Comment

Representation ID: 15753

Received: 11/05/2016

Respondent: National Highways

It is considered that the provision of a number of strategic residential and employment locations in or close to the town centre could help to encourage sustainable travel and reduce the pressure on the highway network, which is welcomed. In particular, development located in close proximity to Brentwood Rail Station is welcomed as it could encourage long distance trips to shift away from private car use. The A12 highway corridor also runs alongside the railway corridor and therefore the railway provision could help reduce the reliance of new residents and employees on private vehicle use.

Comment

Representation ID: 15754

Received: 11/05/2016

Respondent: National Highways

It is noted that some development sites are located in close proximity to the M25 and A12 corridors and therefore consider that these could potentially have a notable impact on the number of trips at the junctions. It is considered that the proposed development locations could have a notable impact on the Strategic Road Network, particularly on M25 Junction 28 and Junction 29, as well as A12 Junction 12. The flow diagrams provided within the Local Plan appendices demonstrate that approximately 500 and 1,200 additional vehicles per hour could route via Junction 28 and 29 respectively as a result of LP development. Furthermore, there is predicted to be a material impact at A12 Junction 12, although the flow diagrams were not clear enough to calculate an accurate total.

Comment

Representation ID: 15756

Received: 11/05/2016

Respondent: National Highways

As some notable development is located in close proximity to the A12, we would like Brentwood Borough Council to be mindful of the Road Investment Strategy (RIS) proposals announced and the potential for the widening of the A12, as well as strategic re-routing that could potentially occur as a result of large schemes in the RIS such as the Lower Thames Crossing, which was recently out to consultation. Additionally cross-border impacts will need to be considered from adjacent local authorities' local plans, including how these impacts will be mitigated. I would also draw your attention to the potential for noise and air quality problems and recommend suitable consideration is given to ensure new occupants are not adversely affected.

Comment

Representation ID: 15758

Received: 11/05/2016

Respondent: National Highways

A key employment development site is Brentwood Enterprise Park, which is located to the east of M25 J29. We consider that this could have a significant effect on the operation of the junction, due to the size of the development and its proximity to the junction. The Local Plan indicates that public transport will be encouraged at the site to encourage employees to make use of alternatives to private car use. However, the extent of the public transport provision, access by cyclists and pedestrians is unclear at this stage. It is important that this provision is extensive and covers long distance as well as short distance trips, to try and minimise the impact of the development on the Strategic Road Network. The access and egress arrangements to this site are also potentially challenging and it is recommended that the proposals for these are discussed with Highways England to provide reassurance that safe and acceptable operation can be achieved at an early stage. It is important that all out of town sites are well connected to the public transport network, both in terms of bus provision and access to nearby rail stations to ensure longer distance strategic trips have an alternative to private vehicle use. Whilst this approach is supported through Policy 8.3, the Local Plan does not provide specific public transport details and therefore the extent of the intended public transport provision is unknown.

Comment

Representation ID: 15760

Received: 11/05/2016

Respondent: National Highways

A key employment development site is Brentwood Enterprise Park, which is located to the east of M25 J29. We consider that this could have a significant effect on the operation of the junction, due to the size of the development and its proximity to the junction. The Local Plan indicates that public transport will be encouraged at the site to encourage employees to make use of alternatives to private car use. However, the extent of the public transport provision, access by cyclists and pedestrians is unclear at this stage. It is important that this provision is extensive and covers long distance as well as short distance trips, to try and minimise the impact of the development on the Strategic Road Network. The access and egress arrangements to this site are also potentially challenging and it is recommended that the proposals for these are discussed with Highways England to provide reassurance that safe and acceptable operation can be achieved at an early stage. It is important that all out of town sites are well connected to the public transport network, both in terms of bus provision and access to nearby rail stations to ensure longer distance strategic trips have an alternative to private vehicle use. Whilst this approach is supported through Policy 8.3, the Local Plan does not provide specific public transport details and therefore the extent of the intended public transport provision is unknown.

Comment

Representation ID: 15762

Received: 11/05/2016

Respondent: National Highways

Whilst specific details of the potential public transport provision at individual sites or locations are limited, there is discussion of a proposed Green Travel Route. This route is intended to provide better Borough links for strategic development allocations outside the Brentwood urban area, which is welcomed as the existing public transport provision to these locations is likely to currently be limited. Without a step change in provision these strategic development locations could result in a significant increase in vehicles on the highway network.

Comment

Representation ID: 15763

Received: 11/05/2016

Respondent: National Highways

Whilst we support a public transport strategy for the strategic development sites, it is unclear what the exact provision may be. It is recommended that further details regarding the specific public transport provision is outlined within the Local Plan and how BBC consider this could affect mode share for residents and employees at the development sites.

Comment

Representation ID: 15765

Received: 11/05/2016

Respondent: National Highways

We acknowledge that Crossrail could have an impact on the mode share of residents and employees within Brentwood and that the scheme may encourage a greater rail mode share, which could reduce the reliance on private vehicle use.

Comment

Representation ID: 15766

Received: 11/05/2016

Respondent: National Highways

It is stated that the Council will consider the scope for 'park and walk' schemes. Depending where the 'park and walk' sites are located, this could result in an increase in vehicle trips in certain sections of the highway network. It is important that any implications for the Strategic Road Network are fully considered by Brentwood Borough Council.

Object

Representation ID: 15768

Received: 11/05/2016

Respondent: National Highways

Whilst we broadly agree with the approach to funding transport infrastructure outlined within the LP, through the pooling of contributions secured through Planning Obligations and, once adopted, the Council's Community Infrastructure Levy Charging Schedule (CIL), further details of the specific infrastructure schemes that may be required to support development across the Borough are not provided within the LP at this stage. Furthermore, an Infrastructure Delivery Plan (IDP) has not been prepared to accompany the LP and without this I can see the plan being challenged.