Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Murphy and Salamat.

An item of urgent business was received and was agreed to be heard at item 9 of the agenda.

There were no declarations of interest received.

There were no public questions received.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 15^th June 2023 are attached for approval.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 15^th June 2023 be approved as a correct record.

The Panel gave consideration to a report in regard to an application received from Oldham Council highways Engineers for the conversion of Definitive Footpaths 53 and 54 Chadderton into a Cycle Track to improve sustainable travel connectivity with local schools, public transport and other key local facilities.

The Panel was advised that the footpaths between Broadway, Denton Lane and St. Luke’s C of E Primary School could be undesirable routes to use during the winter months as they could pose potential safety risks due to lack of lighting infrastructure and dense vegetation encroaching on the footpaths.

The proposal aimed to provide improved connectivity with local schools, Freehold Metrolink Tram Stop (which contained secure cycle storage facilities) and other key facilities by expanding the Bee Network at that location and connecting into the new development. The work would be accomplished by delivering the following scope of works:

·         Upgrading the existing pedestrian crossing on Broadway to include cycling facilities.

·         Widening of 752m of footpaths through Crossley Playing Fields (which includes Public Right of Way 54 CHADD), provision of lighting and removal of vegetation, removal of steps to provide a route for walkers and cyclists to utilise throughout the year.

·         Providing a safe Parallel Zebra crossing point on Denton Lane.

·         Implementing 37m of parking restrictions on Robinson Street to maintain clear routes for cyclists and promote the usage of the new pocket park on Robinson St.

The Public Right of Way 54 CHADD would be widened to allow sufficient width for cyclists, including new lighting to illuminate the path throughout the

year and have vegetation cut back. Public Right of Way 53 CHADD was upgraded as a part of the development and is currently signed as a shared use facility.

Options Considered:

Option 1: To approve the recommendation.

Option 2: Not to approve the recommendation.

RESOLVED that the application be approved.

The Panel gave consideration to a report regarding objections received to the introduction of prohibitive waiting restrictions on Middleton Road at the access/egress between residential properties 900 to 922 Chadderton.

The proposal was promoted to increase visibility and improve road safety. It would provide clear carriageway space to assist vehicle movements from the residential access.

The proposal had been approved under delegated powers on 2^nd January 2023 and subsequently advertised. 90 letters of objections had been received. The basis of the objections was that there would be a loss of on street parking and the impact on neighbouring properties due to the displacement of vehicles. There would also be an increased distance required to access the Dental Surgery and increased probability of having to move surgeries.

In light of the objections, any business or residential property needed to take into consideration that on street parking within the highway was not guaranteed when purchasing or redeveloping a property. The proposed parking restrictions would improve intervisibility.

Options considered:

Option 1: Introduce the proposed restrictions as advertised

Option 2: Reduce the extent of the restrictions and provide give way and formal parking bay markings

Option 3: Do not introduce the proposed restrictions

RESOLVED that, as per the recommendation, the objections be dismissed and the proposal be introduced as advertised in accordance with the schedule in the original report.

The Panel gave consideration to a report regarding objections received to the introduction of road safety measures in the form of a traffic calming scheme, along Salmon Fields, Royton.

The proposal was promoted to improve road safety by reducing the speed of traffic making it a safer environment for vulnerable road users.

The proposal had been approved under delegated powers on 23^rd January 2023 and subsequently advertised. 8 letters of objections had been received. The basis of the objections was that the traffic which included articulated lorries would prefer to use Turf Lane instead of going over the proposed humps. This would be a danger to lives and parked cars along Turf Lane which was not suitable for articulated lorries. There was also concern with noise from the speed cushions and road noise from HGV’s, construction vehicles and local car clubs speeding up and down Salmon Fields late at night.

In light of the objections, it was recommended that a revised scheme for the traffic calming was introduced along the route comprising of a series of Road Humps in the form of Speed Cushions and Tables, and revised lining for the full length of Salmon Fields which would improve road safety by reducing the speed of traffic.

Options considered:

Option1: To approve the amended recommendation

Option 2: Not to approve the recommendation

RESOLVED that, as per the recommendation, the proposal be introduced as amended.

Additional item that the Chair has agreed to consider

The Panel gave consideration to a report regarding objections received to an experimental TRO recommending the introduction of the Prohibition of Waiting restrictions on sections of Burnley Lane (Mill Brow to Beech Avenue), Chadderton.

The proposal was promoted following the installation of traffic islands to prevent dangerous overtaking across the hatched out middle areas of the carriageway. Inappropriate parking adjacent to the traffic islands necessitated the introduction of waiting restrictions.

The proposal had been approved and implemented in February 2022 and subsequently advertised. One letter of objection had been received. The basis of the objection was that the traffic island situated adjacent to their property severely impacted the ability to manoeuvre on and off the driveway. Furthermore, the narrowing restriction would often lead to insufficient space for longer HGV’s to safety negotiate through the restriction when the resident entered the main road to travel westwards.

In light of the objection, after consultation with the local Ward Councillors and the Police it was agreed that the traffic island could be removed along with the adjacent double yellow lines. The remaining double yellow lines along that length of Burnley Lane (protecting a visibility splay) from Birch Avenue were to be retained.

Options considered:

Option 1: Relax the proposed restrictions and introduce an agreed amendment

Option 2: Re-advertise the proposed restrictions following the expiry of the experimental order on 24 August 2023

RESOLVED that, the proposed restrictions be relaxed and an agreed amendment be introduced.