Business park plans prompt A46 dual carriageway concerns - The Stratford Observer

Business park plans prompt A46 dual carriageway concerns

Stratford Editorial 16th Sep, 2019   0

THE POSSIBILITY of making the A46 between Stratford and Alcester into a dual carriageway could be impacted by plans to create a new business park, fear council chiefs.

But developers IM Properties say the proposed site layout allows for the busy A46 to be widened in future if plans were put forward to create a dual carriageway.

Stratford District Council planning committee is recommended to approve the 25 hectare mixed use park when it considers the application on Wednesday (September 18).

Located off the A46, near the entrance to Wildmoor Spa, the site would include offices, research and development facilities, car showrooms, light and general industry, and storage facilities.




The application, which was previously refused due to lack of information about road safety, also includes a new roundabout to access the business park from the A46.

But it is the roundabout plans which have led to an objection from Stratford Town Council.


A spokesperson said: “The dualling of the A46 has gained huge momentum in the last 18 months with the phasing programme now published; phase 2 includes the stretch between Stratford and Alcester.

“This proposal would prejudice the dualling of this part of the A46.”

The town council also feels pedestrian and cycle access to the site from Stratford, a distance of around 2.5km, “seems to be an

afterthought” and “not properly considered”.

Stratford district councillor Mark Cargill, who represents the Alcester & Rural ward, also has concerns over the impact on the A46.

He said: “There are already significant delays leaving Stratford in the evenings and this can only make it worse.

“I also wish to object to the proposed junction modifications to the A46/Binton-Billesley crossroad.

“The proposal by the developer appears to be the cheapest solution for a very problematic junction. It is, in my mind, not fit for purpose as it only benefits the A46 users providing for vehicles turning off the A46. This will inevitably lead to

greater queuing on the roads from Binton and Billesley leading to more frustration and risk taking. This has the potential to result in more serious injuries.”

But a spokesperson for IM Properties told the Observer the future possible dualling of the A46 and road safety concerns had been addressed.

“Access to the new business park would be provided by a new roundabout off the A46 and our proposals, which comply with highways policy, have been agreed with both Highways England and Warwickshire County Council.

“The proposed site layout would allow the A46 to be widened in future if plans are put forward by the highway authorities to create a dual carriageway. Our proposed improvement scheme at the Binton-Billesley crossroads has been subject to an independent road safety audit.

“Pedestrian and cyclist access has also been carefully considered. We would ensure the business park is fully accessible by creating well-designed pedestrian and cycling infrastructure to and around the site.

“Our vision remains to deliver a high-quality, sustainable business park which will deliver long-lasting economic benefits for Stratford as well as safeguard and support a significant number of local jobs, and we are confident that these proposals can make a positive impact in the town.”

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