Issue - meetings

Forward Plan Ref: 2018/010

Contact: Hugh Potter, Team Leader, Area Operations Hub Tel: (01865) 810228

Report by Director for Infrastructure Delivery (CMDE7).

The report presents responses received to a statutory consultation to introduce a new puffin crossing on the B4044 West Way to replace an existing staggered pelican crossing by the Elms Parade shopping centre put forward as part of a proposed redevelopment of Elms Parade shopping centre.

The Cabinet Member for Environment is RECOMMENDED to approve the proposal to introduce a new puffin crossing on the B4044 West Way to replace an existing staggered pelican crossing by the Elms Parade shopping centre as advertised.

Approved

The Leader of the Council considered (CMDE6) responses received to a statutory consultation to introduce a new puffin crossing on the B4044 West Way by the Elms Parade shopping centre and replacing an existing staggered pelican crossing. The proposal had been put forward as part of a proposed redevelopment of Elms Parade shopping centre.

Mr Tester referred to significant local support for the proposal.  Acknowledging concerns regarding the narrow footway between the Poplar Road and Elms Road junctions he confirmed that the current lane configuration prevented any widening of the footway without first undertaking major reconstruction work which would then compromise safety at the Poplar Road junction and bus lane.

Councillor Judy Roberts also supported a replacement straight through crossing. Accepting there were good engineering reasons for not widening the footway she hoped that as an alternative some consideration could be given, as had been suggested by one resident, to the provision of railings. The pavement at this point was extremely narrow nt and having regard to the large numbers of children and elderly people that used the crossing it could help to improve safety.  She hoped this particular area could be included in any corridor review and welcomed proposals to investigate provision of 20 mph signing at school journey times. Finally, she felt that tree planting proposed close to the pedestrian traffic light on the west carriageway was inappropriate and should be resited.

Acknowledging the points raised Mr Kirkwood confirmed that arrangements would be made to ensure overgrowth on the northern side was cut back. A 20 mph speed limit would be considered as part of any proposed wider study and in the meantime, while there was no available funding for 20 mph advisory signing or erection of safety barriers discussions could be held to see if that was a realistic option.

The Leader of the Council noted the support of the local member for the provision of the straight through crossing along with the officer response to her points raised regarding resiting the tree, removal of overgrown vegetation and provision of safety barriers and advisory 20 mph signing. He accepted that widening of the carriageway although desirable was not practical and therefore, having regard to the information as set out in the report before him together with the representations made to him at the meeting confirmed his decision as follows:

to approve the proposal to introduce a new puffin crossing on the B4044 West Way to replace an existing staggered pelican crossing by the Elms Parade shopping centre as advertised.

Signed………………………………………..

Leader of the Council

Date of signing……………………………….