Challenge

The A264 is a primary access route to the M23 and Gatwick Airport. In the vicinity of the site the A264 is heavily trafficked with a 50mph speed limit applying over part of the site’s frontage. In addition to issues associated with existing traffic volumes and speeds, the presence of mature trees along the site’s frontage created an additional challenge regarding the provision of site access from the A264.

The access strategy required to accommodate existing and future traffic on the A264 and safely introduce residential development access onto a busy A-road, whilst respecting the mature tree line along the frontage of the site.

Result

Mayer Brown established that the A264 carried in excess of 16,000 vehicle trips per day, and that localised carriageway widening would be required to accommodate an appropriate site access junction. Working with scheme architects an access solution was developed that allowed 68 residential dwellings to be proposed for the site, with access via a ghost-island major-minor priority junction. Careful consideration was given to the location of mature trees, and the demarcation between 30mph and 50mph speed limits along the site’s frontage, to ensure the proposed access junction met all relevant highway design standards. A strategy to improve facilities for pedestrians and cyclists on the A264 in the vicinity of the site was also proposed.

The access and movement strategy was presented to the local planning authority, and residential development on the site is now being progressed through the Local Plan process.

For further information please contact enquiry@mayerbrown.co.uk