Residents see red over yellow lines
RESIDENTS living in a busy Seaford road have been left disappointed after a delay in the introduction of double yellow lines.
Homeowners claim they were supposed to be put in place following a development at Seaford Primary School but weeks after pupils started the new term the community is still waiting.
The issue centres around the development of two mobile classrooms at the school which sparked concerns over further traffic chaos. The plans were given the go-ahead but David Hitchin, who lives in Wilkinson Way, said permission was granted subject to some road improvements being completed before the new classrooms were occupied. But he says residents are still waiting for double yellow lines to be put in place at the junction of Wilkinson Way and Belgrave Road.
Mr Hitchin, who has written a letter to Lewes District Council, said, “Neither the residents nor the school had any choice about the installation of the new classrooms and we are together in our belief that the roads should be made as safe as possible for everyone during school opening and closing times.
“That is why we sought assurances that the junction of Wilkinson Way with Belgrave Road should have double yellow lines where parked cars often severely reduce the visibility for pedestrians, and for cars joining a fast moving traffic stream. The planning permission granted was conditional on those lines being completed before the new classrooms were occupied.
“I would like to know what went wrong, when the error was recognised, why steps were not taken earlier to get the correct process in motion again, and when the work will be completed.
“Perhaps we all want to know why the work should not be done immediately and the bureaucracy completed later. Safety is more important than getting the paperwork right.”
A spokesman for East Sussex County Council, said, “Planning permission for a double mobile classroom at Seaford County Primary School was granted by the County Council this year.
“The planning permission was subject to several conditions and a legal undertaking to provide highways works at the Wilkinson Way and Belgrave Road junction to mitigate the traffic impact of a small increase in pupil numbers.
“A Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) is required before yellow lines can be installed and this will be subject to a public consultation period, which is separate to the planning process. If no objections are received to the TRO, the double yellow lines should be installed by mid to late October.
“If objections are received to the TRO, it will be necessary to report the matter to the Council’s Planning Committee, which would be likely to be in November.
“The new classroom has arrived at the School, however, the TRO process has yet to be completed. Officers are monitoring the situation and working with Children’s Services to resolve the situation as soon as practicable.”
A spokeswoman for Lewes District Council said ESCC was responsible for any planning conditions or legal undertakings.
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Weather for Eastbourne
Sunday 26 May 2013
Today
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Temperature: 6 C to 16 C
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Wind direction: West
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Temperature: 9 C to 15 C
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