More Double-Yellows For Ruddington?

Residents along Asher Lane without off-street parking will soon have fewer options for their vehicles if plans for new ‘No Waiting At Any Time’ restrictions go ahead.

In fact, the proposals to put double-yellow lines along much of the narrow road, and also at its junctions with Distillery Street, Top Road and Musters Road, will come as no surprise to those who’ve battled long and hard against the new 175 home development there. That’s because they are to formally fulfil one of the planning conditions for the controversial Green Belt approval. Another is the widening of Asher Lane between Top Road and Musters Road to provide additional width of the carriageway, which must also be paid for by the developer. This is to facilitate on-street parking on just one side of the road whilst enabling two-way traffic movements.

The construction of ‘Wilbur Chase’ has begun

For the time being, at least, no parking along there would certainly benefit the many heavy lorries now squeezing along Asher Lane, laden with building materials to construct Avant Homes‘ Wilbur Chase estate – a process which is set to take four years.

However, some may think it bizarre that this permanent road marking scheme is still going ahead considering a late change in the plans which means the main vehicular access route is now (theoretically, at least) via Distillery Street instead.

Serena Saletti comments: “So the poor residents who already live on these roads lose there parking because of the poor decision making by the council, and greedy developers? Hope you all feel very proud of yourselves!” Kimberley Sonnex adds: “With parking heavily restricted along Asher Lane, etc, where are the residents here supposed to park?”

For anyone with concerns, these new parking restrictions are now out for a brief public consultation – where villagers are invited to make “observations on these proposals” to Nottinghamshire County Council through Via East Midlands. The maps are below – with exact details beneath.

ASHER LANE

(the east side) –

From its junction with Distillery Street in a southerly direction for 110 metres

(the west side) –

From its junction with Distillery Street in a southerly direction for 25 metres
From a point 8 metres north of its junction with Top Road in a southerly direction to a point
10 metres south of its junction of Musters Road

DISTILLERY STREET

(the north side) – From its junction with Church Street in a westerly direction for 20 meters
(the south side) – From its junction with Church Street in a westerly direction for 16 meters

MUSTERS ROAD

(the north side) – From its junction with Asher Lane in a westerly direction for 12 metres.
(the south side) – From its junction with Asher Lane in a westerly direction for 14 metres.

TOP ROAD, RUDDINGTON (both sides)

From its junction with Asher Lane in a westerly direction for 10 metres.

However, other residents are welcoming the plans: “I have driven this route literally thousands of times to access my home of 32 years” says Barbara Breakwell. “I am delighted to see that parking will not be allowed opposite the exit to Top Road as it is the only place that cars can pass each other when they encounter each other face on. Numerous requests to put double yellow lines there in the past have been unsuccessful.” However, she adds: “The proposals do, however, I feel need a bit of tweaking, as this definitely causes issues for a small number of houses who have no alternative parking options.”

Simon Cragg is happy, though: “Perfect!” he says, “very little lost – only those spots where parking is inconvenient and dangerous anyway. It just formalises what happens already, but better. And, yes, I do live down here (Musters)!”

To be taken into account, all such feedback should also be directed to VIAEM Senior Improvements Officer, Steph Walford. She advises: “If your comments are in the form of an objection to the proposals please clearly state this and the reasons for your objection. If the objection cannot be resolved, it will be reported through the County Council’s procedures at the appropriate time.”

Please comment referencing TRO 8304 by email to tmconsultation@viaem.co.uk or by writing a letter to: