Decision details

The Chair introduced the item, invited speakers to make their addresses and responded to their points in turn.

The Chair noted concerns raised by speakers and officers regarding the actions of motorists not using the available space in a desirable way, but stated that that was the responsibility of each motorist and not either, the Council or the taxi trade.

Officers committed to further data collection and working with the taxi trade about how the space is used in the current taxi rank, as well as the need of the taxi trades.  

The Chair noted that the report stated that the taxi rank will be reduced from 7 to 4 spaces, with potential relocation to Newbury Street if needed.

Officers confirmed the design passed safety audits and committed to ongoing engagement with the taxi trade and local businesses.

The Chair made the point if these schemes were helping businesses, then the possibility of extending it should be looked into.

The Chair noted the consultation in 2023, which changed several elements of the proposed scheme, demonstrated the usefulness of consultations in engaging with and shaping proposals in local areas.

Officers committed to engaging with local businesses, taxi trades and accessibility groups over formalising a loading bay

The Chamber of Commerce gave conditional approval to this scheme, on the basis that the road closure will not extend beyond the current barriers or include the loading areas or taxi rank up to the Triangle and that it would remain open for deliveries, taxis and customer access. Officers gave assurance that their request would be the case.

The Chair referred to several of the consultation responses.

The Chair thanked officers for their work, speakers for their contributions and agreed to the recommendations in the report.

RESOLVED to:

a) Approve the making permanent of the existing prohibition of driving & waiting measures for:

 i) the western section of Market Place (reduced from original proposal to a point 17 metres southeast of its junction with Alfred Street,

ii) the southern section of Alfred Street (as advertised),

iii) the northern section of Church Street (as advertised).

b) Approve the making permanent of the removal of 30-minute time limited spaces (Mon-Sat 8am-6pm) on the west side of Alfred Street (approx. 3 spaces), and the southern side of Market Square (approx.1 space),

c) Approve the making permanent of the relocation of two existing Disabled Persons Parking Places on the south side of Market Square further eastwards,

d) Approve the permanent removal of existing motorcycle parking placed from the west side of Alfred Street,

e) Approve the retention of the taxi rank on its current alignment and not to proceed with proposals to relocate spaces further eastwards to sit adjacent to a proposed ‘horseshoe’ arrangement,

f) Approve the retention of the 30-minute time limited spaces (Mon-Sat 8am-6pm) on the southern side of Market Square (approx.2 spaces), and

g) Approve the continuing use of temporary planters and barriers, pending further design work being undertaken by the Wantage Market Place Regeneration (2025) project for a permanent scheme design and subsequent construction works.