Liveable Neighbourhoods Consultation Report
In November/December 2021, B&NES held a consultation on current problems and possible solutions in each of the 15 priority areas for the Liveable Neighbourhoods Scheme (B&NES).
New Sydney Place and Sydney Road had been selected to be part of this scheme after a successful application from New Sydney Place Action Group for the area to become a Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN).
In February 2022, B&NES published the results of the consultation, having received an overall positive response with especially strong support from our area.
You can view the full consultation report here (PDF), which summarises the responses from all 15 areas. The results from New Sydney Place and Sydney Road are presented on pages 79–84.
You can view the full consultation report here (PDF), which summarises the responses from all 15 areas. The results from New Sydney Place and Sydney Road are presented on pages 79–84.
Support for the Liveable Neighbourhood
The report finds that 73% of those who provided additional comments are supportive of a Liveable Neighbourhood at New Sydney Place and Sydney Road, with only 7% against the proposal. The remaining comments are classified as ‘neutral’, for example because they do not suggest specific solutions to the current problems in the area.
â–² Overarching sentiment of responses received for the New Sydney Place and Sydney Road area. Source: LN Public Engagement Report, B&NES council
This is the highest level of support for a Liveable Neighbourhood scheme out of all areas consulted on, with an average of 51% of responses being identified as supportive across B&NES.
â–² Comparison of overarching sentiment across all areas in B&NES that received at least 50 responses to the consultation. New Sydney Place and Sydney Road (Area 12) received the largest proportion of supportive responses. Data from: LN Public Engagement Report, B&NES council
Through traffic and speeding are greatest problems
The greatest transport-related problems in our area are found to be through traffic, speeding traffic, school run traffic and HGV traffic.
â–² Percentage of respondents that identified each category as a current problem in the area. Source: LN Public Engagement Report, B&NES council
The responses show that restrictions on through traffic are the preferred solution to the problems identified, with 77% agreeing that this would have a large positive impact. New pedestrian crossings are also suggested by 31%.
â–² Percentage of respondents that believe each measure would have a large positive impact. Source: LN Public Engagement Report, B&NES council
Additional comments
The report also provides a summary of the additional comments that were received through the consultation form or by post and email. The following comments are made most often:
- Traffic Sydney Place and Road experiences traffic-related issues, with many drivers treating it as a main trunk road. Commonly referenced issues are rat-running, speeding and HGVs. (76 comments)
- Crossings Roads and junctions are difficult to cross for pedestrians, with several requests to improve current crossings or install new crossings. (21 comments)
- Safety Pedestrian safety is at risk from a lack of crossings, dangerous junctions and speeding. (20 comments)
All comments can still be viewed on the original consultation map (B&NES), even after the consultation has closed.
Source: LN Public Engagement Report, B&NES council
Next steps
As a result of the consultation, 4 areas were selected as ‘trial areas’ in which relatively simple solutions could make an immediate impact. The remaining areas (including New Sydney Place and Sydney Road) moved to the co-design stage.
In July 2022, a co-design workshop provided an opportunity for the community to discuss ideas and develop plans for a more inclusive and accessible neighbourhood.
Due to the strong support for tackling through traffic, the council announced in November 2023 that a through traffic restriction trial would be put in place on Sydney Road (at its junction with New Sydney Place) for a minimum of six months ahead of the wider programme.
The full business case for the scheme is being submitted to the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) in Spring 2024. The overall design will be informed by the results of the through traffic restriction trial and there will be a further chance for the public to give feedback once this has been approved.
See the project timeline (B&NES).
Last updated in April 2024
Due to the strong support for tackling through traffic, the council announced in November 2023 that a through traffic restriction trial would be put in place on Sydney Road (at its junction with New Sydney Place) for a minimum of six months ahead of the wider programme.
The full business case for the scheme is being submitted to the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) in Spring 2024. The overall design will be informed by the results of the through traffic restriction trial and there will be a further chance for the public to give feedback once this has been approved.
See the project timeline (B&NES).
Last updated in April 2024
Links
New Sydney Place LTN
What is a Liveable Neighbourhood? (B&NES)
Waltham Forest LN example (YouTube)
New Sydney Place LN page (B&NES)
Project development timeline (B&NES)
Through traffic restriction trial press release, November 2023 (B&NES)
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