Hollicombe Action Group
Why
the proposed Midas housing development at Hollicombe should be rejected on grounds of traffic congestion alone |
Excerpts
from a letter by Ray Brewer of the Hollicombe Action Group (01/02/08) |
Any development at Hollicombe Bends
on the main A3022 Torbay • This is the only direct main road that links Paignton and Torquay. Any extra traffic on this already congested stretch of road will have a disproportionately adverse effect on traffic flow between the two towns.
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This map shows how the two separate road networks of
Torquay and Paignton are linked by this
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This
diagram simply illustrates the existing congestion problem on
the main A3022 Torbay Road.
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• Any housing development along this route, particularly one of such high density would impede the prevailing flow of traffic in both directions. There could potentially be an extra 400 cars entering and exiting the site during rush hour and throughout the day. This can only add to the problems of a route that is already suffering under immense commuter strain. If Torbay Council allow this to go ahead -they will be creating a major traffic bottleneck for the residents of Torbay and it's vital tourist trade. |
| • Any housing development at Hollicombe will greatly increase the number of pedestrians crossing the road. Furthermore, the current application from Midas outlines it's aim to create a greater link between the development site and Hollicombe Park on the opposite side of the road. This would result in potentially 300-400 pedestrians a day crossing the road at this busy point. Far from being a pleasant link to the sea, this has the potential to become the new accident black spot of the bay. It would be far more convenient for motorists and much safer for pedestrians to allow this stretch of road to remain as an Urban Clearway and an unmistakable gateway between the two towns. |
• It is suggested that some of the extra traffic would use Old Paignton Road at the rear of the site. The rear access to the site is at the bottom of a very steep hill and close to a sharp bend and is already over-used as a rat run between Paignton and Torquay.This is also the only access road for Preston Primary School so any vehicular junction at this point would severely compromise this important function - making it far more dangerous for children walking to and from the school.
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To Conclude - if allowed to go ahead, who will this development affect? 1. All traffic
that uses this route.(ie: every motorist and cyclist in Torbay)
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