Planning – Application Comments

Consultation Date: Wed 06 Nov 2024

Consultation Date: Tue 03 Dec 2024

Comment Date: Tue 03 Dec 2024

Plymouth City Council
Strategic Planning & Infrastructure

Transport Planning Team
Ext: 01752 307813
Date: 28th November 2024
Marie Stainwright
Development Management
Strategic Planning & Infrastructure
Floor 2
Ballard House

Dear Marie

Highway Authority Consultation Response to a Planning Application


APPLICATION NO: 24/01362/MOR

SITE: DERRIFORD HOSPITAL, DERRIFORD ROAD, PLYMOUTH

DEVELOPMENT: Pre-application for an amended bus interchange and taxi rank drop-off reconfiguration


Observations:

There are a number of areas of concern from a highway viewpoint in respect of this pre-application enquiry relating to the construction of the new A&E Department which are as follows:

Removal of Bus Stop
The proposed realignment of the existing loop road which runs along the frontage of the hospital (which in-turn serves the Derriford Hospital PT Interchange) will necessitate the potential removal of the eastern-most bus stop layby located on the northern side of the interchange.

In view of the loss of PT capacity that would result from the loss of this stop (which I would add is used by less-frequent services and thereby takes pressure off the 3 remaining stops located immediately to the west), its temporary removal would not be supported by the LHA. Further discussion with PT operators has confirmed that there would be agreement to the temporary removal of the layby itself for the duration of the A&E construction works subject to a kerbside bus stop being retained. This would necessitate buses stopping on the bus lane itself to either drop-off or collect passengers.
It is noted that such an arrangement would necessitate buses leaving the interchange having to drive onto the opposing bus lane (and potentially into the path of on-coming buses) in order to manoeuvre around those buses which are stopped at the kerbside stop. Further details are required to show how this arrangement could be managed safely and that adequate inter-visibility exists in order to allow this movement to take place.

Finally, it should be acknowledged by the applicant that the existing layby would be reinstated in-full (and the carriageway realigned to existing) once the works to construct the A&E Department have been completed.

Pedestrian Route
The proposed changes outlined result in the temporary removal of the pedestrian route approaching the hospital campus from the east on Derriford Road. This is a well-used route as it links the hospital campus with the adjoining Tamar Science Park as well as destinations to the north via the Marjons Link Road which includes Marjons and the George Park and Ride site (via Runway Road). The re-provision of an alternative route (possibly through Car Park A) is absolutely essential from a pedestrian accessibility viewpoint.

It is noted on the drawings that reference is made to pedestrians being re-routed to an alternative hospital access but no details have been provided in relation to such or what this alternative route is? Diverting pedestrians all the way to the western entrance off Derriford Road would not be acceptable as an alternative.

Drop-Off/Taxi Provision
The LHA remain unconvinced in relation to the relocation of the existing car drop-off provision from the front entrance of the hospital to a small area within the existing disabled car park. The alternative location for drop-off provision is much further away from the existing front entrance and necessitates pedestrians being collected having to negotiate a slight gradient (not ideal for those who might have mobility issues). The drop-off spaces are also shown to be 2.4m x 4.8m. In view of the nature of the use of such spaces collecting people who are likely to be less mobile, consideration should be given to providing spaces of a larger size.

Furthermore, access to these 4 spaces would result in vehicles having to enter the disabled car park which is already very well-used and where the entrance/exit can become blocked by motorists waiting for spaces to become available. Doubts remain as to how successful such an arrangement will be in terms of addressing drop-off provision for such a large hospital. I would suggest that an alternative location such as car park A be considered (which is closer to the main entrance) on the basis that a suitable pedestrian route could be provided which wouldn't involve steps etc.

In addition to the drop-off relocation, changes are proposed to the existing taxi rank along the frontage of the hospital. Such changes will need to be discussed and agreed with Taxi Licencing.
Servicing
With the removal of all traffic movements along the frontage of the hospital apart from buses, ambulances and taxi's, how will the existing M&S Simply Food unit located at the front entrance to the hospital be serviced in terms of loading/unloading? This needs to be clarified.

I hope these comments are helpful.

Regards



Scott Smy
Transport Development Coordinator

Officer authorised to sign on behalf of the Service
Director for Strategic Planning & Infrastructure

Comment Date: Wed 27 Nov 2024

LLFA consultation response 24.01362.MOR.pdf