Queen Street changes approved

Road in Newton Abbot will be improved for pedestrians under new scheme

Queen Street in Newton Abbot will be improved for pedestrians after councillors rubber-stamped major changes.

Last summer, the ‘public realm enhancements’ between Courtenay Street and The Avenue were agreed following a public consultation. It includes widened footways, improved crossings, more greening and seating, and extra provision for buses and bicycles.

However, the scheme has proved controversial as it comes at the expense of just over half the on-street parking in the area, as well as some new traffic restrictions and changes to loading.

Most of the total £1.45 million cost will come from government grants, while Devon County Council will contribute £200,000 and Teignbridge District Council £80,000.

Traffic orders have already been signed off to enable the scheme to go ahead, with the changes including a 20mph speed limit, new waiting, parking, loading restrictions and closing off several roads to anything other than through traffic.

County council officers say widening pavements and reducing on-street parking will enhance the town centre, but objectors including Newton Abbot

Town Council are worried about the impact on shops and businesses.

It comes after a public consultation on the plan, carried out in May and June last year, found general support for the pedestrian enhancements and 20mph limit, but opposition to removal of on-street parking.

Businesses responses were low, with only around a quarter giving their views. Of these, the majority are against the scheme.

Recommending final approval, Devon’s highways chief Councillor Stuart Hughes (Conservative, Sidmouth) told a cabinet meeting the proposals would make Queen Street a “more attractive, accessible, inclusive place for visitors and locals alike.

“Reduced levels of traffic on Queen Street and widened footways will encourage more active travel, make it easier for people to cross the road and access businesses and services, and the planting and greening of the street with seating will encourage people to dwell longer and enjoy a cleaner town centre environment.”

Liberal Democrat county councillor Martin Wrigley (Dawlish), who is also the leader of Teignbridge Council, acknowledged there is “some controversy” in Newton Abbot about the scheme.

But he said there is a “long history that shows pedestrianisation projects do improve the commerce in the street and the life of the street, and I think this is a change that needs to be done.”

However, Cllr Janet Bradford (Independent, Newton Abbot South) objected, claiming the owner of the town’s Austins department store, David Austin, is “very worried” about the changes.

“He thinks it will drive even more people to the out-of-town shopping centres,” she said. “And, of course, all of the businesses, not just Queen Street, will be affected.

“Furthermore, there’s absolutely no evidence that these plans will provide any benefit for either businesses or the users of Queen Street. But there is clear evidence in other towns that schemes to reduce convenient parking are very damaging.”

Despite Cllr Bradford’s comments, Devon’s cabinet approved the scheme. Construction is expected to start next spring.