ACCESS proposals to a large new housing estate on the approach to Tavistock were last week given the thumbs up by West Devon?s planning committee. Redrow Homes has already been given outline approval to build 215 new homes on land between Bishopsmead and Anderton Lane. But the original access proposals were rejected on safety grounds. Following detailed negotiations between developers, highways authority and planners, a proposal has been accepted which will see the construction of a new roundabout on the A386, providing access into the new site from Bishopsmead. Planning officer Edward Persse told the committee that three access options had been considered by officers. The first showed the roundabout moved slightly down the hill, with Anderton Lane being closed off. The second option shows Anderton Lane being a left turn only towards Plymouth, with the roundabout in its original position. The third option was similar to the second, but Anderton lane remained open to two-way traffic. There will also be access to the new estate from Anderton Lane, which will sweep in and out of the development, creating a chicane intended to slow traffic down. Mr Persse said: ?With all three options there is a requirement that a pavement should link from the site back towards Whitchurch Post Office, but it won?t be on the road, it will be on the inside of the hedge ? the road won?t be narrowed.? He said a ?virtual pathway? would be created along the lane under the railway bridge to connect with the pavement at James Road. Cllr Sally Monk was concerned the suggested proposal would still do nothing to ease the congestion which tended to occur in Whitchurch Road. She also wanted reassurance that buses would still be able to use Anderton Lane. ?I don?t want to give them any excuse for cutting another bus service,? she said. Ward member Cllr Alison Clish-Green said speeding traffic in the area had been a problem for years. She said: ?The proposed roundabout and traffic calming should help alleviate this and are to be welcomed.? Cllr Clish-Green said residents in the Anderton Lane area were also concerned that the lane could become a rat run. ?This needs to be addressed ? it is vital that consideration is given to the safety of pedestrians and cyclists and significant importance attached to providing safe routes for those needing to get to Whitchurch School.? Highways officer Clive King said in working up a solution, those involved had to consider creating a ?safe and pleasant? route through the new estate, which linked with existing traffic moving along Anderton Lane. ?If we can have this deviation, this chicane, we would certainly be able to slow the traffic down sufficiently to create a safe crossing,? he said, adding that buses would still be able to use Anderton Lane and even deviate into the new estate. The committee agreed the proposals, included a detailed section 106 agreement concerning a variety of conditions, should be reported to the secretary of state for formal consent.
