Representation by Extra MSA Cobham Limited (Extra MSA Cobham Limited)
- Date submitted
- 7 August 2019
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
Extra are an established developer, owner and operator of Motorway Service Areas across England. Cobham Services is located between junctions 9 and 10 of the M25, located near Downside, Surrey. The site was opened in 2012 and has recently been extended to provide additional HGV parking to address longstanding capacity requirements. Cobham Services is one of the busiest and most popular Motorway Service Areas in the UK, performing a vital road user safety and welfare function. It is important to the safe operation of the Motorway network in the south-east of England that operations at Cobham services are not impaired or reduced by the DCO scheme. While Extra are generally supportive of the Wisley Interchange Improvement scheme, the publication of the DCO documents has highlighted impacts for Cobham Services which we consider must be addressed by the Applicant. 1. Advanced Direction Signs There is an existing 1.5mile advanced direction sign for Cobham Services located on the eastbound carriageway verge immediately east of Junction 10 near marker post M25/B/71.8. This sign was installed in 2012 and is subject to a Traffic Signs Agreement between Highways England and Extra. It is important to note that this sign is not a typical traffic sign as the installation and ongoing maintenance is funded by Extra through a commuted lump sum. On review of Sheet 13 of the scheme engineering drawings it is not clear what action is proposed to relocate or replace this sign. We consider that appropriate arrangements should be agreed between Extra and the Applicant to ensure that the sign is replaced by the scheme. 2. Works in vicinity of Cobham Services The DCO boundary for the scheme extends along the M25 as far east as Bookham Road underbridge, however the scheme engineering drawings do not extend to this distance. The DCO boundary incorporates each of the merge and diverge connections between the Service Area and the M25. It is therefore unclear what activities will take place in close proximity to Cobham Services and to understand the consequent impact on the operation of the Service Area. We consider that the Applicant should disclose the full extent of the construction work around Cobham Services and justify the extent of the DCO boundary. 3. Construction impact on operation of Cobham Services While we understand that temporary traffic management measures will be required to safely deliver the DCO scheme, it will be important for the safety and welfare of the travelling public that full operation of Cobham Services is maintained throughout the duration of the construction works. The applicant should share details of the proposed traffic management around Cobham Services, temporary signing of the Service Area and any closures anticipated as part of the scheme. An agreed communication and engagement plan should be developed between the Applicant and Extra MSA Cobham Limited. Extra would welcome the opportunity to enter into a dialogue with Highways England on these matters.