Call for new HGV survey on A435 and beyond at next Gateway meeting - The Redditch Standard

Call for new HGV survey on A435 and beyond at next Gateway meeting

Redditch Editorial 5th Jul, 2019   0

CALLS for a new HGV traffic survey on the A435 and beyond are to be made at the next meeting of the Redditch Eastern Gateway Steering Group.

Campaigners say the original one was based on anticipated traffic from multiple smaller units but amended plans from developer Stofords now envisage one single unit with docking bays for 121 heavy goods vehicles, parking for 127 more and 475 car parking spaces.

This has led to the development being branded as the ‘worst case scenario’ fueling fears of traffic clogging local roads and increased pollution.

“The traffic survey was done for the original application which was for a mixed use of units,” said Steering Group member and Studley Parish Councillor Paul Beaman.




“Now we have one single large warehouse and we will be arguing that the traffic survey that was done needs looking at again and a new routing strategy proposed on the new information.

“The consensus is we are not comfortable with the routing strategy because it is based on incorrect information.


“Neither does it take into account the effect it will have on neighbouring villages like Sambourne, Astwood Bank, Coughton and Kings Coughton.”

Mappleborough Green Councillor Maureen Berry, also sits on the Steering Group.

She said: “They have gone from 45 parking and docking bays for HGVs on the original plan to 248 on the amended plan and I cannot see logically how that can’t mean more traffic on the road.

“Planners say it doesn’t warrant a new survey because the overall square footage of the buildings has not changed, but that’s just ridiculous.

“There’s outline planning permission and then amendment after amendment until developers get what they want.”

The current routing strategy would send the bulk of HGVs using the site going north on the A435 to junction 3 of the M42 with just a small proportion heading west through Redditch to the A4023 / A441 or south on the A448 to Crabbs Cross island and down to Spernall.

An ANPR numberplate recognition camera system would be used to stop HGV drivers going south on the A435 through Mappleborough Green and Studley, however campaigners doubt how effective that will be.

The Eastern Gateway Steering Group is an advisory body to Stratford planners made of up of local representatives including councillors and Winyates Green residents, and next meets on Tuesday, July 9.

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