Roxton S278 works 21/00014/MAO
I have now heard back from the Highways DC officer regarding the application we discussed before I went on holiday.
I attach his comments below. In short, the detail of the highway works are still to be agreed and the PC is able to make suggestions for us to consider.
In the development of an acceptable solution to accommodate the planning application for 50 houses off School Lane Roxton, Heritage and other Highways officers were consulted and the indicative design took account of their specialist advice and the PC consultation comments on the application. The scheme was therefore designed to achieve:
• Improved visibility at the cross-roads (especially to High Street south) to accord with national standards
• Maintain full HGV and bus movements (overrun areas)
• Slow speeds on approach to the cross-roads and on School Lane
• Village wide speed reduction; and
• Better parking management to improve safety and remove obstruction
The design is only indicative and the requirement for further detail is marked on the approved plans.
With regard the speed control features HDC are aware that speed tables / humps are not always locally supported.
As the cross-roads junction is known to have poor visibility, especially to High Street south, various options were discussed including the scheme approved, which proposes changes in priority, in conjunction with parking restrictions and kerb line buildouts to improve visibility and pedestrian / cycle / vehicle safety.
No raised table was proposed at the crossroads due to the very low footways surrounding it. However raised features were considered a potential solution to speed control on approach to the crossroads / village centre and School Lane access junctions subject to: profile below than the legal maximum height, longer ramps and long plateaus (e.g. 6m) to aid driver comfort along with appropriate materials, no associated road markings for ramps and incorporated uncontrolled crossing points (tactile paving only). The resultant scheme is based on that approach and the detailed design requirements can be developed to achieve it.
The application has now been approved at Outline subject to signing of the S106 and conditions and Reserved Matters applications will need to be discharged. There is therefore still an opportunity to review details of the design, subject to the same objectives being achieved, and for the PC to make further comment so this can be taken into account in that process.
Jon Shortland
Chief Officer – Planning, Infrastructure & Economic Growth
Bedford Borough Council (Rm 428)| Borough Hall | Cauldwell Street | Bedford | MK42 9AP
07468 472403
Jon.Shortland@Bedford.gov.uk
www.bedford.gov.uk