Issue - meetings

(a)       That the Committee recommends that Cabinet approve the Policy for the placement of street furniture on the Adopted Highway Network, as set out in the report; and

(b)       That authority be delegated to the Head of Assets and Transportation to determine all requests and actions under the attached policies

The Head of Streetscene Services introduced a report to seek Member approval to adopt a policy defining the type of street furniture which can be approved for use on the Adopted Highway to ensure a co-ordinated and consistent approach throughout the County.

The Head of Streetscene Services provided background information and gave an overview of the key considerations detailed in the report in relation to street furniture and obstructions on the public highway.  He referred to the information provided in Appendix 1 which defined the approval process which should be followed before any item of street furniture could be installed on the Adopted Highway.  It also defined the designated service area that would approve the addition to the Network.

The charging arrangements for all applications to place obstructions or advertisements on the Adopted Highway Network were set out in Appendix 2. 

During discussion a number of questions and comments were raised by Members concerning objects deemed to be causing an obstruction on the Highway.  The Head of Streetscene Services explained that authority to remove such objects on the Highway was provided by the Highways Act 1980 and the Council’s approach to removing the items was detailed in the Council’s Environment Enforcement Policy as outlined in Appendix 3 of the report. 

CouncillorN.M. Matthews asked if the Council was able to specify boundaries in relation to the placement of street furniture. The Head of Streetscene Services advised that the aim of the policy was to give reasonable guidelines without being too prescriptive. Cllr Matthews also asked if the policy included notices on street furniture. The Head of Streetscene Services advised that the policy did not include notices on street furniture.  In response to a further question raised by Councillor Matthews the Cabinet Member for Public Protection, Waste & Recycling and Leisure confirmed that the policy would be implemented if agreed by Cabinet at the meeting to be held 15 October 2013. 

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the Committee recommends that Cabinet approve the Policy for the placement of street furniture on the Adopted Highway Network, as set out in the report; and

(b)       That authority be delegated to the Head of Assets and Transportation to determine all requests and actions under the attached policies