Agenda item

• Councillor Shaun Hughes made a statement stating that there is a perception that the scheme benefits an affluent minority whereas many residents feel unheard. He referenced the Corporate Strategy ‘giving people a bigger say’ and stated that this LN contradicts other schemes.

• Sarah Toy made a statement stating much support for the scheme and that the call in is political and not evidence based.

Councillor Wright asked why representative polling was not used. Ms Toy explained that the Council issued consultation, not representative polling, which is usual practice.

• Christine Harrington made a statement stating that the scheme is a community initiative based on 25 years of need with consultation over 4 years.

• Timothy Lloyd made a statement stating that there have been accidents in the past, this is unsuitable as a through road and the modal filter is justifiable.

Councillor Box asked about speeding and near misses. Mr Lloyd agreed that near misses are often not reported.

Councillor Wright asked how many accidents there had been regarding North Road cyclists and pedestrians. Mr Lloyd stated that he did not have knowledge and this and did not think the report mentioned this.

·  Alastair Gavin Douglas made a statement supporting the decision. He stated that there are many examples of roads in Bath which have been pedestrianised and we all allow a bit more travel time for this. This scheme is similar.

• Ceris Humphries made a statement stating the aim of putting traffic back on the main road infrastructure.

Councillor Wright stated that the local school is not supportive and asked why. Ms Humphries stated that she had seen many young people using the area.

• Robin Allan made a statement stating that LNs work, there are already measurable benefits. He stated that change is unsettling.

Councillor Wright asked about the data being collected when the A36 was closed. Councillor Elliott stated that this was only the case for part of the data collection.

• Neil McCabe made a statement stating that there are no reported accidents on Sydney Road but there are on other roads. He stated that the local school believe there will be a negative safety impact. He believes the decision should be delayed until the A36 is fully open and that the decision is Wednesbury unreasonable.

• Councillor Tim Warren made a statement stating that the majority of people do not think this process has been democratic. He is not against LNs but this one has pitched people against each other.

• Dr Ian Orpen made a statement stating that there are equalities issues involved. Residents of North Road were excluded from the engagement. He asked that the scheme be put on hold for further assessment (statement attached to the minutes).

Councillor Player asked what the consequence would be if the Wednesbury test had been breached. Dr Orpen stated that he was not a lawyer.

Councillor Box asked about the mention of women in particular. Dr Orpen stated that the EQIA (Equalities Impact Assessment) would need to consider all of those affected, including issues related to safety with less traffic.

Councillor Moss asked about the status of EQIA. The legal advisor stated that an EQIA will have been considered at the time of the decision.

Councillor Gourley asked how it was thought that North Road residents had not be consulted. Dr Orpen stated that they were not engaged in the pre consultation co-design.

• Jon Avent made a statement stating that this LN sets out to solve a problem that does not exist. It failed to engage. He mentioned the Nolan principles. He urged that the trial be removed or extended.

Councillor Wright asked what the socio-economic status of New Sydney Road is in the census data. Mr Avent stated that it is a small, affluent street.

• Alasdair Barron made a statement stating that the Council has failed to show due process in 3 areas (statement attached to the minutes).

Councillor Player asked if he had stated his concerns to local Councillors. Mr Barron stated that he had and that he respected local Councillors.

The Chair thanked all the speakers.