RESIDENTS and businesses are being invited to give their views on the latest proposals to make the roads around Newquay Train Station safer for walkers and cyclists, which involves the controversial removal of parking bays.

Cornwall Council proposes to go ahead with plans to remove 19 short term parking spaces in Cliff Road as part of the Mid Cornwall Metro scheme to make way for a cycle lane despite concerns the scheme will impact businesses.

The plan is to widen the current footways on Cliff Road with a dedicated segregated cycle lane, and a new pedestrian crossing built outside Rebellion. The bus stops will be improved and extended and the loading bays relocated.

The council says there will be more space for drivers to park their cars, with a new car park, which will be free from 4pm to 9am and during the winter, and extended free parking at Newquay Railway Station, 20 minutes to 30 minutes.

The scheme also involves creating free on-street parking bays outside Wetherspoons including three dedicated disabled parking bays and on Oakleigh Terrace, which will allow parking of up to an hour. 

Cornwall Council commissioned a Business Impact Assessment (BIA) following feedback from the local business community about the loss of some of the parking spaces on Cliff Road.

The assessment found that “Whilst on-street parking spaces play a role in supporting local businesses located along this road…high-level analysis indicates that footfall is not heavily dependent on car parking spaces in Cliff Road.”

“Overall, there is a significant net gain in parking within the town...[This is] expected to improve accessibility for visitors and residents, and... make it easier for customers to access local businesses in the area, including those located on Cliff Road.”

Cornwall Council has shared designs with businesses and residents about changes to the roads around Newquay’s Station quarter over the past 18 months and made changes to the plans to incorporate feedback received.

The consultation on its latest plans runs until Friday, November 7.

Cllr Dan Rogerson, Cornwall Council cabinet member for transport, said: “These proposals aim not only to make the area safer for all road users, but also provide a welcoming gateway to Newquay. Research has shown the value of the ‘pedestrian pound’ in revitalising high streets and how infrastructure changes such as these can help create a place where people want to spend their time.

“I hope residents and businesses can see how the proposals have evolved as we have taken on board their feedback.”

Businesses fear they will lose trade if Cornwall Council replaces the three bays outside Morrisons Daily, Dominoes and the Old Factory Shop with cycle lanes as part of the Mid Cornwall Metro scheme.

Shop owners and residents would like to see the unitary authority implement an alternative cycle route put forward by Newquay BID, which would see the cycle lane turn off down Edgcumbe Avenue.

The route would connect with Newquay Junior Academy and the existing pathway by the train station but the project delivery team at Cornwall Council say the alternative route would make the scheme “more dangerous.”

Mid Cornwall Metro is a £57-million investment to upgrade the current rail links between four of Cornwall’s largest towns: Newquay, St Austell, Truro, and Falmouth/Penryn. It will help residents better connect to employment, education and key services.

The consultation can be found at: letstalk.cornwall.gov.uk/newquay-active-travel