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Agenda item
Proposed Designated Cycle Route in Alexandra Park
(Cabinet Decision)
Minutes:
The Environment and Natural Resources Manager presented the report of the Assistant Director for Environment and Place which outlined the results of a consultation on a cycling route through Alexandra Park.
The council had a longstanding ambition to introduce a cycling route through Alexandra Park, to help increase cycling opportunities in the town and provide a useful link between Silverhill and Queens Road. A cycling route through Alexandra Park was identified in the Hastings Planning Strategy 2011 – 2028, which was adopted on 19 February 2014.
The public consultation, which had taken place between 15 June and 21 August 2015, related to how a cycle route through the park should be implemented, based on proposals developed by East Sussex County Council. The proposals had also been considered by a reference group of key stakeholders, prior to the public consultation, which had provided early feedback to the county council and their design consultants. The proposals utilised existing pathways to create shared cycling and pedestrian routes, to help minimise the impact on the grade II* listed park.
The consultation highlighted a number of issues in relation to public safety, enhanced and effective signage on the cycle route and enforcement matters which would be submitted to ESCC for review. Following representations made during the consultation, a section of the proposed route in front of the café had been removed from the final scheme. Further work would be commissioned by ESCC to address the issues raised during the public consultation. It was intended that works to construct the route would then begin in mid to late 2016. ESCC will be fully responsible for project managing and funding the implementation of the route and associated signage.
Cabinet added an additional recommendation, set out in the resolution below; to review the cycle route through Alexandra Park six months after it had been opened and consider any comments received from visitors to park.
Councillor Davies proposed approval to the recommendations set out in the resolution below, which was seconded by Councillor Cartwright.
RESOLVED (unanimously) that: -
1) Hastings Borough Council agree to a shared cycle route through Alexandra Park in principle subject to East Sussex County Council:
a) Removing the proposed route in front of the café
b) Fully reviewing the results of the consultation and incorporating measures such as those listed below where practicable
c) Maximising the numbers of signs, bollards, finger posts and surface markings to ensure safety concerns are fully considered and addressed through appropriate measures implemented in the final design of the route
d) Where appropriate, using different coloured surfacing asa safety feature
e) Using clearer signage where the route merges or crosses with existing footpaths
f) Using cyclists dismount signs at appropriate locations
g) Providing cycle racks at appropriate locations
2) Hastings Borough Council publicly thank everyone who responded to the consultation, and in particular the participants of the reference group for informing the pre-consultation design process
3) A review of the cycle path through Alexandra Park be undertaken six months after it has been implemented
The reason for this decision was:
Cycling is recognised as a key health benefit and provision of cycling facilities is supported by the government. Hastings Borough Council’s Development Management Plan identifies a number of proposed cycle routes in the town, one of which is the route through Alexandra Park. East Sussex County Council is supportive of the route and will fully fund its implementation. Extensive consultation has been undertaken to inform the details of the final scheme.
Supporting documents:
- Proposed Designated Cycle Route in Alexandra Park, item 37. PDF 123 KB
- Appendix 1 - Summary of Responses to the Consultation, item 37. PDF 54 KB
- Site Map 1, item 37. PDF 840 KB
- Site Map 2, item 37. PDF 945 KB
- Site Map 3, item 37. PDF 809 KB
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