Improvements to the access road
Vehicle access to the site is currently provided via a 145-metre-long narrow road that connects to Thicket Avenue. The road also provides access to Mama Bear’s Nursery, a community centre (also known as the old youth club) and Hillfields Park.
By developing the site for affordable housing, we can use grant funding to make improvements to the access road.
The proposed improvements to the access road are outlined below:
1. Widening the access road
Widening the road would prevent drivers from needing to reverse back around the bend or back onto Thicket Avenue, as well as preventing refuse vehicles from having to mount the kerb, which can cause damage to the pavement and poses a risk to pedestrians. The road would be widened in key areas to allow enough space for cars to pass each other safely, and kerb lines altered to allow refuse vehicles enough space to access the site without mounting the pavement.
2. Improving visibility for drivers
There is existing fencing and vegetation that obstructs the visibility on the inside of the 90-degree bend. The proposals would remove the fencing and vegetation to ensure drivers can see clearly around the bend.
3. Pedestrian crossing improvements
Tactile paving with a raised surface would be installed at the access road entrance on Thicket Avenue to help improve safety for visually impaired pedestrians.
4. Improving pedestrian connections to Hillfields Park and local businesses
The proposal will retain and improve pedestrian routes to the park, nursery and community centre, also known as the old youth club, from Thicket Avenue by widening the pavement in key areas and resurfacing footways that have fallen into disrepair.
5. Double yellow lines and traffic calming
Double yellow lines could be installed along the new access road to prevent vehicles from parking and obstructing access. The outline planning application will also consider whether a low-speed limit is required to help with traffic calming.