Agenda item

4.1

The Executive Director, Place submitted a report setting out officer responses to comments received during the public consultation exercise, following the development of highway proposals to provide improved pedestrian and vehicle access to the new swimming pool complex and associated leisure facilities currently being constructed on Pack Horse Lane.

4.2

RESOLVED: That:-

(a)

the highway changes be approved and implemented as shown on drawing number TM-RV-011-P1 in Appendix 1 of the report;

(b)

the Traffic Regulation Order be made relating to the proposed waiting restrictions; and

(c)

all parties responding to the consultation be informed accordingly.

4.3

Reasons for Decision

4.3.1

The changes to Pack Horse Lane and its junction with Mortomley Lane will give improved accessibility to the new leisure facilities which are currently being constructed on Packhorse Lane. It is also anticipated that the changes will provide safe and easy access for all user groups to and from St Mary’s Primary School as well as other amenities.

4.3.2

The proposals will satisfy the highway planning conditions associated with the planning approval for the new leisure facility which was granted in January 2015.

4.3.3

As well as improvements to access, the changes will also address additional demands for parking in the area which will benefit St Mary’s school and other amenities located on Pack Horse Lane.

4.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

4.4.1

Between the planning approval and the consultation in October / November 2015, a layout which included a nib on the south east corner of Pack Horse lane at the junction of Mortomley was designed and constructed. The audit team during the road safety audit stage 2 were concerned that the build out would protrude into the path of vehicles travelling east on Mortomley Lane when negotiating the right hand bend. The layout was also considered an issue when buses were stationary at the city bound bus stop. Observations had shown that the build out meant that buses could not fully pull into the kerb and dock at the stop. This situation could result in ‘rear end shunt’ accidents as vehicles travelled around the bend. The build out was subsequently removed following the recommendation in the safety audit and an alternative design shown in TM- TM-RV-011-P1in the report is now being constructed. 

4.5

Any Interest Declared or Dispensation Granted

None

4.6

Reason for Exemption if Public/Press Excluded During Consideration

None

4.7

Respective Director Responsible for Implementation

Simon Green, Executive Director, Place

4.8

Relevant Scrutiny and Policy Development Committee If Decision Called In

Economic and Environmental Wellbeing