We’re proposing improvements to the grass verges along City Way in Rochester to help protect and enhance this important part of the street.
Why improvements are needed
Over time, some of the grass verges along City Way have been damaged by vehicles parking or driving over them. This can lead to:
- muddy and uneven surfaces, especially in wetter months
- poor grass growth and patchy appearance
- reduced visual quality of the street
- potential safety and accessibility issues for pedestrians.
We know these verges are an important part of the character of the area, with mature trees and green space contributing to a more pleasant street for everyone.
What we're proposing
Following site assessment and design development, we're proposing a coordinated set of clear, practical measures to protect the verge areas while enhancing the overall streetscape.
The proposals include:
- timber bollards to protect smaller grass verges
- timber knee-rail fencing to protect larger verge areas
- cycle stands near the pharmacy to provide convenient and secure cycle parking for visitors.
The improvements have been designed to:
- prevent verge areas from further damage and preserve their long-term condition
- enhance the appearance of the street, creating a tidy and well-maintained environment for residents to enjoy
- provide a consistent and coordinated approach along the route by replacing existing objects that have been installed on the verges over the years
- improve the environment for pedestrians by reducing informal obstructions and helping to create a safer, more welcoming streetscape.
We'll continue to maintain the verges as we do now. These improvements will help protect the grass so that it stays greener, tidier and easier to maintain throughout the year.
What the improvements will achieve
Introducing bollards and knee-rails will change how some parts of the verge look, particularly where the space is currently open. Over time, these improvements will:
- enable grass to recover and remain greener throughout the year
- reduce mud, rutting and informal obstructions, resulting in a cleaner street environment
- create a more attractive and consistent streetscape
- help protect the character of the grass verges and mature trees that contribute to the appearance of City Way.
View the proposals
Download the:
- City Way verges - general arrangement consultation plan map (sheet 1 of 2)
- City Way verges - general arrangement consultation plan map (sheet 2 of 2)
- City Way verges - street furniture details document.
Have your say
You could let us know your views by taking part in our online survey, which ran from Monday 20 July until 11.59pm on Monday 31 August.
This consultation has now closed.
What happens next
We're reviewing all comments and will use the feedback to help inform the next stage of the project and any future decisions on the scheme.