Issue - meetings

At its meeting in September 2017, the Committee resolved to defer a decision on the proposal to permanent closure of Little Gerpins Lane in order for officers to consider closing the road on an experimental basis and moving the position of the second closure point closer to Gerpins Lane.

The report before the Committee detailed that the proposals for an experimental closure were investigated, however, these were not found to be viable owing to cost and the susceptibility of the temporary measures to vandalism / removal by fly tippers.

The report outlined that the road was becoming increasingly susceptible to fly tipping of waste at both household and industrial scales. The matter was of great concern to the Council as the removal of waste  was leading to significant costs. 

The Principal Engineer outlined a representation from the Land owner (Ingrebourne Valley Ltd) to the Committee which proposed that the road should be closed at a point just within Gerpins Lane.

Officers informed the Committee that the proposals by Ingerbourne would hinder access to the local farm and airstrip. During the debate, a Member sought clarification on representations by the Emergency services.

Another Member raised concerns over the displacement of  fly tipping in East Hall Lane and Wennington Road. Officers confirmed that sites which could be susceptible to displacement of fly tipping had been identified and would be monitored. Officers confirmed that a scheme involving the installation of CCTV cameras in local roads was also being considered for implementation. 

Following the debate, the Committee RESOLVED to recommend to the Cabinet Member for Environment, Regulatory Services and Community Safety that the closure of Little Gerpins Lane be authorised at the following locations:

1.    North-western side of Little Gerpins Lane, Rainham (through construction of traffic island) –at its junction with Berwick Pond Road to restrict vehicular traffic with the exception of cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders would be retained. The proposals detailed on drawing No. QQ033-OF-101of the report,

2.    South-eastern side of Little Gerpins Lane, Rainham (through removable bollard) – the proposed road closure would be situated approx. 58 metres from the north-western kerb line of Gerpins Lane at its junction with Little Gerpins Lane. This closure would permit access to general traffic, mainly the local occupiers. The proposals as outlined on drawing No.QQ033-OF-102 of the report.

3.    Proposed implementation of two-way traffic flow

That Traffic Management Orders be amended as necessary to give effect to the recommendations by permitting two-way traffic flow in Little Gerpins Lane, between the proposed closure points as shown on drawing Nos. QQ033-OF-101 and QQ033-OF-102 of the report. 

Members noted that the estimated cost for implementation was £0.06m. The funding for carrying out the works was available from the Council’s Corporate Capital funds.  

The voting to proceed with the scheme was 10 in favour for implementation and one abstention.