Archived decisions

Contact: Nick Richardson, ext 5429

1. Summary

1.1 The following decisions are sought:

(i) That implementation of the measures proposed for Chesil Street and Bar End Road in the Winchester Movement and Access Plan be approved, as set out in paragraph 2.2.

(ii) That, following a site visit by Members, implementation of a revised `T' junction at Chesil Street/Barfield Close, amendments to the proposed footway widening outside Chesil Theatre and conversion of the existing Zebra crossing in Chesil Street, near the East Hill/Wharf Hill junction, to a signal controlled crossing be approved.

2. Reason

2.1 A number of proposals were put forward for the Chesil Street and Bar End Road corridor to reduce traffic speeds and improve conditions for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as assisting Park and Ride buses.

2.2 On 4 December 2001 a report to the Winchester Movement and Access Plan Joint Members' Panel (attached as Appendix 1) recommended approval of the following schemes:

(i) footway widening in parts of Chesil Street;

(ii) junction treatments at Wharf Hill and East Hill;

(iii) new signal controlled crossing near Bar End Road/Milland Road junction;

(iv) junction narrowing at Milland Road junction;

(v) construction of new footway in the vicinity of the Bar End Road/Milland Road junction; and

(vi) new mini-roundabout at Bar End Road/Barfield Close junction.

Chesil Street Proposals

2.3 A site visit by Members and local residents took place on 15 January 2002. Residents submitted a memorandum of their concerns (see Appendix 2). On the issue of widening the footway outside the Chesil Theatre, concerns centred on the ability of two large vehicles to pass each other, the retention of the `layby' outside Avalon House, safety of pedestrians and property no. 17 Chesil Street. It was demonstrated that two large vehicles could pass each other with a widened footway on the western side of Chesil Street, and with the `layby' retained outside Avalon House. The original proposal for a widened footway was accepted by Members, but property no. 17 on the eastern side of Chesil Street was seen as being vulnerable to collision, and it was accepted that additional protection would be investigated in the form of hatching and a bollards.

2.4 On the roundabout at Chesil Street junction with Barfield Close, the need, environmental impact and proximity to property and the ability to stop and off load were issues. It was noted that the scheme would not cause any further detriment to property than now, would slow down traffic, and would assist the manoeuvres of the Park and Ride buses and reduce the delay encountered especially in peak periods. However, the justification was considered weak in terms of Park and Ride buses, given the limited periods of the day in which problems occurred; the proposed 20 miles per hour (mph) zone; and that a greater concern was presented with the amount of traffic reaching this junction from the south. It was considered possible to delay the introduction of the roundabout until the conclusion of investigations into a 20 mph zone and introduce a `T' junction. The revised arrangement incorporates the widening of the footway and kerb realignment under the original proposals. The speed and amount of traffic could be controlled by strengthening the advance signing to the Chesil car park and installing signal control at Chesil Street/East Hill/Wharf Hill junction. It was accepted that advance signing to the car park should be enhanced.

2.5 The installation of signal control at East Hill is problematic in terms of space, but Members accepted the need to investigate the upgrading of the existing Zebra to a light controlled crossing with funding to be included in the WMAP capital programme. The criteria for introducing a signal controlled crossing is the same as that for a Zebra crossing (on the basis of PV² calculation) and this location is suitable for the installation of a signal controlled crossing. This will be progressed and funding allocated as required.

2.6 It is proposed that the schemes for Chesil Street be approved with amendments to allow protection of property no. 17, the introduction of a revised `T' junction at the Chesil Street/Barfield Close junction, modifications to advance signing to Chesil car park and the introduction of a signal controlled crossing at East Hill.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected - Not applicable.

4. Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Decision Maker or a Member or Officer consulted - Not applicable.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - Not applicable.

6. Reason(s) for the Matter being dealt with if Urgent - Not applicable.

Approved by: Date:

Councillor K B Estlin

6968/NR