Agenda item

To agree the consultation process and give approval for the Traffic Regulation Orders for the cycle scheme of Leatherhead to Ashtead.

The Local Committee (Mole Valley) AGREED to AMEND the recommendation (i) to:

(i) the consultation plan presented within this report is approved subject to the amendments proposed by the Local Committee. The detailed designs for the scheme will be presented to the local committee’s next meeting on 11 September 2013 prior to construction.

(i) the consultation plan presented within this report is approved. The detailed

designs for the scheme will be presented to the local committee’s next meeting

on 11 September 2013 prior to construction.

The Local Committee (Mole Valley) AGREED to:

(ii) approve the advertisement of any statutory notices, in accordance with the

Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, and subject to no objections being upheld,

the necessary Orders be made.

(iii) approve the delegation of authority to officers, in consultation with

the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Local Committee, along with the

relevant Divisional Member/s to consider, resolve and where necessary over

rule any objections received in connection with the proposal.

The Local Committee (Mole Valley) AGREED to ADD an additional recommendation:

(iv) To authorise officers to continue to develop the plans for the Leatherhead Town Centre cycle scheme; in order to take advantage of any future funding schemes.

Reason for Decision

The Local Committee felt this was a positive investment for cycling in Mole Valley and would improve the safety of cyclist.  The Local Committee acknowledge consultation with local residents and in particular; local schools, sheltered housing schemes and businesses near the proposed route would be vital.  The Committee also felt that the Leatherhead Town Centre scheme had a great deal of merit and that officers should continue to develop the plans in order to capitalise on any further funding that may become available.

Public Participation

Mr Meudell presented the committee with a map of an alternative route for the cycle path, along Linden Pitt Path.  He highlighted the positives of the path not running along that A24 which was felt to not have the space for segregated or shared use.  It was felt the current proposal would not appeal to adult cyclists. The proposed traffic lights at the Knoll roundabout where a particular cause for concern due to the impact upon traffic flow.  Mr Meudell felt that upgrading the Linden Pitt path and bridge over the A24 to cycle use would be a more suitable option.

Mr Chrisham felt it was important for the Olympic legacy of cycling to be encouraged in the local area.  He felt that the A24 route would be intimidating to many family or young cyclists.  He felt it was important that further consultation be undertaken with the local community prior to implementation.

The divisional member for Ashtead raised queries as to whether the Linden Pitt Path bridge would actually meet cycle requirements?  He also echoed the concerns regarding the traffic lights at the Knoll roundabout. The divisional member for Leatherhead acknowledged that both routes had potential challenges but had serious concerns about the suitability of the bridge for cycle use along with other users.

Main Discussion

Officers highlighted that the money had been awareded for the A24 route Leatherhead to Ashtead and it was not possible to change this to another scheme. When the scheme was initially submitted it was done on the basis of which best complied with Department for Transport guidelines.  The key aim of the scheme was to improve cycling safety and would be suitable from 12 years and up.  Officers would be looking at the detailed designs and going out to consultation with the local public.  Councillors suggested a venue in Leatherhead town centre and Ashtead would provide the optimum location.  Councillors also proposed a list of suitable bodies with which officers should consult and asked that officers amend the consultation plan.  This recommendation was proposed by the divisional member for Bookham and Fetcham West and seconded by the divisional member for Leatherhead and Fetcham East.

Officers confirmed the Leatherhead Town Centre scheme was on the reserve list of schemes.  Councillors felt it would be best to continue to work on this scheme so work could progress quickly should they be successful in receiving funding from other sources.

The Local Committee (Mole Valley) AGREED to AMEND the recommendation (i) to:

(i) the consultation plan presented within this report is approved subject to the amendments proposed by the Local Committee. The detailed designs for the scheme will be presented to the local committee’s next meeting on 11 September 2013 prior to construction.

(i) the consultation plan presented within this report is approved. The detailed

designs for the scheme will be presented to the local committee’s next meeting

on 11 September 2013 prior to construction.

The Local Committee (Mole Valley) AGREED to:

(ii) approve the advertisement of any statutory notices, in accordance with the

Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, and subject to no objections being upheld,

the necessary Orders be made.

(iii) approve the delegation of authority to officers, in consultation with

the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Local Committee, along with the

relevant Divisional Member/s to consider, resolve and where necessary over

rule any objections received in connection with the proposal.

The Local Committee (Mole Valley) AGREED to ADD an additional recommendation:

(iv) To authorise officers to continue to develop the plans for the Leatherhead Town Centre cycle scheme; in order to take advantage of any future funding schemes.

Reason for Decision

The Local Committee felt this was a positive investment for cycling in Mole Valley and would improve the safety of cyclist.  The Local Committee acknowledge consultation with local residents and in particular; local schools, sheltered housing schemes and businesses near the proposed route would be vital.  The Committee also felt that the Leatherhead Town Centre scheme had a great deal of merit and that officers should continue to develop the plans in order to capitalise on any further funding that may become available.