To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor A. Hussain.

Members are requested to approve the minutes of the meeting held on 5^th September 2023

With reference to Minute 21 – Pennines Township Funds 2023/24, Capital Fund PTC/05/23, on request of the Vice-Chair of the Committee, Ellenroad Trust’s representatives, present at today’s meeting, confirmed that the Chimney Capping came off before the insurance started covering the building.

Resolved that the minutes of the meeting held on 5^th September 2023 be approved as a correct record.

Members are required to declare any disclosable pecuniary, personal or personal and prejudicial interests they may have and the nature of those interests relating to items on this agenda and/or indicate if S106 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 applies to them.   

Councillors T. Besford declared a prejudicial interest with reference to Item 9 of today’s agenda – Pennines Township Fund, Application PTC/08/23 for Butterworth Hall, by virtue of his position as Trustee of Moorend Development Trust which managed Butterworth Hall. During consideration of this application, Councillor T. Besford left the meeting and took no part in the discussion and voting on this matter.

Councillor I. Davidson declared a prejudicial interest with reference to Item 9 of today’s agenda – Pennines Township Fund, Application PTC/08/23 for Butterworth Hall, by virtue of her position as Chair of Moorend Development Trust which managed Butterworth Hall. During consideration of this application, Councillor I. Davidson left the meeting and took no part in the discussion and voting on this matter.

To determine any items on the agenda, if any, where the public are to be excluded from the meeting.

There were no items for exclusion of press and public.

To determine whether there are any additional items of business which, by reason of special circumstances, the Chair decides should be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency.

There were no items of urgent business received.

Half an hour has been set aside for members of the public to raise any issues relevant to the business of the Committee and the Township

The Committee considered the representations of two residents in regards to dangerous speeding on Huddersfield Road. The two residents submitted a petition which had collected 153 signatures, to draw the attention of Councillors and Officers on this matter.  The two residents added that St. Thomas’ School was also in support of the petition.

The two residents requested enforcement of the speed limit and the installation of two speed cameras as deterring measures against drivers speeding on Huddersfield Road. The residents also highlighted that the poor conditions of the road surface was an additional issue which determined noise pollution to the detriment of the residents who could no longer rest due to the noise caused by the heavy good vehicles driving through Huddersfield Road at day and night. Parking was another problem as, due to the absence of car parks near Huddersfield Road, residents parked on the pavement which contributed to its rapid deterioration and current poor conditions.

The two residents added that Highways Services had been informed of the matter but no actions had been taken yet to address this issue.

The Senior Highways Officer (Strategy) informed that Huddersfield Road was a “classified road”; this meant that it was a strategic diversion route for snow closure. As such, it would trigger a safety inspection each month.

The Officer continued informing about the various measures to deter cars from speeding and offered the option to refer this matter to the Road Safety Group which would meet on 17^th November 2023, attended by Ward Councillors, Highways Officers and Greater Manchester Police.

The Committee agreed to discuss the concerns of the residents of Huddersfield Road at the Road Safety Group on 17^th November 2023.  The Committee also requested a report to a future meeting of the Pennines Township to review options to address speeding, parking issues and road surface condition.

During the second part of the Open Forum, the Committee welcomed Rochdale Borough Housing’s Representatives and noted that it was very positive to have the opportunity to bring directly to their attention housing issues that residents experienced. Members also observed that they would be keen to see re-introducing elected members’ representation on the RBH Board. 

To consider a report of the Operation Manager Highways Maintenance – Item for decision

Report to follow

The Committee considered a report of the Director of Neighbourhoods which sought approval of the Highways Work Programmes for 2024/25 and 2025/26 financial years. The programmes included the two year local transport plan (LTP) funded carriageway and footway capital programme and the two year bridges and structures LTP funded capital maintenance programme.

The Senior Highways Officer (Strategy) was in attendance to present the report and to answer the questions of the Committee.

Resolved that the proposed work programmes to be delivered in 2024/25 and 2025/26 be noted and approved.

Reasons for decision:

The schemes that have been selected have been put together based on the principles of asset management which use network condition data, engineer inspections, life cycle planning and cost efficiency to produce the most efficient highway improvement over the course of the programmes. Using Asset management techniques for scheme selection ensures that we are in line with recommendations from the Department for Transport (DfT) enables us to continue to receive the full funding allocation from the DfT incentive fund scheme. Authorities that are deemed not to be carrying out efficient highway improvements can have funding reduced.

Alternatives considered and rejected:

No alternatives have been considered. The programme has been developed according to DfT guidance and in line with other GM Authorities. However, members should note that in addition to the LTP programme there is the steady state programme of works worth approximately £3.2m annually over 5 years which may include schemes not identified in this proposed programme.

To consider a report of the Traffic Engineer – Item for decision

The Committee considered a report of the Traffic Engineer which informed of the amendments to the waiting restrictions scheme - Waiting Restriction Amendments, Featherstall Road, Pennines, following its advertising and subsequent representations received which opposed the Limited Waiting bay at the eastern end of the area in question. The report sought approval of one of the two schemes considered at Appendices A and B of the report.

The Senior Highways Officer (Strategy) was in attendance to present the report and to answer the questions of the Committee.

The Committee considered the original scheme included in Appendix A of the report and the new scheme outlined at Appendix B which considered the representations and objections received in relation to the original scheme and proposed removal of the eastern section of Limited Waiting bay of the area in question.

Resolved that the scheme outlined at Appendix B of the report be approved.

Reason for decision:

To consider and address residents’ concerns and objections in relation to the scheme as originally advertised.

Alternatives considered and rejected:

The scheme as originally advertised and outlined at Appendix A of the report.

To consider a report of the Director of Neighbourhoods – Item for decision

The Committee considered a report of the Director of Neighbourhoods which sought to update on revenue and capital expenditure, commitments and balances of Pennines Township Funds 2023/24, to enable the allocation of funds to proposed projects.

Resolved:

1.    That the decisions made under delegated authority as detailed in Appendix 3 of the report be noted;

2.    That it be noted that the Townships and Communities Manager has assessed the projects to be considered for funding against the criteria of eligibility  for the Pennines Township Fund, the priorities of the Township and any specific risks have been identified (information detailed in Appendix 4);

3.    That the Townships and Communities Manager, in consultation with the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Pennines Township Committee be given delegated authority to make decisions on any deferred projects.

4.    That the Township Committee consider and approve, refuse or defer the allocation of funds to proposed projects detailed  at Appendix 4 as follows:

Projects fund

PF/09/23 Portable PA/Sound System £1,199 approved

PF/10/23 Johnny Alfrey Music Memorial event 2024 £5,000 approved

PF/11/23 Coach House – Phase 2 Upgrade £1500 approved

Councillors T. Besford declared a prejudicial interest with reference to Application PTC/08/23 for Butterworth Hall, by virtue of his position as Trustee of Moorend Development Trust which managed Butterworth Hall. During consideration of this application, Councillor T. Besford left the meeting and took no part in the discussion and voting on this matter.

Councillor I. Davidson declared a prejudicial interest with reference to Application PTC/08/23 for Butterworth Hall, by virtue of her position as Chair of Moorend Development Trust which managed Butterworth Hall. During consideration of this application, Councillor I. Davidson left the meeting and took no part in the discussion and voting on this matter.

Capital

PTC/08/23 Butterworth Hall Community Centre roof renewal Approved £18,000 (£12,000 Capital and £6,000 MN Revenue Ward Fund) Pending the submission of a suitable comparison quote.

Alternatives considered and rejected:

In considering the report, Members would decide whether or not to approve the allocation of funds to projects as appropriate.

Reasons for decisions: Management of the Pennines Township Fund is delegated to the Pennines Township Committee. Pennines Township Funds are allocated to projects that benefit the Township’s community and environment, and realise the Township priorities. To enable the committee to monitor and review the use of the Pennines Township Funds to ensure continued efficient and effective use of the funds.