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Traffic gridlock fears
TRAFFIC volumes in the centre of Cardigan generated by the proposed superstore development at Bath-house would be many times greater than their present levels.
New figures calculated by an independent traffic management consultant show that in summer up to 14,000 vehicles a day, including heavy lorries, will go into the site via Priory Street, Pendre and Bath-house Road. That would be more than 30 vehicles a minute at peak times. In winter the figure would be nearly 9,000 a day, compared to the current average of 2,000 a day now.
"It beggar's belief that anyone could impose such heavy traffic flows on the town centre. The town will be gridlocked, full of fumes and very dangerous as well," said Chamber of Commerce chairman Paul Oakley. "Cardigan will not be a pleasant place to be when it is choked with fumes. This is why we have a by-pass."
A new planning application submitted by developers Liberty Mercian proposes a single access to Bath-house via the town, with a new gyratory system at the Pendre-Feidr Fair junction.
The Chamber commissioned an independent consultant to examine the plans and the developer's own traffic impact assessment.
"It was found that the traffic levels would be very much higher than stated and we are now preparing our formal objection to the scheme based on the findings," said Mr Oakley.
Meanwhile the Chamber, together with residents of Gwbert Road who have consistently objected to the scheme, are asking Cardigan town council to meet with them to discuss the scheme.
One of the residents, businessman Robert Davies, said: "Town councillors need to know how strong feelings are about this scheme. They must listen to what the town wants and do what they were voted into office to do. I hope we can have a meeting very soon."
9:31am Tuesday 20th May 2008
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CommentPosted by: yanto, surrey on 10:45am Tue 20 May 08
So there have now been two independent traffic impact studies done. How do they compare? If they are independent, they should have similar findings. If not, why not?
So there have now been two independent traffic impact studies done. How do they compare? If they are independent, they should have similar findings. If not, why not?
Posted by: Nicholas Bolton, Cardigan on 11:53am Tue 20 May 08
Although both independent surveys I dont think that both of these are a true reflection of the grid lock that we would suffer from, if this development is allowed in its present proposal. The survey for Liberty Mercian was done in the winter months, whilst the Chamber of trade survey was carried out in the Spring. Would it have not been a better true reflection that the Chamber of Trade survey was carried out in the summer, where the greatest number of trffic figures would be given. Although the Chamber of Trade have had no option but to do this survey now, as this is one the main objections to the scheme and the planning meeting date is fast approaching.
Although both independent surveys I dont think that both of these are a true reflection of the grid lock that we would suffer from, if this development is allowed in its present proposal. The survey for Liberty Mercian was done in the winter months, whilst the Chamber of trade survey was carried out in the Spring. Would it have not been a better true reflection that the Chamber of Trade survey was carried out in the summer, where the greatest number of trffic figures would be given. Although the Chamber of Trade have had no option but to do this survey now, as this is one the main objections to the scheme and the planning meeting date is fast approaching.
Posted by: Cassandra, Cardigan on 3:10pm Tue 20 May 08
What about the plans to split all the traffic at the junction with no 'straight on' option. A sort of Magical Mystery Tour whether you want it or not.
What about the plans to split all the traffic at the junction with no 'straight on' option. A sort of Magical Mystery Tour whether you want it or not.
Posted by: Nicholas Bolton, Cardigan on 3:42pm Tue 20 May 08
Liberty Mercian will try anything to gain the planning permission required, if they are submitting an outline planning application they have only 3 years to start the development. But if a full application is submitted then they ahve 5 years, to start the development. As far as I can tell they have taken the first option. The site has been given the green light by the planners and included in the old UDP, but they have to get the access problems sorted out to comply with the planning conditions. I personally cant see how they are going to satisfy the planners or highways department on this, but then im only a small pea in the great big pod!!!!!!!
Liberty Mercian will try anything to gain the planning permission required, if they are submitting an outline planning application they have only 3 years to start the development. But if a full application is submitted then they ahve 5 years, to start the development. As far as I can tell they have taken the first option. The site has been given the green light by the planners and included in the old UDP, but they have to get the access problems sorted out to comply with the planning conditions. I personally cant see how they are going to satisfy the planners or highways department on this, but then im only a small pea in the great big pod!!!!!!!
Posted by: Local, Cardigan on 11:13pm Tue 20 May 08
Of course Cardigan will be grid-locked in summer if the Bathhouse scheme goes ahead.Why was the traffic measured in February at the quietest time of year? Traffic volume is quadruple that in August,obviously. Scott Gibbs is bound to support the scheme,he is making money out of it.What does he know about Cardigan? Just because he once bulldozed his way through the English defence,does not mean he should also be allowed to bulldoze his way through the middle of Cardigan !!
The plan to take all the traffic in through the Mwldan is so hare-brained that it should be a non-starter. How will the fire brigade ever get out,for a start? How will huge artics negotiate through the town centre in August? Crazy!! This would really kill the town!
Of course Cardigan will be grid-locked in summer if the Bathhouse scheme goes ahead.Why was the traffic measured in February at the quietest time of year? Traffic volume is quadruple that in August,obviously. Scott Gibbs is bound to support the scheme,he is making money out of it.What does he know about Cardigan? Just because he once bulldozed his way through the English defence,does not mean he should also be allowed to bulldoze his way through the middle of Cardigan !!
The plan to take all the traffic in through the Mwldan is so hare-brained that it should be a non-starter. How will the fire brigade ever get out,for a start? How will huge artics negotiate through the town centre in August? Crazy!! This would really kill the town!
Posted by: I V Hadenough, Cardigan on 12:21pm Thu 22 May 08
Here we go again.
The people opposed to the project are going to rant about the development, quoting gridlocks and polution.
The supporters are going to dismiss the findings as incorrect and the whole thing goes round agian.
Why not cancel the project and leave the town exactly as it is, supply a regular bus service out of the county to allow those of us who actually want choice in our shopping to do so without having to worry about parking and polution.
Result would be the same as it is now, only reversed; those opposed would then complain about the lack of people shopping in Cardigan and the death of the local ecconomy and the supporters would complain about having to travel to get a competative shopping environment.
With every development you are going to get two sides, but it seems to me that in this case neither side is going to agree with the other and as such it will keep on going round and round in circles, going over the same old arguments and the ordinary shopper will give up on the town and just go elsewhere.
If you ask me, the disputants and the town deserve each other.
Here we go again.
The people opposed to the project are going to rant about the development, quoting gridlocks and polution.
The supporters are going to dismiss the findings as incorrect and the whole thing goes round agian.
Why not cancel the project and leave the town exactly as it is, supply a regular bus service out of the county to allow those of us who actually want choice in our shopping to do so without having to worry about parking and polution.
Result would be the same as it is now, only reversed; those opposed would then complain about the lack of people shopping in Cardigan and the death of the local ecconomy and the supporters would complain about having to travel to get a competative shopping environment.
With every development you are going to get two sides, but it seems to me that in this case neither side is going to agree with the other and as such it will keep on going round and round in circles, going over the same old arguments and the ordinary shopper will give up on the town and just go elsewhere.
If you ask me, the disputants and the town deserve each other.
Posted by: Chris, Manchester on 4:05pm Thu 22 May 08
Crazy!! This would really kill the town!
Is the Town not dead already? Been a long time since I lived in the town but visit several times a year. My message to all the folk is, Move on, You need development. A Grid lock in Cardigan would mean it might take an extra 2-5 mins to get up the high street. So what!! I V Hadenough, Cardigan has hit the nail on the head. But things cant go round in circles, everythign needs to move on! How is Unemployment in Cardigan now? I remeber when Tesco first came.. What a fiasco, oh it will kill the town. Well, Tesco came and the town is still alive, and I bet a lot of people can now say, how did we live with out it!! (I personally swear by ASDA) My point is, let Bath house go ahead. It will be the making of the town. Just look at Aberystwyth now!!!
Crazy!! This would really kill the town!
Is the Town not dead already? Been a long time since I lived in the town but visit several times a year. My message to all the folk is, Move on, You need development. A Grid lock in Cardigan would mean it might take an extra 2-5 mins to get up the high street. So what!! I V Hadenough, Cardigan has hit the nail on the head. But things cant go round in circles, everythign needs to move on! How is Unemployment in Cardigan now? I remeber when Tesco first came.. What a fiasco, oh it will kill the town. Well, Tesco came and the town is still alive, and I bet a lot of people can now say, how did we live with out it!! (I personally swear by ASDA) My point is, let Bath house go ahead. It will be the making of the town. Just look at Aberystwyth now!!!
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