There are just a few days left to comment on
the proposals for changes to the area at the top of Babington Road where it meets Mitcham Lane by Streatham Green and the Manor Arms.
The area is the location for Streatham's new fortnightly street market and the intention is to create a better public space for it, less dominated by traffic, more suited to host the market and other community events, and better connected to Streatham Green.
The proposals are that:
- The top of Babington Road will become a shared space and through traffic will no longer be allowed between Mitcham Lane and Babington Road, although a route out for large lorries will be maintained.
- Two new piazza areas will be created that can host the market and other events.
- The southern piazza could also host an outside seating area for The Manor Arms (subject to licencing approval).
- New trees will be planted and seating introduced.
- A new loading bay will be introduced on Fernwood Avenue to service businesses on the western side of Mitcham Lane.
- A pedestrian crossing may be introduced on Mitcham Lane.
We are sending out 500 letters to local people in the area encouraging them to comment before the deadline on 11th February.
Generally the response we had had from local people has been positive. The major concern however has been from people in Fernwood Avenue, who do not want the proposed loading bay put on their road given the likely increase in heavy vehicle traffic which would be ill suited to such a small road.
An email we received from George Wright, who is overseeing the project, contained a lot of positive feedback that he had already received from the proposals.
The intention is to "finesse" the concept design during February and then develop the detailed construction designs. The aim is to construct on site late June-September to minimise disruption to the market.
[Update: 8/2/13 We have had it confirmed that the loading bay on Fernwood Avenue is no longer being considered]
