Decision details

The report seeks the views of Executive Board on:

·  the principle of extending the hours of pedestrianisation in the city centre, in light of the results of the formal consultation;

·  the specific proposal to extend the hours of pedestrianisation to 10.30 – 7pm (rather than 8pm);

·  the requirement to call a public enquiry in order to implement these proposals.

The Director of City Development submitted a report seeking approval to the proposal to extend the hours of pedestrianisation within the City Centre retail core to 10:30am – 7pm (rather than 8pm); seven days a week. The report also sought approval to the proposal to call a public inquiry as a step towards implementing these proposals.

Executive Board had previously supported the principle of extending the pedestrianised hours in the city centre from a current time of 10.30am – 4.30pm, to a new time of 10.30am – 8pm (minute 175 of the Executive Board meeting held 15^th February 2013 refers) and requested that the formal consultation (or ‘advertising’) was carried out.

In presenting the report, the Executive Member for Development and the Economy highlighted the formal consultation undertaken with more than 300 businesses which had resulted in 14 objections. The report provided a précis of those objections and the discussions which had since taken place with all objectors.

In response to a Member query regarding the impact of the proposals on small and medium businesses and the need to maintain servicing arrangements to ensure the diverse retail offer in the city centre, officers confirmed that goods/servicing access had been identified and reassured the Board that the proposals would not prevent loading access. Additionally, officers responded to comments made in respect of recent local media coverage of the proposals.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to:

a)  Extend the hours of pedestrianisation in the city centre to 10.30am – 7pm, seven days a week;

b)  Proceed to a public inquiry in order to implement these proposals in the event of the Council not being able to secure the withdrawal of the remaining objections.

c)  Note:

· the stages required to implement the decision as outlined in paragraphs 3.2 – 3.3 of the submitted report

· proposed timescales for implementation as outlined in 3.3 of the submitted report

· that the Chief Officer, Highways & Transportation will be responsible for implementation

(Under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 16.5, Councillor A Carter required it to be recorded that he voted against the decision taken above)

A 3 year wide ranging consultation process has taken place which has led to gradual amendments to the proposals to make them more workable for businesses.

·  City Centre Businesses

·  West Yorkshire Police

·  West Yorkshire Fire Service

·  Ambulance Service

·  Metro

·  Freight Transport Association

·  Delivery Companies

·  Leeds Cycle Forum