A previously deferred report on public realm improvements to Custom House Quay in Weymouth, is due to be presented to the Western and Southern Area Planning Committee this Thursday, 4 November.
While the majority of the proposed improvement scheme is being recommended to be approved by members of the planning committee, the proposed contraflow cycle lane has been removed from the scheme as a result of the findings of the consultation.
The report was deferred from the planning committee meeting on 30 September so that more time could be taken to consider comments made via the consultation.
The proposals aim to improve the public space along Custom House Quay, between South parade and St Mary Street, to create a safer space for walking and cycling, enhance the area for outside dining and improve air quality by removing some parking facilities and thereby reducing traffic. The scheme also provides dedicated loading bays for harbourside businesses, such as the fishing and charter vessels as well as shops, cafes and restaurants on Custom House Quay.
A temporary scheme has been in place since April 2021 and has been largely supported by locals, visitors and businesses.
The consultation showed that 52% of people who responded to the consultation were opposed to the proposed contraflow cycle lane, 24% were in favour and 24% were unsure.
Cllr Ray Bryan, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, said:
“In September I decided to take extra time to consider the comments made through our informal survey and the formal consultation about the proposals for Custom House Quay, particularly in relation to the contraflow cycle lane. This is an important scheme and I wanted to make sure we had enough time to thoroughly consider all the options.
“Overall, I support this scheme as I think it will improve the area as intended, but I have asked for the contraflow cycle lane to be removed, as I know people are generally not in favour of it and I understand their reasons.
“If the committee decides to vote in favour of the proposals, minus the contraflow cycle lane, I hope that work can start soon. These positive improvements, coupled with forthcoming work to enhance the Weymouth Railway Station forecourt will improve the overall visitor experience and will bring benefits to all users of the harbour, businesses and residents.”
The public realm improvements are expected to cost around £500k and will be mainly paid for from external funding through the Department for Transport.
Thank goodness for that sensible decision.
So many cyclists seem to think that they take presidency over pedestrians.
Walking the Rodwell Trail is an example of this. It’s downright dangerous with very speeding cyclists who don’t even ring a bell.
Please could you do something about The Rodwell Trail. Some cyclists seem to think , that pedestrians have to jump out of their way. They often give no warning of their speeding approach.
When considering improvements around the train station in Weymouth please look at persuading South Western Railway to reinstate the toilets at the station. It is a disgrace that a main line railway terminus does not provide public facilities for rail travellers.
Hi Christine, this is something that is recognised as important to the community and is being discussed with our rail partners. Thanks, Kirstie
Need to encourage people to make shorter journeys on foot or by bike, shame that the enabling vision of other communities around the world to make the centre of their towns more environmentally sustainable doesn’t seem to apply in Dorset.