A report informing the Sub-Committee of the results of the statutory consultation including feedback received and to recommend the implementation of the scheme as detailed in the report.

Further to Minute 24 of the meeting held on 27 November 2024, the Sub-Committee considered a report that informed them of the results of the statutory consultation process for the proposed changes on Palmer Park Avenue and Wykeham Road junction as part of the scheme by Wokingham Borough Council.  A plan of the Palmer Park Avenue and Wykeham Road crossing facilities was attached to the report at Appendix 1 and the consultation results were attached to the report at Appendix 2.

The report explained that the entire scheme consisted of the provision of a new cycle route connecting Woodly Town Centre and Palmer Park, including an upgrade to the existing shared footway/cycleway sections, junction upgrades and priority crossing points.  Part of Woodlands Avenue was to be reduced to 20mph, with Palmerston Road and Culver Lane proposed to form part of a wider 20mph zone which was being delivered as a separate scheme.  Church Road was to remain at 30pmh.  The section of the scheme with Reading Borough consisted of the provision of a new parallel crossing over Palmer Park Avenue at the entrance to Palmer Park and improved crossing facilities, including a raised table and crossing at the Wykeham Road junction with Palmer Park Avenue.  The pavement on the south side of Culver Lane, between its junction with Wykeham Road and the Borough boundary was also to be converted to shared space for pedestrians and cycles.  The section of the scheme within the Borough had been developed with the engagement and feedback from Transport Officers and a statutory consultation had been carried out between 30 January and 28 February 2025.  A total of 27 public responses had been received to the consultation, with 23 supportive of the scheme and four unsupportive.  There had been no objections to the scheme from Thames Valley Police. 

Resolved –

(1)      That the report and the results of the consultation be noted;

(2)      That the implementation of the proposed measures be approved;

(3)      That the Assistant Director of Legal and Democratic Services be granted authority to make the Traffic Regulation Order;

(4)      That no public inquiry be held into the proposals.