Redrose Lane, Blackmore

Date
20th March 2023

Category
Transport, Access Design, Flooding and Drainage, Public Engagement

Client: Anderson Group

Development: 40 new dwellings, including associated highway and drainage infrastructure.  Provision of open space and playing fields, as well as a new village green.

Work undertaken by Stomor: Access Appraisal, a Transport Statement, a Flood Risk Assessment, a Drainage Strategy and a Means of Access Plan.

As part of the work, an Access Appraisal was carried out to establish the best location for vehicular access. Six options were considered: two onto Redrose Lane, two onto Woollard Way, and one each onto Nine Ashes Road and Fingrith Hall Lane. This appraisal concluded that a number of different locations were feasible for vehicular access. This included the final location onto Nine Ashes Road. The appraisal also recommended pedestrian access onto Woollard Way and Fingrith Hall Lane, which were incorporated into the final layout.

Transport:

The Transport Statement further outlines the suitability of the development site. This includes establishing PIC data for the surrounding area, which indicated no issues with highway safety onto Nine Ashes Road. Other information includes speed survey data, showing the 85^th percentile speed on Nine Ashes Road exceeded the speed limit by as much as 11.3mph. This led to an increase in visibility splay requirements, which were accommodated in the site access design. Additionally, the provision of a zebra crossing to the south of the site was required in order to ensure pedestrian safety. The finalised access was subject to a Road Safety Audit to confirm suitable measures were taken to mitigate the speed concerns. Amendments were made to the Means of Access in accordance with the Road Safety Audit.

Flood Risk and Drainage:

As part of the Flood Risk Assessment, waterways near the site were outlined and assessed in order to establish the risk of flooding on the site, and therefore the suitability of the site for residential development. This Flood Risk Assessment established that the site is in Flood Zone 1 indicating a low vulnerability to flooding. It is therefore suitable for all development, including ones classed as “More Vulnerable” by NPPF. Overall, it was deemed that the site would not be at risk of flooding from fluvial sources, sewers, groundwater, or artificial sources. However, flood routing was still considered in the design of the development.

Additionally, within the Flood Risk Assessment, the design and use of SuDS features within the development are outlined. The layout proposed includes extensive flow control and attenuation measures. This provides storage for all storms, including 1 in 100 year events and a 40% allowance for climate change effects. The SuDS provision also provides suitable treatment for any potential pollution risks associated with the proposed development.