Representation by Elmbridge Borough Council (Elmbridge Borough Council)
- Date submitted
- 5 September 2019
- Submitted by
- Local authorities
Elmbridge Borough Council, while being supportive of the aims of the M25/J10 project (reduce congestion/help traffic flow/improve safety), also strives to mitigate the impacts of the project within Elmbridge Borough. The Council appreciates the submitted DCO scheme will change, as detailed designs are completed, therefore, the views of the Council may also evolve. The summary of current comments/concerns are outlined below: Traffic: The Council will look to Surrey County Council (SCC) as the Local Highway Authority to provide detailed comments on traffic issues (e.g. modelling/capacity/mitigation/road safety/scheme design/etc.). The Council has concerns about the increased traffic pressure on the local road networks during project construction and once implemented as the Council anticipates removing the right turn from Seven Hills Road towards Brookland will result in local traffic diverting through Weybridge. The Council desires that within funding secured, the repair and/or resurfacing of the local road networks impacted, during construction and through diverted traffic routes created by the project, be included and works completed. Land Interests: The Council is a landowner of multiple sites which will be impacted by the proposed works. One property is partially within the DCO boundary, Painshill Park, which is currently leased to Painshill Park Trust. The main concern for the Council as a landowner, is the removal of a vehicular access and exit point from the A3 to our property. This is located near the second countdown marker on the south bound exit slip road. The DCO application has not included any alternative provision. Rectification of the physical loss is reliant upon recourse to private treaty to acquire replacement rights. Subsequently, the potential for the Council as landowner (jointly with its Tenant, Painshill Park Trust) to be subject to ransom is increased. This is directly as a result of the limited extent of the boundary for the DCO. Non-motorised User (NMU) Routes: The Council supports the improvements to the NMU provision to create a safe, secure and segregated alternative travel options for residents, and will look to SCC to comment on the maintenance and layout suitability for the routes. Environmental: Much of the impacted natural area (SPA/common land/open spaces) within the scheme is under the management of SCC, and the Council looks to SCC to provide detailed comments on layout, design and maintenance. The Council have concern about our area of Ancient Woodland and TPO trees impacted by the scheme, and that these be conserved during construction as per British Standard practices. Also, where replacement planting is taking place (trees/shrubs/grasses) there should be an improvement on what is being replaced. The potential impact of the construction and scheme including noise, air quality, and pollution is a concern for the local area, including listed areas. Upon completion, the management of many items within Elmbridge Borough will fall to SCC, and we support them to secure funding for monitoring/maintenance. The Council will continue to engage with HE to achieve the best results for Elmbridge Borough. More detailed comments will be provided throughout later DCO stages (e.g. Local Impact Report).