Issue - meetings

Having declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in respect of this item, Councillor Humby left the room and took no part in the debate or decision.

Councillor Warwick introduced the report and highlighted it was a good example of joint working.  She thanked the officers involved from the City and County Councils.

Three representatives of local groups spoke during public participation as summarised below.  Cabinet also had regard to the comments made by Mr Tait during general public participation above.

Mike Slinn, Winchester Walking Group

Mr Slinn expressed disappointment in the Strategy and recommended that it not be approved.  He believed that there was no evidence provided for the conclusions reached; the modelling used was not fit for purpose; and it did not demonstrate a vision for the city centre.    He supported the vision put forward by Design Engine regarding converting North Walls to two-way and removing the majority of traffic from St George’s Street.  The Walking Group and Design Engine would like to make a joint proposal to members in due course.

Mike Lawrence, Chairman of Cathedral Street Residents’ Association

Mr Lawrence explained that the Association comprised of the various streets surrounding the Cathedral which were predominantly medieval and not designed for modern traffic conditions.  In general, he supported the proposals but requested that some “quick win” elements be implemented as soon as possible.  In particular, he would wish to see the closure of the “rat run” linking Southgate Street and Market Lane through the streets adjacent to the Cathedral.  This had been closed due to Southern Water works earlier in the year and had led to a much improved quality of life for residents.

Phil Gagg, WinACC

Mr Gagg thanked the City and County Councils for working with WinACC and for listening to the public through consultation undertaken.  He welcomed many of the Strategy proposals including bus priority, enhancing the public realm and removing “rat runs”. He believed it was important for the vision to be approved and then many of the detailed points could follow on.   He requested that there be more commitment to reducing parking spaces (including park and ride as demand for cars decreased overall) and that a work place parking levy should not be discounted completely.

At the invitation of the Chairman, Councillors Thompson, Cunningham and McLean addressed Cabinet as summarised below.

Councillor Thompson welcomed the report and thanked the City and County Officers involved.  She highlighted the importance of ensuring the amount of traffic in Winchester was reduced.

Councillor Cunningham welcomed the decision to reject the proposal for a western bypass as he believed this would have had a significant negative impact.  He questioned the decision to close the existing Andover Road as it was a vital route from the north of the city.

Councillor McLean queried what consideration had been given to market towns and rural parishes?

The Corporate Head of Regulatory and Frank Baxter (Head of Integrated Transport - Hampshire County Council) responded to points raised during public participation and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5