Sandleford - an update.

Hi, 

It has all gone quiet regarding the Sandleford planning applications but I will let you know as soon as I hear anything.  Previously, it was suggested that a decision regarding at least one of the planning applications would be made at the end of January but I do not think this has happened.  I have received my Stage 2 complaint reply (regarding the public footpath at Warren Road and the processes/decisions followed/made by West Berkshire Council) and I intend to refer this to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman as I am unhappy with their reply.

My lastest objection point shows how important it is that we carry on with this campaign:

Sandleford Park West – Environmental Statement, Vol 1, Chapter 6, Transport and Access, Table 6.1 shows a 2031 Annual Average Daily Traffic assessment, including Donnington New Homes and does not seem to include the Bloor homes proportion of the proposed Sandleford Development.  This makes the figures even more shocking as with only a proportion of the proposed Sandleford housing, the annual average daily traffic on the Andover Road is shown as 18811 cars.  When this is compared with the local freight route and dual carriageway of the A339 (12733 cars, North of Roundabout), it can be seen that:

The Andover Road which is classed as a local “A” road, passing through the hub of Wash Common, involving many vulnerable pedestrians, is predicted to have to accommodate 6078 MORE cars per day than the dual carriageway A339. 

Throughout the Sandleford Planning discussions and documents, I have often seen reference to concerns regarding the Burger King roundabout where pollution levels are referred to as being “unacceptably high” (an example being the letter from Newbury Society).  Although not meaning to trivialise concern for this area, we have a situation that in 2031, Andover Road will have 6078 more cars using the road daily than this section of the A339.  It is so important to protect the point where there is sensitivity around the schools and community buildings, where the Sandleford development will result in significant adverse impact if the applications are approved in their current form. 

I have been assured that West Berkshire Council considers pollution and road safety around schools a priority.  Having just been refused a reduction of speed limit to 20mph (without traffic calming) when the average speed met Government guidelines and had the support of both schools, I am concerned that the need to meet housing quotas will override road safety and health concerns.

With Sandleford being considered as 2 planning applications, the above highlights the need for one application which details a true assessment of daily traffic for accurate modelling.  Without this information the planning applications should not be approved.

Best regards,

Julie