Agenda Item 9
Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Report to Cabinet Member for Sandwell Direct
18th June 2004
Redwood Road, Yew Tree Estate
‘Transforming your space’ A New Opportunities
‘Fair Share’ Lottery Funding Project
1.
Summary Statement
1.1
In accordance with the course of action agreed by
the Cabinet Members for Sandwell Direct and
Housing on 19th and 22nd March 2004 respectively,
consultation on a proposed scheme of environmental
and highway improvements, at the local shopping
centre located in Redwood Road, Yew Tree, was
carried out in May 2004.
1.2
The proposals, shown on Drawing No. 0011920/001,
were well received by the local community. Based
on community feedback, a number of changes to the
proposed scheme are now recommended.
1.3
Two significant changes are proposed to the public
highway infrastructure additional to those previously
approved as follows:•
Introduction of additional speed tables at the
junctions of the service road in front of the
shops and in Redwood Road;
•
Introduction of a 20mph zone in Redwood Road
across the frontage of the shops and community
facilities incorporating zone signage with an
appropriate community identity or message.
1.4
Approval is now sought for amendments to the proposed
improvement so that the necessary traffic orders, to
implement the scheme, can be advertised in accordance
with prescribed statutory procedures. Early approval is
required as the traffic orders are programmed critical in
order to deliver the project within the grant life framework.
1.5
The effect of the recommended changes to the public
highway infrastructure are indicated on the revised
consultation stage drawing 0011920/001A.
1.6
Other proposed changes to the scheme are on land in the
remit of the Cabinet Member for Housing. A
complementary report to the Cabinet Member for Housing
seeking approval to implement the scheme is to be made
in July 2004.
1.7
All of the proposed improvements are to be funded from an
approved New Opportunities ‘Fair Share’ Lottery grant in
the sum of £110,000.
Further details are attached for your information
2.
Recommendations
2.1
That approval be given to carry out a scheme of
environmental improvements in Redwood Road, Yew Tree,
including traffic engineering and management measures as
indicated on Drawing No. 0011920/001A.
2.2
That the Head of Legal and Democratic Services be
authorised to take any necessary legal procedures to bring
the proposals referred to in 2.1 above into effect.
2.3
That the Head of Highways Direct submit a further report to
the Cabinet Member on any unresolved objections.
In accordance with the authority delegated to the Cabinet
Member for Sandwell Direct, the following course of action
has been agreed, which will be set out in the formal record of
the decisions taken by the Member:(1) the recommendation(s) above is/are approved.
(2) the recommendation(s) above is/are approved as now
amended.
(3) the recommendations above are not approved.
Cabinet Member for Sandwell Direct
18th June 2004
Peter Whitehouse
Head of Highways Direct
Contact Officer
Keith Sansom
Traffic and Road Safety Manager
0121 569 4149
John Barton
Head of Strategic Finance
Redwood Road, Yew Tree Estate
‘Transforming your space’ A New Opportunities
‘Fair Share’ Lottery Funding Project
3.
Resource Implications
3.1
4.
Policy Implications
4.1
5.
The proposed course of action will result in an enhancement
of the physical environment.
Implications for Young People
7.1
8.
The proposed works should contribute to improved safety
around this busy local retail and community centre.
Sustainability Implications
6.1
7.
The proposals referred to in 2.1 relating to the public
highway are consistent with, and contribute to, the objectives
set out in the West Midlands Local Transport 2003
encouraging a safer street environment.
Crime and Disorder Implications
5.1
6.
The New Opportunities Fund has approved a capital grant in
the sum of £110,000 to carry out the proposed environmental
improvement works.
The proposed scheme will improve pedestrian movement
and safety between the shops and play/multi use games
area, Primary Care Centre and Community Centre on
Redwood Road for all including young people.
Background Details
8.1
The Cabinet Member will recall that, on 19th March 2004, he
agreed to a course of action to consult on a proposed
scheme of environmental improvements at the local
shopping centre located in Redwood Road, Yew Tree.
Subsequently, on 22nd March 2004, the Cabinet Member for
Housing also agreed to this course of action.
8.2
The proposed improvements, funded by a New Opportunities
‘Fair Share’ Lottery grant, are designed to complement other
recent and planned developments in the area. These
include new housing, a recently completed play area and the
planned redevelopment of Yew Tree Primary Care Centre.
8.3
The concentration of new and planned facilities in Redwood
Road will increase both pedestrian and vehicular traffic in the
area. The proposals aim to improve and maintain the use,
convenience, safety and attractiveness of the shopping
centre. The proposals seek to integrate the developments
on either side of Redwood Road together and raise the
whole profile of Redwood Road as the commercial and
community focus of Yew Tree.
8.4
Based on the ideas of the Yew Tree Partnership, proposals
were developed for wider community consultation, as shown
on Drawing No. 0011920/001 (copy displayed).
8.5
The proposals involve addition, amendment and modification
to the:(1)
public highway infrastructure (Highway Authority); and
(2)
the service road, grassed areas and frontage to the
shops (Housing).
8.6
Community consultation on the proposals took place in May
2004. The comments received, responses and a
recommended course of action are detailed in Appendix A.
8.7
in summary the proposals were well received by the local
community. However, based on the consultation outcomes,
a number of changes to the proposals are recommended.
8.8
Of particular interest to the Cabinet Member for Sandwell
Direct are the following recommended changes to the public
highway to those previously approved:•
Introduction of additional speed tables at the junctions
of the service road and Redwood Road;
•
8.9
Introduction of a 20mph zone in Redwood Road across
the frontage of the shops and community facilities
incorporating zone signage with an appropriate
community identity or message;
The effect of the recommended proposals together with other
amendments to the scheme on the Housing land are shown
on the revised consultation drawing no. 0011920/001A (copy
displayed).
8.10 The Cabinet Member for Sandwell Direct is recommended to
approve the amendments to the proposed improvement so
that the necessary traffic orders to implement the scheme
can be advertised in accordance with prescribed statutory
procedures. Early approval is required as the traffic orders
are programmed critical in order to deliver the project within
the grant life framework.
Source Documents
File Reference 40740
Appendix A
Redwood Road, Yew Tree
‘Transforming your Space’ A New Opportunities ‘Fair Share’ Lottery Funded project
Schedule of Consultation, Comments, Responses and Recommended Course of Action
Based on consultation Drawing Number 0011920/001
Yew Tree Tenants and Residents Association Meeting on 5 May 2004
Comment
Echelon parking space configuration in one-way system
would facilitate use as opposed to proposed the proposed
‘head-on’ configuration.
Proposed one-way traffic operation in the off-street service
road is a good idea.
Will traders or residents above shops have dedicated parking
spaces in the off-street parking area?
Proposed humped zebra and “flat top” speed tables will slow
traffic and is a good idea.
Community seating suggested for area next to Redwood
Road or in vicinity of proposed cycle parking. Seating also
suggested for new play areas.
What about a wall or railings to prevent children running
across the road?
Response
Agree but echelon configuration is less efficient in use of space
and results in a reduction of 3 spaces.
Recommended Course of Action
Provide echelon parking configuration subject to
technical and safety performance considerations
Agree. One-way traffic management increases available space
for off-street parking and has potential safety benefits by
removing opposing traffic conflicts. The one-way traffic
management system is to be advisory.
No. Dedication of off-street parking for residents and traders is an
inefficient use of the off-street parking provision. Peak demand
for residents is overnight and tends to be complementary to, as
opposed to conflict with, peak demand for shoppers during the
day. Traders parking conflicts with parking provision for their
customers and impacts on economic vitality of the shopping
centre.
Agree. Further, a complementary 20 mph zone is now proposed.
This self-enforced 20 mph zone will improve road and pedestrian
safety in this busy community area. The detrimental perception of
high traffic speeds will be tackled.
Concern at this location about seating areas becoming a focal
point for anti-social behaviours.
Provide system of one-way traffic management
in off-street service road subject to technical and
safety performance considerations
The benefit in terms of both increased safety performance and
economic rate of return of investing in pedestrian safety fence, in
addition to the proposed speed reducing measures and 20 mph
zone, is not considered to be significant.
No dedicated spaces to be provided for residents
or traders in the off-street parking area.
In accordance with prescribed statutory
procedures advertise a Traffic Order to effect
introduction of a 20 mph zone and speed tables.
No seating to be provided.
Seats in play area are outside the scope of the
NOF project.
No pedestrian safety fence to be provided
subject to the findings of the independent safety
audit of the final scheme design.
Need better street lighting in the public highway on Redwood
Road
What will the footpath surface be outside the shops?
Need footpath improvements at rear of Community Centre.
Need to replace the trees lost to this proposal.
The Highways Direct Street Lighting manager advises that the
street lighting provision on the public highway meets the
minimum requirements of the appropriate British Standard.
Isolated improvements to say 4 columns adjacent to the area of
interest would not be permitted.
The existing footpath is surfaced with pre-cast concrete slabs.
It is proposed to re-surface with ‘tarmac’. The benefits are
removal of potential trip hazards, possible overrun damage and a
long-term reduction in maintenance costs to the Housing
Revenue Account. This proposal is consistent with the Council’s
Risk and Asset management policies.
The area of concern is outside the scope of this NOF project.
It is necessary to cut down two mature trees in the Highway
verge to enable compliance with prescribed technical parameters
for installation of the zebra crossing (visibility of pedestrians
waiting to cross).
No improvements to the existing street lighting
provision on the public highway to be made as
part of this project.
Replace existing pre-cast concrete paving slabs
with ‘tarmac’ to footpath serving the retail
premises.
Issue referred to CPD/Housing.
Cut down two mature trees in highway verge.
Two replacement trees to planted in the Yew
Tree area at a position to be determined.
Redwood Road Traders and Tenants Meeting on 5 May 2004
Comment
Agree with proposal to upgrade the existing wall mounted
community space/service road/off-street car parking
floodlighting to a white light source.
Agree with proposal to introduce zebra crossing zig-zags to
reduce double-parking in Redwood Road.
Parking problems occur when there are large events at the
Community Centre.
Angled parking bays would encourage proper use of the
proposed one-way system in the parking area.
Query on CCTV coverage and procedure.
Response
U.K. Watch advise that changing to a white light source
will aid image quality of pictures from the existing CCTV
system and in assist crime detection.
Another significant benefit suggested by research into use
of white light is its contribution to a perceived reduction in
the fear of crime. This is believed to be associated with its
better replication of daylight and improved colour rendition.
The length of the controlled area delineated by zig-zag
road markings on the approach to, and exit from, a zebra
crossings is prescribed in law.
Provision of off-street parking provision for large “one off”
events at the Community Centre is outside the scope of
this NOF project.
Agree. See comments above
Outside scope of the project. Query referred to J. Aherne,
Estates Services for response.
Recommended Course of Action
Subject to technical considerations change the
light source in the existing wall mounted flood
lighting units to a white light source.
Zig-zags to be installed in accordance with
standards prescribed in law.
Not applicable.
Not applicable
Not applicable
Residents of flats have no secure parking. Garages at rear
are leased to others.
Tenants perceive confusion of roles and information between
Housing and CPD.
Problems with condition of rear service area: poor
surface/dumped rubbish, refuse bins unsecured.
The disused laundrette at the rear is a security problem,
particularly the flat roof.
What about railings to prevent children running across the
road?
Litterbins need securing and emptying regularly.
Paving slabs are in poor condition; people are likely to trip up
over them.
Could there be rings outside shops for people to tie dogs to?
Proposed cycle parking is ‘off-centre’ and unlikely to be
used.
Discourage deliveries to retail premises from frontage
Do residents of flats above shops have rear parking spaces
or garages?
There is poor drainage and pooling in the rear service yard
Does the existing CCTV cover the rear service yard area?
Provision of secure parking for residents is outside the
scope of this NOF scheme. Housing are to investigate
issues, opportunities and source of funding to carry out
complementary measures to rear service yard.
Referred to CPD/Housing for resolution.
Not applicable
Not applicable
The rear service yard is outside the scope of this NOF
scheme. Referred to CPD/Housing for resolution.
Housing are to investigate issues, opportunities and
source of funding to carry out complementary measures to
rear service yard.
See comments above.
Housing are to investigate issues, opportunities
and source of funding to carry out
complementary measures to rear service yard
Not applicable
Agree. New waste bins (at least 3 nr) to be provided.
Agree. See above.
Waste bins to be provided.
Not applicable
Yes
Add dog-tethering fixtures to front walls of retail
premises.
Cycle stands to be provided in the line of
proposed bollards.
Add advisory road signs to direct deliveries to
rear of premises.
Not applicable
Agree.
There is a rear service yard that provides adequate
facilities for deliveries to be made to the retail premises.
No. Provision of secure parking for residents in rear
service yard is outside the scope of this NOF project.
Housing are to investigate issues, opportunities and
source of funding to carry out complementary measures to
rear service yard.
Outside scope of NOF project. Maintenance issue referred
to Housing/CPD.
Yes it does.
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
Public ‘Drop In’ Session at Healthy Living Centre on 12 May 04
Comment
Residents of Braeburn House (elderly persons sheltered
housing) support the introduction of a zebra crossing
proposal
Residents of Braeburn House would like the steps to the
shops to be altered
Residents of Braeburn House would like a better standard of
path between Braeburn House and the shops.
Can dog loos be provided to prevent fouling of grassed
areas?
Existing bollards on service road are too close to the kerb.
Can be inconvenient to passengers alighting vehicles and
are potential cause of damage to car doors.
4 disabled bays are proposed - this seems to be too many?
Response
Noted. Proposed zebra crossing will provide a safer
crossing point for all pedestrians including the elderly.
Recommended Course of Action
Provide zebra crossing subject to technical and
safety performance considerations.
Some of the retail premises have external door access
raised above the footpath level.
Raise footpath levels in so far as technical
parameters (ie footpath cross fall) permit to
minimise step up into shop premises.
NOF funding administrators advise grant cannot be used
to fund works necessary to comply with DDA. However,
footpath levels can be detailed to minimise the step height
in so far as technical parameters (ie footpath cross fall)
permit. Note that this might not make a significant impact
on step heights at some accesses.
Outside scope of the NOF project. See comments above.
Not applicable
Grassed area to shop frontage will be removed to make
way for the off-street car parking with the result that much
of the problem area is removed.
Highway Authority to erect advisory signs
warning that it is an offence to allow fouling of
the highway.
It is an offence under the Highways act to allow fouling of
the public highway. Highway Authority erects signs to this
effect where particular problems persist. Dog loos are
therefore not erected on the highway as it is seen to
encourage this behaviour.
Agree.
Position bollards further away from kerb.
The Department for transport document entitled “Inclusive
Mobility: A Guide to Best practice on Access to Pedestrian
and Transport Infrastructure” dated 2002 recommends that
the proportion of spaces for Blue (Orange) Badge holders
is 6% of the total capacity. Based on a total off street
parking provision of 38 spaces a provision of 3 bays is
required.
Reduce number of bays for Blue Badge holders
from 4 to 3.
Other comments
Comment
Redwood Road is on the National Cycle Route Network. Can
Road Humps be cycle friendly?
Response
Agree.
Recommended Course of Action
Cycle friendly road humps to be provided subject
to
technical
and
safety
performance
considerations