Issue - meetings

That Council approves the addition of £3.7million to the Capital Programme in relation to the section 278 highways improvement scheme at the A452, Europa Way - Gallows Hill/Harbury Lane/Heathcote Lane Roundabout (The Asps 1D), which will be fully funded by developer contributions.

Councillor Jan Matecki, Portfolio Holder for Transport and Planning, introduced and moved this report and recommendation. Councillor Parminder Singh Birdi seconded the motion and reserved his right to speak.

Councillor John Holland noted that development at this site had been opposed by local representatives due to the inability to produce an appropriate traffic management scheme, a decision which had been supported by the Planning Inspector but overturned by the Secretary of State.   He further noted that roundabouts presented challenges for pedestrians and, as the Local Transport Plan prioritised pedestrians, this scheme was contrary to that.  Councillor Holland did not support the recommendations.

Councillor Jonathan Chilvers also considered that the scheme was not in line with the Local Transport Plan 4, or its predecessor and did not believe this was the right scheme.  

Councillor Birdi noted that the scheme was located in his division where there had been a lot of new homes built and there needed to be a solution to the increase in traffic.  He welcomed the investment, considered that the scheme was reasonable in the circumstances and looked forward to working with the developers to deliver a scheme that worked for Warwick.

Councillor Matecki emphasised that, despite any reservations that had been expressed, there was a need to deal with the planning conditions that had been imposed.  The proposals included a ‘park and ride’ car park, a new footway and cycle way and crossing points to improve safety at the junction.

Vote:

A vote was held. The motion was agreed by a majority.

Resolved:

That Council approves the addition of £3.7million to the Capital Programme in relation to the section 278 highways improvement scheme at the A452, Europa Way - Gallows Hill/Harbury Lane/Heathcote Lane Roundabout (The Asps 1D), which will be fully funded by developer contributions.