Proposals aimed at making Newlyn safer for walkers and cyclists and improving public spaces in the town have been amended to reflect the views of residents and businesses.
A public exhibition and consultation took place late last year on the plans, which included new footways and crossing points, together with proposals to close the Old Bridge to traffic and amend existing parking arrangements.
The proposals were originally developed following earlier discussions with the local community as part of the Penzance Sustainable Travel Network project.
There was broad support from the majority of the 94 respondents to the consultation over providing new crossings at The Coombe and at the junction of Jack Lane and The Strand.
However, some raised concerns over aspects of the designs included proposed changes to parking in the town, and the plans for the Old Bridge.
Changes made include:
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There will be a trial closure of the Old Bridge. The trial will monitor the impact of traffic flows in the town and assess concerns raised about access to New Road before any permanent decision is made.
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The extent of the road closure will be reduced to allow three parking spaces to continue to be provided at Tolcarne Terrace.
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Initial proposals to standardise limited time parking restrictions between 8am and 7pm have been amended to between 8am and 6pm (subject to statutory consultation). Parking spaces will be limited to one hour duration with no return within three hours.
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Cycle parking will be provided on the Old Bridge and plans are also being considered to relocate the existing Beryl Bike parking from Tolcarne car park to this location, enabling the addition of one or two parking spaces in the car park. Subject to further consultation, parking on the Strand may also be adjusted, with an additional space installed at either end of the existing long parking bay.
Connor Donnithorne, Cornwall Council cabinet portfolio holder for transport, said:
“We have listened carefully to all the feedback from the local community and made changes to the original designs. I’d like to thank all who took the time to give us their views.”
Thalia Marrington, Cornwall Council local member for Mousehole, Newlyn and St Buryan, said:
“There was much feedback and interest in this scheme from residents and I'd like to thank people for giving their time to offer views and comments. It is nice to see democracy working in practice and I believe these designs show listening and adaptability on the part of Council Highways team, whilst maintaining the ambitions of the scheme.
“The Council has done its best to mitigate the loss of parking spaces (which was a concern raised during the consultation) with the very small amount of land it is responsible for in Newlyn Centre. But I believe that overall, Newlyn will be easier and nicer to navigate for pedestrians and cyclists and that public realm will be improved leading to a more pleasant shopper experience too. Rationalising and simplifying the current mishmash of parking restrictions helps both local people with improvements to overnight parking and both businesses and shoppers in Newlyn.”
Find out more about the Newlyn town centre transport project
Story posted January 20, 2025