Agenda item

CIL Locally-Funded Schemes 2021 - Results of Statutory Consultation

A report informing the Sub-Committee of objections received during the statutory consultations for the agreed proposals and asking that the objections are considered and the outcome of the proposals concluded.  The report also asks the Sub-Committee to approve a new statutory consultation for amendments to the Norcot Road Red Route restriction should it be necessary for the implementation of the scheme.

Minutes:

The Executive Director of Environment and Neighbourhood Services submitted a report informing the Sub-Committee of objections that had been received during the statutory consultation for the agreed proposals for zebra crossings on Addington Road, Church End Lane and Norcot Road and for amendments to the ‘school keep clear’ markings on Church End Lane, which would be needed if the zebra crossing was approved for implementation at that location.  The report also asked that the objections were considered and the outcome of the proposals concluded and for approval of a new statutory consultation for amendments to the Norcot Road Red Route restriction, should it be necessary for the implementation of the scheme.  The following appendices were attached to the report:

Appendix 1

Feedback received to the four statutory consultations

Appendix 2

Drawing showing the proposal for a new zebra crossing on Addington Road

Appendix 3

Drawing showing the proposal for a new zebra crossing and lining amendments on Church End Lane

Appendix 4

Drawing showing the proposal for a new zebra crossing on Norcot Road

Appendix 5

Drawing showing the proposal for amendments to the Red Route on Norcot Road, to facilitate the new bus stop location

The report explained that consultations for the proposed zebra crossings on Addington Road, Church End Lane and Norcot Road had taken place between 7 and 28 October 2021 and a separate consultation had taken place for the proposed changes to the ‘school keep clear’ restriction on Church End Lane between 14 October and 4 November 2021 because of the different legal process involved.  For the zebra crossing proposed on Addington Road 41 comments of support, one comment and two objections had been received.  Many mentioned the need for a crossing as it was felt this was a dangerous and difficult location to cross, there were comments about speeding and concern about the impact of the crossing on residents’ driveways and access.  The thought was that the crossing could leave to some reduction in this latter perceived issue, as approaching motorists would need to be prepared to stop and take notice of the environment around them.  The funding that had been allocated to this proposal was specific for a crossing to be considered on Addington Road, not Easter Avenue.  Officers were satisfied there was no other location for the crossing within the remit of the original request and the design standards for installing controlled crossings also required a good level of visibility between approaching motorists and the crossing, which would not be achieved by locating it at the roundabouts.  An independent road safety audit had been commissioned and an item had been raised about unknown vehicle speeds and its potential to impact on visibility distance requirements.  A speed survey had also been commissioned but the results had yet to be received.  However, officers were confident that only minor alterations would be necessary to meet these requirements and they would not involve moving the location of the pedestrian crossing.

Only one comment and no objections had been received to the zebra crossing proposals on Church End Lane and the statutory consultation for the alterations to the ‘School Keep Clear’ markings had to be conducted under different regulations and was ongoing.  An independent road safety audit had been commissioned for this scheme and no significant items had been raised.

For the zebra crossing proposal on Norcot Road two objections had been received.  The objections did not relate to the proposal for the crossing but, did raise concerns about the proposed relocation of the bus stop which was necessary to accommodate the crossing and to maintain visibility for pedestrians and motorists.  An independent road safety audit for thee scheme had been commissioned and an item had been raised regarding unknown vehicle speeds and its potential to impact on visibility distance requirements.  A speed survey had also been commissioned but, the results had not yet been received.  Officers believed that it might become necessary to relocate the eastbound bus stop further to the east of the crossing.  If necessary, this would result in the nearest viable location being outside property number 105 and would involve the removal of two and a half parking spaces.  As this alternation would require a change to the Red Route TRO it would require a separate statutory consultation to be carried out.  It was proposed that the statutory consultation should be carried out if the results of the speed survey necessitated this further work. 

The report stated that with regard to zebra crossing proposals in general it had been acknowledged that they would be positioned outside residential properties, which had been a cause for objection.  Within the limitations of what was possible, equipment would be chosen that minimised light from the beacons being directed toward nearby properties and any additional lighting would be shielded. 

Resolved –

(1)     That the report be noted;

(2)     That having considered the consultation feedback, set out in Appendix 1 attached to the report, the proposals for zebra crossings on Addington Road, Church End Lane and Norcot Road and the amendments to the ‘school keep clear’ markings on Church End Lane be implemented;

(3)     That the Assistant Director of Legal and Democratic Services be authorised to seal the resultant Traffic Regulation Order for the amendments to the ‘school keep clear’ restrictions on Church End Lane and no public inquiry be held into the proposals;

(4)     That respondents to the statutory consultations be informed of the decisions of the Sub-Committee accordingly, following publication of the agreed minutes of the meeting;

(5)     That the Assistant Director of Legal and Democratic Services be authorised to undertake statutory consultation processes for the proposed amendment to the Red Route on Norcot Road, as set out in paragraph 4.4 of the report and shown in Appendix 5, in accordance with the Local Authorities Traffic Orders (Procedure) (England and Wales) Regulations 1996, should this be necessary to facilitate the scheme delivery;

(6)     That subject to no objections being received for the proposal, as set out in paragraph 4.4 of the report, the scheme on Norcot Road be agreed for implementation and scheme delivery planning commence;

(7)     That should objection(s) be received during the statutory consultation period, that these be submitted to a future meeting for consideration and decision regarding scheme delivery;

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

Supporting documents: