The Highway Regulation Committee is scheduled to meet to discuss a number of items, including a review of objections to a proposed school street, and the minutes of the previous meeting. The meeting is scheduled to take place at the JR Clynes building. Members of the public who wish to ask a question must submit it in writing by Monday, 22 September 2025.

Buckstones Primary School - Proposed School Streets Permanent Traffic Order

The committee is scheduled to consider objections to the proposed School Streets Permanent Traffic Order for Buckstones Primary School in Shaw.

A report in the Public Reports Pack states that the purpose of the report is:

to consider a number of objections received to the proposed School Streets (Permanent Traffic Order) at Delamere Avenue, Shaw.

Following a trial period, a report recommending the introduction of a permanent traffic order to restrict vehicle access to Buckstones Primary School during drop off and pick up times was approved under delegated powers on 28 August 2024. The proposal was subsequently advertised, and the council received five objections, two letters of support, two letters of concern and one letter requesting further clarification.

The main points raised by the objectors are detailed in the Public Reports Pack, along with the council's response to each one.

One objector raised concerns about access for residents, their visitors, and service vehicles. The council responded that residents living within the designated zone on Delamere Avenue will be eligible for a free exemption permit, and that this exemption extends to pre-booked services like taxis or contractors visiting a permitted resident's address. The council expects that delivery companies will work around the short restriction periods or park safely nearby to complete delivery on foot.

Several residents raised objections regarding timber planters used to demarcate the start of the restricted zone, saying that vehicles often park too close to the planters, which reduces the accessible width of the road. The council has installed signs on the planters instructing drivers not to park in a manner that causes an obstruction.

A number of objectors expressed concern that the scheme would displace parking and cause congestion onto adjacent streets, particularly Hillside Avenue and Harewood Road. The council recognises that some traffic displacement can occur, especially in the initial phase of a new scheme, but that experience from other School Streets shows this is often less severe than anticipated. The council is aware of the existing safety and speeding concerns on Hillside Avenue and is already in the process of reviewing and assessing potential highway improvement measures for that location.

One resident of Hillside Avenue objected to the proposed waiting restrictions at the junction with Scarr Lane, stating it would severely limit her family's ability to park their three vehicles, and suggested that a residential parking permit system would be a more suitable solution. The council responded that the proposed waiting restrictions are essential in improving road safety by keeping the junctions clear, and that the council does not have a budget available for a new permit scheme in this area.

One objector suggested replacing the planters with a set of flashing amber lights to indicate when the restrictions are active, but the council does not believe that such a system aligns with the requirements for a School Street, as it would not provide the necessary physical barrier to prevent non-exempt vehicles from entering.

The consultation also received several letters of support from residents who are in favour of the measures to improve safety of children.

Councillor H Sykes stated that the situation on Hillside Avenue and the very top of Scarr is worse and more dangerous than before, and that something needs to be done about Hillside Avenue speed of traffic and not just at 'school times.' The council will look at providing additional traffic calming measures / interventions on Hillside Avenue as a separate scheme, with the aim of improving safety and reducing speeds.

The report in the Public Reports Pack recommends that the committee approve the proposed restriction as advertised.

Minutes from the previous meeting

The committee will be asked to approve the minutes of the meeting held on 19th June 2025¹. The previous meeting included discussion of:

• An application submitted under Schedule 14 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, requesting that a Modification Order be made for the upgrade to Bridleway status of part of Footpath 156 Saddleworth, at Quarry Lane, Delph. The application for a Modification Order was submitted by Liane Robinson of the West Pennine Bridleways Association.
• An application submitted under Schedule 14 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, requesting that a Modification Order be made in respect of a stepped route running from the side of 31 Laurel Avenue, Chadderton to the Rochdale Canal towpath. The application for a Modification Order was submitted by Graham Taylor, Chairman of the Firwood and District Residents Association.
• Objections received to the proposed extension of the existing 'Prohibition of Waiting' restrictions on Gloucester Street North and Radnor Street, Werneth.