Agenda item

Report of the Head of Planning, Transportation and Environment (PTE/22/12), attached.

(Electoral Division: Newton Abbot North)

It was MOVED by Councillor Connett and SECONDED by Councillor Swain       and

RESOLVED:-

(a) that a public consultation be undertaken on detailed elements of a pedestrian and public realm enhancement scheme on Queen Street, Newton Abbot, between Courtenay Street and Newton Abbot Rail Station, containing the following key proposals:-

(i) Widened footways, improved crossing provision at side roads and across Queen Street/Station Road;

(ii) Significant reduction of on-street parking and changes to loading provision;

(iii) Restricted access to general traffic on Queen Street, west of Albany Street, including no vehicular access between King Street and Queen Street and one-way vehicular access on Hopkins Lane;

(iv) Restricted access to general traffic at the southern end of Lemon Road, two-way cycles permitted;

(v) 20mph speed limit for Queen Street west of The Avenue;

(vi) Enhanced greening and seating where possible;

(vii) Improved public transport and cycle route provision; and

(b) that the Head of Planning, Transportation and Environment be given delegated powers, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Highway Management, Chair of HATOC and the local County Councillor, to make minor amendments to the scheme details prior to consultation and report back to HATOC with final recommendations after consultation.

The Committee considered the Report of the Head of Planning, Transportation and Environment (PTE/22/12) on a package of proposals for pedestrian and public realm enhancements, to go out to a second stage public consultation in Spring 2022.  The Queen Street corridor was vibrant but currently dominated by vehicles with some narrow footways and lack of overall pedestrian space, when pedestrians were a priority in a town centre environment.  The scheme aimed to create a more attractive, safe and healthy place for both shoppers and businesses.

This would be delivered through the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities’ Future High Street Fund (FHSF), with some proposals to be delivered through the Active Travel Fund (ATF).

The current consultation proposals were informed by the first stage consultation undertaken by Teignbridge District Council in June 2020.  Whilst the June 2020 design contained many of the scheme details now proposed (including widened footways and a significant reduction of on-street parking), the 2020 plans had also included decking of the Cricketfield car park north of Queen Street to offset the loss of on-street parking.  However due to FHSF oversubscription, the Cricketfield car park additional parking was removed as this would not have been transformative due to adequate car parking across the town centre.

Written representations had been received from local traders since this Report’s publication against or concerned the proposals including that:-

-this was not the same scheme as proposed in 2020, with a downgrading in parking provision, greening and cycle provision now proposed;

-the removal of parking places in Queen Street was particularly to the detriment of the “pop and shop” convenience shopping style of much of Queen Street and for those shoppers with greater mobility problems but without a disabled parking badge;

-loading/deliveries provision;

-rerouting proposals;

-reduced overnight parking for local residents; and

-business disruption and recovery from the pandemic. 

The local County Councillor reported that following local feedback he had received, he supported the overall principals of the proposals for the future development of Queen Street, but key to encouraging shoppers to spend longer in the area required quality provision including greening, lighting and street furniture. Careful consideration was also needed of the potential impact of any other proposed local planning, re-routing of traffic, loading facilities.  Members generally concurred, but adding that:

-the current proposals could reduce the ability to “pop and shop”, parking restrictions on Queen Street were 20 minutes – 1 hour (parking data could be available to consider alongside parking perception and be provided at public consultation);

-further consideration was required of any potential unintended impacts prior to consultation; and

-consultation engagement was key with all interested parties.

Officers were happy to work with the local County Councillor, including on  greening/seating as this was required to be funded from sources other than the FHSF.  

It was MOVED by Councillor Connett and SECONDED by Councillor Swain       and

RESOLVED:-

(a) that a public consultation be undertaken on detailed elements of a pedestrian and public realm enhancement scheme on Queen Street, Newton Abbot, between Courtenay Street and Newton Abbot Rail Station, containing the following key proposals:-

(i) Widened footways, improved crossing provision at side roads and across Queen Street/Station Road;

(ii) Significant reduction of on-street parking and changes to loading provision;

(iii) Restricted access to general traffic on Queen Street, west of Albany Street, including no vehicular access between King Street and Queen Street and one-way vehicular access on Hopkins Lane;

(iv) Restricted access to general traffic at the southern end of Lemon Road, two-way cycles permitted;

(v) 20mph speed limit for Queen Street west of The Avenue;

(vi) Enhanced greening and seating where possible;

(vii) Improved public transport and cycle route provision; and

(b) that the Head of Planning, Transportation and Environment be given delegated powers, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Highway Management, Chair of HATOC and the local County Councillor, to make minor amendments to the scheme details prior to consultation and report back to HATOC with final recommendations after consultation.