15-year wait for roundabout could be over
A DEVELOPER which pledged to build a mini-roundabout at a notorious traffic blackspot near Swadlincote 15 year ago is finalising details with a contractor to start work in the New Year.
Taylor Wimpey continues to face an angry backlash from residents and motorists because work has still not started on the roundabout close to Albert Village Community Primary School, originally promised as part of a nearby housing development.
However, it now says it hopes to start work in the New Year amid fears that traffic conditions in the area have been worsening as the roads have become more congested.
The London-based housing developer was given permission in 2003 to build the 400-home housing development in Moira Road, Woodville, and agreed to construct a miniroundabout to help cope with the projected traffic increase caused by the new homes.
However, despite plans for the junction being finally submitted this year, work has failed to materialise so far.
The housing development, known as Treetops at the former Mount Pleasant works, is almost complete but the mini-island is still yet to be built.
Motorists have been reporting near-misses at the crossroads, which have increased over the years due to nearby housing developments causing more traffic on the roads.
Several accidents have also been reported at the crossroads, which is also close to Albert Village Primary School.
Asked by the Burton Mail to explain the reason for the 15-year delay, a spokesman for Taylor Wimpey said: “We would like to thank residents for their patience while the complex discussions around the design and construction of the new mini-roundabout at Albert Village have continued.
“We are now finalising the contract for delivery of the roundabout and hope to have this concluded by crossroads, which is due for a miniroundabout upgrade Christmas.
“Subject to agreement with the highways authority over traffic management, we hope to complete service diversion work as quickly as possible in the New Year and the main roundabout work will begin shortly afterwards.”
News of the impending work comes after a concerned member of the public wrote to Councillor Nicholas Rushton, leader of highways agency Leicestershire County Council, to stress that the crossroads was becoming even more dangerous as time drags on.
A reply has been received from Eddie Holt, the council’s assistant engineer development approvals, who said “after a considerable amount of time” Taylor Wimpey’s design consultant had recently proposed a scheme deemed “technically compliant” by the county council.
He said the council [as the highway authority] has no powers to enforce the developer to progress any outstanding planning condition.
A petition was organised three years ago by Councillor Sean Sheahan, who represents Albert Village on Leicestershire County Council, and the Burton Mail has made a series of inquiries with the developers about the scheme.
The junction has been a cause of concern for highways bosses since at least 2003.
An original report provided to the development control and regulatory board at Leicestershire County Council in 2003 said there would be a large increase in traffic using Occupation Lane through Albert Village, adding that improvement at the crossroads was considered essential.