The recommendations were amended and then agreed.

DECISION

1.         To note the results of the engagement to date and public consultation of Bethnal Green Liveable Streets.

2.         To approve the final scheme design for the Bethnal Green area as part of the Liveable Streets programme (Appendix B to the report) but following representations received, to explore further technical details around the design without fundamentally re-visiting the proposals:

1. Ensuring further consultation on the Jesus Hospital Estate and include the possibility of using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras.
2. Noting that at the next stage there would be engagement with residents generally to co-design environmental improvements where these are part of Liveable Streets.
3. Noting the proposed planned Bethnal Green Road improvements around the market area which is not part of the Liveable Streets programme.
4. Noting the need to implement new open spaces effectively taking into account their location/environment.
5. Noting comments in respect of need to continue to engage emergency services in developing the plans.
6. Noting the plans were being implemented through a series of Experimental Traffic Management Orders.
7. Noting concerns around wayfinding for pedestrians.
8. The need to ensure comprehensive consideration of disability issues on the design of the various features.
9. To explore the design of the closures on Old Bethnal Green Road at the junctions of Teesdale Street, Canroberts Street to ensure they are correct including considering the potential for timed closures
10. To consider the management of the closure of Warner place and Squirries Street as part of the planned phase design of the scheme including considering the potential for timed closures.

3.         To approve the use of using existing frameworks or term contracts to award an order up to a value of £2.7million for the completion of the works.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, PLACE (A. SUTCLIFFE)

(Divisional Director, Public Realm (D. Jones)

(Programme Director (C. Harrison)

The Mayor introduced the report on proposed liveable streets changes in the Bethnal Green area. He noted the consultation exercises that had taken place and the process for introducing street changes, including how they could be amended and/or withdrawn if necessary.

He welcomed the report as an important contribution to improving air quality and encouraging healthy neighbourhoods. He noted the Pre-decision Scrutiny Questions and officer responses.

The meeting heard from a number of residents who, whilst often welcoming the general proposals had concerns over issues such as:

·         The impact on those with disabilities or mobility needs and questions as to whether the Equalities impact had been properly assessed.

·         The long diversions which would be necessary for car journeys.

·         Whether road closures had  to be 24hr or whether they could be timed.

·         Whether road closures were in the right places.

·         Concerns that the consultation had not reached enough, or the right, people.

·         The need to design street changes correctly to ensure they did not encourage anti-social behaviour.

·         The impact on shops and the street market and the possibility of timed delivery periods.

During discussion officers confirmed that equalities information was correct and available to view.

It was also noted that there was still a consultation exercise to take place for one potential road closure and it was noted that generally technical discussions could take place where the Mayor felt it appropriate but that changes in one area could have a significant knock-on impact elsewhere.

The meeting also heard from Councillor Dan Tomlinson, Mayoral Advisor on Highways and the Public Realm on the benefits of the scheme and the impact that poor air quality was having in the borough, in particular on children. He also reported that a lot of support had been seen through the consultation exercises.

The Mayor welcomed the report and the overall Liveable Streets project. However, he acknowledged concerns raised and agreed to explore further technical details around issues raised at the meeting and amended Recommendation 2 to add the issues to examine. He then agreed the recommendations as amended.

RESOLVED

1.         To note the results of the engagement to date and public consultation of Bethnal Green Liveable Streets.

2.         To approve the final scheme design for the Bethnal Green area as part of the Liveable Streets programme (Appendix B to the report) but following representations received, to explore further technical details around the design without fundamentally re-visiting the proposals:

1. Ensuring further consultation on the Jesus Hospital Estate and include the possibility of using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras.
2. Noting that at the next stage there would be engagement with residents generally to co-design environmental improvements where these are part of Liveable Streets.
3. Noting the proposed planned Bethnal Green Road improvements around the market area which is not part of the Liveable Streets programme.
4. Noting the need to implement new open spaces effectively taking into account their location/environment.
5. Noting comments in respect of need to continue to engage emergency services in developing the plans.
6. Noting the plans were being implemented through a series of Experimental Traffic Management Orders.
7. Noting concerns around wayfinding for pedestrians.
8. The need to ensure comprehensive consideration of disability issues on the design of the various features.
9. To explore the design of the closures on Old Bethnal Green Road at the junctions of Teesdale Street, Canroberts Street to ensure they are correct including considering the potential for timed closures
10. To consider the management of the closure of Warner place and Squirries Street as part of the planned phase design of the scheme including considering the potential for timed closures.

3.         To approve the use of using existing frameworks or term contracts to award an order up to a value of £2.7million for the completion of the works.