What is the Working Group?
The advisory group, made up of volunteer residents, was originally set up following two open meetings in summer 2019, in response to many resident’s concerns regarding parking across the development and managing the covenants within Priors Hall Park. The group is working with PHPML to explore possible solutions, which will be presented in open consultation meetings to the rest of the residents.
The group is made up of residents with varying opinions and views, living throughout PHP. Not always completely agreeing, but working hard to find compromises with the aim of finding a balanced solution. With around 2,500 residents currently living on PHP, there will always have to be compromises but ultimately we all want to make Priors Hall Park a special place to live, while making it as safe as possible for everyone.
Working Group meeting update – February 2020
Discussions and findings so far;
Trade vehicles
Current situation
All home owners sign a Transfer of part of registered title(s)/TP1 when purchasing a property, which is used to legally register the ownership with the Land Registry. The TP1s on Priors Hall Park, or a Deed of Covenant in the case of a resale property, contain several Restrictive Covenants that by signing the TP1, every purchaser agrees to adhere to.
The covenant restricting trade vehicles parking within property boundaries and on the development roads is still applicable. Once the roads are adopted by Northamptonshire County Council Highways restricting trade vehicles completely on adopted roads will no longer be an option, however, restricting the size of vehicles is possible. PHPML recognises that some residents, including members of the Group, have bought homes on PHP because of this covenant.
Suggestion
Trade vehicles should be allowed on PHP, however they should be able to fit into the footprint of a standard single garage on PHP in length (6.1m), width (3m), height (2.4m) and be parked behind the property boundary line. A TRO (Traffic Regulation Order) can restrict the size of trade vehicles once the roads are adopted by NCC Highways.
Action:
To discuss with residents at public consultation
Parking
Current situation
When the TP1 was originally created, parking was enforceable. The most efficient way to enforce this was by clamping, however due to changes in the law in 2012 this is no longer possible.
PHPML has spoken to a number of other managing agents and developers across the country and no one has found a solution.
Suggestion
A plan has been drafted by NCC Highways with input from the group, suggesting ways to improve road safety on PHP. Locations for double yellow lines on PHP have been suggested, with particular attention being concentrated on junctions. The objective was to improve the safety of residents, while still allowing on-road parking.
It was agreed that all three areas of PHP (Weldon Lakes, Town Gardens and Rockingham Gate) would benefit from some form of parking restriction.
Action:
To discuss with residents at public consultation.
Pavement Parking
Current situation
NCC Highways have confirmed that all kerbs, including low kerbs around PHP, should be treated as footway/pavements. It is understood that pavement and verge parking is causing safety concerns for residents walking around the development and also causing damage to pavements and verges.
Suggestion
A Pavement Parking ban will require a percentage of residents to confirm their agreement.
Action:
To discuss with residents at public consultation.
Cycle lanes
Current situation
The Design Code for PHP, which was agreed under planning consent from Corby Borough Council, contains provisions throughout the Development for sustainable communities with healthy lifestyles and this includes cycle lanes. The current road layout for The Avenue has two designated cycle lanes as per the planning approval.
Suggestion
The original design was to install cycle lanes on both sides of The Avenue creating a way for cyclists to safely travel throughout the development. However cycle lanes would prohibit any vehicle from parking or stopping on The Avenue. A compromise has been suggested; where only one side of The Avenue would become a dedicated cycle lane, while the other side would remain available for parking. By installing double yellow lines instead of compulsory cycle lane markings, vehicles will still be able to temporarily stop but not park.
Action:
To discuss with residents at public consultation.
---------------------------------
What happens next?
YOU HAVE YOUR SAY!
Members of the PHP Working Group, representatives from the Priors Hall Park Management team and an advisor from NCC Highways met last week with the aim of reviewing and finalising suggested improvements.
PHPML will publicise dates for an open consultation, which we hope will take place within the next month, where we would welcome every resident to review the suggestions and comment.
We will hold the consultations at various times to allow for attendance/input by all residents. As previously advised, no decisions have been made prior to these consultations.
We can then review resident’s comments and suggestions and if necessary design surveys to consider all residents views. This should then allow us to create a solution that the majority of residents can agree with.
If there are subjects you would like the group to discuss or you would like to put your thoughts forward for discussion, please email us at [email protected]