Agenda item

The report follows a meeting of the Economy Committee in November 2022 at which the following was agreed: The Committee:

·       Supports the principle of permanently closing Pier Road to through-traffic.

·       Authorises officers to engage with West Sussex County Council as Highway Authority in order to appraise the feasibility, process, legal requirements, costs (both capital and revenue), timescales, and necessary agreements to deliver the preferred option of a permanent closure.

·       Authorises officers to explore the opportunity of increasing the length of the proposed closure area to include the area of highway as far north as the Gravy Boat restaurant; and

·       Requests that officers provide a report to a future meeting of the Committee setting out officers’ findings and conclusions in respect of recommendation 2.1.2 and 2.1.3.

Officers have now undertaken the required work and this report provides the Committee with details of that work and a recommended way forward.

Upon invitation from the Chair the Business Development Manager, provided members with a brief overview of the report and for the benefit of new members she outlined the history of the project where she explained that the report before them had arisen from the pandemic when Pier Road had been closed in the summer to allow for safe social distancing. In the second year of the pandemic the council again, closed the road. During both closures the feedback was that many enjoyed the closure and the alternative use of the space the closure provided.

In October 2021 a meeting was held with business owners in Pier Road, where there were mixed feelings on future closures. A report was then brought to the committee in March 2022 where the direction was given that a public consultation regarding future closures should be undertaken. The consultation was undertaken over the summer of 2022 and a further report containing the results of that consultation was brought back to committee in November 2022, where members requested officers to engage with West Sussex County Council (WSCC) to appraise the feasibility, process, legal requirements, costs, timescales and necessary agreements to deliver the preferred option of a permanent closure, and to explore the opportunity of increasing the length of the proposed closure area to include the area of highway as far north as the Gravy Boat restaurant and provide a report to a future meeting of the committee setting out officers findings and conclusions, that report was what member had in front of them at the meeting.

She explained the report contained three schemes for discussion and consideration. It was advised that officers did investigate the option to extend the length of the road closure, however landowners were reluctant to lose their car park, therefore this option was not possible. Meetings were held with highway officers and the schemes had been drawn up under their advice. A meeting was also held with the County Councillor for the area. The required stage 1 safety audit had also been completed and had highlighted an issue with the junction of Pier Road and Clifton Road. Officers were awaiting a swept path analysis, once received that and the road safety audit along with member agreement on their preferred scheme would be included in the councils bid. 

          The Chair invited members to make comments and ask any questions, where concern was raised regarding the timing of the proposed closure versus the current economic climate, and as WSCC would not allow a semi-permanent closure just for the summer months, the potential impact on businesses closing or forced to close should the closure go ahead could result in a significant loss of footfall and trade over the winter months.  It was also stated that when the public consultation was completed in the summer of 2022, the option for a semi-permanent closure was an option for residents to pick, as the council now knows this option would not be possible a new consultation should be undertaken with only a permanent closure as the option.

          It was asked if when the bid was submitted to WSCC would they need to complete consultation separately. Officers confirmed that WSCC would need to undertake their own public consultation.  Confirmation was also sought regarding consultation with those business owners who would be impacted by the closure. It was confirmed that consultation had taken place with those business owners.

          Throughout the discussion most members were supportive of the report and the proposed closure of Pier Road. It was felt that the council had completed its consultation and the output of that was support for the closure. Several examples were provided by the Leader of the Opposition in terms of the positive impact the road closure would have for the town, from preventing buildings in Pier Road being turned into Houses of Multiple Occupation (HOMs) alongside the green benefits the town would also achieve. Further discussion was had on the aesthetics of the road closure and how to ensure that it looks welcoming and inviting as it was felt that wasn’t achieved initially, however the correct lighting along the river wall was now in place and with additional consideration regarding the proposed benches and seating areas it could be achieved moving forward. 

          When discussion turned to the schemes laid out in the report, thought was given to considering scheme C as it was felt should the closure be approved but not be as successful as expected, this would be the least costly and easier option to revert back from. However, scheme A was overwhelmingly preferred with many commenting that if the council were to complete the project successfully the best scheme with the most investment should be the scheme chosen to ensure a positive experience and outcome for the town, its residents, and visitors.

          The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Gunner and seconded by Councillor Walsh.

          The Committee

                     RESOLVED that;

1.2.the Committee agrees for Option A bid to be submitted to WSCC Community Highway Scheme programme.

1.3.a further report be brought to the Committee detailing the full costs of the scheme to Arun District Council, should the bid be successful, and there be costs that WSCC are unable to meet.