A report on traffic management measures associated with the development at the former Wickes site on Weldale Street/Chatham Street and seeking approval to carry out Statutory Consultation on the introduction of loading restrictions within a vehicular exit onto Chatham Street related to the retail park that was previously occupied by Wickes and Iceland.

The Sub-Committee received a report on traffic management measures associated with the development at the Former Wickes site on Weldale Street/Chatham Street and sought approval to carry out statutory consultation on the introduction of loading restrictions within a vehicular exit onto Chatham Street related to the retail park that had been previously occupied by Wickes and Iceland.  An illustration of the proposal was attached to the report at Appendix 1 with an inset of that drawing showing the details clearer at Appendix 2.

The report explained that planning permission had been granted in March 2018 for the redevelopment of the former Wickes/Iceland site bounded by Weldale Street to the north and Chatham Street to the south.  The permission had included the provision of 427 residential units and one flexible ground floor commercial unit. The first phase of development had been completed with the second phase having commenced.  As a result of the development a S278 Highway Works Agreement was necessary which, amongst other things, was to close off the historic exit from the retail park on Chatham Street albeit that some egress was to be retained.  The design had ensured that vehicles could exit but the area was secured by way of bollards making the ramp mainly for the use of pedestrians.  The proposal consisted of providing a double yellow line no loading or unloading at any time restriction across the former exit to tie into existing restrictions either side of the former exit with the existing no waiting restriction to the east revised to also include loading or unloading.  The inclusion of the waiting restriction had been deemed necessary to ensure that indiscriminate parking or loading did not occur along the Chatham Street frontage of the development causing obstructions to the flow of traffic along Chatham Street and the intervisibility between pedestrians and drivers at the zebra crossing located at the Chatham Street/Friar Street/IDR roundabout junction.  The loading restrictions were therefore essential to dissuade drivers from parking vehicles within the recessed exit and close to the existing zebra crossing. 

Resolved –

(1)        That the report be noted;

(2)        That the Assistant Director of Legal and Democratic Services be authorised to undertake a statutory consultation in accordance with the Local Authorities Traffic Orders (Procedure) (England and Wales) Regulations 1996, for the proposals contained within Appendix 1, attached to the report;

(3)        That subject to no objections being received, the Assistant Director of Legal and Democratic Services be authorised to make the Traffic Regulation Order for the proposed scheme;

(4)        That any objection(s) received following the statutory advertisement be submitted to a future meeting;

(5)        That the Head of Transport (or appropriate Officer) in consultation with the appropriate Lead Councillor, be granted authority to make minor changes to the proposals;

(6)        That no public enquiry be held into the proposals.