Key road restrictions step taken over Cleethorpes regeneration plan
The changes require Traffic Regulation Orders for the council to legally introduce them
A key step has been taken by North East Lincolnshire Council to bring in necessary road restrictions linked to the transformation of Market Place, Cleethorpes. The changes, which include a pedestrian zone, weight limit and parking restrictions and a one-way system, require Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) for the council to legally introduce them.
At the December meeting of the portfolio holder for housing, infrastructure and transport, it was agreed to seal the TROs, meaning the public consultation stage is over. Proposed restrictions have stayed essentially the same, except for the removal of Osborne Street for now.
This is to allow for more work on the future design of it. The makeover of Market Place is one of Cleethorpes Levelling Up Fund-backed regeneration projects.
The aim is to make it a more pedestrian friendly setting, increase the time people linger, and reconnect it with the town’s seafront. Concerns have been expressed though by businesses and some councillors as to the impact on local trade, particularly with the loss of free parking.
The following road restriction changes are to be brought in:
- Market Place will be a pedestrianised zone, with no vehicles between 10am and 6pm in a section of Market Street between its junctions with Cosgrove Street and Cross Street.
- Market Street will become one-way only, heading towards east-west towards Cross Street; Short Street will also become one-way, heading west-east towards Cross Street; Cross Street’s existing one-way system will be flipped around to head away from Market Place and towards High Street.
- A restricted parking zone is planned to cover Market Street, Short Street, and the parts of Mill Place and Cosgrove Street closest to Market Place.
- A 7.5 tonne weight limit, except for access, will cover Cross Street, Short Street, Market Street, Mill Place, Mill Lane and Dolphin Street; a 3.5 tonne weight limit, except for access, will be in place for Cosgrove Street and De Lacy Lane.
Within the parking zone, a limited 30 minutes waiting zone is proposed on part of Cross Street. Following feedback, disabled badge bays will be created in Short Street and Market Street.
There is currently one designated loading bay in Market Place. Revised plans increase the number of loading bays to four. This includes two loading bays that will be all-day loading only.
An informal consultation was held in September on the restrictions. This saw a letter sent out to 295 businesses and residents. Feedback was gathered via an online survey or one-to-one meetings.
Participants at the meetings, which included five businesses and four residents, “all expressed concerns about parking”, a council document states. In the subsequent formal TROs consultation, there was one objection by a business and a submission of concern by Cllr Nicola Aisthorpe (Liberal Democrat – East Marsh Ward). She requested a review into creating free car parking options in Cleethorpes.
The council has committed to a review of Cleethorpes parking. On its measures to mitigate local Market Place parking concerns, the council has not only cited the creation of loading and disabled badge bays.
It has also pointed to making High Street Car Park short-stay only, and the creation of Victoria Car Park. These changes came in back in October.
A council report states having extra short-stay or loading bays within Market Place was explored. But it was ruled out, as “it would significantly reduce the quality and usability of the pedestrianised space”.
“I think it’s evident that we are listening to people over the consultation,” said Cllr Stewart Swinburn (Conservative – Immingham), portfolio holder for housing, infrastructure and transport, at his meeting. “I think it’s important that we get this progress off the floor now and get it started as early as possible. I think there’s been way too much delay on this.”