Venue: Council Chamber, Town Hall, Royal Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1RS
Contact: Mark O'Callaghan Democratic Services Officer
Note: Please note that the public proceedings of the meeting will be recorded and made available for playback on the Tunbridge Wells Borough Council website
No. | Item |
---|---|
Apologies To receive any apologies for absence. Minutes: Apologies were received from County Councillor Oakford and Councillor Dr Hall.
County Councillor Holden was not present. |
|
Declarations of Interest To receive any declarations of interest by members in items on the agenda. For any advice on declarations of interest, please contact the Monitoring Officer before the meeting. Minutes: There were no disclosable pecuniary or other significant interests declared at the meeting. |
|
Notification of Visiting Members wishing to speak To note any members of the Council wishing to speak, of which due notice has been given in accordance with Council Meeting Procedure Rule 18, and which items they wish to speak on. Minutes: Councillor Moore had registered to speak at minute TB5/18 and TB8/18. Councillor Scott had registered to speak at minute TB8/18.
The Chairman noted that one member of the public had registered to speak at minute TB5/18 and TB6/18. |
|
Minutes of the meeting dated 16 April 2018 PDF 230 KB To approve the minutes of a previous meeting as a correct record. The only issue relating to the minutes that can be discussed is their accuracy. Minutes: Members reviewed the minutes. No amendments were proposed.
RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting dated 16 April 2018 be approved as a correct record. |
|
Additional documents: Minutes: At a later point in the meeting but in respect of this item, Councillor Stanyer explained that the Update Report replaced the former Tracker and would bring forward only items where there was something substantive to report.
The Board considered the report and comments were made in respect of the following items:
1 – A26 Cycle Route Jamie Watson, Traffic Schemes Team Leader, KCC, introduced the report and clarified that phase 1 would commence and phase 3 would enter into the detailed design stage during the current financial year. In respect of parts of phase 2, the previous 20mph zone and section of cycle route near Mabeldon would not be progressed. Consideration would be given to any new proposals.
Paul Mason, for Tunbridge Wells Bicycle User Group (TWBUG), had registered to speak and commented that more people would cycle if conditions were safer. There was strong public support for the proposals. The A26 was a key part of the transport network, particularly for school children. TWBUG had identified several ‘quick wins’ and was prepared to work with KCC to make best use of the route.
Councillor Moore, member for Park ward, had registered to speak, she was concerned that KCC proposed to not proceed with waiting restrictions and other important elements of the scheme due to a perceived lack of support. Several local policies emphasised active travel and there was strong public support for better infrastructure. School traffic was a major contributor to congestion and a lack of safety was the key barrier to more people cycling. Prioritising active travel would reduce congestion for all.
Mr Watson advised that KCC would continue to work with TWBUG and local members to make improvements to the scheme where possible but were keen to avoid delays in implementing the agreed proposals.
Councillor Backhouse endorsed Councillor Moore’s comments which echoed his experience in Sherwood ward.
Councillor Lidstone welcomed progress but was disappointed that the opportunity to reduce traffic and pollution on a key route between two major conurbations was not being fully taken. It was not safe for cyclists to mix with 40mph traffic at Mabeldon. A 20mph zone in Southborough would improve safety and could help re-establish it as a town centre rather than just a thoroughfare. To not implement waiting restrictions would force cyclists into a narrow lane of vehicles. The Traffic Regulation Order covering the waiting restrictions had been fully advertised and had been strongly supported by locals. KCC was failing in its ambition to be a pioneer for active travel.
Mr Watson advised that the decision to retain the on-street parking was on the instruction of County Councillor Oakford.
RESOLVED – That, subject to the comments made in the discussion, the report be noted. |
|
21st Century Way Cycle Route Consultation Report PDF 279 KB Additional documents:
Minutes: Hilary Smith, Economic Development Manger, TWBC, introduced the report which included the following comments: · The 21st Century Way was an existing cycle route which linked: the key employment area of North Farm; new housing at Knights Wood; High Brooms Station; and Tunbridge Wells Town Centre. · The route was in need of upgrading and completion and was a key component of the Cycling Strategy. · Significant amounts of section 106 funding had been obtained to improve facilities for both cyclists and pedestrians. · A comprehensive consultation on the proposals had been held at the end of 2017 with 82 per cent of respondents either supporting or strongly supporting the proposals. · Since the publication of the report, the statutory consultation on 20mph schemes around Goods Station Road and Clifton Road had completed and no objections had been received. · Work was ongoing to improve the proposals further in response to encouraging suggestions made during the consultation. · Delivery was expected to start in Spring 2019.
Paul Mason, for Tunbridge Wells Bicycle User Group (TWBUG), had registered to speak and welcomed the proposals. In additional to the express support of local residents, a recent online poll suggested that 80 per cent of respondents would cycle if it was safe to do so which demonstrated latent demand for improved infrastructure. TWBUG had identified several ‘quick wins’ and would be happy to work with officers to make best use of the route.
The discussion included consideration of the following matters: · Wide support from members and appreciation for the work in preparing the proposals. · Inclusion of 20mph as part of the scheme was welcome. · The route’s proximity and additional cycle parking at High Brooms Station could help alleviate some of the commuter parking. · The route would be usable all-year-round due to new lighting for sections of the route through Home Farm Lane and Grosvenor and Hilbert Park. · Designers would work with Parks teams to ensure the surface of the route through the Park would be suitable for the variety of users and appropriate for the park setting. · Full segregation was not proposed for the Park as the paths were wide enough and already featured tactile surfacing to distinguish shared spaces. · 20mph zones would be funded through section 106 money secured for pedestrian and cycling improvements. There was no opportunity for on-road segregation. · Speed surveys identified that average speeds were already low enough to justify the 20mph restrictions where off-road provision was not possible. · 20mph zones would be identified by signs only but conditions would be monitored and further measures considered if necessary. · The strong local support for the proposals would suggest that the speed limits would be respected. · The KCC Local Transport Plan budget for the 20mph Public Health Initiative provided around £100k across the County for schemes where existing average speeds were below 24 mph. Kent Police had advised they would not enforce 20mph limits where there were no traffic calming measures so zones had to be self-enforcing.
RESOLVED – That the Board support the project to be delivered ... view the full minutes text for item TB6/18 |
|
Highway Works Programme PDF 86 KB Additional documents:
Minutes: Lisa Gillham, District Manager for Tunbridge Wells, KCC, introduced the report and noted that in addition to the road resurfacing set out at appendix A: the A26 was due to be resurfaced commencing on 1 August 2018 for 20 nights; and the A264 Langton Road would be resurfaced commencing on 15 October 2018 for 5 nights.
Comments were made in respect of the following matters:
Resurfacing (page 65): · The status of micro-surfacing on Badsell Road, believed to have been completed, was questioned. Ms Gillham to confirm with Councillor Mackonochie. · Maidstone Road in Paddock Wood was in a poor state of repair.
Carrs Corner (page 73): · Discussions were ongoing. A meeting between officers and County Councillors was being arranged and any progress would be reported to a future meeting. · Progress on improving the pedestrian island had stalled waiting for agreement from the Borough Conservation Officer, the delay was unacceptable.
Langton Road Crossing: · The cost of traffic and pedestrian surveys to facilitate the crossing had been established, of which Rusthall Parish Council had agreed to pay half. Other funding sources were being investigated.
Lighting (page 69): · A number of replaced light columns were yet to be fully removed and there needed to be a programme to complete the work.
Flooding and drainage (page 67): · A lack of reported drainage repairs in light of the recent flooding around The Pantiles was concerning. The impact of repeated flash flooding had been high for residents and businesses. · Reports of blocked drains had gone unanswered and no action had been taken. · Dismissing increased flooding as an inevitable consequence of climate change was unacceptable and tax payers expected authorities to do whatever was possible, there needed to be a plan to tackle the problem. · The Leader of Kent County Council had written to residents indicating that there would be substantial change whereby surface water would be diverted to the River Grom rather than the sewers, this was positive action but was not reported. · Failure to report good news perpetuated a perception of inaction. · Experience showed that simple measures such as clearing drains and ditches made a significant impact. · As a result of improved maintenance following the flooding in 2017 the drains were in reasonably good order and it was likely there were more systematic issues at fault which would require a strategic approach. · A meetings with the water companies was being facilitated by Greg Clark MP and members should ensure they were invited. · The report only covered the more substantial works where the asset value was in excess of £5k and did not include reactive repairs. It would not be practical to list every action and there was more going on than the report would suggest, however, if a significant scheme had been agreed it would be reasonable to expect its inclusion in the report. Ms Gillham to report back to members.
Combined Member Grants (page 83): · Ferndale handrail had been installed. · The location of the SID on Pembury High Street, the Pembury Gateways and dropped kerbs ... view the full minutes text for item TB7/18 |
|
Topics for Future Meetings To agree any topics for future meetings, of which prior notice must be sent to the Chairman and Democratic Services Officer no later than 4pm on the working day before the meeting. There can not be any substantive debate/discussion or any decision on any topics raised, except to agree whether the topic may come forward in future. Minutes: Comments were made in respect of the following items:
1 – Residents’ only parking Grove Hill Road and adjacent roads, Royal Tunbridge Wells Councillor Moore, member for Park ward, had registered to speak and proposed the creation of a special 24/7 residents’ only parking zone on Grove Hill Road, Mountfield Road, Mountfield Gardens, Sutherland Road, Meadow Hill Road and Guildford Road. The area was a special case due to its location sandwiched between two parks, meaning if all spaces were filled residents could not spill over into neighbouring areas, and its proximity to the Calverley Square development where construction traffic and visitors were likely to push out the residents. There were 3,500 off-street parking spaces within a 10 minute walk of the new Theatre for shoppers and theatre goers. The proposal was for a temporary restriction with the option to be made permanent following the trial.
The Chairman read out correspondence received from the head of service covering Parking which cautiously welcomed the proposals noting that this type of restriction was seldom used in Tunbridge Wells but agreed that investigations would be commenced with a report submitted to a future meeting.
Councillor Simmons requested that the report clarify how the restrictions would be enforced 24/7.
Members agreed that the topic could come forward to a future meeting.
2 – Congestion Kings Toll Road, Pembury County Councillor Barrington-King advised of continuing problems in Pembury around the A21, vehicles trying to avoid the congested Kippings Cross area were using the narrow and inappropriate roads including Kings Toll Road. The weight of traffic was blocking and damaging the country lanes, detailed statistics had been compiled by residents and forwarded to officers. Efforts were underway to work with sat-nav providers and support was sought from the Board to take proposals for new signage to Highways England.
County Councillor Hamilton advised that a senior officer at Kent Highways was a former employee at Highways England who may be a valuable contact.
Parish Councillor Mackonochie suggested that a no-left turn from the A21 to Henwood Green Road could improve the situation.
Councillor Woodward sought confirmation as to the scope of ‘topics for future meetings’ and whether local matters should be taken up with the Highway Authority directly.
3 – SpeedWatch controlled 20mph zone for Culverden Councillor Scott, member for Culverden ward, had registered to speak and introduced items 3 to 5. He proposed a 20 mph zone for Culverden which was a busy, school-heavy area and noted that the scheme could benefit from police approved speed control using the latest light-touch regulations.
4 – Pedestrian crossing on Upper Grosvenor Road Councillor Scott commented that the southern end near Meadow Road was a known danger spot which needed a pedestrian crossing. Suggestions of reducing parking restrictions to encourage on-street parking as speed breaks would actually decrease safety for pedestrians.
5 – Driverless Vehicles Councillor Scott sought support for investigating the potential future of driverless vehicles and what measures current policies should take into account to ensure ... view the full minutes text for item TB8/18 |
|
Date of Next Meeting To note that the next scheduled meeting will be held on Monday 15 October 2018 at 6.00pm. Minutes: The date of the next scheduled meeting was Monday 15 October 2018 at 6pm. |