Decision details

5.1

Simon Botterill (Team Manager, Traffic Management) introduced a report of the Executive Director, Place setting out officer responses to comments received during the public re-consultation undertaken following the development of a revised layout for the junction of Gleadless Road and Blackstock Road. The revisions were made to minimise the ecological impact of the carriageway widening works and an Ecological Assessment and Arboriculture Impact Assessment had also been produced to determine the impacts and mitigation measures to enable an inbound bus lane to be provided. A summary of the key areas of agreement arising from a meeting between the City Council and Local Community Groups held on 10 March 2015 was circulated.

5.2

RESOLVED: That:-

(a)

approval is given to completion of the detailed design and implementation of the Gleadless Road/Blackstock Road Scheme, as described in the report now submitted, taking full account of the recommendations outlined in the Ecology Assessment and the accompanying Arboriculture Impact Assessment and to involve the Gleadless Valley Wildlife Trust and community to mitigate the negative ecological impacts of the scheme;

(b)

approval is given to the making and implementation of the Traffic Regulation Orders related to the Blackstock Road / Gleadless Road bus lane (as detailed in TM/LT109-P3 REV D) in accordance with the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984;

(c)

all parties responding to the recent re-consultation be informed of the outcome;

(d)

it be noted that full funding for this scheme is yet to be secured; and

(e)

the Director of Regeneration and Development Services is requested to work closely with the local community groups during the detailed design and implementation of the Scheme.

5.3

Reasons for Decision

5.3.1

The proposals described in the report will contribute to improvements in the punctuality and reliability of bus services in the Gleadless area together with accessibility improvements to/from bus stops.

5.3.2

Whilst it is acknowledged that the proposed scheme will impact on adjacent public open space and trees to varying degrees, the recommendations outlined in the Ecology Assessment and Arboriculture Impact Assessment to mitigate the negative aspects will be fully investigated and adopted where practicable and beneficial.

5.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

5.4.1

The current Blackstock Road widening scheme was developed following a review of an earlier proposal to provide a minor bus-only facility at the junction of Gleadless Road. This was discounted as, without the additional length of bus lane now proposed, the limited time saving benefits for buses did not justify the scheme cost. Additionally, the alignment of the new section of carriageway across the public open space has been revised as much as practicable to minimise the negative impact on trees.

5.5

Any Interest Declared or Dispensation Granted

5.5.1

None.

5.6

Reason for Exemption if Public/Press Excluded During Consideration

5.6.1

None.

5.7

Respective Director Responsible for Implementation

5.7.1

Simon Green, Executive Director, Place.

5.8

Relevant Scrutiny and Policy Development Committee If Decision Called In

5.8.1

Economic and Environmental Wellbeing.