See note 1

There were no declarations of pecuniary interests

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor John Sargeant

The Chair took statements from the councillors who had called the decision in.

Councillor Maurice Groves said he had a number of concerns including the effect on the rest of the retail offering. Also when bringing buses to one place it could cause  problems for people with physical and visual impairments in navigating their way round the buses. There is also concern for the safety of children as this is supposed to be a public space so children are likely to be running around. More buses in the area this increases the likelihood of accidents.

Councillor Dean said that he agrees with all the plans for the regeneration of Mitcham except for the bus lane.  The area has been in decline for a long time and there was previously a bus lane in place, it made no difference so there is no logic in putting it back in. Where is the proof of the additional six thousand shoppers? Buses do not always bring in people.

The Chair invited members of the public to speak for up to three minutes both for and against the call-in.

Barbara Mansfield read out a statement on behalf of Alan Hutchings. The consultation has been mediocre. There are good aspects to the scheme including landscaping and improvements to shop fronts. However in an open letter to Councillor Andrew Judge, 91 businesses rejected the bus lane. There were misleading questions in the consultation. To say that six thousand new people will come to area as a result of the bus lane is flawed. Only half of this number will be new arrivals. The consultation needs to be referred back to the Cabinet member for re-consideration.

John Mansfield said the bus lane will be very narrow. If a bus breaks down it will need to mount the pavement. The bus lane proposal was very cheaply done and not agreed by Transport for London.

Tony Burton said he is in agreement that we need to revitalise Mitcham. However  he does not agree that shifting bus stops will bring about the economic revival that is needed. There is no clear evidence that this approach will work. The consultation was flawed as people could have responded more than once. There are better options for the area including; making it easier to get across the Road, engaging businesses, more support for the market. Overall the bus lane is an expensive damaging hunch.

Vijay Patel informed the Panel that he had been in business in the area for twenty eight years. Businesses are currently struggling, the recession has lead to a very difficult situation. The plans for Mitcham will make a real change. It will be detrimental if we say no to the bus route.

Councillor Judge was invited to justify his decision

The decision was taken as a result of extensive consultation and is supported by the Mitcham ward councillors and  the Street Management Advisory Committee. It has been the most consulted upon scheme in recent history. There were 1445  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.