The Area Highways Development Control Manager (Central) introduced this application for a Traffic Regulation Order and closure of New College Road for access by all motor vehicles at its junction with Wenlock Road, Shrewsbury.

He confirmed that Members had undertaken a site visit that morning and had viewed the site and assessed the impact of the proposal on the surrounding area.   With reference to the drawings displayed, he drew members’ attention to the location of the proposed closure.

He drew attention to the additional information as detailed in the Schedule of Additional Letters circulated prior to the meeting which detailed further objection comments from a member of the public together with two letters from local residents.

Mr P Marston, a local resident, spoke against the proposal in accordance with the Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees, during which the following points were raised:

·         Informal consultation was unfair;

·         The original decision was to close New College Road at London Road;

·         Requested a temporary closure at London Road to allow the impact of closure to be assessed;

·         His request for a separate access to his property had not been seriously considered;

·         He felt that this proposal overturned previous decisions; and

·         If the proposal is approved the Council should restore the plot boundaries and access to Wenlock Road for 151 Wenlock Road as they were when development was first permitted in 1951.

In response, the Area Highways Development Control Manager (Central) did not think that a signed only closure would work.  He explained that whilst not strictly in accordance with the Section 106 Agreement the proposed closure at Wenlock Road had been requested by local residents and had been discussed with the College who had no interest in where the closure was carried out.  He confirmed that the Section 106 Agreement could only be disputed by the parties involved and there was only a slight risk that the College might, in future, say it was not carried out in accordance with the Agreement.

By virtue of the amendment made to Shropshire Council’s Constitution, as agreed at the meeting of Full Council held on 27 February 2014, Councillor Jane MacKenzie, as the local Ward Councillor, made a statement and then took no part in the debate and did not vote. During her statement the following points were raised:

·         Aware it was a very sensitive issue;

·         New College Road was very narrow with vehicles traveling at speeds of up to 50mph;

·         Ebnal Road was wider and better able to cope with the additional traffic;

·         Only 3 objections had been received from residents of Ebnal Road; and

·         Although she appreciated the difficulties raised for a number of local residents she felt that the proposal represented the views of the majority of residents.

By virtue of the amendment made to Shropshire Council’s Constitution, as agreed at the meeting of Full Council held on 27 February 2014, Councillor Ted Clarke, as the local Ward Councillor, made a statement and then took no part in the debate and did not vote. During his statement the following points were raised:

·         Pleased local Councillors had been involved;

·         Concerned why it was any better to close New College Road at Wenlock Road rather than London Road however residents were obviously in favour of it; and

·         He was happy to propose a temporary closure in order for the impact to be assessed.

The Area Highways Development Control Manager (Central) explained that a trial could be done by some temporary measure however the current Traffic Order consultation would have to be abandoned.

RESOLVED:

That the proposed Traffic Regulation Order and permanent closure of New College Road for access by all motor vehicles at its junction with Wenlock Road, Shrewsbury shall not proceed and the committee request that an experimental Traffic Regulation Order and closure be implemented instead, which includes a six-month consultation period and will allow the impacts of the closure to be assessed.