Decision details

Key issues resulting from the consultation and the responses to them are:

The removal of several trees to widen the path; These will be replaced at a ratio of two to one with new semi mature trees.
The improvement to the path along the Middleway will attract anti-social behaviour; There is evidence that when a path is improved and attracts more use it can decrease the incidents of anti-social behaviour by increasing natural surveillance.
There will be conflicts between pedestrians and cyclists; The path will be widened, and a demarcation line, tactile paving, logos, signage and bollards will segregate pedestrians and cyclists. This is a common arrange throughout the Country and fully accords with the provisions of LTN/20. It represents an improvement on the connecting shared pedestrian and cycle routes running through Sandwell Valley

As can be seen, it is considered that the principle causes for concern raised by respondents opposed to the scheme can be mitigated through the design. Therefore, they are not considered to be sufficiently serious as to warrant retaining the ‘on carriageway’ route that currently exists when weighed against the considerable improvements to the active travel provision in this area that derive from implementing the off-carriageway route through the Middleway.

That approval is given to construct phase 2 of the proposed upgraded cycle route between Europa Avenue and Sandwell Valley via Middleway Path.

The proposed cycle route on Europa Avenue is a realignment and upgrade of National Cycle Network Route Number 5 as included in Sandwell Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan approved by Cabinet on January 2020, subject to subsequent detailed design consultation

The proposal is to widen and resurface with tarmac an existing path that currently runs through a wooded area known as the Middleway. This will create a segregated pedestrian and cycle route into Sandwell Valley

Two public consultations took place on the Europa Village Estate. The first was between 16th February and 2nd March 2021. This resulted in some adverse reaction. As a result, a second round of consultation, between 1st and 29th November was carried out. This involved 350-properties across the whole of the Europa Village Estate receiving a letter, proposals plan and questionnaire. There were 44 (12.5%) responses, 22 in favour and 22 opposed.

Given the even nature of the responses for and against the proposal it is recommended that the scheme proceed as originally proposed as this represents the best layout to achieve the objectives of the Sandwell Cycling & Walking Infrastructure Plan and meets the requirements of the Department for Transport Local Transport Note (LTN)1/20: Cycling Infrastructure, which is the overarching guidance for the development of cycle projects.

Retain the shared cycle and 30 mph motorised traffic route on Europa Avenue, which is not in accordance with the Governments’ LTN 1/20: Cycling Infrastructure.