Brent Council are seeking views on their draft Church End Master Plan. The vision is promising as demonstrated by this illustration (page 5), which was also used when this plan was presented to the cabinet in a meeting on the 12th of September 2022. But we fear the lack of details may not lead the Master Plan to achieve this vision.
Please respond by November 10.
The Key transport section is 5.2: Movement and Connectivity, from page 36 (in the document, as opposed to PDF page numbering). We welcome the ambition and active travel principles as detailed in this section. It is also encouraging to read that the barriers to cycling have been accurately acknowledged (i.e, severance lines, mostly non-existing provision and below-standard exisiting provision). However, we regret that this document does not include one single mention of Disabled cyclists.
On page 37, in the hierarchy “Local Street” there’s a picture of a low-traffic neighbourhood (LTN) but there is no mention in the text.
On page 37, in the street hierarchy “Cycle Path min 2m” is mentioned in the ‘Strategic Connectors’, but it is not clear whether this is single, or bi-directional.
On page 39, in “Proposed interventions” we have “protected cycle facilities” and “cycle lane and facilities” listed separately. Details are needed, or more specific wording. The level of protection should be determined by the speed of motor vehicles and vehicles per hour as well as the nature of that particular street/road. Paint does not count, nor does an Advanced Stop Line.
On the same page, there doesn’t seem to be an overlap between junction improvement and cycleway improvements. Junctions are crucial to enable cycling and to deliver on the active travel principles listed on page 41. We need clarifications as to what treatment on junctions will be proposed.
On page 39 “Low Traffic Neighbourhood Cells” are indicated, but neither marked on the map nor is the infrastructure proposed (restrictions) to achieve this.
On page 40, Option 1 suggests a low-traffic neighbourhood (LTN) or bus gate type of intervention without stipulating that cycles will be allowed. Option 2 is very unclear, as it implies that this will close Church Road to through motor traffic completely. Throughout this document, there is no mention of the current national walking and cycling guidance (LTN 1/20) or LCDS. It is neither in the body of the plan or listed in the additional guidance, and this is rather worrying.
