Agenda item

MAJOR SCHEME UPDATE

Minutes:

Mr Munnelly stated that the Major Scheme (MS) was now entering the implementation phase.

 

Mr Warner tabled a colour copy of the Beckenham High Street Phasing Plan. The Plan would be disseminated in due course. The Plan outlined the phase durations, with a corresponding colour key. The initial phase was marked as Phase A, which was due to commence on 13th February 2017. The other Phases were marked as Phases 1-7, and each Phase was roughly of three month’s duration. The final Phase was due for completion on 3rd August 2018.

 

Plant machinery would arrive at the site on 5th February, ready to commence work when materials arrived from China. The work being undertaken would include the replacement of all temporary materials, and resurfacing work. Phases 1-6 outlined how the project work would move through the various parts of the High Street, with Phase 7 being works undertaken at the War Memorial Roundabout. More details of the planned works would be made available in due course, and regular updates would be provided by Helen McConnell (FM Conway, Liaison Manager). A one way traffic system would be in place whilst the works were being implemented, and buses would be on diversion. Bus diversion plans were tabled by Mr Warner.

 

Mr Warner mentioned various works that would be undertaken, and these were widening footways, new street lighting, and the re-paving of footways. Old kerbs would be removed and re-used elsewhere.  It was not the case that a new road was being constructed, but rather that the existing road was being re-surfaced. Twenty advance warning signs had been set up. It was also planned that two large electronic signs would be used to provide information and updates. 

 

Marsha Berg expressed concern about traffic issues being caused by FM Conway plant and machinery. Mr Munnelly stated that a compound for FM Conway machinery was going to be set up in St George’s Car Park, but it had to be borne in mind that some large plant would not be able to be situated in the compound. 

 

The Group was informed that a 2 day exhibition was planned at 11 Village Way, near St Edmund’s Hall. The dates for this were 20th January and 21st January, from 10.00am to 4.00pm. Posters advertising this had already been displayed and leaflets were being distributed to local residents and businesses the day after the Group meeting.  A meeting was planned with local businesses at a different location on January 25th. Letters were also being posted to residents of Rectory Road. Regular updates and liaison would be undertaken by FM Conway over the duration of the project. 

 

Mr Old enquired when the Penge project work would commence, and was informed that the work had already started.

 

Mr Goy referred to problems with parking on pavements, and asked how this would impact on the use of tactile paving. Mr Warner explained that tactile paving was not going to be used on pavements. Instead, there would be areas where the paving would vary in colour and texture. Tactile Paving would only be used at crossings.

 

Mr Goy referred to cycle racks as being akin to ‘bollards on corners’. Mr Oliver responded that this was not the case, and that the location of the cycle racks had been chosen by cycle officers, and had passed the safety audit. The Chairman commented that cycle racks should be dispersed and be well distributed.

 

Marsha Berg referred to the Halifax by the Drive, which had been the subject of several incidents of crime. She asked if consideration could be made to the 

placing of cement flower troughs or similar to act as a deterrent to future acts of criminality. It was also mentioned that perhaps the Halifax should consider how the front of its premises could be made more secure and robust.

 

Susan Ryall asked what would be done to monitor traffic volume and pollution on Rectory Road during the period of the project. She raised concerns about both of these issues, and about the problems that residents may experience in getting out of their driveways.

 

RESOLVED that

 

1) A report be presented to the next Group meeting, explaining the traffic modelling undertaken with respect to Rectory Road, and how traffic volumes and pollution would be monitored for the duration of the project.   

 

2) The said report to clarify the action to be taken if predicted traffic volumes are exceeded.