Minutes:
Mr Munnelly stated that ‘Phase 1A’ at Beckenham Junction crossroads started on 13th February and was due to finish tomorrow, 10th March--after a slight delay. Phase1 had commenced and would incorporate improvement works from Beckenham Green to Thornton’s Corner. The completion date for this phase was June 2nd 2017.
Mr Goy stated that the no right turn directive from the High Street into Rectory Road, at the Beckenham Junction traffic lights, was not being enforced. Because people were ignoring the ‘no right turn’ sign, the junction was getting clogged up. The Group heard that FM Conway were trying hard to enforce the directive, but it seemed that enforcement was only possible when the Police were on hand to assist. Fortunately, work at the junction was due to end on the weekend following the meeting, and the workmen would be moving further down the High Street, then the filter lanes would be restored.
It was noted that the flagpole was being installed during the weekend following the meeting. The following week, the section of road between Albemarle Road and Church Avenue would be closed. The National Westminster Bank to Thornton’s Corner section of the road would be closed during the week after this.
A member enquired when the section of High Street at Kelsey Square was going to be closed off. This was going to occur during phase 3 of the works, but no Traffic Order had yet been applied for.
When the Beckenham High Street improvements commenced at Kelsey Square, LBB were intending to introduce temporary two-way traffic flow in Burnhill Rd from Fairfield Rd to Kelsey Square and reverse the one way system on Burnhill Road running from Fairfield Rd to Kelsey Park Rd. A local resident asked why this was required and what consultation had taken place with Lidl and the Coach and Horses public house regarding their supply and refuse vehicle access requirements.
Marie Pender alerted the meeting that Burnhill House had permission to convert to 14 flats. The businesses that occupied Burnhill House had been cleared out and the furniture removed, so it was presumed that work may be undertaken soon. When work commenced, there would be scaffolding and hoarding that was likely to restrict the width of Burnhill Road and contractors’ lorries would be parking there for unloading.
David Wood suggested holding a site meeting with Officers. A meeting was scheduled for 28th March 2017 at 5.30pm in front of the Coach and Horses public house. Helen McConnell (FM Conway) assured that regular stakeholder updates would be provided, especially to the residents of Burnhill Road.
Mr Goy noted that the yellow signs did not provide any information on how the public should get in touch if they had any queries. Mr Oliver stated that banners with this information were going to be displayed across the High Street. Mr Goy referenced the paving slabs being laid at Beckenham Junction and commented that they were just light grey, unlike the selected pink-tinged ‘Perdita fine picked’ granite sample.
It was noted that the Scheme provided for grey slabs at junctions and terracotta colour slabs in other footways. When the pavement slabs were initially laid, grout was used which could cause discolouration until it was jet washed off. FM Conway would jet wash sections of paving when the relevant footways had been completed. Mr Goy asked if the paving slabs had been manufactured and Mr Warner responded that this was not the case; the grey footway slabs were solid granite.
Mr Oliver informed the Group that the two days of consultation that were held in Village Way were well attended and it was a well-appreciated and successful event.
RESOLVED that the update be noted and that a meeting between Officers and the residents of Burnhill Road be arranged for 28th March 2017 at 5.30pm.