Planning – Application Comments

Consultation Date: Fri 24 Oct 2025

Consultation Date: Tue 19 Aug 2025

Consultation Date: Tue 19 Aug 2025

Consultation Date: Tue 19 Aug 2025

Consultation Date: Tue 19 Aug 2025

Consultation Date: Tue 19 Aug 2025

Consultation Date: Tue 19 Aug 2025

Consultation Date: Tue 19 Aug 2025

Consultation Date: Tue 19 Aug 2025

Comment Date: Thu 02 Oct 2025

The Local Highway Authority (LHA) has considered the new information supplied following our last set of comments. The LHA previously raised an issue relating to the physical width of the proposed new vehicular, pedestrian and cycle access proposed to and from Fletemoor Road where by it was not physically wide enough to comply with the proposed tracking assessment. A new wider access has been proposed in the new information which the LHA has assessed and found that the access width matches the vehicle tracking assessment.

The new access from Fletemoor Road is proposed to be two-way with vehicles, cycles and people coming both in and out of the new proposed parking area proposed to service the new set of retail units. This new access would involving re-using an old access which is suggested in the application documents as being an old exit point for the garage previously.

The LHA has yet to receive the previously requested tracking assessment to allow a safety design check of the access for all full movements to and from the public highway. This is required because whilst it would re-use of an old exit, the new proposed use would be different in nature and the LHA would wish to check vehicle paths both in and out of the site and that the proposal will not conflict with the current layout of street detail which served the old exit.

In terms of the safety of all road users at the new access no analysis of visibility has been provided in line with standing guidance as previously requested. The LHA consider that it will be important to provide safe visibility between all users regarding the proposed new car park access and analysis of visibility is therefore required by way of provision of site lines and visibility splays following standard procedure.

The LHA appreciates the suggestion regarding the use of mirrors however such equipment is not type approved for use in relation to the public highway in the UK. It is noted that mirrors are sometimes used however the LHA would prefer to have a safe layout without the need to use private mirrors.

The LHA notes that deliveries are now proposed to use the forecourt subject to further agreement regarding the timing of movements and potential adjustment to the parameters of the application site which would potentially be acceptable.

The LHA would wish to re-emphasise concerns identified by our Road Safety Engineer regarding the concerning accident record at the roundabout junction which directly boarders this proposed retail site and would wish to highlight the number of accidents involving pedestrians in very close proximity to this proposed retail site.

In ten years, there have been 9 serious accidents and 20 slight injury accidents at the roundabout that borders this site. A controlled crossing on the eastern side (between this site and LIDL) and potentially on Fletemoor Rd has been identified as a way to slow and control access around the circulatory. Vehicular access to this site will increase trips and potentially introduce U turn manoeuvres at the roundabout.

The collisions are mainly on the circulatory with Cyclists and Motorcyclists most at risk. There is a current Pedestrian Desire Line across the northwestern side of the roundabout, which is not catered for, leading to pedestrians walking across and around the traffic islands and barriers at this location. This is a significant movement resulting in real potential for serious collisions. A formal crossing on the SE side of the roundabout would therefore contribute to road safety by providing at least one controlled crossing point and link this application site to the retailer opposite.

The LHA is of the view that provision of the proposed retail units will lead to an increase in linked movements by people between existing retail uses in the area, therefore the applicant should account for this and fairly contribute to the proposed local safety zebra crossing scheme at the junction which borders the application site which is currently facing a funding deficit.

The LHA are therefore still unable to support the application.