Decision details

To approve enabling works to Celta Road enabling the carriageway to be widened allowing a two way flow of traffic. Inclusion of laybys for parking. Expansion of the car park at Belsize Community Centre and white-lining to give defined spaces. This will aid with any future expansion of Woodston Primary School

Cars parked along the existing carriageway along Celta Road cause congestion and stop the two way flow of traffic. This then gives rise to issues for cars accessing the car park at Woodston Primary, Belsize Community Centre and garages to the back of houses on Belsize Avenue. This is more prevalent during peak times due to the proximity to the industrial area along Morley Way and traffic from Nene and Fletton parkway when there is increased traffic.

Future plans to expand Woodston Primary School would mean access for construction traffic etc. along Celta Road. There are significant pressures on the city to provide school places in the areas most needed. A review of demographic data has shown an increase in numbers in the Fletton/Woodston area.

Expansion of the car park at Belsize Community Centre would allow residents along Celta Road to park their cars near to the houses and be visible. Improvements to the lighting in the car park would provide additional security for cars and users of the community centre.

As a result of the above, the proposed scheme will:

·         Allow for two way flow of traffic along Celta Road reducing the amount of congestion.

·         Allow for additional parking in the community centre car park.

·         Reduce the amount of anti-social behaviour in the community centre car park and surrounding area.

The highways work will ensure that subject to further approvals, Woodston Primary School could be expanded in the future.

The works will be sought under the Council’s existing contract with Skanska relating to highway services and fall within the scope of the contract. Details of the contract award for the highway services are set out in the cabinet member decision notice (AUG13/CMDN/068).

The following options were considered and rejected:

To do nothing. This option was rejected due to the Local Authority’s statutory duty to provide sufficient school places and the need for the highways infrastructure to be in place before construction can commence.

None

School Organisation Plan 2012-2017

Medium Term Financial Plan