Agenda item

(a)  That the inter-dependency between the Centre of Slough Regeneration Framework and the emerging Transport Strategy and Car Parking Strategy be noted.

(b)  That the Car parking Strategy and Transport Strategy be scheduled for approval by Cabinet in Q3 2020/21.

(c)  That the Framework Masterplan should test the following propositions to reduce the impact of traffic on the highway network:

i.  Subject to further detailed modelling, bus lanes be introduced along the entire length of the A4;

ii.  Junctions along the A4 are upgraded to accommodate bus priority.

iii.  Guard-rails along the A4 be removed, subject to risk assessments, to facilitate better access for pedestrians, cycling and public transport.

iv.  car parking ratios be reduced on commercial and residential developments in the Town Centre and around the borough to ensure the objectives of the Regeneration Framework and the Transport Strategy are met.

v.  A new Multi-Storey Car Parking (“MSCP”) Strategy be introduced to inform and support the regeneration framework and planning policy for the town centre.

The Service Lead Major Infrastructure Projects introduced a report that sought approval to test  a series of guiding principles for traffic reduction and commence work on some of the key infrastructure planning that would help to shape and inform the emerging Regeneration Framework to support future Town Centre development.

The Council’s aim was to produce a Centre of Slough Regeneration Framework that established a vision for the redevelopment of the Square Mile in the centre of Slough that would inform the best allocation of uses between key regeneration sites and dovetail with an updated masterplan for the North West Quadrant.  Both documents would be presented to Cabinet in the next year and would also show the integration of the proposed MRT route and car parking sites as per the emerging Car Parking Strategy.

The report proposed a series of high level guiding principles for traffic reduction, which would be an integral part of the Regeneration Framework.  The propositions to be tested included bus lanes being introduced along the entire length of the A4, subject to further detailed modelling; junction upgrades along the A4 to accommodate bus priority; the removal of guard-rails along the A4, subject to risk assessments, to facilitate better access for pedestrians, cycling and public transport; a reduction in car parking ratios on commercial and residential developments in the Town Centre; and a new Multi-Storey Car Parking (“MSCP”) Strategy to inform and support the regeneration framework and planning policy for the town centre.

Lead Members noted that to deliver the strategic objectives of the Regeneration Framework, it was critically important that the Transport Strategy, Car Parking Strategy and Car Parking Standards were considered in tandem at the appropriate time. As a consequence, work on these workstreams has been realigned.

The Cabinet agreed that it was important to complete the modelling and testing of the proposals to deliver the Council’s approved Transport Vision and wider regeneration plans for the town centre.  The recommendations were approved.

Resolved –

(a)  That the inter-dependency between the Centre of Slough Regeneration Framework and the emerging Transport Strategy and Car Parking Strategy be noted.

(b)  That the Car parking Strategy and Transport Strategy be scheduled for approval by Cabinet in Q3 2020/21.

(c)  That the Framework Masterplan should test the following propositions to reduce the impact of traffic on the highway network:

i.  Subject to further detailed modelling, bus lanes be introduced along the entire length of the A4;

ii.  Junctions along the A4 are upgraded to accommodate bus priority.

iii.  Guard-rails along the A4 be removed, subject to risk assessments, to facilitate better access for pedestrians, cycling and public transport.

iv.  car parking ratios be reduced on commercial and residential developments in the Town Centre and around the borough to ensure the objectives of the Regeneration Framework and the Transport Strategy are met.

v.  A new Multi-Storey Car Parking (“MSCP”) Strategy be introduced to inform and support the regeneration framework and planning policy for the town centre.