Agenda item

The following points were made in the Officer presentation:-

1. Planning permission was granted for the two-form entry primary school in June 2014. The need for primary places was established in this part of the City though congestion in the area meant there was a difficult balance. A package of highways works was agreed for this development and there were two rounds of public consultation on the proposals. The Committee resolved that the details of the school’s Travel Plan be returned to a future Committee for agreement. The Travel Team had worked hard to produce a good package of measures. The school would open after Easter and it was therefore hoped to have the Travel Plan in place before then in order to reduce car trips to the school;

2. The Transport Development Manager stated that he was satisfied that the school was doing all it could to encourage sustainable travel. The catchment area extended to Coldharbour Road which was beyond a reasonable walk. A Travel Plan survey was undertaken which showed that more work was needed in order to change travel habits. There were comments regarding the need for more parking spaces for staff and parents but additional spaces would encourage more car use.

The following points arose during discussion:-

1. Staff were deployed at the school entrance in high visibility jackets to manage any traffic issues;

2. Due to the length of the crossing and the left turn facility it was decided that physical measures were the best deterrent for the Bath Buildings crossing;

3. When all works were completed the school would be accessed from both Bath Buildings or Cheltenham Road entrance;

4. The health centre next door had been consulted. Its car park was controlled for users only;

5. A purpose built cycle/scooter store was a very positive asset for the school;

6. Councillor Davies shared the concerns made by Councillor Negus in his statement and asked if there was an opportunity to review the plan if issues arose. The Transport Development Manager replied that the left turn, parking and the removal of bays was currently being consulted on as part of the RPS review. Future complaints would be reported through local groups or Councillors and be monitored;

7. Councillor Eddy stated that the Travel Plan was a safe and affective one and he fully supported it. In light of Councillor Negus’s concerns, he asked whether an advice note could be attached to the plan stating that a highway’s assessment would be undertaken in 2 years’ time. He was informed that it was not possible to add an advice note to discharged conditions but this could be informally reviewed;

8. Councillor Mead supported the Plan, adding that he was impressed by the lack of disruption to traffic.

Councillor Mead moved the recommendation and this was seconded by Councillor Khan.

On being put to the vote it was unanimously agreed.

RESOLVED – that the details in relation to Condition 5 (Travel Plan) of planning permission 15/03268/X following the grant of planning permission 13/05209/F for erection of a 2-3 storey, 2 form primary school be approved.