Developers offer new footpath
DEVELOPERS wanting to build homes alongside one of Felixstowe's busiest roads have offered to build a footpath as a safety measure for the residents.The offer looks set to be enough to persuade councillors to give the controversial scheme the go-ahead – and highways chiefs have withdrawn their objections.
By Richard Cornwell
DEVELOPERS wanting to build homes alongside one of Felixstowe's busiest roads have offered to build a footpath as a safety measure for the residents.
The offer looks set to be enough to persuade councillors to give the controversial scheme the go-ahead – and highways chiefs have withdrawn their objections.
Suffolk Coastal councillors had been stalling over planning permission for the homes on Garrison Lane because of fears over traffic danger.
Members of the development control sub committee visited the site to see the situation for themselves – but felt they could not allow the development without reassurances that action would be taken to prevent accidents.
The biggest worry is that the housing project features little parking for visitors to the new homes, delivery vehicles or tradesmen.
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It is feared that tradesmen such as milkmen and dustmen may park on Garrison Lane rather than inside the new close, or on the accessway, creating obstructions and hazards for drivers.
Councillors have warned that it has the potential for a disaster.
The sub committee meets again on Thursday and will be told that the county council highways department is now confident the problems can be overcome and has withdrawn its recommendation of refusal.
It is happy with the offer by the developers, Stormont Ltd, to provide a footpath from the entrance to the homes to the traffic lights, and says conditions should be imposed concerning access, turning and manoeuvring areas.
The risk to pedestrians, forced to walk on a grass verge beside a busy road, was one of councillors' prime concerns.
However, they also branded the 12 homes – to be built between Candlet Grove and Taunton Road – as unsightly at the gateway to the resort, and were concerned at the creation of what would be the first access onto Garrison Lane between the traffic lights and Candlet Road.
This is the main route into Felixstowe town centre and seafront and used by thousands of vehicles every day.
A planning inspector had previously agreed an access would be acceptable, despite the worries over fast-moving traffic on Garrison Lane, where many drivers exceed the 30mph limit.
WEBLINK: www.suffolkcoastal.gov.uk
