Issue - meetings

This report to Council follows on from the 8 October meeting of Cabinet. It seeks Council approval for funding for highway mitigation schemes on the A444 in Nuneaton.

That Council:

1.       Approves the investment of £21,704,000 to deliver four highway mitigation schemes along the A444 Nuneaton Ring Road, as detailed in section 1.5, as part of the overall Transforming Nuneaton (Highway Improvements) Project.

2.       Approves the addition of the overall Transforming Nuneaton (Highway Improvements) scheme to the capital programme at a cost of £29.6M.

Councillor Jeff Clarke (Portfolio Holder for Transport and Planning) moved the recommendations and was seconded by Councillor Clare Golby who reserved the right to speak. Councillor Clarke summarised key elements of the published report.

Councillor Keith Kondakor tabled an amendment that stated, 

That Council:

1. Approves the investment of £21,704,000 to deliver four highway mitigation schemes along £1,900,000 to deliver  A444 / Queens Road ( scheme B) and A444 / Wheat Street (scheme C) along the A444 Nuneaton ring road as detailed in section 1.57 as part of the overall Transforming Nuneaton (Highway Improvements) Project  to include appropriate enhanced bus and fully segregated cycle routes that may be required as part of future transport projects.    

2. In the development of detailed designs for scheme A (Corporation Street/ A444) seek solutions which would allow the dandelion fountain to be retained and allow for greater improvements to air quality, bus and cycling opportunities around Midland Road/Corporation Street /Abbey Street. 

3. In the development of detailed designs between Nuneaton railways stations and the town centre seek solutions which allow for improvements to the flow of pedestrians, buses, cyclists and other transport   

4. That a bid be made to the Place Shaping & Capital Feasibility Fund to Progress the design of a new Nuneaton Transport hub connected to Nuneaton Railway station and new Northern station access in coordination with plans to change the road system to the south of the station so that a combined highway and transport hub project can be submitted to cabinet and full council within the next 6 months. Such a design should look at minimising impact on currently viable businesses. 

5. Subject to the approval of recommendation 1 to 4 above, add the overall Transforming Nuneaton (Highway Improvements) scheme to the capital programme at a cost of £29.6M £23.13M as set out in Appendix 2.1 Capital Spending Profile, deferring £6M for Land Acquisition and £430K for temporary trees and temporary landscaping at site of possible transport hub.

(Struck through sections are deletions. Underlined sections are additions)

In support of the Green Group amendment Councillor Kondakor stated,

• Wheat Street is required as the venue of the proposed new library
• Corporation Street and the “dandelion fountain” roundabout require a review that will focus on cycling and walking.
• The Crown Pub should be bought and demolished to improve traffic flows by the railway station.
• It is important to identify the location of a new public transport hub before any other planning is undertaken.

Councillor Kondakor observed that the proposed project had scored 8.2 out of 10 for environmental considerations. This he suggested was unlikely to be achievable. Increasing traffic levels on the A444 will only increase air pollution. He closed by welcoming the funding but asked that the scheme be reviewed.

Councillor Jonathan Chilvers seconded the amendment. He confirmed that, in his view, the investment in Nuneaton was welcomed but did not feel that the current proposals were fit for the future.

Adjournment

To consider the Green Group amendment the meeting  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6

In November 2018 Corporate Board supported the further development of capital investment proposals in Nuneaton in order to drive regeneration, deliver the vision held by WCC and NBBC, and drive the change needed to support growth of the local economy. This report seeks Cabinet approval for projects proposed under that scheme.

Councillor Jeff Clarke summarised the key elements of the proposal as set out in the report.

In response to the proposal Councillor Keith Kondakor observed that over time some good highway projects have been undertaken. He cited the Coton Arches scheme as a good example. However, a number of schemes had been poorly executed eg Rugby Western Relief Road and Bermuda Connectivity. Councillor Kondakor stated that the proposals before Cabinet will serve to reduce air quality in some locations. There is no planned provision to improve cycling and walking and little to support the climate change agenda. The project would only serve to draw traffic into town and the location of the bus station should be considered ahead of changes to the road network. Cabinet was called upon to defer its decision.

Councillor Dave Parsons shared some of Councillor Kondakor’s concerns noting that the scheme will serve to draw traffic into the town. More consultation with local residents will be needed before any final decisions are made.

Councillor Timms welcomed the investment in Nuneaton adding that increased housing development will require additional infrastructure improvements.

Councillor Peter Butlin noted that up to £35.4m could be invested in Nuneaton town centre. There is a desire to see Nuneaton grow and that growth will bring additional traffic. The solution is to plan how that traffic is managed. Councillor Morgan added that the investment in Nuneaton reflected the Council’s commitment to the town.

Councillor Seccombe noted Councillor Kondakor’s observations adding that Cabinet is duty bound to look at all options. She reminded the meeting that the proposals are at an early stage and stated that opportunities to promote modal shift will be explored.

In closing Councillor Clarke suggested that public and active transport enhancements can only be brought about as part of the road scheme. He offered the opportunity for members to have briefings on the scheme.

A vote was held.

Resolved:

That Cabinet recommend that Council;

1. Approves the investment of £21,704,000 to deliver four highway mitigation schemes along the A444 Nuneaton Ring Road, as detailed in section 1.5, as part of the overall Transforming Nuneaton (Highway Improvements) Project.

2. Subject to the approval of recommendation 1 above, add the overall Transforming Nuneaton (Highway Improvements) scheme to the capital programme at a cost of £29.6M.

That (subject to Council agreeing the above recommendations), Cabinet;

3. Authorise the Strategic Director for Communities to invite tenders and enter into the appropriate contracts and grant agreements on terms and conditions acceptable to the Strategic Director for Resources for the implementation and construction of the highway mitigation schemes.

4. Authorise the Strategic Director for Communities to submit funding applications to support the delivery of the overall Transforming Nuneaton (Highway Improvements) Project subject to acceptable terms and conditions as confirmed by the Strategic Director for Resources.