Issue - meetings

Forward Plan Ref: 2020/087

Contact: Hugh Potter, Group Manager – Area Operations Hub Tel: 07766 998704

Report by Director for Community Operations (Interim) (CMDE9).

The report presents responses received to a statutory consultation to introduce waiting restrictions on Alchester Road and Orchard Rise at Chesterton to reduce the risk of obstructive parking as a result of the expansion of Chesterton Primary School and following discussions with representatives of Chesterton Parish Council. Oxfordshire County Council would fund the scheme as part of the expansion of Chesterton Primary School.  However, in view of the high level of objection and concern received to this proposal it’s considered that there should be further discussions with Chesterton Parish Council and the local member to identify if a less extensive scheme focussing on the immediate vicinity of the school on both Alchester Road and Orchard Rise would be more acceptable.

The Cabinet Member for Environment is RECOMMENDED to defer implementation of proposed waiting restrictions to allow further discussions with Chesterton Parish Council and the local member.

Approved

The Cabinet Member for Environment considered (CMDE9) responses received to a statutory consultation to introduce waiting restrictions on Alchester Road and Orchard Rise at Chesterton to reduce the risk of obstructive parking as a result of the expansion of Chesterton Primary School and following discussions with representatives of Chesterton Parish Council. Oxfordshire County Council would fund the scheme as part of the expansion of Chesterton Primary School.  However, in view of the high level of concern and  objection received to the original proposal it is proposed to hold further discussions with Chesterton Parish Council and the local member to identify if a less extensive scheme focussing on the immediate vicinity of the school on both Alchester Road and Orchard Rise would be more acceptable.

A written statement had been received from the Chesterton Parish Council outlining their involvement over many years to find a solution to the problems experienced by residents accessing their properties and also improve safety at junctions.  While the school had expanded the level of parking provision had remained the same and so with the numbers of parents dropping off children increasing along with increased staff parking including the adjacent Chesterton playgroup complaints from residents had increased and the police had, on numerous occasions, been called out with regard to safety issues.  The proposals had been formulated in consultation with the County Council’s Highways officers and County Councillor Ian Corkin.  Although not perfect the proposed parking scheme had offered and did offer some resolution in the interests of local residents and the safety of schoolchildren. Alternative suggestions had been tabled such as a continuous double yellow line (instead of double yellow lines alongside dropped kerbs) on one side of Alchester Road and a single line on the other side of the road and the Parish Council welcome any suggestions to resolve these issues and progress a scheme in Alchester Road.

Councillor Corkin supported the line taken by the Parish Council and for deferral to allow further discussions to take place.

Noting the submissions before her together with the information set out in the report before her the Cabinet Member for Environment confirmed her decision as follows:

to defer implementation of proposed waiting restrictions to allow further discussions with Chesterton Parish Council and the local member.

Signed………………………………………

Cabinet Member for Environment

Date of |Signing…………………………….