Speakers Panel
(Planning)

Minutes of the Meeting held on 21 December 2011

Time Commenced: 10.00am    Adjourned: 11.40 am 
Reconvened: 1.00pm  Time Terminated: 2.20pm

Present:

Councillor Bray (Chair)
Councillors P. Fitzpatrick, B. Holland, D. Lane, J. Lane, Middleton, Parker-Perry, Roberts, and R. Welsh.

Apologies for Absence:

Councillors Dickinson, Ricci, and Ward.

40. Declaration Of Interest

The following Member declared his interest as detailed below and withdrew from the meeting during consideration of the business;

41. Minutes

The Minutes of the proceedings of the meeting held on 23 November 2011, having been circulated, were taken as read and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

42. Appeal Decision Notices

43. Planning Applications

The Panel gave consideration to the schedule of applications submitted and it was:-

Resolved

That the applications for planning permission be determined as detailed below:-

44. Objections To The Traffic Regulation Orders – Metrolink 3(B) 

Consideration was given to a report of the Assistant Executive Director (Economic and Technical Services) detailing a number of proposals to make traffic regulation orders which were advertised on 26 May 2011 in respect of the extension of Metrolink tram system to Ashton-under-Lyne (Phase 3B). The report also details a number of objections which have been received, together with a petition during the statutory consultation period and in addition five further objections had been received outside the statutory period.

Transport for Greater Manchester had worked to resolve these objections, which had in some cases been accommodated and as a result a number had been withdrawn. Phase 3A of the Metrolink project included a tramline from Manchester Piccadilly Station to Ashton Road/Williamson Lane in Droylsden and Phase 3B extended the line from Droylsden to a site immediately west of Ashton-under-Lyne Bus Station.

It was reported that legal powers to construct phases 3A and 3B had been obtained by Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (now known as Transport for Greater Manchester) under the Transport Works Act 1992 and the subsequent Greater Manchester (Light Rapid Transit System) (Ashton-under-Lyne Extension) Order 1988. The Order gave an indicative route for the tram and gave TfGM powers to change the design and track alignment within certain limits – without the need for further planning permission.

Following detailed design of the project it has become apparent that in order to achieve safety, control and efficiency objectives, further Traffic Regulation Orders would be required under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. The restrictions originally requested were detailed at Appendix B1 and advertised on 26 May 2011 and in response to the public consultation and advertisement of those proposals, 51 objections and one petition were received within the statutory consultation period and five objections received outside the statutory period. These objections are detailed at Appendices C1 and C2, together with a summary of points made by each objector and a response by the Council’s engineers.

Details were given of the main sources of concern as follows:-

• Objection to a dedicated westbound tram lane which was to have been 75mm higher than the other parts of the carriageway. The Panel should note that under the powers already extended to TfGM, no additional permission was needed to build the track at a higher level than the carriageway, it was proposed to make a TRO to prevent other vehicles from encroaching on the tram lane.
  
  
• Objection to the introduction of several turning bans and the fear that this may make journeys less convenient for local residents and encourage vehicles to use minor residential roads instead of main roads (so-called ‘rat running’).
  
  
• The introduction of parking and loading bans and the impact this would have on residents and businesses adjacent to the carriageway.

Appendices C1 and C2 described the actions proposed by TfGM to mitigate any effects of the works and as a result a significant number of objections had been withdrawn. The changes to the proposals were detailed at Appendix B2 and the revised tram lane order was detailed at Appendix B4.

In summary, it was now proposed to:-

• Provide a reserved tram lane which is flush with the carriageway. It is still proposed to have a Traffic Regulation Order to prevent traffic from encroaching into the tram lane but the Reserved Tram Lane Order now contains a number of exemptions (see paragraph 2.1.1 section 8 and Appendix B4);
  
  
• This has facilitated a review of the turning bans. Many of these have now been deleted – those remaining are those which represent the absolute minimum to ensure safety;
  
  
• Ensure that most of the loading restrictions only operate during peak hours, although in some areas very close to traffic light controlled junctions or away from homes and businesses they will still apply 24 hours a day. Peak hours are 7am to 10am and 4pm to 7pm;
  
  
• Remove some waiting and loading bans which are no longer felt to be necessary following consultation with residents (for example because they were protecting vehicular accesses which are felt to be little used); and
  
  
• Provide parking and loading facilities for the shops on Droylsden Road.

It was further reported that TfGM had asked the Council to consider some additional orders, which were detailed at Appendix B5 and since the Panel did not have the power to advertise new orders other than in connection with a planning application, the Executive Member (Technical Services) would be requested to consider these particular orders.

Particular reference was made to the following:-

• General description of the tramway route and proposals for traffic regulation orders;
• A summary of objections (detailed at Appendices C1 and C2);
• Bus stops;
• Droylsden Road – Loading Restrictions;
• Droylsden Road – Waiting Restrictions;
• Prohibited Turns;
• Reserved Tram Lane;
• Objections not being addressed by the recommendations;
• Funding arrangements;
• Proposals/Schedule of Works; and
• Equalities.

The Chair invited the following objectors to address the Panel:-

Officers from Transport for Greater Manchester and Tameside Council responded to each of the points raised and Mr Blake was advised that the proposal for a car parking area on Assheton Avenue, Audenshaw would be subject to a separate planning application and his objections could be raised at that stage. 

The Assistant Executive Director (Economic and Technical Services) stated that he would investigate the possibility of removing the speed hump adjacent to 8 North Drive, Audenshaw, so as to prevent any further noise nuisance created.

After taking into consideration the objections raised by residents and supporting representation, the Panel –

Resolved

1. That authority be given for the necessary action to be taken to authorise and implement the proposed traffic regulation orders contained Metrolink Phase 3B and that in accordance with the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 to make the orders listed in Appendix B3 to come into force on a date approved by the Assistant Executive Director (Economic and Technical Services), subject to amendment of Order E – Prohibition of Waiting and Loading Order 2011 so that the restriction on Kershaw Lane east side reduced so that it did not extend around the corner of the junction into Laburnum Avenue and the form of the reserved tramway order being as set out in appendix B4.
   
   
2. That the Panel recommends to the Executive Member for Planning and Development that the council should consult on proposals to make the orders listed in Appendix B5.
   
   
3. That a response be made to the objectors along the lines indicated in the report.

45. Urgent Items

The Chair reported that there were no urgent items for consideration at this meeting.

Chair

Appendix B3

Proposed Final Traffic Regulation Orders

A The Tameside Metropolitan Borough (Kershaw Lane Area Audenshaw) (Weight Restriction) Order 2011

Prohibition of motor vehicles with a maximum gross weight exceeding 7.5 tonnes from

1 Warwick Grove Entire length

2 Kershaw Grove Entire length

3 Longcroft Grove Entire length

4 Kingsley Grove Entire length

5 Kershaw Lane From its junction with Droylsden Road to its junction with
Manchester Road

B The Tameside Metropolitan Borough (A662 Droylsden Road Audenshaw) (Prohibition Of Entry) Order 2011

No vehicle may enter the vehicular access situated between the westbound and eastbound traffic lanes located to the west of its junction with Lumb Lane in order to proceed in a northerly direction into Lumb Lane or easterly direction along Droylsden Road

C The Tameside Metropolitan Borough (Ashton Road Droylsden and Droylsden Road Audenshaw) (Reserved Tram Lane) Order 2011

Some proposed drafting changes to clarify when vehicles may use the reserved tram lane, The proposed order is set out in full in Appendix B4.

It is no longer proposed to have a raised tram lane (although the height of the tram lane is not determined by a traffic regulation order).

D The Tameside Metropolitan Borough (Various Roads Audenshaw) (One-Way Traffic, Prohibition of Right Turn and Prescribed Route) Order 2011

1. No vehicle travelling in a westbound direction along Droylsden Road Audenshaw may make a right turn into Moss Street
   
   
2. No vehicle travelling in an eastbound direction along Droylsden Road Audenshaw may make a right turn into Kenilworth Grove
   
   
3. All vehicles when leaving the road in Column 1 below must undertake a left turn when reaching its junction with the road in Column 2 below

E The Tameside Metropolitan Borough (Various Roads Audenshaw) (Prohibition of Waiting and Loading) Order 2011

Waiting to be prohibited at any time on:-

Waiting to be prohibited at any time and Loading prohibited between 7am and 10am and between 4pm and 7pm

Revocation of the following Orders or parts of Orders 

The Tameside Metropolitan Borough (Assheton Avenue, Audenshaw) (Prohibition of Waiting) Order 2005 will be revoked.

The Tameside Metropolitan Borough (Audenshaw Road, Droylsden Road and Spring Bank Avenue, Audenshaw) (Prohibition of Waiting) Order 2000 will have effect as though the following length of road was deleted from Schedule 1 of that Order:-

Droylsden Road (both sides) – from its junction with Manchester Road to its junction with the easterly kerbline of Assheton Avenue (excluding the lay-by)

The Tameside Metropolitan Borough (Manchester Road (A635) and Various Roads, Ashton-Under-Lyne)(Prohibition of Waiting)(Amendment) Order 2007 will have effect as though the following length of road was deleted from Part 2 of the Schedule to that Order:-

Manchester Road (A635) (north side) – from a point 30 metres east of its junction with Gainsborough Road to its junction with Droylsden Road Audenshaw

Appendix B4

Proposed Order Establishing A Reserved Tram Lane

Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council

The Tameside Metropolitan Borough
(Ashton Road, Droylsden And Droylsden Road, Audenshaw)
(Reserved Tram Lane) Order 2011

Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council in exercise of its powers under Sections 1(1), 2(1), 2(2) and 4(2) and Part IV of Schedule 9 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (“the Act”) and of all other enabling powers and after consultation with the Chief Officer of Police in accordance with Part III of Schedule 9 to the Act hereby makes the following Order:-

1. In this Order:-
   
   “reserved tram-lane” means the area of carriageway of the specified road, which is laid out by means of surface markings as being an area reserved for the use of tramcars and which is signed in accordance with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2002.
   
   
   “tramcar” has the same meaning as given in section 141A(4) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984:
   
   
   “specified road” means any road or length of road specified in the Schedule to this Order:
   
   
2. Save as provided in Article 3 to this Order no person shall except upon the direction or with the permission of a police constable in uniform or of a civil enforcement officer in uniform, cause or permit any vehicle other than a tramcar, to enter, proceed or wait in the reserved tram-lane, specified in the Schedule to this Order, at any time.
   
   
3. Nothing in Article 2 shall render it unlawful for any person to cause or permit any vehicle to enter, proceed or wait in the reserved tram-lane:-

1. if the vehicle cannot conveniently be used for such purpose in any other road, to be used in connection with the maintenance, improvement or reconstruction of the said reserved tram-lane
   
   
2. a vehicle being used for ambulance, fire brigade or police purposes if the observance of any provision of the Order would hinder the use of the vehicle for the purpose on which it is being used on that occasion;
   
   
3. if the vehicle is crossing the reserved tram-lane for the purposes of entering or leaving any vehicular access on the specified length of road.
   
   
4. if the vehicle is crossing the reserved tram-lane for the purposes of entering or leaving another highway at a junction with the specified length of highway.
   
   
5. if the vehicle enters the reserved tram-lane where it is necessary to do so to avoid:
   
   (i) an obstruction or parked vehicle on another part of the carriageway on the specified road.
   
   
   (j) An accident
   
   
6. if the vehicle enters the reserved tram-lane in order to pass a road maintenance vehicle which is in use and travelling at a speed not exceeding 10 mph
   
   
7. if the vehicle enters the reserved tram-lane in order to pass a pedal cycle or a horse which is being led or ridden at a speed of less than 10 mph

4. The Tameside Metropolitan Borough (Ashton Road, Droylsden)
   (Reserved Tram Lane) Order 2011 is hereby be amended as follows:-

1. Articles 2 and 3 of that Order are deleted therefrom and Articles 2 and 3 to this Order substituted therefore.
   
   
2. In the Schedule to that Order the distance of ‘5 metres’ is amended to read ‘30 metres’.

5. The prohibitions and restrictions imposed by this Order shall be in addition to and not in derogation from any restrictions or requirement imposed by any regulations made or having effect as if made under the said Act of 1984 or by or under any other enactment.

The Order shall come into operation on the <> day of <>l 201<> and may be cited as “The Tameside Metropolitan Borough (Ashton Road, Droylsden and Droylsden Road, Audenshaw) (Reserved Tram Lane) Order 2011”.

The Common Seal Of Tameside
Metropolitan Borough Council
was hereunto affixed on the <> day of
<> 2011 in the presence of

Borough Solicitor

Schedule

(Specified Road in which the Reserved Tram Lane is situated)

Appendix B5

Proposed New Orders

(These orders have not been advertised and the Panel are asked to make a recommendation to the Executive Member for Planning and Development that they be advertised)

The Tameside Metropolitan Borough (Droylsden Road Audenshaw) (Restriction of Waiting) Order 2011

Reason for request:
This order is to cover the car parking bays outside the shops. It is necessary to have short term parking to ensure that the bays are used by shop customers rather than for long stay parking.

The Tameside Metropolitan Borough (Droylsden Road Audenshaw) (Prohibition of U Turns) Order 2011

No person may cause any vehicle travelling in an easterly direction on Droylsden Road Audenshaw to enter the vehicular access situated between the westbound and eastbound traffic lanes located to the west of its junction with Lumb Lane in order to proceed in a westerly direction along Droylsden Road Audenshaw.

Reason for request:
The vehicular access link at this location has been provided to permit traffic from Lumb Lane (north) to proceed into Droylsden Road without having to traverse the Audenshaw gyratory system. The traffic signals controlling this junction will ensure that traffic making this manoeuvre does not conflict with westbound traffic on Droylsden Road. If eastbound traffic on Droylsden Road was permitted to carry out the U turn manoeuvre it would conflict with westbound traffic proceeding on a green signal and create a dangerous conflict.

The Tameside Metropolitan Borough (Droylsden Road Audenshaw) (Prohibition of Driving) Order 2011

No motor vehicle shall be permitted to travel on the area of the northern footway of Droylsden Road and the western footway of Assheton Avenue, Audenshaw bounded:-

1. on the western side by the eastern boundary of 217 Droylsden Road Audenshaw extended in a southerly direction to intersect the northern kerb line of Droylsden Road
   
   
2. on the southern side by the northern kerb line of Droylsden Road Audenshaw
    
   
3. on the eastern side by the western kerb line of Assheton Avenue and
   
   
4. on the northern side by a line A, B, C, D defined as follows:-

1. is the point where the southern boundary of the forecourt of 219 Droylsden Road intersects the eastern boundary of 217 Droylsden Road
   
   
   thence in an easterly direction following the southerly forecourt boundaries of 219, 221 and 223 Droylsden Road to point B
   
   
2. is the south east corner of the forecourt of 223 Droylsden Road
   
   thence in a northerly direction to point C
   
   
3. is the south east corner of the building 223 Droylsden Road
   
   thence in an easterly direction to point D
   
   
4. is the point where the extended frontage building line of 223 Droylsden Road intersects the western kerb line of Assheton Avenue

Reason for order:
This order is proposed in order to protect the large area of footway in front of the shops on the Lumb Lane gyratory. It has been the subject of consultation with the businesses concerned and parking provision will be made for deliveries and customers of the shop.