Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive

The report advises the Area Committee of the proposals for twelve schemes which were consulted upon to support the overall vision to improve the A34 corridor. The scheme proposals aim to alleviate congestion, unlock growth potential in the surrounding area and enhance accessibility by sustainable modes.

The Area Committee is requested to consider the contents of the report, noting the results of the recent consultation exercise carried out with residents and businesses and recommend that the Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration approves the proposed measures and that the Council would underwrite the local contribution and make up any shortfall.

Officer Contact: Nick Whelan on 0161 474 4907 or email: nick.whelan@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing proposals for twelve schemes which were consulted upon to support the overall vision to improve the A34 corridor. The scheme proposals aim to alleviate congestion, unlock growth potential in the surrounding area and enhance accessibility by sustainable modes.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         It was confirmed that the replacement subway under the A34 connecting the two campuses of The Kingsway School would be installed during school holidays, and the existing subway would remain operational during term-time to ensure that children did not need to negotiate crossing the busy A34.

·         It was confirmed that a minimum of one lane in each direction would remain open during the construction of the new subway under the A34 with the exception of some night time full carriageway closures.

·         The engagement work that had been undertaken to develop these proposals was commended, however the relatively limited response rate suggested that residents may not fully realise the potential impact of the schemes detailed in the report.

·         Concern was expressed in relation to the potential for the creation of ‘rat runs’ between Wilmslow Road and the A34 exacerbating peak-time congestion on this route.

·         It was suggested that the works required to achieve the benefits of the designed scheme at the Stanley Green Roundabout would not outweigh the inconvenience to local residents and road users during the construction phase.

·         It was commented that previous works at the Stanley Green Roundabout had resulted in significant traffic disruption and that any future works must not replicate these issues.

·         Concern was expressed that certain elements of the proposals may have a consequential impact on traffic flows leading to further congestions and safety issues with particular regard to the Stanley Green and Eden Park roundabouts.

RESOLVED – (1) That the Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration be informed of this Area Committee’s concerns and comments with regard to the proposed scheme proposals.

(2) That it be noted that the implementation of the detailed proposals contained within the report would be subject to further approval and consideration by the Area Committee.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive

The report advises the Area Committee of the proposals for twelve schemes which were consulted upon to support the overall vision to improve the A34 corridor. The scheme proposals aim to alleviate congestion, unlock growth potential in the surrounding area and enhance accessibility by sustainable modes.

The Area Committee is requested to consider the contents of the report, noting the results of the recent consultation exercise carried out with residents and businesses and recommends that the Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration approves the proposed measures and that the Council would underwrite the local contribution and make up any shortfall.

Officer Contact: Nick Whelan on 0161 474 4907 or email: nick.whelan@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which advised the Area Committee of the proposals for twelve schemes which were consulted upon to support the overall vision to improve the A34 corridor. The scheme’s proposals aimed to alleviate congestion, unlock growth potential in the surrounding area and enhance accessibility by sustainable modes.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         Members were advised that the proposals linked into the ‘Bee Network’ and the Cheadle Towns Fund.

·         It was also important that the proposals linked into Manchester as this would enable a lot of journeys to be undertaken, particularly for those people working in the city centre.  In response, Members were advised that an initial meeting had taken place with Manchester City Council exploring the possibility of undertaking work across the boundaries of the two local authorities.

·         Members acknowledged the changes that had taken place to the proposals for High Grove Road, Cheadle and remarked that residents, in the main, were supportive of them

·         The new traffic calming measures on Foxland Road, Gatley were welcomed and Members asked if Officers could look into making this a ‘school street’ as well.

·         Members asked whether it was possible to alter the waiting restrictions on Brookfield Crescent, Cheadle to enable more cars to park.

·         A discussion took place relating to the timing on pedestrian crossings and whether the waiting time could be shortened.  Members were advised that this was a matter for the Greater Manchester Urban Traffic Control Unit.

·         Members requested more details of the Department for Transport’s Major Road Network Fund scheme was and what the expectations were in relation to it.

·         Members stated that they were pleased that the schemes had taken into account the consultation responses and this had been well received by local residents.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted in particular the results of the recent consultation exercise carried out with residents and businesses, and the Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration be recommended to approve the proposed measures; and that the Council would underwrite the local contribution and make up any shortfall.