To invite questions from the public present at the meeting on subjects other than those on the agenda. The Committee would encourage members of the public with more complex issues to submit their question at least 3 working days before the meeting to allow a substantive answer to be given.
Minutes:
16.1 The Chairman invited questions from those in attendance. The following maters were discussed:
· Mr Gooderham asked why the Community Highway Scheme for a zebra crossing in Station Road Billingshurst had been rejected and why the estimated cost was so high. The Area Highways Manager responded firstly stating that the cost was probably over estimated but would include design costs, removal and/or relocation of existing markings, traffic management during the works and any drainage requirements. He added that with regard to this request concern was raised about forward visibility of queueing traffic when approaching from the south-east, proximity of the Carpenters junction, the impact on the school keep clear markings, the impact of the zig zag markings on the school bus layby and the impact on the bus stop on the north side of the road. He added that at present children have a modicum of safety crossing the road due to the presence of the SCP (when active), but if a zebra crossing was installed then they would be doing so at their own risk on the assumption that the SCP would no longer be necessary at this location. For WSCC to make changes to the highway infrastructure we have to be certain that we are not compromising safety or generating hazards that currently do not exist. In relation to this application there were issues identified that affected its potential deliverability, and as a result it failed to meet the minimum requirements for progression at this time. The Area Highways manager added that this does not mean that a future application will also be rejected; however we would expect any future application to address the issues identified and the Area Highways Manager would be happy to work with the applicant or Parish Council to see how these issues might be mitigated.
· Mr Garley from Colgate Parish Council spoke in relation to the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) request to reduce the speed limit on Forest Road. He asked if the CLC could agree to extend the TRO further along the road to Colgate. The Area Highways manager explained that only the western end of the road meet to speed limit policy for a 40mph and that the CLC did not have the power to go against policy. It was suggested that the other areas could fit policy for 50mph but Mr Garley explained that the speedwatch group could not monitor roads with speed limits over 40mph.
· Members of the Horsham Society circulated copies of their new publication ‘Good by Design’ to Members. They explained that the documents aim was to promote higher standards of building design. The asked if they could meet the design team for the Horsham Enterprise Park. The Chairman responded thanking them for the document and added that in the first instance he would encourage them to respond to the current consultation on the masterplan for the site. The consultation was open until 16 November. The Chairman also agreed to pass on their details to the design team.
· A local resident, Mr Lusher, handed Members a copy of a map showing the Horsham Enterprise Site and highlighted an alternative road system and entrance to the proposed residential part of the site. He stated that many residents feel that the access from Wimblehurst Road is too close to the roundabout and it was suggested that an entrance on Parsonage Road be considered. Mr Lusher asked the CLC to support his alternative option. The Chairman responded stating that he understood that the residents groups would be feeding this suggestion in via the formal consultation and it would therefore be considered by the design team. Mr Baldwin stated that although he supported the suggestion he still felt that traffic lights were needed at the junction on to existing mini roundabout on Wimblehurst Road.
· Residents from Five Oaks raised a number of issues about pavements and road safety in Five Oaks. It was suggested they apply for a Community Highway Scheme with the Parish Council for a speed reduction scheme. Both the Area Highways manager and Amanda Jupp, the local Member, agreed to work with the resiednts and Parish Council to look into options. Mrs Jupp also agreed to meet the residents and work with them and the Parish Council to look at the pavement issues and overgrown vegetation.
· A resident of Christ Hospital asked why West Sussex County Council Highways had not objected to a planning application for an extension to a sports centre that would have a significant increase in traffic. Nigel Jupp as the local Member said he had meet local residents about this and understood the data was being questioned. He undertook to discuss this further with the Strategic Planning Team and go back to the residents.
· A resident asked if TROs could be privately funded. The Area Highways Manager confirmed that yes they could be but any scheme would need to meet policy.
· Ruth Fletcher from Horsham Cycling Forum questioned that the Horsham Enterprise park proposals did not meet standards from the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges. The Chairman suggested she respond via the consultation but asked if she copies him in he would follow up any issues with the team at County Hall if needed.