Comment from Councillor Phil Bullivant re Queen Street plans.
Over the last few weeks there has been a great volume of questions raised and mis-information published relating to the planned changes to Queen Street.
To validate these, I have been through the plans and established the actual plan details and give the facts below:-
Quote “Queen Street will be blocked to all traffic”
Whereas the Actual plans say:-
Queen Street will not be closed off at the war memorial, access will only be changed and not prevented – There will be no changes to access for bus, cycles and pedestrians. Access west of the war memorial for private motor vehicles will be access only, designed to prevent through traffic (i.e. drivers will still be able to access Queen St. to use the on-street parking facilities). Access on Queen Street, west of Albany Street only, will be restricted to buses, cycles and loading, with general traffic routed north on Albany Street when leaving Queen Street. Taxis will be able to access this area to stop to pick up or set down passengers. Drivers of vehicles displaying a blue badge will also be able to access to stop and pick up or set down a disabled person.
Quote “We lose all parking in Queen Street”
Whereas the Actual plans say:-
There will still be a significant amount of parking on Queen Street – Approximately 45% of on-street parking bays (~26 space) within the scheme area will remain, there will only be no on-street parking between Albany St and Courtenay St. On-street disabled parking-only and loading provision will increase overall with the scheme.
Quote “All traffic will have to use The Avenue”
Whereas the Actual plans say:-
Not all traffic will be diverted via The Avenue – Only through traffic only will be directed up The Avenue at the war memorial. Drivers wanting to access Queen St by private car will still be able to up to Albany St.
Quote “There has been no consultation over these plans”
Whereas the Actual plans say:-
Proposals have undergone significant public and stakeholder consultation at every stage of project development with the results published in the public domain and presented to decision makers
-
- Teignbridge District Council Public Consultation (June 2020)
- Stakeholder Consultation (December 2021/January 2022)
- Devon County Council and Teignbridge District Council Public Consultation (April-June 2022)
- Approval to consult by Teignbridge HATOC – https://democracy.devon.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=182&MId=4312&Ver=4
- Public consultation report – https://www.devon.gov.uk/haveyoursay/consultations/queen-street-newton-abbot-pedestrian-enhancements/
- Scheme supported by Teignbridge – https://democracy.devon.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=182&MId=4599&Ver=4
- Statutory Traffic Regulation Order consultation (October/November 2022)
- Feedback summarised – https://democracy.devon.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=182&MId=4840&Ver=4
- TROs approved by Teignbridge HATOC – Ditto
- Cabinet Approval for construction – https://democracy.devon.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=133&MId=4689&Ver=4
- Newton Abbot Town Council Representatives Meetings (As requested)
Quote “ These plans will destroy Newton Abbot”
Whereas the actual plans say:-
The proposal seek to enhance Queen Street rather than destroy it – Proposals aim to make Queen Street a more attractive, safe and healthy place for visitors and businesses through widened footways, improved crossings, enhanced greening and seating and improved public transport and cycle provision, whilst maintain good access to the area by private car. The improvements to the pedestrian environment, with reduced dominance of vehicles, aim to make everyone feel safe and welcome, with more space for pedestrians to enjoy and access shops and services, with improved accessibility and inclusivity for all, cleaner air and a greener environment.
It is essential that the debate focusses on the true facts.
The overwhelming view amongst residents, planners, most councillors and those with a keen interest in the successful future of Newton Abbot believe that improving the town centre environment to attract more people into the town centre is vital for the future prosperity of the town including its retail businesses.
These plans are designed deliver solutions that have been demonstrated to work in similar towns and are the only proposals on the table to reverse the long term decline in the town centre visitor numbers.
As a councillor, I believe in Newton Abbot and will listen to any proposals that deliver for local residents.
We must show our commitment to the town and support actions designed to deliver the outcomes most want to see, a vibrant forward looking Newton Abbot that will be the leading market town in Teignbridge and ultimately in Devon.
The current debate is healthy but cannot become a cause for procrastination in decision making. A failure to do anything is a nail in the coffin of Newton Abbot’s future.
Phil Bullivant
Councillor