MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND TRANSPORT SELECT COMMITTEE HELD AT COUNTY HALL, NEWPORT, ISLE OF WIGHT ON WEDNESDAY, 29 MAY 2002 COMMENCING AT 9.30 AM
Present :
Mrs T M Butchers (Chairman), Mr J R Adams, Mr A C Bartlett, Mr C B W Chapman, Mrs B D Clough, Mr M J Cunningham, Mr J Effemey, Mr J F Howe (deputising for Mr J H Fleming), Mrs M J Miller, Mr V J Morey, Mrs E Oulton, Mr A F Tiltman
Apologies :
Mr J H Fleming
Spokesperson :
Mr E Fox
Also Present (non voting) :
Mr J Bowker
8. MINUTES
RESOLVED :
THAT the minutes of the meeting held on 24 April 2002 be confirmed.
9. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Personal Interests were declared by Mrs T M Butchers and Mr A F Tiltman.
10. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
The Chairman indicated that a large number of written questions had been received in respect of the item relating to Newport Pedestrianisation. She believed that it would be of great benefit to those concerned if officers made their presentation on this matter thereby giving an opportunity to those members of the public submitting questions to have all the latest relevant details. Additionally public question time was normally restricted to a maximum of fifteen minutes duration. The Chairman indicated that she was willing to extend this to enable a response to be given to all questions.
11. RESULTS OF CONSULTATION ON NEWPORT PEDESTRIANISATION
The Head of Engineering Services outlined the background to the options that formed the consultation exercise. The principle of a pedestrianisation scheme for Newport had been established in the Council’s Unitary Development Plan and agreed in July 2000 as part of the Council’s Local Transport Plan.
The Select Committee noted that Marriot Design had co-ordinated the consultation process on behalf of the Council. This involved a leaflet drop in the area, exhibitions and specific media coverage. A number of public meetings had also been held in the Newport area. Reference was also made to consultation exercises carried out by the Conservative Councillor for Newport South and Newport Labour. All responses received by the Council had been analysed. This indicated that the majority of those responding supported the introduction of a pedestrianised scheme. A number of areas of concern had been highlighted. Arising from the consultation exercise a revised scheme had been drawn up aimed at overcoming some of these concerns. The scheme incorporated improved advanced signing, additional traffic calming and pedestrianisation safety measures.
More specifically the proposed link between Foxes Road and Mill Street had been dropped and there would be partial reversal of traffic flows in the southern part of Mill Street. The eastern half of Trafalgar Road would also be made one way. There would be a contra flow system for buses in St James’ Square and South Street and Pyle Street would be made into a one way system from Carisbrooke Road to Coppins Bridge.
The Head of Engineering Services circulated copies of predicted traffic flows for the revised scheme, called Option E.
With regard to car parking discussions were being held with a landowner in Newport for the release of land so to provide additional spaces. Part of the County Hall site might also be opened up for public use.
Pedestrianisation was likely to be for specific hours such as between 10.00 am and 6.00 pm. This would enable deliveries to be made outside those hours to premises affected.
Detailed work on this option would be undertaken if the scheme received approval from the Executive. Investigations were also to be made into the possibility of a link between Furrlongs and St Georges Way.
The Chairman then dealt with questions from members of the public in relation to the Newport pedestrianisation proposals :
Corrie Rayner, 15 Avondale Road, Newport (PQ 54/02)
Mr P Cave, 17 Aspen Close, Newport (PQ 55/02)
Mr B McHugh, 24 Caesars Road, Newport (PQ 56/02)
Mr S Clements. 19 Clatterford Road, Carisbrooke (PQ 57/02)
Mr B G Hill, 10 Homewight House, Crocker Street, Newport (PQ 58/02)
Mrs J Hill, 10 Homewight House, Crocker Street, Newport (PQ 59/02)
Miss D Frizel, 14 Ash Lane, Newport (PQ 60/02)
N D Lloyd, 6 Mayfield Drive, Staplers, Newport (PQ 61/02)
M O’Sullivan, 12 Drill Hall Road, Newport (PQ 62/02)
Mrs P Havers, 16 Trafalgar Road, Newport (PQ 63/02)
Mrs D R Fulleylove, Brewery Cottage, 9 Crocker Street, Newport (PQ 64/02)
Mr B Rushton, 19c Sea Street, Newport (PQ 65/02)
Mr and Mrs W Liddell, 11 Malthouse Court, Crocker Street, Newport (PQ 66/02)
Mrs E Edwards, 1 Caesars Road, Newport (PQ 67/02)
Mr and Mrs A Freeman, 14 Crocker Street, Newport (PQ 68/02)
Mr and Mrs S Holford, 9 Drill Hall Road, Newport (PQ 69/02)
Mrs V M Fisher-McAllum, The Bakers Dozen, 13 Crocker Street, Newport (PQ 70/02)
Copies of the questions and replies are available in the Public Question Register.
In addition a number of other questions were asked to which appropriate responses were made.
The Select Committee then clarified a number of issues connected with the proposals. Although a scheme could be brought into operation it was considered that this should be on a 12 month trial basis. The Head of Engineering Services indicated that works were already required at a number of sites in the Newport area and those would have to be carried out regardless of any pedestrianisation scheme.
Members were concerned that the residents of Pyle Street, Crocker Street and Trafalgar Road had not had the opportunity of commenting on the revised scheme. If the Executive decided to proceed with option E there would be a formal consultation process regarding the traffic regulation orders.
The Select Committee debated whether the matter should be deferred for a further consultation exercise, involving all Newport residents, on Option E or whether the scheme should be recommended subject to the residents of the streets now affected being advised of the revised proposals.
RESOLVED :
THAT the Executive be advised of the Select Committees support for Option E subject to a consultation exercise being undertaken involving residents of Pyle Street, Crocker and Trafalgar Road.
12. MEMBERS’ QUESTION TIME
Questions were asked of the Chairman as follows :
Mr J Effemey in relation to the skatepark, Quay Road, Ryde. (MQ 36/02)
Mr J Effemey in relation to the Mornington Road, Cowes car park. (MQ 37/02)
Mr J Effemey in relation to the cost of carriageway markings. (MQ 38/02)
Mr J Effemey in relation to the sewer in Cowes High Street. (MQ 39/02)
CHAIRMAN