Didcot Valley Park Junction – Call For Action

Thanks to those who have responded to the Valley Park planning application already. Please, if you can, send a response before the end of the day on Wednesday 6th April. The more objections there are the more likely the District Council will get changes to the design made.

 

The developers of Valley Park, in-between Didcot and Harwell village, has submitted another set of revised plans for consultation.

They are still proposing a five arm roundabout for the B4493 Wantage Road from Didcot to Harwell. Roundabouts are, as we know, the worst type of junction for cyclists and a five arm roundabout on a main cycle route is a real problem. The plans can seen here: Valley Park Five Arm Roundabout

According to the travel and access document (page 31) the following has happened in the amended plans: ‘ Reconfiguration of the 5-arm roundabout junction on the B4493, including alternative footpath and cycle paths, to respond to issues raised by Oxfordshire County Council on the quality of footpath and cycleway provision’. What cycle paths? The design clearly has no useful cycle links, especially in the Didcot to Harwell direction, which is the main cycle route. The County Council want to designate this as a Premium Cycle Route but with this design it is hard to see how they will be able to justify this.

HarBUG has contacted the County Council and they are concerned about it but they are an advisory body. The District Council is the planning authority and the problem.

Please could you have a look at plans and respond to the planning application, as an objection, before 6th April (next Wednesday). We need to get as many objections in as possible to try an influence the planning committee. They most likely won’t reject the plans on just poor junction design but they can insist that the design is changed or reviewed. Your response does not have to go into great detail but you should make it clear that you are not happy with the five arm roundabout design as it stands (unless you think it is OK). Please also make sure you select ‘objector’ as they are obliged to read objections but can ignore all other responses.

You can respond to the planning application here: Vale of White Horse P14/V2873/O

HarBUG has already responded, you can read our views here: HarBUG Valley Park 2016

If you do respond, please send a copy to chair@harbug.org.uk