Issue - meetings

Report of the Director of Early Intervention and Support (enclosed)

The Director of Early Intervention and Support submitted a report to update the Licensing and Public Safety Committee on the planned changes as part of the Market Walk Extension and wider town centre improvements; to set out the reasons for seeking to relocate the High Street taxi rank on Market days (Tuesday) and to set out a consultation plan for approval.

In September 2016, the Council as landowner gave approval to proceed with the development of a seven unit extension to Market Walk. Public consultation on the relocation of the markets has been held over the last month, from 4 October to 6 November with over 200 online responses as well as feedback which has been collected during a number of face to face consultation sessions and briefings. The current proposals from this would see market stalls located throughout the town centre and the introduction of market stalls onto High Street on Market day (Tuesday) would necessitate the temporary relocation of the taxi rank from High Street.

It was proposed to committee that instead taxis could operate from around the corner on Cleveland Street where there is an existing evening rank, and extend this to between 6am and 6pm on Market Days (Tuesdays). The proposal was considered due to its location close to the existing market site and taxi rank and would ensure that all existing permanent stall holders could have a position, as well as accommodating the current levels of casual traders. Following discussion regarding the precise hours at which the High Street rank would cease to operate on Market Day it was agreed that this would be a matter to be considered subsequent to the consultation.

Members of the committee were informed that in addition to the proposed changes to the hackney carriage rank location, there were a number of other changes to TRO’s which would be required. These changes were a Highways Authority function under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. It was advised that following consultation the Members of the Licensing and Public Safety Committee could seek to influence the Lancashire County Council on this.

Members were informed that subject to approval, it was proposed to commence the public consultation from 24 November for a period of eight weeks, up until the 22 January 2017. During this period, face to face consultation would take place with Members of the Licensing Liaison Panel (LLP).

The Lead Licensing Enforcement Officer indicated that following this consultation period the findings, together with any updated plans for regarding the taxis ranks, would be brought back to the Licensing and Public Safety Committee for final approval. The aim would be to have approval in place in advance of the Markets relocation in Easter 2017.

After careful consideration it was proposed by Adrian Lowe, seconded by Gordon France, and subsequently RESOLVED unanimously to;

1. note the update on the town centre improvements;
2. note the proposed changes requested by Chorley Council to the Traffic Regulation Orders (TRO’s) regarding prohibition of vehicles and changes to loading  ...  view the full minutes text for item 58