Agenda item

The Committee considered a report of the Corporate Director, Regeneration and Economic Development regarding a package of proposals for Coxhoe, devised following a routine review of traffic regulation orders in the area (for copy see file of Minutes).

The Committee were informed that the restrictions were reviewed to ensure that they remained relevant and appropriate. Initial discussions had been held with Coxhoe Parish Council and a number of suggested proposals were drawn up. An initial consultation took place with statutory consultees and directly affected frontages in the area. The overall aim of the proposals was to improve accessibility to local shops and facilities in Coxhoe whilst also improving access and egress from a number of junctions in the area, whilst rationalising some existing restrictions.

The Committee were then provided with a presentation detailing the location, proposals and photographs of parking issues at Cooperative Terrace (for copy see file of Minutes).

A number of objections were received during the initial consultation, which resulted in a revised set of proposals. The final proposed scheme would see the:

·                     introduction of ‘no waiting at any time’ restrictions at the Featherstones / Station Road junction and Rosslyn Mews junction;

·                     introduction of a disabled badge holders bay and ‘no waiting at any time’ restrictions outside of Coxhoe Medical Centre;

·                     introduction of ‘no waiting at any time’ restrictions on parts of Cooperative Terrace and Church Street;

·                     removal of limited waiting on parts of Co-Operative Terrace.

·                     replacement of limited waiting with ‘no waiting at any time’ on Sanderson Street;

·                     introduction of a 2 hour time limit on the B6291 Church Street as well as some short lengths of ‘no waiting at any time’.

A formal consultation on the final proposed scheme took place. Ten objections were received to the scheme though the informal and formal stages.  Following the consultation and given the amount of objections to the proposed limited waiting bays on B6291 Church Street it was decided that this proposal should be removed which reduced the number of objectors from seven to three.

The three unresolved objections were summarised to the Committee. All of the objections related to the Cooperative Terrace area.  Two objectors felt that the proposal would result in congestion and residents not being able to park outside of their homes, however, the Strategic Traffic Manager explained that the current restrictions were being abused by motorists. This was resulting in disruption to traffic flow at nearby traffic signals and the proposals would offer more parking availability elsewhere, whilst maintaining traffic flow around the traffic lights.

One objector suggested a two-hour waiting limit be introduced, however, similar to the previous objections, the Strategic Traffic Manager explained that the current restrictions were being abused and the proposed amendment to the time limited restriction on Sanderson Street and the removal of the restriction on Cooperative Terrace would afford greater flexibility to residents and regulate traffic in the area.

Councillor Blakey, one of the local members for the area welcomed the proposals, particularly in relation to Cooperative Terrace. Councillor Blakey explained that many people were parking their vehicles in the area and then using the bus service to go to Newcastle or the MetroCentre. Local businesses were losing trade because customers were unable to park outside or near to the shops.

Councillor Ormerod informed the Committee that he passed through Coxhoe on occasions and felt that it was a fragile situation. Councillor Ormerod felt that the proposals would work and welcomed them whilst also highlighting the importance of supporting local businesses.

Councillor Turnbull also gave his support for the scheme and felt that the proposals would go a long way to improving the area, whilst also helping local businesses.

Resolved

That the Committee, having considered the objections, recommend to the Corporate Director, Regeneration and Economic Development that the proposal be agreed, with the final decision being made in accordance with the Council’s scheme of delegation.