Issue - meetings

RESOLVED: That application 23/01552/OP be DEFERRED.

REASONS FOR DECISION:  

(1)   To explore potential modifications to the scheme to have further minimal impact to Swangleys Lane Gateway junction.

(2)   To request an amended Transport Assessment with up-to-date traffic surveys to have a true reflection of the current traffic flows as members felt an up to date surveys would assist them in making their decision.

Audio recording – 7 minutes 59 seconds

N.B. Cllr N.B. Cllr Ruth Brown declared an interest due to her role as Deputy Executive Member at Hertfordshire County Council. It was agreed by the Chair she would leave the chamber after the presentation.

The Senior Planning Officer presented an update and highlighted that two further neighbour objections had been received. These related to concerns regarding increased levels of traffic along Swangleys Lane and in Datchworth villages, increased journey times through the use of Watton Road and an increased pressure on local services, including the GP surgery.

The Senior Planning Officer then presented the report in respect of Application 23/01552/OP supported by a visual presentation consisting of plans and photographs.

N.B. Councillor Ruth Brown left the Chamber following the Officer presentation.

The following Members asked questions:

·       Councillor Daniel Allen

·       Councillor Nigel Mason

·       Councillor Tom Tyson

·       Councillor Jon Clayden

·       Councillor Martin Prescott

·       Councillor Louise Peace

In response to questions, the Senior Planning Officer advised that:

·       The Copenhagen crossing formed part of the highways scheme and could be debated part of this application.

·       It would still be possible to travel west to east on the site, however this would now require diverting to Watton Road, before rejoining Swangleys Lane at the new ‘T’ junction.

·       Residents on Swangleys Lane would be able to turn either way onto the lane from their properties.

·       The flood risk on London Road would be alleviated with the incorporation of sustainable drainage solutions where necessary and appropriate.

In response to questions, the Hertfordshire County Council Highways Officer advised that:

·       Copenhagen crossings were considered safe and visible in the right locations. They were already in place in parts of London, and Hertfordshire County Council now consider them suitable.

·       The details of the section 278 agreements would be at the next stage of development which would ensure the details of the design were safe.

·       There would be a full safety assessment conducted as part of the section 278 agreement, which would assess all risks associated with the implementation of the Copenhagen style crossing on this site.

·       The proposal to close Swangleys Lane was to ensure a sustainable transport corridor existed which would allow pedestrians to travel safely by minimising the existing risk.

·       The impact of traffic from this development would be minimal and many of the traffic issues related to an existing problem. It would therefore not be for the developers of this site to resolve existing issues.

In response to the questions, the Senior Transport Policy Officer advised that:

·       The Copenhagen crossing consisted of a continuous footway along the road at the same level of the road and was more accessible, especially for those who were differently abled and those with pushchairs.

·       The County Council was beginning to adopt the Copenhagen crossing style as standard County wide.

·       The site would be designed for 20mph, pedestrians already had prioritised right of way, and a change of crossing style would be subject to a road safety audit.

·       The design could change following a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 17