‘We’ve acted quickly to address concerns’ – council
HOME builder Bellway and Cheshire East Council have come in for criticism over the situation in Broken Cross.
But what has each had to say about it?
The Macclesfield Express approached both this week for comment and they have responded.
A council spokesman said: “We have acted swiftly to address initial concerns after developers installed traffic lights at Broken Cross in Macclesfield.
“Changes to the lights’ phasing were swiftly ordered after developers’ traffic management scheme went live on August 30.
“This intervention has helped improve traffic flow and keep delays to a minimum. We will continue to work with the developers to monitor the situation.
“The works are to increase capacity at the junction as part of the development of a housing site and part of the planning application approved by the council’s strategic planning board in September 2018.
“This followed consultation with ward members, residents and businesses. The introduction of traffic lights in place of the existing roundabout is to mitigate the forecast future highway impact of additional housing in the area. The works are delivered through a section 278 agreement with the highways’ authority.
“We are fully aware of the impact these works will mean for people travelling in and out of Macclesfield and urge drivers to follow any recommended diversions, where possible. The council is aware of the concerns local residents have about the scheme and is in discussions with HA Civils about their community engagement and communications plans. The scheme is due to be substantially completed by late November, followed by two further closures in the new year, involving Pexhill Road, Gawsworth Road and Fallibroome Road.
“We have also taken on board the concerns of residents relating to air quality. Broken Cross is an air quality management area and the council will monitor air quality in this locality in the usual way.
A Bellway spokesman said: “The highway improvement works to the Broken Cross roundabout and site entrance were a requirement from Cheshire East highways during the planning application process.
“Consultation was undertaken at both the outline and reserved matters stages. Bellway has worked in conjunction with the council’s highway department to design and deliver the approved scheme.
“Due to the scale and complexities, along with minimising the impact to the current highway, residents, and businesses, it is necessary to deliver this work in several phases. This approach was agreed and advertised by Cheshire East highways. We expect the programme of works to take 22 weeks as advertised, although we will make every effort to improve on this where possible.“