Proposed changes on junction of Swains Lane, Highgate West Hill and Highgate Road

Overview

We are writing to seek your views on the Council’s proposals to improve the junction at Swains Lane, Highgate West Hill and Highgate Road. The changes proposed are as a result of the new development recently completed at 1-11a Swains Lane & 109-110 Highgate West Hill. These proposals aim to make it easier and safer for people to cross the road.

The main proposals consist of the following:

• Removing the central islands on all three approaches to the roundabout. This will allow the roads to be narrowed, creating additional footway space.
• Providing new zebra crossings on the Highgate West Hill and Swains Lane approaches (the Highgate Road approach already has a zebra crossing). The new crossings will help accommodate additional pedestrian demand resulting from the development. They will also benefit other pedestrians, especially pupils travelling to and from the nearby schools and visiting the shops.

Other options were considered, including changing the junction to a T-junction and removing the roundabout. However, this was discounted due to potential adverse traffic impacts on the junction and an awareness of the local desire to retain the roundabout. The proposals, if approved and implemented, will result in the loss of one resident permit holder parking space and three paid for parking spaces. The funding for the changes has been secured from the developer through a S106 agreement.

Details of proposed measures are provided below and shown on the plan:

1. Existing single yellow line (adjacent to the former crossover) on Swains Lane to be converted to a loading bay (operational Mon-Fri, 10am-noon).
2. New zebra crossings to be provided on Swains Lane and on Highgate West Hill approaches to the roundabout.  These will provide a safer crossing facility helping meet the additional pedestrian demand as a result of the development and benefit all pedestrians.
3. Removing 1 paid for parking space on the southern side and 2 paid for parking spaces on the northern side at Swains Lane. This is necessary to accommodate the new zebra crossing  (which will result in the loss of 3 paid for parking spaces overall).
4. Widening of existing pavements to provide a minimum width of 2m.
5. Existing traffic islands to be removed on all arms of the roundabout, making it possible to widen the footway.
6. Removing existing loading facility provided on the narrow footway outside parade of shops located next to the entrance to Hampstead Heath.
7. A new loading bay (operational Mon-Fri 10am-noon) to be provided on Highgate West Hill a short distance away from the shops (which will result in the loss of one resident permit holder space).

Additional consideration

• It is possible to integrate new trees and greening into changes to highways, and the council will consider whether and how this is possible at this location.

Why we are consulting

This is your opportunity to comment

The Council will be pleased to hear your views on the proposals as well as any alternative suggestions or objections you may have to any aspect of what we are proposing

Who is being consulted?

All properties located close to the proposals, local groups, statutory groups and ward councillors.

While it will not be possible to reply to you individually, all comments will be taken into account. At the end of this consultation period, officers will consider all responses received and write a report with recommendations. This report will be presented to the Director of Environment and Sustainability who will make a decision on whether or not to proceed with implementing the proposals.

Under the Local Government Access to Information Act 1985, your consultation response will be available for inspection if required; however, your personal details will remain confidential. Please only write to us with matters associated with this consultation. If you do have any further questions or require clarification about the proposed scheme, please contact Adam Iqbal via transportconsultations@camden.gov.uk