Ipswich Borough Council Local Plan Core Strategy and Policies Development Plan Document Review - Final Draft

Support

Representation ID: 26583

Received: 02/03/2020

Respondent: National Highways (Formerly Highways England)

Agent: National Highways (Formerly Highways England)

In general, Highways England considers that Ipswich Borough Council’s consideration of land use policy, the transport evidence to support it and the consequential understanding on the impact of the strategic road network is generally sound and consistent with government policy.

Support

Representation ID: 26587

Received: 02/03/2020

Respondent: National Highways (Formerly Highways England)

Agent: National Highways (Formerly Highways England)

Through the process of development of this Plan and those covered by adjacent planning authorities within Ipswich Strategic Planning Area (ISPA), Highways England has worked closely with Suffolk County Council on the development of the evidence base. The modelling work shows that accumulatively growth in ISPA is predicted to pose significant strain on the transport network in and around Ipswich. Additional highway capacity will not on its own address these issues and it is noted that the local authorities across the ISPA agree that robust steps must be taken to prioritise healthy and sustainable travel. Highways England supports this position.

Support

Representation ID: 26589

Received: 02/03/2020

Respondent: National Highways (Formerly Highways England)

Agent: National Highways (Formerly Highways England)

The draft Local Plan identifies a package of transport mitigation measures to reduce vehicle movements and Suffolk County Council as the Highway Authority has developed a strategy which contains a package of mitigation measures to deliver modal shift and mitigate impacts on the wider Ipswich highways network.
These include:
- Transport infrastructure to encourage and support sustainable modes of transport
- A Bus Quality Partnership
- A Smarter Choices programme
- Review of car parking and pricing strategies
- Review of park and ride strategy
- Junction improvements
Highways England supports this strategy.

Object

Representation ID: 26592

Received: 02/03/2020

Respondent: National Highways (Formerly Highways England)

Agent: National Highways (Formerly Highways England)

Legally compliant? Not specified

Sound? No

Duty to co-operate? Not specified

A14 improvements required to support proposed growth have been identified - consistent with findings of modelling and study work. Plan notes that longer term funding would comprise growth funds, developer funding and monies identified from a future Roads Investment Strategy (RIS). RIS2 hasn't been published so it isn't possible to confirm this, or whether funding would be available from a future RIS. Without robust measures identified by Suffolk County Council, it isn't certain that delivery of the latter stages of the plan can be achieved - vital that a robust manage and monitor approach is maintained throughout the plan period.

Object

Representation ID: 26594

Received: 02/03/2020

Respondent: National Highways (Formerly Highways England)

Agent: National Highways (Formerly Highways England)

Legally compliant? Not specified

Sound? No

Duty to co-operate? Not specified

Whilst not part of this Plan, it proposes a longer term aspiration for an Ipswich Northern Bypass which would lie within the East Suffolk Council and Mid Suffolk District Council area. The scheme would improve connectivity between the A14 and A12, reduce pressure on the A14 and improve network resilience, especially to the sections of A14 in the vicinity of the Orwell Bridge and Junction 55 (Copdock). Highways England has no objection in principle however it is noted that Suffolk County Council on 25 February 2020 at a cabinet meeting resolved not to take this scheme forward.

Object

Representation ID: 26596

Received: 02/03/2020

Respondent: National Highways (Formerly Highways England)

Agent: National Highways (Formerly Highways England)

Legally compliant? Not specified

Sound? No

Duty to co-operate? Not specified

The Plan aspires for a longer proposal for an east bank link road and a new A14(T) junction could work which would provide increased accessibility and reduce congestion to this area of Ipswich. As stated Highways England are not in favour of the proposals as there is concern with resultant local ‘junction hopping’ along the A14 which would reduce highway capacity, and more significantly it is considered that there is insufficient geometric capacity to accommodate an additional junctions on this section of the A14.

Object

Representation ID: 26601

Received: 02/03/2020

Respondent: National Highways (Formerly Highways England)

Agent: National Highways (Formerly Highways England)

Legally compliant? Not specified

Sound? No

Duty to co-operate? Not specified

Evidence base provides indicative proposals for upgrading junctions along A14 and potentially cost-effective measures for resolving link and junction capacity problems arising from growth. Potential measures include proposals to re-establish Bury Road Park and Ride and provision of a new site in Nacton Road. Consider these are potentially feasible options. However, measures will not address underlining A14 capacity issues. Further measures may be required e.g. variable mandatory speed limits, and substantial improvements at Junction 55 (Copdock). Funding of measures is an issue. At this stage there is no certainty of the availability of future Highways England capital funding programme funding.