MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PROJECT IN POOLE
REGENERATION PLANNING
Conservative Councillors were happy to support a scheme which received planning approval in December for housing, employment, an improved port road link and public access to the quayside. We congratulate Inland Homes on the level of public engagement and the fact that plans were modified in the light of public input.
GALLAGHER SITE
Gallagher have submitted a proposal for housing, retail, restaurant and a new supermarket on the old power station site. This should go to Planning Committee this summer and we would welcome comments from local residents.
HIGH STREET BOOST
Cllr Mike White, as Planning Cabinet Member has led the recent launch of a Local Development Order (LDO) for the High Street. This aims to cut red tape by allowing businesses to change use without the need to submit a planning application.
POOLE BUS STATION
Poole Council does not own the site of the bus station, which is the property of Wilts & Dorset Bus Company. Poole Conservatives have regular discussions with Wilt & Dorset Bus Company to improve the site.
We need our Bus Station to meet the needs of the 21st Century. It is a good thing for the environment that more people than ever are using buses. However, it struggles to cope with the volume of people using the station, particularly in the summer months, and also wheel chair users find it difficult navigating through the crowds. There should be a fully integrated transport system with buses, taxis and National Express coaches sited in the same area. Poole Conservatives are striving to encourage a more innovative approach to the improvements.
ASHLEY ROAD IMPROVEMENTS
Over 1,300 people have given their opinion on how travel and the local environment can be improved on Ashley Road, this is an integral part of the Three Towns Travel project.
This is the first stage of the Borough of Poole’s public engagement process to decide how the £1 million could be effectively spent.
Cllr Xena Dion, Cabinet portfolio for Poole is seeking to build on this momentum and people will have a further opportunity to have their say, during the summer.
It is planned that the work will start later this year, with completion by Spring 2015. Visit www.surveymonkey.com/s/ashleyroad
EUROPEAN MARITIME DAY
Cllr Dion is delighted to report that Poole has been successful in their bid to host European Maritime Day for 2017 over several days which will include a Conference and a Maritime Festival to celebrate Poole’s Maritime Heritage on a scale never seen before.
This internationally important maritime event will provide jobs and a boost to the economy and will enhance leisure and relaxation opportunities bringing in thousands of visitors to Poole as well as influential people n the maritime sector. Hosting this event promises to showcase the town’s position amongst the maritime community across Europe.
Cllr Dion explains: “This is a unique opportunity to show the world what we have to offer here in Poole. We want it to be a remarkable and memorable event with the Tall Ships, flotillas, a pageant, international shipping, yacht and power boat racing, interactive maritime events, nautical festivities and so much more”.
IMPROVEMENTS TO WEST STREET
Works to improve pedestrian and cycling facilities for a busy section of road in Poole have progressed to the next stage.
The initial stage of work to West Street has been completed on time with only minimal disruption to road users. The second phase of the programme, involving improvements to the signalised junction by the Queen Mary pub has now commenced. These works will require the removal and replacement of the current traffic signals with low voltage and energy efficient equipment. In addition new controlled pedestrian crossing facilities will be provided on each approach to the junction. A zebra crossing by Lovetts Lane will also be installed and these works are scheduled to be completed by March 2014.
To enable the new signal equipment to be installed, it will be necessary for the junction to be controlled with temporary traffic signals for up to two weeks. During this period there may be some additional congestion at peak times as the junction will have reduced capacity. The temporary traffic signals are likely to be in place in February 2014.
Councillor Xena Dion, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for a Prosperous and Sustainable Poole, Borough of Poole, said: "During the summer we asked local people to comment on two proposals designed to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety on this busy road. I am delighted that we have been able to start these works this year.
"We recognise that there will be some disruption to road users during this next phase of works and would like to thank drivers for their patience while these important works are carried out."