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Agenda item

Maidstone Integrated Transport Package

Minutes:

The Senior Major Capital Programme Project Manager introduced the report that presented the results of the public consultation from the Keep Maidstone Moving Schemes, that began on 29 January 2020 for six weeks. The proposals included the A20 Coldharbour Roundabout, A229 Loose Road: Armstrong Road/Park Way, A229 Loose Road: Wheatsheaf Junction, A229 Loose Road: Cripple Street/Broughton Lane, A20 Ashford Road junction with Willington Street and A274 Sutton Road junction with Willington Street.

 

It was noted that during this time three engagement sessions were organised and attended by 218 individuals, with 8395 recorded visits to the KCC website and the consultation material was downloaded 14, 279 times.

 

The Senior Major Capital Programme Project Manager confirmed that many of the responses received expressed doubt of the schemes ability to deliver the projected aims, particularly with regard to the A229 Loose Road: Wheatsheaf Junction. An amended Wheatsheaf junction proposal would be drafted with the relevant members consulted at a later date. The effect of the Cranbourne Road closure on the surrounding roads had been examined within an additional piece of work to include cycling provisions across the junction and along Cranbourne Road.

 

The Board was informed that officers recommended that the A274 Sutton Road junction with Willington Street and A229 Loose Road: Cripple Street/Broughton Lane, be removed and paused from the Keep Maidstone Moving Scheme. Additional consultation regarding the relocation of the ragstone wall on the A20 Ashford Road junction with Willington Street, had been requested of KCC by the Council and this had been agreed. It was confirmed that the Coronavirus pandemic had delayed progress of the schemes as many of the necessary surveys were not completed. KCC had been working with SELEP and the Local Growth Fund to achieve an extension for the scheme’s delivery, as the previous six-month extension that had been granted had been removed following government guidance.

 

Councillor Harper addressed the Board as a visiting member and made reference to the proposed removal of the traffic lights at the A20 Coldharbour Roundabout. In response, the Senior Manager Capital Programme Project Manager confirmed that traffic lights would be implemented if needed post-construction, as a design was readily available.

 

During the debate it was confirmed that the traffic lights at the Sutton Road-Willington Street Junction have been visited by officers several times in order that the signals could be assessed with changes made if necessary. The recommendation to have the scheme put on hold arose from the short-term benefits expected of the scheme and the requirement to remove vegetation for this to be achieved. The funding designated for this scheme had originated from Section 106 Monies.

 

The Board felt that a previously presented scheme for the A274 Sutton Road Maidstone should be brought back for the board to review. It was understood that changes would need to be made to the scheme for this to occur.

 

The Head of Planning and Development confirmed that whilst the Section 106 monies had been allocated to the A274 Sutton Road: Willington Street scheme, not using the funds would potentially cause problems in negotiating further Section 106 funds when the previous entitlement had not been spent.

 

It was noted that the full consultation document for all the schemes presented would be uploaded onto the KCC Consultation Website in due course. The officer extended an offer for members of the board to engage in discussions on the potential changes that would be made to the schemes in light of the public consultation results.

 

The Senior Major Capital Programme Project Manager informed the Board that the Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation would be provided with the consultation report and the recommendations as shown within the report, for a decision within the next few weeks. If any changes were proposed, the item would be brought back for presentation to the Board.

 

RESOLVED: That the report including the actions of officers outlined in paragraph 4 be noted, with the exception of point 4.5 whereby the previous A274 Sutton Road Maidstone, scheme which would provide improvements for the next 10 years be brought back to the next meeting of the board with minor amendments relating to the scheme and active travel accepted as necessary with a view to making a recommendation to the KCC Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport.

 

Note: Councillor Cooke was absent for part of the debate but returned prior to the item’s conclusion.

 

Councillors Daley and Prendergast exited the meeting during this item.

 

Councillor Sams exited the meeting after this item.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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