Issue - meetings

Cabinet is advised of the outcome of the call-in request of the above item and the advice offered by the Overview and Scrutiny Board meeting held on 6 December 2021.

In accordance with the Constitution, the Cabinet must consider the advice, but shall not be bound to accept it in whole or in part. It shall have sole discretion to decide on any further action to be taken in relation to the decisions in question, including confirming, with or without amendment, the original decision or deferment pending further consideration, or making a different decision.

RESOLVED that having been reconsidered the Tatnam Road be reopened to traffic and the ETRO no longer apply.

Voting: Nem. Con. (1 abstention)

Portfolio Holder: Sustainability and Transport

The Portfolio Holder for Sustainability and Transport abstained from voting on this item.

Reason

The Constitution prescribes the process for the call-in of decisions. The Overview and Scrutiny Board determined to offer advice to the Cabinet and it is for Cabinet to now consider that advice.

The Portfolio Holder for Sustainability and Transport presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'J' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet was advised of the outcome of the call-in request of the above item and the advice offered by the Overview and Scrutiny Board meeting held on 6 December 2021.

In relation to this Cabinet was informed that in accordance with the Constitution, the Cabinet must consider the advice, but shall not be bound to accept it in whole or in part, and that Cabinet shall have sole discretion to decide on any further action to be taken in relation to the decisions in question, including confirming, with or without amendment, the original decision or deferment pending further consideration, or making a different decision.

The Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Board addressed the Cabinet advising that there had been a lengthy discussion at the recent Board meeting prior to the recommendation coming from the Board.

The Deputy Head of Democratic Services read out a statement submitted by Councillor Hadley in respect of this item as he was unable to attend the meeting. Councillor Hadley expressed his support for making the road closure at the Sterte Bridge end of Tatnam Road permanent, citing that the measure had shown significant merit in :-

-       removing through traffic past the junior schools

-       aiding choices to undertake commuting and short journeys without the car,

-       promoting personal and public health,

-       and most especially to support sustainable journeys to three adjacent schools

In addition, Councillor Hadley enclosed statements from headteachers of two of the local schools also expressing their support of the closure.

Councillor Howell addressed the Cabinet as Ward Member expressing his support for the continued closure and highlighting that he was acting in the interests of the public.

Comprehensive discussion took place with Cabinet members highlighting the results of consultation carried out and of letters having been received which had significantly supported the reopening of the road.

Whilst the decision was a balanced one the Cabinet was of the view that the benefits of reopening the road outweighed the negatives, and that the decision should be made to reopen the road.

RESOLVED that having been reconsidered the Tatnam Road be reopened to traffic and the ETRO no longer apply.

Voting: Nem. Con. (1 abstention)

Portfolio Holder: Sustainability and Transport

The Portfolio Holder for Sustainability and Transport abstained from voting on this item.