Issue - meetings

Glen Richardson: Urban Design & Conservation Manager

Polly Plouviez: Chesterton / Mitcham’s Corner Co-ordinator

 

The Committee received a presentation on the Mitcham’s Corner Master Plan Project from Glen Richardson, the Urban Design and Conservation Manager.

 

Polly Plouviez, the Mitcham’s Corner Co-ordinator, gave an update on recent community events and Christmas plans for the area.

 

The Urban Design and Conservation Manager answer questions from Councillors and members of the public as follows:

 

Q1. Member of the Public

The Master Plan appears to be about road networks and traders. Mitcham’s corner residents are ignored.

 

A. This was not the intention of the plan. To-date the focus had been on traders and local community groups. Going forward the more work with the wider community would be needed.

 

Q2. Member of the Public

The proposed station in Chesterton would impact on the area. New and improved bus routes would be needed and there would be an environment impact on the area, such as loss of trees.

 

A. Any scheme would need to consider both the current base line transport links and any future developments.

 

Q3. Member of the Public.

An existing, dangerous double roundabout was being replaced. Why do the plans include a similarly dangerous design? Shared spaces create hazards for those with sight issues and for children.

 

A. The proposals are not new ideas. There are mixed views on shared spaces. They can and do work successfully elsewhere. However, they require behavioural changes of users.

 

Q4. Councillor Smart

How does the proposal work for cyclist?

 

The officers demonstrated using the maps.

 

Q5. Councillor Scutt

How long would the unsightly large Staples sign be on display?

 

A. Officers were unable to answer this question.

 

Q6. Councillor Scutt

When was work on the project likely to begin?

 

A. The timeframes were dependent on the funding streams.

 

Q7. Councillor Manning

Improvements are welcomed but the plan should be more radical. The area should be pedestrianised.

 

Q8. Member of the Public

The proposed mixed use area would be confusing to non-locals.

 

A. Any scheme would be trialled and signage would be very clear.

 

Q9. Member of the Public

Could the area be closed to all traffic with the exception of buses?

 

A. A range of options would be considered. Car free options would be expensive.

 

Q10. Member of the Public

The Master Plan has been under consideration for a number of years. The City Deal funding offers an opportunity to make big improvements. Those improvements should be driven by the needs of the local population not by the needs of the City Deal. External experts should be employed to drive the project.

 

A. Any future plan needs to be realistic about what can be achieved.