Issue - meetings

This report responds to a motion agreed by Full Council on 25 September 2008.  The motion instructed Officers to undertake a feasibility study to consider the potential implications of the creation of a link road between Bishopthorpe Road and Sim Balk Lane, together with an investigation of sustainable transport measures, as an aid to the development of the Terry’s site.

RESOLVED: (i)         That the contents of the report be noted and that Officers be instructed to cease any further work on this proposal.

REASON:      To ensure that the Council’s position is consistent with its obligations under the provisions of Highway and Planning legislation and in its implementation of existing policies.

                        (ii)        That Officers be requested to address local traffic issues by further developing options aimed at improving public transport, cycling and pedestrian facilities in the vicinity of the former Terry’s factory site.

REASON:      In order to address some of the issues identified in the Council motion.

                        (iii)       That the Executive’s decisions on this item be reported to the next Full Council meeting.

REASON:      Because the proposal originated through a Council notice of motion.

Members considered a report which responded to a motion agreed by Full Council on 25 September 2008, instructing Officers to undertake a feasibility study regarding the creation of a link road between Bishopthorpe Road and Sim Balk Lane, as an aid to the development of the Terry’s site.

The report responded to each of the points in the Council motion and discussed the wider implications associated with the proposed link road.  It described the provision of two sections of link road, from Tadcaster Road to Bishopthorpe Road, at a cost of £6.1m.  The results of traffic modelling suggested that there would be some reduction of traffic flows on Tadcaster Road but that the main benefit would come from the redistribution of traffic flowing through Bishopthorpe.  However, the consideration of York’s Green Belt would make it difficult to support the proposal in planning terms.  It was noted that further work would be necessary to improve the punctuality of the no. 11 bus and that cycle connections could be introduced to reduce the traffic implications and increase access to the new Terry’s development.

The report concluded that, since there were limited opportunities for funding the link road, it would be difficult to achieve anything other than a low cost benefit ratio.  It was therefore recommended that Officers be instructed to cease any further work on this proposal.

Having noted the comments of the Shadow Executive on this item, it was

RESOLVED: (i)         That the contents of the report be noted and that Officers be instructed to cease any further work on this proposal.

REASON:      To ensure that the Council’s position is consistent with its obligations under the provisions of Highway and Planning legislation and in its implementation of existing policies.

                        (ii)        That Officers be requested to address local traffic issues by further developing options aimed at improving public transport, cycling and pedestrian facilities in the vicinity of the former Terry’s factory site.

REASON:      In order to address some of the issues identified in the Council motion.

                        (iii)       That the Executive’s decisions on this item be reported to the next Full Council meeting. ¹

REASON:      Because the proposal originated through a Council notice of motion.

Note:               Cllrs Moore, Reid and Vassie left the room during consideration of the above item, as indicated under Minute 197, and took no part in the debate or decisions thereon.