Published November 24, 2015 at 10:21
The RTB Partnership has now concluded the month long public consultation on the new bus station plans for Rawtenstall Town Centre.
The consultation involved a week of public sessions which saw over 300 people come and see the plans, and talk to the team.
During the consultation we received 229 comment forms and we have been able to analyse these throughout the consultation process.
The RTB Partnership is pleased to announce that the consultation went well and provided lots of useful feedback. These comments have helped to inform the final design, which will see the removal of the office accommodation from the bus station and instead focus the office provision in the refurbished town hall.
We will also be changing some of the materials used on the outer walls of the bus station so they are more in keeping with the rest of Rawtenstall Town Centre.
The RTB Partnership has now submitted the planning application to Rossendale Borough Council’s Planning Team, who will firstly validate the application. Following this there will be a further opportunity for members of the public to comment on the plans before the application is formally considered by the Council’s Development Control Committee in February 2016.
Many comments from the consultation process mentioned parking provision and the RTB Partnership can confirm that there will be a total increase of 12 spaces overall. New parking arrangements within the scheme will include an increased number of off street parking spaces which allows for either 3 hours or long stay, rather than the on street parking which is restricted to 1 hour.
Speaking on these changes, Leader of the Council, Alyson Barnes said; “It has taken us a little while to get there but I think this version of the scheme is a definite improvement, and reflects many of the comments made by people during the consultation process.”
Gareth Smith RTB Director said; “Hopefully residents and business leaders alike can see they have been listened to. The changes in the scheme represent a lot of hard work to deliver a scheme of merit in both architectural and commercial terms and will hopefully now been seen as something that adds value to the town without overshadowing the current landscape.”
Kevin Ruth, Deputy Chief Executive of Together Housing Group and RTB Board Member, said; “The RTB Partnership has taken time to reflect on the feedback received and responded with proposals that will enhance the town centre whilst still retain its existing character.”
County Councillor John Fillis, Lancashire County Council cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “I’m very pleased that we’ve reached the planning application stage, and I look forward to continuing to work with the partnership to deliver this much-needed £3.5m investment to provide a modern bus station in Rawtenstall.”
“Providing good quality, comfortable, facilities is essential to encourage people to use public transport, and the new bus station will make a real difference to the future of the town.”
All RTB Partners remain fully committed to delivering this viable plan for Rawtenstall.
New Proposed Plans;
