TR2 Traffic Generation
Object
Publication Draft
Representation ID: 64687
Received: 10/06/2014
Respondent: Mr Leigh Carter
Legally compliant? No
Sound? No
Duty to co-operate? No
Increase in traffic along B4087 is 75% (not including Gaydon/Lighthorne development) which is way too much.
There is also a documented speeding problem through the village on the B4087.
Following a freedom of information request to WDC I obtained the 2012 peak time traffic flows at various locations around Warwick & Leamington. By comparing these to the projections contained in the WDC Strategic Transport Assessment I was able to reveal the true predicted increases in traffic which will result from the revised development strategy / local plan. For instance the increase along the B4087 Oakley Wood Road through Bishops Tachbrook at peak times is a staggering 75% or 1,000 cars per hour. Our community speedwatch team have collected data that shows 42% of speeding motorists through the village are travelling at over 40mph in a 30mph limit. For those of us that are raising families along Oakley Wood Road this represents a massive deterioration in our environment from pollution, congestion & safety. The reason that so many cars will be coming through our village is because so much housing has been disproportionately shifted into the south of Whitnash. And this does not even include the 3,000 houses at Lighthorne/Gaydon who will surely use this route into Leamington.
Object
Publication Draft
Representation ID: 64949
Received: 18/06/2014
Respondent: Mr Leigh Carter
Legally compliant? No
Sound? No
Duty to co-operate? No
Stratford District Council are building 3,000+ homes at Gaydon/Lighthorne.
The traffic generated by this development must be incorporated into the STA for the Warwick local plan as many extra cars will come to Leamington/Warwick as a result.
Stratford District Council are building 3,000+ homes at Gaydon/Lighthorne.
The traffic generated by this development must be incorporated into the STA for the Warwick local plan as many extra cars will come to Leamington/Warwick as a result.
Object
Publication Draft
Representation ID: 65050
Received: 21/06/2014
Respondent: Emscote Gardens Residents Association
Legally compliant? No
Sound? No
Duty to co-operate? No
New developments bolted onto Warwick inevitably use the Warwick infrastructure and it cannot take it. Consultants are able to show that the transport assessments which form an important part of the evidence base for the plan are seriously flawed. There are major issues in respect of accommodating traffic through Warwick generated from new estates south of the river.
Any further increase will create further dis function, increased fuel consumption, pollution, incidents of road traffic collision, accident and injury, whilst diminishing community health, safety, wellbeing and work/home living efficiency.
Consultants are able to show that the transport assessments which form an important part of the evidence base for the plan are seriously flawed. There are major issues in respect of accommodating traffic through Warwick generated from new estates south of the river.
The road infrastructure in this town is already at full load now, we have lived off the Emscote Road and seen the increase (since 1993).
I had the most stressful journey (a.m 21/06/14) trying to navigate my way out of Warwick. This weight of traffic made me late! a journey that normally takes 10mins, took me best part of an hour!!! it was imperative that I was not late, it had a knock on effect and a lot of voluntary community work was put aside to pay for this time wasting. I have never experienced such high volumes of traffic leading out of our estate, travelling in both directions between Warwick and Leamington Spa.
This situation is not a one off, it is intensifying by the week and has been for some time now. The junction/traffic lights, controlling the traffic in and out of our estate is a complete nightmare and drivers heading from Warwick to Leamington constantly block the junction by travelling through an amber/red light causing traffic turning right out off the estate not to be able to proceed through the junction. This exacerbates the traffic flow, creating frustration and vexation, causing other drivers to pull out and block the road completely. This area should be cross hatched to avoid the situation worsening, which it will due to the increasing amount of traffic, which is as a result of building thousands of more houses in the area.
Warwick is now a bottle neck town and people still use 'Coten End-Emscote road-Warwick new road' as a main run from Warwick to Leamington Spa, very soon I can see this being like trying to navigate through a very busy London suburb. Warwick can not cope with this weight of traffic. When ever I drive out of our estate, bang!, I hit traffic and this is at varying times of day, different days of the week. You can now not assume you can drive to your chosen destination within a set time, it's a complete nightmare. We have lived in Warwick since 1993 and do not feel that there has been significant intervention to date, that is dealing with the ever increasing traffic through our town. Since 1993 there have been 8 addional traffic light sets/pedestrian lights put in place alone, between St.Johns and the Guide dogs, this has compounded the situation greatly. If this matter is not given due consideration and a proactive resolution put in place, we will become totally grid locked.
I Look forward to your thoughts on this matter and hope that something can be done regarding the junction in and out of Emscote Gardens estate.
Object
Publication Draft
Representation ID: 65372
Received: 26/06/2014
Respondent: Councillor John Holland
Legally compliant? No
Sound? No
Duty to co-operate? No
The location of development sites seems contrary to the principles set out in the Local Plan. In particular distances will be too far to walk. Roads will be too dangerous for cyclists. Population densities too low for viable public transport.
Air quality in Warwick Town Centre is already outside safe limits and it will be worse if this plan were to be approved..
The location of development sites seems contrary to the principles set out in the Local Plan. In particular distances will be too far to walk. Roads will be too dangerous for cyclists. Population densities too low for viable public transport.
Air quality in Warwick Town Centre is already outside safe limits and it will be worse if this plan were to be approved..
Object
Publication Draft
Representation ID: 65385
Received: 26/06/2014
Respondent: Mr Leigh Carter
Legally compliant? No
Sound? No
Duty to co-operate? No
* DLP generates significant traffic movements through Bishops Tachbrook most acutely along the B4087 Oakley Wood Road.
* Predicted increase in traffic along B4087 Oakley Wood Road is 75%, the highest in the district (& not including SDC Gaydon/Lighthorne development).
* There is a well-documented speeding problem through the village on the B4087 Oakley Wood Road & Mallory Road. Pedestrians wishing to cross Oakley Wood Road are already at huge risk.
* The DLP contains no measures to mitigate the negative impacts of congestion, pollution & safety of the increase in traffic on the people of Bishops Tachbrook.
*The DLP generates significant traffic movements through Bishops Tachbrook most acutely along the B4087 Oakley Wood Road.
*The predicted increase in peak time traffic along B4087 Oakley Wood Road is 75% (obtained via freedom of information request) which is the highest in the district (& not including SDC Gaydon/Lighthorne development which should be included under the duty to co-operate).
* There is a well-documented speeding problem through the village on the B4087 Oakley Wood Road & Mallory Road. Pedestrians wishing to cross Oakley Wood Road are at huge risk at peak times.
* The DLP contains no measures to mitigate the negative impacts of the huge increase in traffic movements on the people of Bishops Tachbrook, specifically:
1.Health & wellbeing with respect to congestion, road safety / speeding, air pollution, noise pollution & vibration, particularly on Oakley Wood Road.
2.Community cohesion - the increased isolation of the Savages Close area from the village due to the huge increase in traffic along Oakley Wood Road effectively cutting them off.
3.Degradation of the historic environment along the Oakley Wood Road conservation area and vibration damage to listed buildings.
Object
Publication Draft
Representation ID: 65393
Received: 26/06/2014
Respondent: Mr Nigel Hamilton
Legally compliant? No
Sound? No
Duty to co-operate? No
Canyon effects and localised pockets of poor air quality must be addressed by good design and sufficient distance separation between building to reduce air pollution and improve air quality. This should be seen as an amenity issue for neighbours. If the development is along routes limey to have large numbers of vulnerable persons such as young children or the elderly , special care should be taken to ensure air quality guidelines are not breached.
Offset schemes are not acceptable if air quality is made dangerous in other areas, and is unlikely to meet EU legislation.
Air pollution: where levels of safe air pollution are already exceeded, no new development should be permitted which will add to air pollution. Canyon effects and localised pockets of poor air quality must be addressed by good design and sufficient distance separation between building to reduce air pollution and improve air quality. This should be seen as an amenity issue for neighbours. If the development is along routes likly to have large numbers of vulnerable persons such as young children or the elderly , special care should be taken to ensure air quality guidelines are not breached.
Offset schemes are not acceptable if air quality is made dangerous in other areas, and is unlikely to meet EU legislation.
Object
Publication Draft
Representation ID: 65396
Received: 26/06/2014
Respondent: Mr Leigh Carter
Legally compliant? No
Sound? No
Duty to co-operate? No
*The predicted increase in peak time traffic along B4087 Oakley Wood Road is 75% which is the highest in the district (and not including SDC Gaydon/Lighthorne development which should be included).
*There is a well-documented speeding problem through the village on the B4087 and Mallory Road.
*None of the 27 measures contained in DLP STA 4 will directly mitigate the negative impacts of the huge increase in traffic movements on the people of Bishops Tachbrook with respect to congestion, road safety / speeding, air pollution, noise pollution and vibration, particularly along Oakley Wood Road.
*The DLP generates significant traffic movements through Bishops Tachbrook most acutely along the B4087 Oakley Wood Road.
*The predicted increase in peak time traffic along B4087 Oakley Wood Road is 75% which is the highest in the district (and not including SDC Gaydon/Lighthorne development which should be included under the duty to co-operate).
*There is a well-documented speeding problem through the village on the B4087 Oakley Wood Road and Mallory Road. Pedestrians wishing to cross Oakley Wood Road are at huge risk at peak times.
*None of the 27 measures contained in DLP STA 4 will directly mitigate the negative impacts of the huge increase in traffic movements on the people of Bishops Tachbrook, specifically:
1.Health and wellbeing with respect to congestion, road safety / speeding, air pollution, noise pollution and vibration, particularly along Oakley Wood Road.
2.Community cohesion - the increased isolation of the Savages Close area from the village due to the huge increase in traffic along Oakley Wood Road effectively cutting them off.
3.Degradation of the historic environment along the Oakley Wood Road conservation area and vibration damage to listed buildings.
Object
Publication Draft
Representation ID: 65518
Received: 27/06/2014
Respondent: Mr Andrew Day
Legally compliant? No
Sound? No
Duty to co-operate? No
There has been no consideration given to the traffic that will be generated by Stratford District Council Core Strategy to build 3,000 home at Gaydon Lighthorne Heath. There is a duty to co-operate.
There has been no consideration given to the traffic that will be generated by Stratford District Council Core Strategy to build 3,000 home at Gaydon Lighthorne Heath. There is a duty to co-operate.
Support
Publication Draft
Representation ID: 65543
Received: 27/06/2014
Respondent: Keith Wellsted
Strongly support although I doubt you'll enforce this because most of applications for housing will fall on this measure!
Strongly support although I doubt you'll enforce this because most of applications for housing will fall on this measure!
Object
Publication Draft
Representation ID: 65579
Received: 30/05/2014
Respondent: Mrs Katherine Booty
Legally compliant? No
Sound? No
Duty to co-operate? Yes
Despite various reports that highlight the detrimental effects of poor air quality on health, the Council (as at May 2014) have still not undertaken a health impact assessment of the Local Plan. The level of growth proposed by the plan raises concerns regarding the amount of additional traffic that will be in the District and the potential harmful effects it will have on health (particularly in Warwick). Bland re-assurances regarding mitigation proposals are not enough as the impacts of traffic on air quality are uncertain- localised impacts will cause health problems - of that there is no doubt. As set out the current plan is unsound.
Object
Publication Draft
Representation ID: 65652
Received: 24/06/2014
Respondent: Highways England
Legally compliant? Yes
Sound? No
Duty to co-operate? Yes
Draft Policy TR2 requires all large scale development proposals with significant traffic generation to be supported by a Transport Assessment and a Travel Plan where necessary. At Para 5.49 the supporting text to Policy TR2 states that a Travel Plan will be required for all non-residential developments. This approach does not accord with Government policy set out in the NPPF and Circular 02/2013, which also require the submission of a Travel Plan to support residential developments where there is expected to be a material traffic impact on the SRN
The Highways Agency welcomes the opportunity to comment on the Publication Draft Local Plan and broadly supports the overall spatial strategy, which focuses future development on the most sustainable and accessible locations.
The Highways Agency broadly supports the strategic transport objectives set out at Para 5.31 of the Publication Draft Local Plan, particularly the need to carry out improvements to major congestion hotspots and to fostering a more sustainable transport pattern.
The Highways Agency has worked with Warwickshire County Council to assess the transport implications for the wider Warwick and Leamington Area and for the M40 Corridor resulting from the growth proposals set out in the emerging Local Plan. This work has identified a number of transport interventions and priorities that would be required to accommodate the Local Plan proposals including improvements to the SRN at A46 Thickthorn and Stanks Roundabouts. Whilst the Grey's Mallory Roundabout is not on the SRN, the proposed improvement will assist traffic flow to and from the M40 J14.
These schemes have been identified in the draft Infrastructure Delivery Plan including indicative costs and this is welcomed by the Highways Agency. It is also clear from Policy TR3 that contributions will be sought from all development that will lead to an increase in traffic on the road network in accordance with the Infrastructure Delivery Plan.
Draft Policy TR2 requires all large scale development proposals with significant traffic generation to be supported by a Transport Assessment and a Travel Plan where necessary. At Para 5.49 the supporting text to Policy TR2 states that a Travel Plan will be required for all non-residential developments. This approach does not accord with Government policy set out in the NPPF and Circular 02/2013, which also require the submission of a Travel Plan to support residential developments where there is expected to be a material traffic impact on the SRN.
The Highways Agency therefore considers that Policy TR2 should clearly state that Travel Plans will be required for both residential and non-residential development which will result in significant traffic movements on the SRN.
Draft Policy TR3 states that contributions towards transport improvements will be sought from all development that will lead to an increase in traffic on the road network in accordance with the Infrastructure Delivery Plan (IDP). The draft IDP (April 2014) identifies a number of highway infrastructure schemes relating to the SRN including the A46 Thickthorn Roundabout, Kenilworth; A46/A425/A4177 Birmingham Road 'Stanks Island' and Grey's Mallory Roundabout. The Highways Agency agrees with the priorities and phasing identified in the Draft IDP for these improvements, though we note that the funding source has yet to be confirmed.
However, in respect of the proposal for the introduction of "Smart Motorways" on the M40 between J14 and J15, there is less certainty that this will be required within the Plan period or any guarantee that the Highways Agency will be in a position to fund it.
At the time Warwickshire County Council was preparing the STA(4) to inform the Local Plan the Highways Agency specifically requested the County Council to remove the term "Smart Motorway" on the M40 from the document and replace it with a more generalised term of "Traffic Management", which could include a range of initiatives to manage traffic in a safe and efficient manner.
Whilst STA(4) no longer refers to "Smart Motorways" the IDP still does. Therefore the Highways Agency requests that the term "Smart Motorway" in respect to the M40 in the Draft IDP, which forms Appendix 4 to the Draft Local Plan, be replaced with the term "Traffic Management".
The Highways Agency is looking forward to working with the District Council and Warwickshire County Council to facilitate development in Warwick District supported by the timely delivery of required infrastructure improvements.
Object
Publication Draft
Representation ID: 65683
Received: 30/06/2014
Respondent: Matt Western
Legally compliant? No
Sound? No
Duty to co-operate? No
The Plan is not justified, as the over-development of the greenfield sites on the edge of south Leamington and Warwick will result in air pollution which the Strategic Transport Assessments cannot mitigate. This will affect both the health of residents and the structure of our multiple historic buildings, which are so important to our sense of place and culture.
The proposed traffic mitigation still results in increased traffic and increased pollution as laid out in the report from Arup. Leamington High Street and Warwick town centre already suffer from pollution levels above European and WHO guidelines on safety.
See attached
Object
Publication Draft
Representation ID: 66072
Received: 27/06/2014
Respondent: Historic England
Legally compliant? Yes
Sound? No
Duty to co-operate? Yes
The policy fails to address the appropriate response arising from development that results in increased traffic generation potentially harming the significance of the Districts historic environment.
Whilst a commitment to undertake such an assessment is welcomed it needs to take place at this stage, rather than when a planning application is submitted to inform the principle of the strategic allocations to the south of Warwick.
See attachment.
Support
Publication Draft
Representation ID: 66297
Received: 26/06/2014
Respondent: Mr H E Johnson
Agent: Bond Dickinson
We support these transport policies, provided that they are flexibly used in the determination of planning applications.
see attached
Object
Publication Draft
Representation ID: 66333
Received: 23/06/2014
Respondent: Mr Dennis Michael Crips
Legally compliant? No
Sound? No
Duty to co-operate? No
Previous local plans right through to the LPT (2011) seek to reduce traffic flows in Warwick. However these proposals seek to increase traffic flow. This will impact on air quality and the historic environment (especially Avon Bridge). This is contrary to local and national policy.
The SA acknowledges air quality as a problem but expects the problem to have disappeared by 2029. This does not deal with the urgent problems faced now. The plan is not therefore sustainable.
Policy TR2 is inadequate due to the failings of the STAs. The STAs are based on a standard modelling tool and refer to peak times only. The do not assess impacts for the majority of the time. Taken together with false mitigation, this has led to erroneous conclusions. the needs of pedestrians have not be taken in to account. The STAs assume mitigation is about reduced journey times at peak hours only when the measures will be 24/7. This will means traffic is stopped even when it doesn't need to be, causing unnecessary delay and pollution.
There are also errors of fact such as with tables 32-35 of the STA phase 3. This undermines confidence in the documents submitted as evidence and validity of the data.
see attached
Object
Publication Draft
Representation ID: 66368
Received: 30/06/2014
Respondent: Mr john fletcher
Legally compliant? Not specified
Sound? No
Duty to co-operate? Not specified
Startford DC proposal would entail wholesale car dependency and travel to or through Warwick DC area for employment.
Gateway woluld entail employees living south of Warwick travelling through both towns to their employment
see attached
Object
Publication Draft
Representation ID: 66406
Received: 30/06/2014
Respondent: The Warwick Society
Legally compliant? Not specified
Sound? No
Duty to co-operate? Not specified
The allocation of greenfield sites otuh of Warwick make it impossible to meet to meet transport needs sustainably as required by the NPPF.
The relatively low densities proposed mean more space devoted to roadways and parking. the location will will create journeys as few destinations will be within walking distance. The road network is unattractive for cycling and buses cannot provide the quality of service to compete with the car.
Sustainable transport poliucy is paid lip service (paras 5.28 to 5.59) as evidenced by expenditure splits in the IDP.
The effects of the proposed mitigation on on traffic flows is questionable and raises doubts about the quality of the modelling. They do however show increased jourvey times, worse congestion and worse air quality. There are inconsistencies between the IDP and the STA. The STA also appears to indicate that any Plan which depends on increasing the flow of vehicles through Warwick Town Centre is undeliverable.
The Plan takes no account of previously well-founded objections.
see attached
Object
Publication Draft
Representation ID: 66436
Received: 27/06/2014
Respondent: Ms Myra Styles
Legally compliant? No
Sound? No
Duty to co-operate? Not specified
Transport policy fails to fully assess impact of increased traffic/congestion on Birmingham Road
see attached
Object
Publication Draft
Representation ID: 66444
Received: 25/06/2014
Respondent: Mr Robert Cochrane
Legally compliant? No
Sound? No
Duty to co-operate? Not specified
Transport policy fails to fully assess impact of increased traffic/congestion on Birmingham Road
Object
Publication Draft
Representation ID: 66500
Received: 27/06/2014
Respondent: Whitnash Town Council
Legally compliant? No
Sound? No
Duty to co-operate? No
Impacts of air quality on health not assessed satisfactorily. Greater car use and worse congestion mitigated but not eliminated by transport strategy and would worsen air quality.
Transport Strategy is ineffective and unsustainable. Proposed largescale
use of Greenfield sites will make occupants of new housing car-dependent. The transport strategy is incomplete and inconclusive. It will undoubtedly result in more congestion in and around developments.
Object
Publication Draft
Representation ID: 66504
Received: 25/06/2014
Respondent: Mr Ian Lovecy
Legally compliant? Not specified
Sound? No
Duty to co-operate? Not specified
appears to be an implication - again an indication of naivety - that housing south of the river will be occupied by people working in the same area, and that the new industrial estates will largely employ only people from those areas. Human nature suggests otherwise. Yet despite the brave words in TR2 about not generating further congestion it seems unlikely that the congestion on the Myton and Banbury Roads, funnelling as they do into a single-lane river crossing, can be anything but worsened.
See attached
Object
Publication Draft
Representation ID: 66672
Received: 27/06/2014
Respondent: Warwickshire County Council [Archaeological Information and Advice]
Legally compliant? Yes
Sound? No
Duty to co-operate? Yes
The Health Impact Assessment undertaken by Public Health Warwickshire considers the Plan to be positive for contributing towards improving and protecting the health and wellbeing of people in the District. The Plan should take all reasonable measures to reduce traffic and meet (and wherever possible exceed) the UK guidance on air quality standards. Air quality management should be undertaken with reference to statutory health standards throughout the plan period and be responsive to any changes to the legislative requirements.
See attached Representations.
Object
Publication Draft
Representation ID: 66738
Received: 26/06/2014
Respondent: Warwick County Councillors (J. Holland; A. Warner & J. St John)
Number of people: 3
Agent: Jenny St. John
Legally compliant? No
Sound? No
Duty to co-operate? No
The over-development of the greenfield sites on the edge of south Warwick will result in air pollution which the Strategic Transport Assessments cannot mitigate. This will affect both the health of residents and the structure of our multiple historic buildings, which are so important to our sense of place and culture. Warwick already suffers from pollution levels above European guidelines on safety. The plan is not consistent with national policy on conserving and enhancing the natural environment. The latest ONS figures predict 29% fewer residents through the life of the plan therefore there should be a reduction in the number of homes required in the District, removal of a substantial number of development sites south of Warwick to prevent increased air pollution and comply with the NPPF.
see attached
Support
Publication Draft
Representation ID: 66804
Received: 26/06/2014
Respondent: Gallagher Estates
Agent: Pegasus Group
Policy TR2 is concerned to ensure that the implications of large scale development, in respect of traffic movements and impact, is assessed. This is an approach which is consistent with the NPPF, particularly paragraph 32. In this regard the Background Documents provided for both the site at Lower Heathcote Farm and South of Gallows Hill (provided separately) demonstrate that both of the sites can be accommodated on the highway network without unacceptable adverse impact and that suitable accesses can be achieved. Indeed, a full Transport Assessment (TA) has been submitted for each of these sites in association with the planning applications currently before the Local Planning Authority. The TA demonstrates that, with mitigation as appropriate, the developments (either in isolation or combination) should not be prevented from coming forward and are commensurate with the provisions of NPPF, paragraph 32.
see attached.