Agenda item

Members considered a report which provided an update on actions agreed by the Committee on 21 October 2015, on-going approved schemes and new requests. 

Mr Massey addressed the Committee in relation to parking provision in Chipping Barnet Town Centre (CB002/2015, RE47) which was also subject to a full report at agenda item 11.  Whilst Mr Massey thought the town centre parking occupancy survey was flawed for a number of reasons he did not think a further survey was necessary.  Mr Massey concluded that a review of current parking arrangements in Chipping Barnet Town Centre was desirable.

The Chairman noted that this survey had actually been commissioned by the Environment Committee and had not been linked to any commitment for a parking review at this time. The Committee agreed that whilst the town centre parking occupancy survey had been flawed due to it being conducted over the Easter 2015 holiday period, a further survey was not necessary.  The committee agreed not to spend £5,000 of its delegated budget on a further parking occupancy survey.     

In relation to reducing speeding on Manor Drive, Whetstone (CB003/2015) the Committee noted that the Vehicle Activated Signs would be installed in February. Their installation has unfortunately been delayed due to stocking issues.

In relation to the Chipping Barnet High Street Kerb Buildouts feasibility study (CB005/2015, RE10) between Church Passage and St Albans Road, the Committee noted that the proposal would result in a loss of parking spaces. This was confirmed by the Highways Officer present.  Responding to a question from Councillor Longstaff, Officers advised that the possibility of opening up the High Street with kerb build-outs had been identified in a survey of the town centre undertaken by the Mayor of London in 2011.  After a debate on the merits of the proposal more generally, the Committee questioned how the estimated cost of the feasibility study was £20,000.  The Committee all agreed that the £20,000 estimated cost for the study represented a considerable portion of the Area Committee Budget.  Councillor Longstaff noted that a feasibility study had already been completed in 2011and so questioned why the cost of the new study was this much.  The Highways Officer present stated that new surveys would need to be conducted as the 2011 information was now out of date.   

1.         RESOLVED  the committee refused to allocate £20,000 of the Area Committee budget to fund the feasibility study for the kerb build-outs.

2.         The Committee requested that Officers review the estimated cost of the study in light of the committee’s comments. The Chairman noted that £5000 would perhaps be a more appropriate and acceptable level of spend for the committee.

3.         The Committee agreed that Highways could provide their response to issues raised via the Chipping Barnet Area Committee Works Programme Update.

In relation to the Walksafe N14 Zebra Crossing (RE14), Councillor Levine addressed the Committee in her capacity as a local Ward Member and requested that the siting of the zebra crossing be reconsidered as there would be a detrimental impact on the owners of number 199.  Officers reported that this was raised as part of the formal consultation on the scheme and it was expected that the location would be amended.  It was noted that residents supported the principle of the crossing, but not in the proposed location.  The detailed design of the scheme would be reported to the Committee on 30 March 2016. The Highways Officer present stated that they would liaise separately with Cllr Levine about the matter.

RESOLVED that:

1.         In the matter of introducing parking controls in Colney Hatch Lane and Friern Village Estate to overcome the reported inconsiderate parking:

              i.        That the Committee noted the update provided in Appendix 1.

            ii.        The Committee noted that, as agreed at the 21 October 2015 meeting, that where objections were received and Officers were able to resolve the objection(s), that officers have been authorised to implement the measures through the relevant Traffic Management Orders.

2.         In the matter of assessing parking provision in Chipping Barnet Town Centre (Parking Bay Occupancy) to assess if it is adequate:

              i.        The Committee noted the update provided in Appendix 1.

            ii.        That the Committee noted that a survey to assess parking capacity was undertaken in March 2015, the results of which were reported to the Area Committee agenda item 11.

3.        In the matter of taking steps to reduce speed on Manor Drive, Whetstone raised by Councillor Lisa Rutter the Committee noted the update provided in Appendix 1.

4.        In the matter of the request from The Avenue EN5 / Alston Road – Pedestrian Improvement:

              i.        The Committee noted the update provided in Appendix 1.

            ii.        Requested that a report detailing options for a pedestrian crossing in this location be presented to a future meeting of the Committee.

5.        In the matter of the request from the High Barnet Town Team to build out the pavement to create a more welcoming public realm the Committee noted the update provided in Appendix 1 and requested a re-assessment of the £20,000 estimated cost of the study to be given to the 30 March 2016 committee via the works programme update.

6.        In the matter of the request from Councillor Stock for improved safety at the access to Waitrose on Totteridge Lane, N20:

i.               The Committee noted the update provided in Appendix 1.

ii.         The Committee agreed to expenditure of £2,500 to undertake a feasibility study.

iii.        The Committee noted that Officers would provide a report of the findings to a future meeting of this Area Committee in 2016.

7.        Officers be requested to provide clarification to the Committee regarding whether Community Infrastructure Levy funding can be used for feasibility studies.

8.        Officers be requested to provide an on-going total of funding commitments against the Chipping Barnet Area Committee budget (devided between CIL and non CIL allocations) for reporting to future meetings of the Committee when progress reports on approved schemes were considered. 

9.        Officers be requested to consult with Ward Members on the detailed design of the following schemes:

i.               Walksafe N14 Zebra Crossing (RE14).

ii.         Osidge Lane Zebra Crossing (RE29).