Representation by Nottinghamshire County Council (Nottinghamshire County Council)
- Date submitted
- 12 July 2024
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
Relevant Representation A46 Newark Bypass Project reference: TR010065 1. Nottinghamshire County Council (NCC) is the local highways authority and a host authority for the A46 Newark Bypass Development Consent Order (DCO) application. The ‘order limits’ of the DCO are wholly within the administrative boundary of NCC. 2. In accordance with section 102(1)(C) of the Planning Act 2008, NCC automatically qualifies as an ‘interested party’ for the purpose of the examination of the A46 Newark Bypass DCO. 3. In its capacity as an ‘interested party’ (IP) NCC submits this Relevant Representation (RR) in accordance with sections 56 and 102(4) of the PPA 2008. 4. This RR is made without prejudice to the future views that may be expressed by NCC in its capacity as an IP in the examination process. The comments included below have been provided based on an initial appraisal of the extensive application documents. 5. NCC is strongly supportive in principle of the scheme’s objectives to increase network capacity, reduce delays and improve journey times. The County Council also acknowledges the strong support echoed by many local partners including Midlands Connect and Newark and Sherwood District Council. Nonetheless, the scheme needs to ensure minimal impact on the supporting local road network and to the local environment and community through which it is situated. 6. The following are the principal topics that NCC deem to be important for the consideration of the examination phase of the application: • Highways and Transport • Public Rights of Way • Minerals and Waste • Ecology and Biodiversity • Cultural Heritage • Archaeology • Surface Water, Flooding and Drainage • Landscape and Visual Impact • Noise • Air quality 7. Highways and Transport The Transport Assessment indicates that there will be increased impacts to junctions on the local road network. However, submitted documents do not provide sufficient details in order to appraise the proposal adequately and provide detailed feedback to the applicant. Further information has been requested from the applicant around flow difference plots and individual junction modelling. The Council holds concerns over proposed cycling and walking facilities. In particular, the proposals as set out in Chapter 2.5 General Arrangement plans include the construction of a shared use footway along part of B6326 Great North Road. Local transport note (LTN) 1/20, which sets out guidance for cycle infrastructure design, specifically does not include shared use in its list of acceptable design standards and notes that it should only be used in specific circumstances. NCC is required to submit an annual self-assessment to ATE which includes a requirement to declare any facilities that it has permitted on its highway that do not meet LTN 1/20 design standards. The Council is cautious that substandard facilities are not provided on the county highway and therefore find it imperative that Active Travel England (ATE) are appropriately consulted by the applicant on designs and assurance is sought that the proposals are acceptable from ATE’s perspective. The applicant has agreed with the Council for the provision of a dedicated right turn lane from Great North Road into Kelham Road for southbound traffic. However, the Council holds safety concerns on the current design alignment. 8. Cultural Heritage There will be impacts from the works on the ‘setting’ of designated and non-designated heritage assets, especially as a result of the Cattle Market Junction design and the new alignment at Brownhills. The Cattle Market design will also directly impact on two grade II listed sections of Smeaton’s Arches. There is a visual receptor in relation to Smeaton’s Arches, however, the significance should be noted, and this should be a ‘Key Visual Receptor and Photomontage’ allowing for a comprehensive assessment on the potential impact. 9. Archaeology There is high archaeological potential along the route and in areas needed for flood alleviation. At one end of the scheme there is a Late Upper Palaeolithic site recognised by Heritage England (HE) to be of international importance. This has been recognised in the local plan under guidance from HE as being a site of equivalent significance to a scheduled monument as per footnote 68 of the current National Planning Policy Framework. 10. Landscape and Visual Impact The proposed flyover as part of Cattle Market junction will increase visual impact for residents on the northern edge of Newark. 11. The County Council has been involved in a number of meetings with the applicant prior to submission and continues to engage with the applicant through the Statement of Common Ground process on multiple matters. 12. Following the opportunity to undertake a detailed assessment of the application, NCC will provide a comprehensive review of the impacts of the scheme within submission of its Local Impact Report and Written Representation. 13. The Council looks forward to continuing to actively engage with the DCO process.