Decision details

To consider representations made in relation to the above proposed road closure required to facilitate the 2015 Marlborough Jazz Festival.

 I approve that:

(i)            The proposed road closure between 10am and 11pm on Saturday 18 July 2015 is approved.

(ii)          Wiltshire Council supports Marlborough Town Council’s resolution to facilitate a post event meeting in an effort to resolve outstanding concerns.

This decision was published on 1 July 2015 and will come into force on 9 July 2015.        

The Council has prepared a set of guidance notes for event organisers outlining a relatively simple procedure where temporary road closures are requested to facilitate special events.

The guidance note admits the possibility of unresolved objections – in that event, the guidance advises:

“…the Application and the Objection(s) will be passed to the Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport in consultation with the Chair of the appropriate Area Board and the local Divisional Member, who will make the final decision as to whether or not the Closure should be permitted.”

In the vast majority of cases, the Cabinet Member has been content for the local Divisional Member to be the sole arbiter; however, in this instance in view of the involvement of the local member with this application, it is considered appropriate that the Cabinet Member makes the final decision.

It is clear that there are unresolved objections to the proposed closure, and a decision needs to be taken in that light.

Considerable weight should be attached to the views of the Town Council.  It has resolved to support the road closure having considered representations from supporters and objectors, alongside the wider benefits that the event brings to its town.

The Town Council’s proviso that there should be a post event meeting to resolve outstanding issues prior to next year’s festival is an undertaking that Wiltshire Council should support.

To:

(i)       Implement the proposals as advertised.

(ii)      Not implement the proposals.

Consultations held during May and June 2015 sought views on, inter alia, a proposed road closure of New Road, High Street (Part), Kingsbury Street (Part) and The Parade (Part) in Marlborough between 10am and 11pm on 18 July 2015 for the Marlborough Jazz Festival.

A total of 41 responses from individuals were received producing:

•         24 responses against the road closure, including a petition with a total of 83 signatures and

•         17 responses in support of the road closure.

At its meeting on 1st June 2015, Marlborough Town Council considered arguments for and against the proposed road closure and resolved:

“by 8 votes for with 2 against to approve the temporary road closure application with the proviso that a wash-up meeting resolves issues for next year’s festival and involves all interested parties.”