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V27-956 : WEIGHT RESTRICTION, OULTON/LOWESTOFT, OBJECTIONS TO TRAFFIC REGULATI

ORDER

The report of the Director of Community Services gave the background to the development of the restrictions, and detailed objections received to the above advertised Traffic Regulation Order. The Director drew attention to the exemptions on Birds Eye and Christian Salvesen traffic using Somerleyton Road.

Regarding the objections, the Director felt there were three key issues, carriageway width, environmental effects and the timescale for implementation of Phase 5 of the Northern Spine Road. At 7.3 metres, the carriageway of Bentley Drive was wider for HGV's than Oulton Street at 5.75 metres, more so when footways and verges were considered. Regarding environmental effects, implementation would adversely affect Bentley Drive, Normanston Drive and Somerleyton Road, whilst Gorleston Road and Oulton Street would improve.

The third issue of the pending construction of Phase 5 was the key to removing the problem. However, the Director informed members that the position regarding implementation of Phase 5 was now less clear than when last considered by Committee. A letter received from the County Council prior to the last meeting had indicated that the scheme would be included in the 2001-2006 Local Transport Plan (LTP). This unfortunately was not presently the case, the provisional LTP merely stating that Phase 5 would require detailed evaluation. Phase 5 was included in the County Structure Plan for implementation by 2016. The County Council felt that the timing of construction could be considered in relation to the pending Waveney Local Plan revision as funding would be assisted by development.

Members expressed continuing sympathy for the residents of both the Oulton Street/Somerleyton Road and Bentley Drive areas. As stated by the Director, clearly the key was the early construction of Phase 5. The Leader of the Council felt that the improvements further north on the A12, with the new roundabout near James Paget Hospital and those being built at Hopton and Rackham's Corner at Corton, there would soon be only this short link of around a mile needed to complete the picture. She felt pressure should be put on the County Council by lobbying, both by the Council and the concerned protesters, for implementation of Phase 5 in the 2001-2006 LTP period.

RESOLVED

That the item be deferred for further consultations with Suffolk County Council.

Volume 27 Minute 956

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