IJ reminded the Working Party of the history of the Windy Corner Junction Improvement Scheme which has previously been considered by them.  The existing recommendation was agreed in 2012, with the options originally being consulted on in 2006.  Option 1 was the preferred option from this consultation, however once this was taken forward and advertised it received around 200 objections and had to be looked at again.  The Galmpton Residents Association suggested their own proposal for consideration and a further consultation was held in 2011.  The Working Party then recommended Option 2 with amendments in 2012.

This scheme wasn’t progressed at that time due to funding issues, but was included in the funding bid for the Western Corridor.  Funding is now in place with completion of the scheme required by March 2018.  Consultants have been asked to look at the options for the scheme again.  The results show that the original widening is still the best option.  The scheme proposed by Galmpton Residents  Association could also deliver similar benefits, however would require land take and service diversions and is unlikely to be deliverable.  It is recommended that the option approved in 2012 should be taken forward and implemented. 

Cllr Mills asked how the alternative Option 2 differed and suggested that Option 1 could be used as a future bolt-on to Option 2.  IJ confirmed that the difference was in the location of the bus stop in an attempt to move it closer to its original position and a change to the Bascombe Road access.  IJ confirmed that the options have been considered by the consultants and that  in the future the additional lanes can be included within a future improvement of the junction.  He advised that if Option 4 is considered then any future scheme would require widening into the Common in the same way.

Cllr Haddock advised that this had been brought up by the Community Partnership who would like a slip lane, together with a footpath and a low wall along the full length of the Common.  Cllr Haddock felt that “yellow boxes” should be included at the junctions shown in Appendix 3 to keep the junctions free for emerging traffic.

Cllr Morey advised that the Brixham Community Partnership and Chamber of Trade don’t remember any consultation taking place in Brixham however he understands the need to work to the 2018 deadline, but was concerned that Brixham residents have not had the opportunity to give their view and may have good suggestions.  Cllr Morey advised that they are happy to arrange a consultation to take place.

IJ advised that the 2018 deadline is due to fixed term funding and it is considered that Option 2 will suit all.  It is still possible that there could be objections to the Common ‘land take’ resulting in a potential Inquiry taking place.  Cllr Morey queried if it would be too late if a consultation takes place and is then brought back to the Working Party in December.  IJ advised that he is unable to answer this as there is a risk of objections which would slow the procedure down.  Cllr Morey suggested that the decision could then be considered under delegated powers.  IJ recommended that any consultation should be on the basis of an approved option only.

Cllr Haddock advised that when the previous consultation took place at Churston Grammar School, two thirds of the attendees were from Brixham, with three objectors from Galmpton.

Cllr Stockman queried how much funding was available for the scheme.  She also advised that Patrick Carney attended the Community Partnership meeting and advised that 80% agreed to the scheme.  When pushed he confirmed that a total of 42 people attended and 80% of this agreed.  Cllr Stockman advised that she has received numerous emails relating to issues on Long Road and how these issues are going to be alleviated.  She felt that if a decision is made too quick then something could be missed.

IJ confirmed that there is £200k - £300k of funding available for the scheme as this is what was allocated with the Western Corridor scheme, which involves a number of improvements being made between Windy Corner and Churscombe Cross.  Funding was requested from the Local Transport Board and the amount allocated is what was requested, however they are expected to underspend where possible. 

Cllr Morey queried if consideration had been given to the requirements of cyclists and pedestrians.  IJ advised that facilities are included at the Windy Corner end.  Cllr Morey queried if a roundabout option had been considered.  IJ confirmed that this was one of the layouts modelled and was found to be not as beneficial as traffic signals.  Cllr Haddock advised that there is an old bunker under the junction which needs to be taken into consideration when works are taking place.

Recommendations: 

That Option 2 Alternate version as shown in Appendix 3 is adopted, with the addition of yellow hatched boxes on the junctions and crossings.

Proposed by: Cllr Mills

Seconded by: Cllr King

In favour: 3 in favour, 1 abstained

That options for a future long term strategy for the junction are developed for further consultation and inclusion within subsequent funding bids.

In favour: All

Cllrs Ellery, Stockman, Manning left the meeting