Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Strategic Director for Place.

Agreed:

RESOLVED that the Executive approve a new layout, including walking & cycling infrastructure to the Triangle Car Park, resulting in a loss of 28 useable spaces.

Reason for Decision: As set out in the report.

RECOMMENDED that the Devon County Council Highways and Traffic Orders Committee (HATOC) be requested to consider these proposals concerning the Newtown Walking & Infrastructure Project at its meeting on 15th July 2025 with a view to implementation of the scheme.

Reason for Decision: As set out in the report.

The Executive received the report which sought approval to improve walking and cycling infrastructure in Newtown, as well as changes to the Triangle Car Park.

Particular reference was made to:

• changes to the car park would be considered by Highways and Traffic Orders Committee (HATOC) on the 15 July;
• much consultation and engagement had been carried out and it was evident that this was wanted by the local community;
• the improvements would make it easier and prevent unnecessary cars travelling through the area;
• one street would be closed but it would improve the nature of the area;
• the changes would see a loss of 28 useable parking spaces, but there would be a dedicated walkway which would improve the car park;
• five new disabled spaces, and parent and child spaces would be created; and
• this was a good example of a public sector led partnership which had been carried out over a number of years.

During discussion, Executive Members raised the following points and questions:

• this would have real benefits for the community and would encourage the use of Belmont Park;
• closing Russell Street would help and it had had little use typically;
• the cycling campaign had provided great support;
• this was a great example of a community led project;
• the modest loss of parking spaces would be offset by other projects and the impact on residents and visitors outweighed the loss of car parking spaces;
• it was important to balance healthy living and getting about safely whilst also considering traders and car parking;
• 19 of the 28 spaces being lost were unusable due to tree roots; and
• the provision of disabled and parent and child parking was much needed. 

Opposition group leaders raised the following points and questions:

• Cllr Holland warmly welcomed the project but was concerned about the loss of spaces and asked when the old bus station would be adopted as car parking; and
• Cllr Haigh raised concerns about the accessibility of the site and enquired as to why feedback from Guide Dogs had been ignored. She highlighted the lack of raised borders, confusing paths, and no tactile paving.

The Leader responded to Councillor Holland by saying he would speak with officers regarding the timeline for the development of the bus station and would let all councillors know.

In response to Councillor Haigh, the Leader stated that he would check that the plans were following Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA).

The Leader requested advice of the Deputy Monitoring Officer regarding the three Executive Members who also sat on HATOC. The Deputy Monitoring Officer clarified that there would be no issue with voting on this matter.

In response to questions raised, the Strategic Director for Place advised that:

• there would be scope for minor landscaping and signage improvements to be carried out as a general upgrade to the highway; and
• the council were not contravening any DDA guidance as they were not proposing any changes to Western Way.

The Leader moved the recommendations and Councillor Wright seconded, were  ...  view the full minutes text for item 56