Spider Island: Claims bus lane plan at busy Derby roundabout is 'done deal' dismissed

Claims a plan to install a controversial bus lane next to one of the city’s busiest roundabouts is a “done deal” have been dismissed by a leading councillor. A public consultation has now closed over Derby City Council-led proposals to install a bus lane next to the Spider Island on Osmaston Road, in Allenton.

The plans, which were announced during the summer, could see the road widened between Nightingale Road and Spider Island to accommodate a bus lane. Bosses of the Labour-led council want changes to help increase the number of bus passengers across Derby and to improve bus journey times, as well as air quality. Funding for the scheme, if approved, will come from the Government through the National Bus Strategy: Bus Improvement Plan.

Earlier this month, it was reported the plans had been met with controversy by some residents. Osmaston Road resident Roy Woolley told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) he feared the plans would not improve air quality and could make traffic problems even worse on the busy road.

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Alvaston North councillor Alan Graves claimed businesses near Ascot Drive were also against the plans. He claimed there was concern it would be given approval no matter the results of the public consultation.

At a full council meeting on Wednesday (November 20), Alvaston South and Reform Derby councillor Stephen Fowke said during a consultation meeting on the Osmaston Road bus lane plan officers “gave the impression it would go ahead come what may”.

Derby’s cabinet member for transport and climate change Carmel Swan rejected any suggestion a decision had already been made. She praised the work of her fellow councillors - Councillor Nadine Peatfield and Councillor Sarah Chambers - for their involvement regarding the plans.

Read more - Hundreds object to controversial Derby bus lane plan as it's labelled 'complete waste of money'

Councillor Swan said at the meeting: “All I can say is that we are listening to our residents. I know that Councillor Chambers and Councillor Peatfield did a tremendous amount of work in terms of connecting with our community to make sure they were aware this consultation was taking place.

“Until I see that information (from the consultation) I cannot confirm yes or no.”

Earlier this month, Councillor Swan said the public consultation for the proposal - and for another bus lane plan on Duffield Road - had been “well supported” with approximately 1,100 responses received.

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