Wednesday, March 26, 2008
JUNCTION PLANNING APPROVAL
Herne Hill Junction improvement scheme a step closer
20 March 2008
A major scheme that will improve traffic flow and the safety of cyclists and pedestrians at one of South London's busiest and most congested junctions is a step closer after receiving conditional planning approval.
Lambeth Council's planning committee last night gave the go-ahead for package of improvements around Herne Hill Junction and the entrance to Brockwell Park (March 19).
The scheme will improve traffic flow at the notorious bottleneck junction, while at the same time improve safety and the quality of the streetscape. With the planning application approved, the council will now seek to finalise funding arrangements for the scheme and seek other technical approvals.
John Brunton, Vice Chair of the Herne Hill Society, said: "We're delighted that this scheme has taken this important step forward. These improvements are long overdue. The scheme will help transform Herne Hill while also improving the currently unattractive entrance to Brockwell Park."
There has been a desperate need for a number of years to solve the problem of serious traffic congestion around the extremely busy Herne Hill junction, which causes long delays for commuters and which has a serious impact on local businesses and residents.
At present the junction is dominated by a constant flow of traffic making the area intimidating and dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists, and damaging local businesses. The junction is prone to congestion which creates lengthy delays not only for private vehicles but also for commuters using the seven bus routes the junction serves.
An essential feature is a new slip road between Norwood Road and Dulwich Road. Part of this solution involves moving the Brockwell Park boundary a short distance back from its current position. However, only around 0.2% of the total area of the park will be affected and most of that will go to create an attractively landscaped island in the centre of the junction.
The new scheme will combine significant improvements to the appearance of the park entrance with upgraded and safer pedestrian access to the park. The project aims to enhance the broad experience of all those using the area, including residents, visitors, traders, shoppers and public transport users.
The council places the highest value on parks and green spaces. That is why it has worked hard on a solution that brings desperately overdue traffic improvements, but at the same time strives to minimise the impact on the park.
The plans have been developed with the input of representatives of the community. 79 per cent of local residents, businesses and bus users who responded to a consultation exercise in 2004 were in favour of the scheme.
The abovearticle from Lambeth's website 20h March 08
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