

    ii.        Kent Officers were trialling liquid de-icer and would monitor the results of this trial.

   iii.        The current weather forecast service expired in May 2015. A procurement process is being undertaken to find a new supplier. The contract was put to tender on 13 July.

   iv.        Ms Valentine emphasised that the Highway Operations winter service team had a good working relationship with Highways England.

Andrew Loosemore, Deputy Director Highways, Transportation and Waste, was also in attendance and stated he was happy with the content of the report and thanked Ms Valentine and the team for all of their hard work on the Winter Service Policy for 2015/2016.

In response to comments made and questions raised by members, Ms Valentine confirmed the following:

      i.        The allocated budget had been based on an average winter.

    ii.        Roads on new developments that l need to be included on the primary network for the purpose of salting runs will be added to the primary route maps once those roads had been formally adopted by the County Council .That parish councils would be contacted early to discuss their areas requirements for salt bags

   iii.        That five new vehicles had been acquired for the purpose of salting narrow roads.

   iv.        The Winter Service webpage on Kent County Council’s website would advise on the Winter Service Policy and a link to this webpage would be provided to Committee members after the meeting.

Mr Balfour, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, clarified that the routes used for salting runs will be looked at regularly and there would be appropriate prioritisation when determining these routes. This would take into account new housing developments.

It was RESOLVED that the changes to the Winter Service Policy for 2015/16 be endorsed.

To receive a report from the Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport and Corporate Director for Growth, Environment and Transport thatprovides an update on the current position.

This item was brought forward for discussion by the Chairman as agreed at the start of the meeting.

Ann Carruthers, Head of Strategic Planning and Policy, introduced the report updating members on progress in finding a solution to Operation Stack. Ms Carruthers provided the following information;

      i.        That in 2015 Operation Stack had been in force for a total of 32 days.

    ii.        That the European Gateway Strategic Delivery Group had been trying to identify both short term and long term measures.

   iii.        The disruption in the June/July period has at least brought Operation Stack to the Government’s attention as a national issue, as opposed to a Kentish issue or an East Kent issue.

   iv.        It was confirmed that the relevant agencies through the Strategic Co-ordination Group have agreed with Government that, should Stage 2 of Operation Stack be needed, Dover bound HGVs will be diverted to the former Manston Airport site.

    v.        It was emphasised the use of the Manston Airport site was only a temporary short term measure.

   vi.        Ms Carruthers also brought the committee’s attention to paragraph 2.4 which listed the on and off highway measures presented to COBR.

  vii.        That Kent County Council would of course continue to work towards a long term solution to Operation Stack.

Mr Balfour, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, also spoke on this item and gave the following information;

      i.        That the international impact of Operation Stack was finally being recognised after its severity in 2015. Thanks were given to the media in their role in giving Operation Stack the attention it requires.

    ii.        That other lorry parks across the country were still considered the most suitable long term solution to Operation Stack.

   iii.        In regards to the use of lorry parks and ticketing Mr Balfour confirmed that he was pushing for the whole question to be taken more seriously.

   iv.        That it was critical Kent County Council, the Strategic Co-ordination Group and the European Gateway Strategic Delivery Group keep pushing this item to the top of Kent County Council’s and the Government’s agenda.

    v.        It was emphasised that Mr Balfour was grateful for the round-the-clock work of Kent County Council officers in mitigating issues in East Kent that came about while Operation Stack was in effect. 

In response to comments made and questions raised by members during discussion on this item Mr Balfour confirmed the following:

      i.        That overnight lorry parking as an issue would be addressed separately.

    ii.        That although money had been promised towards a solution to Operation Stack a guarantee of money towards it was still sought after.

   iii.        That solutions that can be put into effect as quickly as possible were being sought after.

   iv.        That Kent County Council had been assured that use of the Manston Airport site as a temporary solution would cease should it be considered to have made matters worse.

    v.        In regards to a query as to why Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) were not included in the Steering Group being  ...  view the full minutes text for item 111.

To receive a report by the Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport and Corporate Director of Growth, Environment and Transport to consider and endorse or make recommendations to the Cabinet Member for Environment & Transport on the proposed decision to adopt the Drainage and Planning Policy.

The committee received a report seeking endorsement of, or recommendations to the Cabinet Member of Environment and Transport on the proposed decision to adopt the Drainage and Planning Policy as attached at Appendix A of the report.

Max Tant, Flood Risk Manager, introduced the report and explained that Kent County Council has become a new statutory consultee for surface water in major planning applications in April this year. In response to this Kent County Council has prepared the draft Drainage and Planning Policy detailed in its entirety in the report. Bronwyn Buntine, Sustainable Drainage Engineer, was also in attendance to discuss the item.

In response to comments made and questions raised by members Mr Tant and Ms Buntine gave the following information:

      i.        It was estimated that an excess of 500 major planning applications would be received a year prior to this commencing. From the consultation requests received so far this year, they were expecting closer to 600 major planning applications by the end of the year.

    ii.        2 full time members of staff have been employed to give pre-planning advice and consultation responses.

   iii.        It was emphasised that there were currently no concerns that 2 members of staff would not be sufficient in achieving this, but it would be kept under review.

It was RESOLVED that the proposed decision to adopt the Drainage and Planning Policy as found in the report be endorsed.

To receive a report of the Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport and the Head of Commercial Services and Waste Services and to consider and endorse, or make recommendations to the Cabinet Member on the proposed decision to delegate the award of contracts for the Bulking, Transportation of residual Waste, and any subsequent extensions, to serve Canterbury City Council, and Thanet District Council

Roger Wilkin, Interim Director of Highways, Transportation and Waste, introduced the report which asked the Committee to consider and endorse or make recommendations to the Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport on the proposed to decision to delegate the award of contracts for the Bulking, Transportation and Residual Waste, and any subsequent extensions, to serve Canterbury City Council (CCC) and Thanet District Council (TDC.) Mr Wilkin explained this would be needed for Kent County Council to continue to fulfil its statutory obligations as a waste disposal authority. Mr Wilkin also confirmed that the use of landfill would be avoided as much as possible.

David Beaver, Head of Commercial Management and Waste Services, was in attendance to speak on this item. Mr Beaver emphasised that this report only concerns the administrative areas of CCC and TDC. He gave the following information:

       i.        At this time a single third party operates both contracts for reception, bulking and transport of residual waste in both Canterbury and Thanet.

      ii.        This single third party operates from Thanet.

     iii.        During the commissioning process it was decided the most efficient way of undertaking the tendering process was to let both contracts at the same time.

     iv.        Tenders will be received and evaluated in September/October.

      v.        The estimated value of these contracts is £5m, which is within the existing revenue budget of Waste Management service.

In response to concerns from members Mr Balfour, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, confirmed the Environment and Transport Cabinet Committee and other committees would be would be consulted on during stage of this process.

The recommendations in the report were put to vote and it was RESOLVED that the recommendations within the report be agreed;

Carried, 11 votes to 2.

To receive a report of the Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport and the Corporate Director of Growth, Environment and Transport and to consider and endorse, or make recommendations to the Cabinet Member on the proposed decision seeking approval to take the A28/A291 Sturry Link Road highway improvement scheme through the next stages of development and delivery

Mary Gillett, Major Projects Planning Manager, introduced the report which asked the committee to endorse or make recommendations to the Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, on taking the A81/A291 Sturry Link Road highway improvement scheme through the next stages of development. She brought the committee’s attention to the map included with the report and gave the following information;

      i.        That development of the A28/A291 Sturry Link Road would be critical in supporting new housing developments in the area that are included in Canterbury City Council’s emerging District Local Plan.

    ii.        That work had been started to secure funding for this project.

   iii.        That Kent County Council has been allocated part   funding for this project from the Local Growth Fund, subject to a transport business case.

   iv.        A Compulsory Purchase Order may be required to acquire some of the land required should voluntary negotiation not be successful.

Mr Marsh recommended, and Mr Baldock seconded, that the proposed record of decision and recommendation be amended to read;

“As Cabinet Member for Environment & Transport, I agree, subject to being invited to give further specific authorities as necessary and with prior reversion to the Environment and Transport Cabinet Committee on matters of significance, to:”

And with the inclusion of the word firm in part v as follows;

“v)        give approval for Legal Services to enter into firm land and funding Agreements associated with the developments contributing to the Link Road;”

In response to concerns raised and comments made by members Ms Gillett confirmed the following;

      i.        That potential bus routes down the new Link Road would be looked into.

    ii.        That this infrastructure is a priority to support the new development.

   iii.        That all of these items are included in the recommendation at this time to to support the deliverability statement that is is required for the transport business case to secure the Local Growth Fund.

   iv.        That she would revert to the Committee on issues of significance during the development of the project.

It was RESOLVED that including the addition of Mr Marsh’s recommendation  taking the A28/A291 Sturry Link Road highway improvement scheme through the next stages of development be endorsed.

After brief discussion on the content of item B5 the Chairman proposed that the press and public be excluded from the meeting so that the exempt information could be discussed, this was put to the vote;

Carried, 10 votes to 3.

Resolved that under Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972 the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act.

To receive a report of the Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport and the Corporate Director for Growth, Environment and Transport and to consider and endorse, or make recommendations to the Cabinet Member on the proposed decision to agree the award and issue of the Traffic Signals Maintenance contract for an initial period of five years

Roger Wilkin, Interim Director of Highways, Transportation and Waste, introduced the report which asked the Committee to consider and endorse the proposed to decision to agree the award and issue of the Traffic Signals Maintenance contract for an initial period of five years. The content of exempt appendix E1 was also discussed alongside this item.

Toby Butler, Intelligent Transport Systems Manager, was in attendance to also respond to questions on the report.

In response to concerns made and questions raised Mr Wilkin and Mr Butler provided the following information:

      i.        That a new contract was being sought as a replacement of the existing contract which was extended to its maximum permitted time and will expire on 31 March 2016.

    ii.        No preference in supplier had yet been observed and as the law stands UK suppliers could not be given special preference.

It was RESOLVED that the proposed decision to agree the award and issue of the contract for an initial period of five years and, subject performance and demonstration of value for money, delegate authority to officers to issue a five year extension be endorsed.

To receive the report from the Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport and Corporate Director for Growth, Environment and Transport and to consider and endorse or make recommendations to the Cabinet member on the proposed decisionto agree the two year extension to the Highways Term Maintenance Contract.

The committee received a report seeking endorsement of, or recommendations to the Cabinet Member of Environment and Transport on the proposed extension from September 2016 – 2018 of the Highways Term Maintenance that is currently let to Enterprise AOL (now Amey.) The content of exempt appendix E2 was also discussed alongside this item.

Roger Wilkin, Interim Director of Highways, Transportation and Waste, introduced the report and provided the following further information in response to comments made and questions raised by members:

      i.        That member engagement will be weaved into a truly strategic commissioning process.

    ii.        Reassurance was given that activity on the next commissioning process will be accelerated.

   iii.        It was emphasised in response to concerns about the current contract that Amey had underperformed in only two areas. This has been dealt with and these two areas have since seen improvement.

   iv.        That due to these past issues with underperformance the extension is only for two years as opposed to a full five.

    v.        That although a five year contract would cost less per year the two year contract was considered a better decision due to the previous concerns with underperformance. Mr Wilkin clarified performance would continue to monitored.

David Beaver, Head of Commercial Management and Waste Services, was also in attendance to discuss the item and gave the following information;

      i.        The current contract was tendered and let in August 2011.

    ii.        As some of the SE7 authorities are tendering in the next two years it would not be the best time for re-tendering. Mr Butler was concerned the best of the market would not be available at this time.

   iii.        Legally Kent County Council could extend the contract to a maximum of five years.

Mr Balfour, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, explained to the committee that to ensure the internal needs of KCC are met appropriate time must be given to undertake a detailed commission process. This would allow an appropriate commission to be achieved for a more outcome focussed contract.

It was RESOLVED that that the proposed decision for the Cabinet Member to agree the proposed two year extension to the Highways Term Maintenance contract and that Highways, Transportation and Waste undertake a full review in line with the recently published Commissioning Framework.

The meeting returned to being open to the press and public.

To receive the report by the Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport and Interim Director of Highways, Transportation and Waste to approve the approach to developing a Waste Strategy and support the setting up of a  Waste Strategy Task and Finish Group to inform strategy development.

Roger Wilkin, Interim Director of Highways, Transportation and Waste, introduced the report which asked the Committee to approve the approach to developing a Waste Strategy as detailed in the report. Mr Wilkin also explained that a Task and Finish Group would be established for members to remain informed of strategy development.

It was RESOLVED that the approach to developing a Waste Strategy and establishing a Task and Finish Group be approved.

To receive the report from the Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport and the Interim Director of Highways, Transportation and Waste to note and comment upon KCC’s level of compliance with Waste Regulations 2011 (amended 2012) TEEP Assessment requirement, and note that further service enhancements will be considered through the waste strategy development

Roger Wilkin, Interim Director of Highways, Transportation and Waste, introduced the report which asked the Committee to note KCC’s level of compliance with Waste Regulations TEEP Assessment requirement and that further service enhancements will be considered through the waste strategy development.

It was RESOLVED that the Waste Regulations 2011 assessment be noted.

To receive a report by the relevant Cabinet Members and Corporate Director Growth, Environment and Transport that sets out an overview of the proposed District Deal model for continuing improved working between the County and Districts, as well as the proposed Ashford District Deal as a pilot.

The committee received a report that set out an overview of the proposed District Deal model and asks the Cabinet Committee they recommend the Leader of the Council, and relevant Cabinet Members sign the District Deal with Ashford Borough Council (ABC) when it is all finalised.

In response to comments made and questions raised Barbara Cooper, Corporate Director of Growth, Environment and Transport, gave the following information:

      i.        The ABC District Deal is proposed as the first and other District Deals will vary depending on what each District would like to emphasise.

    ii.        In response to a concern raised there was a lack of mention of rural infrastructure in the ABC District Deal report Ms Cooper confirmed ABC are keen to look into and discuss any further suggestions or alternatives.

   iii.        Other Districts were aware of this initiative. Both Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council (TMBC) and Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC) had shown interest in establishing a District Deal with Kent County Council.

   iv.        That included within the proposed ABC District Deal was details on how Kent County Council would be working closely with ABC on the Chilmington Green development.

The recommendations in the report were put to vote and it was RESOLVED that the recommendations within the report be agreed;

Carried, 9 votes to 3.

To receive a report by the Head of Democratic Services that gives details of the proposed work programme for the Environment and Transport Cabinet Committee

The Chairman introduced a report that asks the committee to consider and agree the proposed Work Programme for the Environment and Transport Cabinet Committee.

Concerns were raised by members that due to the length of the meeting and the agenda that some items were not being thoroughly discussed.

It was RESOLVED that the Work Programme be agreed but the length of future meetings and their agenda be given greater consideration so as to avoid items being not properly discussed.

To receive a report by the relevant Cabinet Members and Corporate Director for Growth, Environment and Transport that shows progress made against targets set for Key Performance Indicators.

The Cabinet Committee received a report setting out the Environment and Transport Performance Dashboard, which showed progress made against targets set for Key Performance Indicators up to May 2015.

Richard Fitzgerald, Performance Manager, was in attendance to introduce the report.

Concerns were raised and comments made by members as follows:

       i.        A view was expressed that where the RAG ratings levels were set needed to be reassessed.

      ii.        That the targets for Trading Standards were not stretching far enough.

     iii.        That in regards to Country Parks, on page 201 of the agenda, there had been a significant increase in parking charges.

Barbara Cooper, Corporate Director for Growth, Environment and Transport, commented in regards to Country Parks that the Performance Dashboard did not address money from Kent County Council towards Country Parks.

It was RESOLVED that the report be noted.

To receive a report by  the relevant Cabinet Members and Corporate Director  that sets out a position statement for services within the Growth, Environment and Transport (GET) Directorate regarding equality and diversity work and progress on KCC Equality objectives for 2014/15.

Karla Phillips, Strategic Business Adviser, introduced a report which brings together work the Growth, Environment and Transport Directorate has undertaken to meet KCC Equality objectives for 2014/15. The committee was asked to note the current performance and agree to receive this report annually.

A concern was raised that the report was lacking details of the impact on the elderly, the disabled and single parents. In response to this Mr Balfour, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, confirmed that this information would all be coming before the committee in a future report.

It was RESOLVED that the report be noted and that the Growth, Environment and Transport Directorate Equality and Diversity report come before them annually.