To consider a report of the Director of Economy, Transport and Environment regarding an application for construction of a bypass for Botley, providing a connection from Station Hill (A334/A3051 junction) to Woodhouse Lane together with associated improvements/enabling works to Woodhouse Lane.
Minutes:
Committee considered a report from the Head of Strategic Planning regarding an application for the construction of Botley Bypass.
Committee were shown a location plan where the proposed bypass would be going, along with elevations and plans for road improvements along Woodhouse Lane. Detailed diagrams showed new junctions and road changes, along with uncontrolled pedestrian crossings.
Consultations and representations were summarised and issues included flood risks, displaced traffic, noise and lack of signalled crossings.
The Committee received five deputations on this item. Gail Johnson from the British Horse Society stated that they were supportive of the scheme, but wished for safer equestrian access, including that of controlled crossings. There were concerns regarding the amount of traffic and the speed of vehicles, making crossing the road potentially dangerous if there were no controlled crossings. Access to cycle ways and verges was considered important for being able to reach quieter roads and public rights of way.
Councillor Eric Bodger from Curdridge Parish Council was strongly in favour of the scheme as the current route through Botley had seen many accidents, and the developments in Horton Heath were expected to make the traffic worse. Councillor Colin Mercer from Botley Parish Council stated that the majority of local residents were in strong favour of the scheme and it had been anticipated for a long time. The current pavements and the width of the road were felt dangerous for pedestrians, particularly with HGV lorries, of which there were approximately 500 movements per day.
Heather Walmsley, Holly Wood and Rob
Ward spoke on behalf of the applicant. The benefits of the bypass
were summarised and it was confirmed that controlled crossings had
not been taken into account as policy requirements had not been
met, but were not ruled out for the future if considered necessary.
There had been no objection from consultees on air quality grounds or effects to
ecological sites.
Finally, Hampshire County Councillor Rupert Kyrle addressed Committee in support of the
proposals. He was hopeful that the bypass and reduction in
through-traffic would improve access to the Botley centre and allow people to enjoy the
historic village and what it had to offer.
During questions of the
deputations, the following points were clarified:
During questions of the
officer, the following points were clarified:
In debate, Members agreed that it was a well designed application. Some of the Committee was in agreement that controlled crossings were not needed at this stage and it was important to not set a precedent of pre-empting demand..
RESOLVED:
Planning permission was GRANTED subject to the conditions listed in
integral appendix B, additional conditions contained within the
Update Report, the amendment to Condition 2 and any additional
conditions or amendments as necessary following receipt of final
consultation responses.
Voting:
Favour: 13 (unanimous)
Supporting documents: