Agenda, decisions and minutes

These had been received from Councillor Ken Ferrett, Opposition Spokesperson.

There were no members' declarations of interest.

The purpose of the report by the Head of Transport and Environment is to consider the public consultation responses to making the closure point in Villiers Road a permanent feature, following its installation under an Experimental Order.  When objections are received to Traffic Regulation Orders, it is a statutory requirement to consider them and for decisions to be made at a formal decision meeting.

RECOMMENDED that instead of continuing with the road closure on a permanent basis, Villiers Road is opened to one-way traffic in a westbound direction between The Vale and the current closure point. 

That instead of continuing with the road closure on a permanent basis, Villiers Road is opened to one-way traffic in a westbound direction between the Vale and the current closure point, via an experimental traffic regulation order.

(TAKE IN REPORT BY HEAD OF TRANSPORT & ENVIRONMENT)

Nikki Musson, the Operational Transport Planning Officer introduced the report by the Head of Transport & Environment, she wished to amend the report which had mentioned the closure of the west end of Villiers Road in 2013 however it was already closed in 2012 and would revise the report to read within the Background section:

"The closure point in Villiers Road was introduced in 2012 following the part-pedestrianisation of Palmerston Road, to avoid Villiers Road being used as an alternative route, for which it is unsuitable.  The southern end of Lennox Road South was closed to traffic in 2013, and when it reopened, the Villiers Road closure continued under Experimental Order 24/2013 from 24 July 2013 as Palmerston Road remained closed to traffic (except buses) north of Villiers Road."

This has been linked to the Palmerston Road South pedestrianisation scheme where the northbound part of the road was now open to traffic.  Having gone out to public consultation the recommendation was seen as a compromise for the use of the westbound direction of Villiers Road, which would have benefits to traffic on the local road network.  Whilst the majority of residents in the area support the opening the many residents in Villiers Road would like the closure to remain.

Councillor Stagg queried the address of signatures of those writing in from Palmerston Road and it was confirmed that they were within Palm Court.

The Cabinet Member for Traffic & Transportation allowed the deputations approximately four minutes each to put forward their views, extending the usual provision.  The deputations' main points are summarised:

(i)            Mrs Ross-Richards - there had been traffic chaos at the west end of Villiers Road with traffic turning around if Villiers Road was re-opened there should be careful consideration to which way the traffic flowed; she questioned if the traffic order had lapsed as it was for 18 months and had only been in place for 15 months; the notice had not been advertised in the effected part of the road for the full three weeks; the opening would have benefit for the area as a whole.

(ii)          Mr Watton - Villiers Road is a residential road with Grade II listed buildings and tree preservation orders.  It is narrow so parking is prohibited except for the east end and there is a narrow S bend at the western end.  At the east end there was only enough room for one vehicle to proceed in one direction only and there was a problem for larger vehicles to pass without mounting the pavement.  Before it was closed it was a rat run for taxis day and night.  The road is unsuitable for through traffic in the conservation area which also had a large care home for vulnerable adults which made it unsuitable.  Instead he suggested closing the western end of Auckland Road East at the junction of Palmerston Road.  If Villiers Road was re-opened there should be speed humps to stop taxis  ...  view the full minutes text for item 36.