Bypass: cost is not everything

HOW encouraging it is to see the detailed consideration of an

Ashbourne bypass. How very encouraging it is to see the Eastern route being given due attention.

An Eastern bypass, just like a Western bypass would divert the A515 around the town and away from the congested town. This is without doubt a major benefit associated with both routes.

However: an Eastern bypass would also divert traffic that passes through the town centre along the B5035

(the road to and from Kniveton, Carsington and beyond). As such it would reduce traffic into and through the town centre via The Green Road and Cockayne Avenue, importantly thus avoiding the schools on these roads.

Furthermore, an Eastern bypass would divert traffic that currently passes through the town centre along the A517 (the road to and from Hulland Ward, Belper and beyond). As such it would reduce traffic into and through the town centre via Belper Road.

Additionally, an Eastern bypass would better serve the new and the currently under construction extensive housing developments at the top of Old Derby Hill, off Old Derby Road and off Wyaston Road.

It would better serve the existing industrial operations on the Ashbourne Airfield as well as being a major service link for the 58.68 hectares of land allocated in the Derbyshire Dales Local Plan for approximately 1,100 new dwellings and 6-8 hectares of employment land.

Indeed, it would link to the major new roundabout that is currently under construction on the A52 to facilitate access to these very developments. In summary, an Eastern bypass delivers so much more than a Western bypass. It is a bypass in the true sense.

It is something that accounts for (diverts and bypasses) the major traffic thoroughfares.

Conversely, a Western bypass whilst laudable is in practice little more than an A515 link road.

Of course, there is much more detail to be considered as part of the consultation and design processes, but the key points above are surely noteworthy.

It is said that the Eastern bypass would be more expensive than the Western options.

This may very well be so, but as with most things in life the cheapest isn’t usually the best.

Investment in a scheme that delivers the greatest combined benefits and the best long term and thus most sustainable solutions is the one we should strive for.

Rob Donnelly

Ashbourne