ON Monday, city councillors heard an interesting presentation that raised questions about plans to improve the Harnham Gyratory.

Improvements to this notorious bottleneck are already required to cope with the expected traffic from the new Netherhampton Road developments, and it is widely accepted that more proposed new housing estates along Downton Road and Coombe Road can only worsen the congestion.

(Image: Google Maps)

Architect Greg Condliffe made several key points to the city’s planning committee, and councillors of all parties agreed to forward them to Wiltshire Council and National Highways for consideration and further information.

One concerned safety for cyclists and pedestrians and how this could be improved. Another asked who owns the open space around the roundabout, which Mr Condliffe believes is critical for design options.

A third asked how Coombe Road could be improved in light of the proposal in the Local Plan Review for 310 homes feeding onto it.

A related question is whether the road options would be approved prior to a planning inquiry into the housing proposals.

The others involve finance and a government cost-benefit analysis, and the factors on which this analysis is based.

The committee thanked Mr Condliffe for his work on this important issue and looks forward to a response.

Cllr Annie Riddle

West Harnham

Vice chair of SCC Planning Committee

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