Plan mock-up proves point (From Gazette Series)

Plan mock-up proves point

PLANS to convert The Malthouse, off Bear Street, Wotton-under-Edge, into dwellings were due to be considered by Stroud District Council planners last week.

But they voted unanimously to defer a decision on the same day a traffic experiment was being carried out.

The development plans include narrowing the junction of Bear Street with Old Town and Gloucester Street.

Concerned that this would cause gridlock in the town as large vehicles tried to turn, Cllr Dr John Cordwell (Wotton) persuaded the highways department to lay out the proposed kerbline to see if it would work.

He said: "Despite the initial trial being done at a time with few large vehicles about, our concerns were quickly vindicated. The kerbline shown in the submitted plans is unworkable."

The photograph, taken by Cllr Dr John Cordwell, shows the experiment in progress. At the time it was taken engineers had already halved the 'build-out' shown in the submitted plans.

Cllr Dr Cordwell said: "It was also found necessary to move the centre line in order to give enough turning space. This would inevitably lead to bigger tail-backs in Bear Street.

"With a second application at this corner, to build flats in Berkeley Close, the whole junction lay-out should be reconsidered at the applicants' expense.

"What we have seen today was without the added traffic movements these two developments would bring and at a relatively quiet time of day. Far greater congestion could ensue, if nothing is done."