Agenda item

Recommendation: Conditional Approval.

Proposal: Full planning application for the proposed development of relief road, connecting B3030 King Street Lane / Winnersh Relief Road Phase 1 to the A329 Reading Road including two new roundabout junctions on A329 Reading Road, two new minor residential access roads and associated works including traffic signals, crossings, drainage, footways and cycleways (road forms Phase 2 of Winnersh Relief Road and part of the western section of the Northern Distributor Road).

Applicant:  Wokingham Borough Council

The Committee were advised that the Members’ Update included:

·         Clarification regarding consultation dates;

·         Amendment to condition 8 Lower Earley Way/Rushey Way/Mill Lane Mitigation.

Paul Fishwick, Winnersh Parish Council, commented on the application.  Whilst some of the Parish Council’s concerns had been addressed, some still remained.  He suggested that Keep Clear markings be added at King Street Lane and that Keep Clear markings be added at Green Lane, where a toucan crossing was also required.  He proposed a raised table crossing at Sandstone Close and commented that this was successfully in place in Lower Earley Way.  A raised table crossing at Laburnum Close would also be beneficial.  Paul Fishwick went on to state that the proposed new roundabout would potentially act as a barrier to non-motorised traffic and conflict with pedestrians and cyclists.  He felt that the two roundabouts and limiting of turning movements for Woodward Close to left in and left out only would not be of benefit to residents or visitors.  He suggested a toucan crossing on the southern arm and the relocation of the planned toucan crossing to the west.  He also asked about the Air Quality Action Plan. 

Rajveer Surdhar, resident, spoke in objection to the application, expressing concern regarding the proximity of the proposed roundabout to 286-290 Reading Road. 

Richard Harrison (From Odyssey on behalf of Luff Developments Ltd) spoke in objection to the application.  He was of the view that there had been a lack of suitable option testing.  He questioned the safety of the proposed roundabout and commented that there would be a lack of visibility and that pedestrians and cyclists would potentially have to cross two lanes which was unsafe.

Ian Haller, on behalf of the applicant, spoke in support of the application.  He indicated that some areas of the scheme had been amended following consultation.

Philip Houldsworth, Ward Member, spoke in support of the application.  He commented that whilst some residents would be inconvenienced, the growing traffic levels needed to be addressed.

Prue Bray, Ward Member, spoke in support of the application and asked for consideration of the points made by the Parish Council and residents.  She suggested that condition 5 be amended so that Ward Members also be consulted with, with regards to the Construction Environmental Management Plan.  She also asked that the Construction Liaison Officer liaise with the Ward Members and Parish Council.

Members discussed the proposed amendments from Winnersh Parish Council.  The Lead Specialist, Transport, Drainage & Compliance stated that Keep Clear markings could be picked up at the detailed design phase.  Raised table crossings were dealt with under the separate Traffic Regulation Order process.  However, discussions could be had with the Ward Members and Parish Council on this matter.  He also stated that there had been debate around the benefits of roundabouts against traffic signals.  Roundabouts were generally freer flowing and Reading Road had higher volumes of traffic at peak hours.  The existing proposal was acceptable with regards to traffic requirements.  A Member asked about timed traffic lights on roundabouts and was informed that this was not an ideal solution. 

The Committee discussed the safety of cyclists and pedestrians.

With regards to air quality, Kate Powell, Environmental Health, stated that it was an air quality management area and there would be additional traffic.  Actions would need to be put in place in the Air Quality Action Plan to improve the air quality.

A Member asked what traffic modelling had been carried out with regards to King Street Lane and the impact on the junction.  The Lead Specialist, Transport, Drainage & Compliance commented that various assessments and traffic surveys had been carried out.  A Member asked about the existing zebra crossing on Kings Street Lane and was informed that it was not part of the scheme.  A safety audit had been undertaken and no concerns had been raised.

The Committee agreed that condition 5 be amended so that the Chairman and Ward Members also be consulted with, with regards to the Construction Environmental Management Plan.  Members also felt that an informative that Keep Clear markings be added at Green Lane and King Street Lane, should be added.

RESOLVED:  That application 180760 be approved subject to conditions and informatives as set out in agenda pages 86 to 94, amended condition 8 as set out in the Members’ Update, amended condition 5 and additional informative.