THE closure of one of the main routes through Exeter city centre is essential if the redevelopment of the bus and coach station is to go ahead, developers have claimed.
Local councillors, meeting with developers to discuss the closure of the top end of Paris Street to vehicles, were told that the scheme would not be viable if the road remained open.
Councillor Jill Owen, chairman of Exeter's highways committee, said: "I asked what would happen if the county council, as the highways authority, was to decide that the closure of Paris Street was unacceptable, and was told that in that case the scheme would not be viable."
The councillors were also given more details of the proposed changes to the road system around the city centre, which would be necessary to compensate for the closing of Paris Street to create a plaza at its top end.
Cllr Owen said: "The developers suggested a follow-up meeting in about six weeks' time, and I have asked the county council officers to go away and study the proposals.
"The devil is in the detail and the unintended consequences – you can't always envisage what will happen as a result of changes as there are lots of little roads around that area."
Cllr Owen added: "It could be that the proposed changes will improve the situation we have now following the changes that were made because of the John Lewis development."
One of the main changes will be vehicles being directed from Sidwell Street into King William Street from York Road.
To accommodate the extra traffic King William Street would become one way and traffic would then be able to choose to turn right or left into Longbrook Street.
Cllr Owen said: "There is also the possibility York Road would become one way, going toward Summerland Street, between Leighton Terrace and Queen's Crescent. However, the B bus would be exempt from the one-way restriction.
"Initially, they thought traffic calming would be necessary on Blackall Road, but they now think this won't be necessary as the changes could mean the road becomes less busy."
Another suggestion is a part of Cheeke Street would be for buses only.
Cllr Owen added: "One plus is that it would take buses out of Longbrook Street.
"At the moment, those coming into town from the Crediton direction come along New North Road and turn down into Longbrook Street, but now they are thinking perhaps they will allow buses to go into Sidwell Street past John Lewis."
Cllr Owen is to consult with the Exeter St James Forum on the proposals.
She added: "The streets became more clogged with the John Lewis changes and it is unfair to pile any more traffic onto St James."
Councillor Percy Prowse, a member of the highways committee also attended the meeting and said: "I wondered about them being able to have room for a turning circle for the park and ride buses which are only to go up Paris Street as far as its junction with Dix's Field.
"I asked if they could not go instead into the new bus station in Cheeke Street but was told there will only be 30 stands for buses."
