Decision details

Approval to carry out formal consultation on the scheme, and delegated approval to progress and implement the scheme, as set out in the main report. The scheme is expected to generate surplus revenue anticipated to be higher than £500,000.

The Director of City Development submitted a report regarding the development of a potential Leeds Lane Rental Scheme. The report provided details of the benefits from such a scheme and sought approval to progress with key next steps in its proposed delivery. The proposed next steps were specifically in relation to the commencement of formal consultation with key stakeholders, and to delegate the necessary authority to officers, in consultation with the Executive Member, regarding the application to the Secretary of State and in relation to the timing, specific content and the implementation of the scheme.

By way of introduction to the report, the Executive Member provided an overview of what the scheme would entail, the background to the proposals and the benefits arising from its delivery. It was also noted that the principal aim of the scheme would be to further reduce disruption caused by road and street works.

Responding to enquiries, the Board was advised that any potential impact on residents from highways works, including overnight works, would continue to be taken into consideration as they currently are as part of the existing permit scheme. It was noted that the aim would be to continue to deliver the best outcome for all, and to strike the correct balance when considering the competing demands upon the highway.

Regarding the revenue generated from the scheme, it was noted that the first call would be to reimburse any costs incurred from its delivery. In terms of the allocation of any surplus revenue, particularly with regard to highways maintenance improvements, it was noted that the Government’s consultation on such matters was ongoing.

When considering how such a scheme may impact upon works required to deliver a mass transit project, it was highlighted that the Council would work alongside the West Yorkshire Combined Authority on such matters, as the Council would not want to inhibit the development of a mass transit scheme.

A Member enquired about the approach taken to address the backlog relating to highways maintenance and whether it could be reflected upon to ensure that local maintenance works including pothole repairs undertaken were as effective and efficient as possible. In response, it was noted that this was an area of service delivery that was intended to be reviewed over the coming year. 

Regarding the references within the submitted report to ‘Leeds Land Rental Scheme’ at recommendations (a) and (b), the Board noted that these should read ‘Leeds Lane Rental Scheme’.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That, subject to the corrections referenced above, the contents of the submitted report, be noted;

(b)  That the process and benefits of introducing a Leeds Lane Rental Scheme, as detailed within the submitted report, be noted;

(c)  That the progress made to date on the development of a Leeds Lane Rental Scheme, be noted;

(d)  That the commencement of formal consultation with key stakeholders, as identified in Department for Transport guidance and required as part of the development of a Leeds Lane Rental Scheme, be approved;

(e)  That the necessary authority be delegated to the Chief Officer Highways and Transportation, in conjunction with the Executive Member for Sustainable Development and Infrastructure, to enable decision making on the timing, specific content, application to the Secretary of State and implementation of the Leeds Lane Rental Scheme.

As required by national guidance.

Key stakeholders including all works promoters, West Yorkshire Combined Authority, neighbouring highway authorities, emergency services, relevant regulatory authorities (e.g. Ofwat), representative bodies of road users including representatives of disabled people, representatives of transport operators and business, and any person (s) bodies or groups who have made a written request asking to be consulted.

Executive Member for Sustainable Development and Infrastructure.

Key stakeholders including all works promoters, West Yorkshire Combined Authority, neighbouring highway authorities, emergency services, relevant regulatory authorities (e.g. Ofwat), representative bodies of road users including representatives of disabled people, representatives of transport operators and business, and any person (s) bodies or groups who have made a written request asking to be consulted.

Executive Member for Sustainable Development and Infrastructure.