Cabinet to Consider Hereford Bypass Routes

[Colin James]

Recommendations to approve the consultation will be made to Cabinet

Herefordshire Council’s Cabinet will next week consider proposals to commence the next stage of public consultation on the Hereford Transport Package, which includes the Hereford Bypass and associated walking, cycling, bus and public realm improvements.

 

The consultation will provide valuable feedback to inform the future decision on the preferred route for the bypass and other travel measures.

 

Subject to Cabinet approving the process, the consultation period will consist of events to provide the opportunity to review proposals and feedback for residents, landowners and the public in early February.

 

Councillor Philip Price, Cabinet Member Infrastructure said:

“There has been talk of a bypass for Hereford for as long as I can remember. Since the 1960s Herefordshire Council has had aspirations to deliver the project; never quite making it across the finishing line.”

 

“In 2018, there is a real appetite, both locally and regionally, to improve connectivity to the West Midlands, South Wales and consequently, the rest of the UK, to create the infrastructure to facilitate business growth, to build new housing, develop better options for walking and cycling and alleviate Hereford’s traffic congestion problems.” 

 

““Extensive work has taken place since we consulted on the scheme in April 2017. The core strategy corridor has been surveyed and assessed and we have gathered information on homes, businesses, heritage sites, woodland, landscape and conservation sites which we have considered in detail. Other areas we have looked at include impacts on flooding, noise and air quality.”

 

“This information has helped us to consider a long list of route corridors. These have all been assessed to produce a short list which will be considered further following consultation with local people and businesses. This is an opportunity for the public to shape how we move forward.”

 

 

 

Douglas Barrat, Chairman Invest Herefordshire added:

“Hereford is at a crossroads, there are two directions the city and wider county can take; one route is to growth, investment, job creation and house building, leading to a sustainable future for generations to come. The other route is not such a bright prospect.

 

“The Hereford Bypass is the most significant infrastructure development the county has ever seen and the biggest opportunity to secure the future of our communities and businesses.

 

“I urge those businesses based in Hereford to make sure they get involved in this next stage of consultation and help to shape the business landscape for years to come.”

 

[DILLIGAF]

https://councillors.herefordshire.gov.uk/documents/s50053657/Appendix%202%20for%20HTP%20Options%20Consultation%20Phase%202.pdf

[Denise Lloyd]

Ah Douglas Barrat was he not something to do with Hereford Futures working alongside Roger Phillips.

 

Hope he has more success with the bypass than he has selling his house which I understand has been on the market for getting on 5 years

[Clarkester]

So there are 7 options for a Western bypass, even though, going East would make more sense...  Never mind.

I think they should sod it all and build all 7 routes!  There wouldn't be any congestion in town then would there?  

Everybody would be sitting at one set of the obvious traffic lights on one of the bypasses, waving at people stuck at traffic lights on one of the other bypasses.

[Denise Lloyd]

Baroness Randerson†@jennyranderson

FollowFollow @jennyranderson

More

I raised need for a Hereford bypass in Lords today. A good plan exists and it just needs Government support to bring relief for motorists and big improvement in air quality for local residents.

1:30 pm - 10 Jan 2018

 

• Who is Baroness Randerson?
  

[ragwert]

 

Baroness Randerson†@jennyranderson

FollowFollow @jennyranderson

More

I raised need for a Hereford bypass in Lords today. A good plan exists and it just needs Government support to bring relief for motorists and big improvement in air quality for local residents.

1:30 pm - 10 Jan 2018

 

• Who is Baroness Randerson?

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jenny_Randerson,_Baroness_Randerson

[Denise Lloyd]

I looked her up after my ? she lives in Cardiff and is a buddy of Lucy Hurds

 

A full transcript of her  presentation to Lords

 

 

https://t.co/7zYCb7DcGi

[ragwert]

 

Baroness Randerson†@jennyranderson

FollowFollow @jennyranderson

More

I raised need for a Hereford bypass in Lords today. A good plan exists and it just needs Government support to bring relief for motorists and big improvement in air quality for local residents.

1:30 pm - 10 Jan 2018

 

• Who is Baroness Randerson?

 

The 10,000 homes needed in Herefordshire has suddenly reduced to 6,000 homes on the Council website,and I think I know why.

[Denise Lloyd]

Why?

[DILLIGAF]

I might be getting my wires crossed here but, the route has already been decided and given the go ahead. Work to commence by the end of the year.

Linking Rotherwas to A465 at Clehonger.

[herefordman75]

@DILLIGAF - that will be the SLR, rather than the full "bypass" (in the loosest sense of the term) - although I suspect it will form the first part of the route they choose. Give it 20 years, and (if it has been built by then of course) they will be looking to upgrade it to dual carriageway.

[Cambo]

How much will a east/west bypass cost in total?

Given that Carillion who have gonna into liquidation today…they had been constructing the Aberdeen bypass at a cost of £745 million…although the work has seen major delays it was one of 3 big contracts apparently that had run into trouble of theirs?

[herefordman75]

@Cambo - with this council? Think of a number and add 25% to the final cost - should be about right then :) :)

[DILLIGAF]

That one then has been authorised.......

[Glenda Powell]

Dilligaf, Herefordshire council secured from central government £27m for the SLR, it is the first part of the Hereford Bypass, the rest of the links will then over the years form the bypass. When the SLR was first thought about in 2004/5 it had a river crossing from Belmont  to Breinton . The first part of this road is the piece of road going from Ross Road to Rotherwas, which is seldom used, but because Herefordshire Council didn't go back for further funding  in the allotted time they lost further funding and it was never completed. Back in 2004/5 I was a new councillor for Belmont ward and canvassed the whole south wye estates going from door to door with colleagues asking people what they thought, there was some opposition to the scheme because back then they were going to build houses on greenbelt land. Now as you know they are going to take even more land and Haywood Wood to complete it and build houses.

[megilleland]

Letter forwarded to me from Open Spaces Society advising dates for upcoming second consultation on the Hereford Transport Package, including the Hereford Bypass and a range of walking, cycling and public realm improvements.

 

Partners and businesses HTP letter - post decision final(1).pdf

 

Notice the letterhead is from County of Herefordshire District Council, Environment & Place, PO Box 4, Plough Lane, Hereford HR4 0XH  Main Switchboard (01432) 260000 and not Herefordshire Council which was established in April 1998 and took over the responsibilities of South Herefordshire District Council, Hereford City Council and Hereford-Worcester County Council and some of Leominster District Council and Malvern Hills District Council.

[Cloudberry]

Consultation exhibition starts on 6 February in a "pod" on Old Market

https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/consultations/article/10062/hereford_transport_package_htp_-_hereford_bypass_consultation

 

Hope they have some better maps of proposed routes than those I've seen so far. Many old folks in bungalows along Kings Acre Road are very distressed, not sure if their home is in line to be demolished.

[megilleland]

Hereford Transport Package (HTP)

Hereford Bypass consultation - 6 February to 20 March 2018

The Hereford Bypass
The Hereford Bypass is a proposed new road to the west of the city. We are consulting on seven potential routes all of which include a new river crossing. The bypass would support the delivery of 6,500 homes and 6,000 jobs, a new university and expansion of the Hereford Enterprise Zone at Rotherwas.

Walking, cycling, bus and public space improvements
The bypass will enable the delivery of a package of measures in the city to increase walking, cycling and bus use for short distance journeys and a more attractive and healthier public space. The aim of the consultation is to give everyone the opportunity to find out more and give their views on the proposed bypass routes and a range of active travel measures for Hereford. The responses received from this consultation along with further evidence gathered will help formulate the next stage in the preparation of the Hereford Transport Package.

Let us know your views
Before you complete the questionnaire, please view the consultation materials or visit the exhibition.

View the exhibition panels for Hereford Transport Package consultation
 

HTP consultation boards 1 to 5:
1 - Welcome; 2 - Problems; 3 - Objectives; 4 - Package Development; 5 - Seven possible routes for the Bypass
    
HTP consultation boards 6 to 10:
6 - Appraisal of impacts; 7 Constraints map; 8 Constraints aerial map; 9 Walking,cycling, bus and public realm improvements; 10 Have your say on the HTP
    
HTP Phase 2 consultation brochure February 2018

Exhibition and consultation events

Date: Tuesday 6 February             
Time: 11am to 8pm        
Location: Pod next to Coffee Corner at Old Market, Hereford HR4 9HR

Date: Wednesday 7 February            
Time: 11am to 8pm        
Location: Pod next to Coffee Corner at Old Market, Hereford HR4 9HR

Date: Thursday 8 February              
Time: 11am to 8pm        
Location: Pod next to Coffee Corner at Old Market, Hereford HR4 9HR

Date: Tuesday 13 February            
Time: 6pm to 9pm        
Location: Whitecross High School, Three Elms Rd, Hereford HR4 0RN

Date: Friday 16 February to Tuesday 20 March             
Time: Panels on display during library opening hours        
Location: Hereford Library, Broad Street, Hereford HR4 9AU

Date: Saturday 24 February            
Time: 11am to 2pm - project staff available        
Location: Hereford Library, Broad Street, Hereford HR4 9AU

Date: Saturday 10 March            
Time: 11am to 2pm - project staff available        
Location: Hereford Library, Broad Street, Hereford HR4 9AU

 

Documents

HTP Phase 1 Consultation Report - August 2017

HTP - Hereford Bypass - Corridor Assessment Framework - January 2018

HTP - Phase 2 Consultation Statement - February 2018

FAQs HTP - February 2018

Contact
If you have any questions about the Hereford Transport Plan consultation call 01432 261800 or email HerefordTransportPackage@balfourbeatty.com

[Denise Lloyd]

This proposal affects the whole of the county - we are all tax payers - with that in mind I am amazed that (or am I) that the Consultation/Exhibition is not displayed in a few of the village halls in the county.  

[ragwert]

These houses in Kings Acre Road are in direct line of by pass.
Building on the black line of the proposed routes also takes a house out between Wyevale & the newly constructed houses.

[atm63]

You can't make an omelette without breaking some eggs . Personally I don't see this is where the bulk of problem traffic is either coming from or going to but it is Herefordshire Council and in their wisdom they will do as they think . NB . The Rotherwas relief road is rarely busy nor it seems is the road to nowhere .

[megilleland]

Sorry links in post 18 now correct for viewing.

 

View the exhibition panels for Hereford Transport Package consultation
 

HTP consultation boards 1 to 5:
1 - Welcome; 2 - Problems; 3 - Objectives; 4 - Package Development; 5 - Seven possible routes for the Bypass
    
HTP consultation boards 6 to 10:
6 - Appraisal of impacts; 7 Constraints map; 8 Constraints aerial map; 9 Walking,cycling, bus and public realm improvements; 10 Have your say on the HTP
    
HTP Phase 2 consultation brochure February 2018

[DILLIGAF]

Slightly off topic but nonetheless, any ideas why there is already roadworks on the second road to nowhere? Barely been open a month!

[Cloudberry]

I see on the Hereford Times website article comments there is a link to a picture of an Eastern Enterprise bridge that was planned for Rotherwas, quite recently! Why didn't it happen?

 

https://herefordenterprisezone.wordpress.com/page/3/

 

Herefordshire Enterprise Zone will have Eastern Access Across the River Wye

It’s looking increasingly certain the Hereford Enterprise Zone at Rotherwas will have an Eastern river crossing as well as the planned Hereford Western bypass bringing the number of Wye crossing points to 5 within four miles of the City.

 

Wye Enterprise Bridge

While there may be concerns from green campaigners, the access brought by a road on columns across the valley floor leading from Rotherwas  will take as much as 45 minutes off the journey time to the M5 Worcester South Junction 7.  Minimal damage will occur to wildlife as due to the flood plain the road will be a magnificent structure sitting around 5 metres off the vally floor well away from plants and animals including livestock in the fields below.

It will also give access out to Gloucester via the B4224 and serve for quick routes for local traffic on the under used lanes and B roads on the East of the City of Hereford.

This development could be delivered in as little as 3 years and should be seen as a serious development in infrastructure connectivity between the Herefordshire  Enterprise Zone and the Midlands

 

 

 

 

 

 

From 2011:

Hereford Enterprise Zone – River crossing and Hereford By-Pass

Herefordshire Council meet tomorrow to agree the poll to go to the county to determine the link of a Hereford bypass to the Hwreford Enterprise Zone.

While local councillors promote a full Western bypass, local MP’s have strong support from a rich vein of conservatives promoting an Eastern crossing of the river directly into Rotherwas and the Enterprise Zone.

Connectivity is already excellent from Rotherwas with a new relief road taking heavy traffic South to the A49 with its direct links into South Wales, the M4 into Bristol, the South West and South East and the M50 to the Midlands and the North.

[Denise Lloyd]

But does it open up land for development and that is the key no land no development no money to build the Bypass

[Cloudberry]

The land for development argument may not stack up either.

They are nowhere near a planning application for the Three Elms site west of Hereford because of serious issues that make building very risky. This is an Environment Agency groundwater protection area. Heineken and Cargill depend on water from boreholes here, and that water must be pure and lots of it, no risk of contamination. Building roads and houses is a big risk, so it is all being monitored very closely. Hereford can't afford to lose these businesses.

[ragwert]

The land for development argument may not stack up either.

They are nowhere near a planning application for the Three Elms site west of Hereford because of serious issues that make building very risky. This is an Environment Agency groundwater protection area. Heineken and Cargill depend on water from boreholes here, and that water must be pure and lots of it, no risk of contamination. Building roads and houses is a big risk, so it is all being monitored very closely. Hereford can't afford to lose these businesses.

They cannot build the new housing est without the bypass being built but even so the land in which the houses etc

will be built on is owned by the church.They stipulate that in excess of 50% of these houses have to be 'affordable' and

i'm sure I saw somewhere in the pre planning app that 55% will be affordable so I'm thinking which house builder

would take this on.

 

[ragwert]

Slightly off topic but nonetheless, any ideas why there is already roadworks on the second road to nowhere? Barely been open a month!

Looked like open reach were there looking down one of their manholes.

[Cloudberry]

They cannot build the new housing est without the bypass being built but even so the land in which the houses etc

will be built on is owned by the church.They stipulate that in excess of 50% of these houses have to be 'affordable' and

i'm sure I saw somewhere in the pre planning app that 55% will be affordable so I'm thinking which house builder

would take this on.

 

Please can you tell us where it is written that 50-55% must be affordable homes on the Three Elms site? Sounds very unlikely. As you say, what developer would build 1200 homes on that basis? Not enough profit for them.

 

I think it's the other way round, they need to build the houses at Three Elms to get levies from the developers to help pay for the bypass.  But its true that the bypass is planned to open up even more land for housing. And all that extra traffic will make city congestion and air pollution much worse than it is now.  We won't get the nice fast bypass that some people seem to be imagining, it will just be a road through housing estates. Just like they've done to ruin Worcester.

[megilleland]

Planning Application P162920/F - Land at Three Elms

Download from the Three Elms, Hereford : Planning Statement September 2016

 

Affordable Housing Sections 6.17 to 6.19

6.17 With respect to affordable housing, Core Strategy Policy H1 states that all new housing proposals of more than 10 dwellings will be expected to contribute towards meeting affordable housing needs. The policy identifies that the amount and mix of affordable housing will vary depending on evidence of housing need based on the latest housing market assessment and an assessment of viability. Whilst Core Strategy Policy H1 sets an indicative affordable housing target of sites in Hereford for 35%, it notes that this is subject to an assessment of viability. The affordable housing target of 35% is reiterated by Policy HD5 and is specific to the site.

6.18 The NPPF notes that pursuing sustainable development requires careful attention to viability and costs in plan-making and decision-taking. In particular, it states that “the sites and scale of development identified in the plan should not be subject to such a scale of obligations and policy burdens that their ability to be developed viably is threatened. To ensure viability, the costs of any requirements likely to be applied to development, such as requirements for affordable housing, standards, infrastructure contributions or other requirements should, when taking account of the normal cost of development and mitigation, provide competitive returns to a willing land owner and willing developer to enable the development to be deliverable.† 

6.19 Viability is therefore a material consideration in the planning process.  A separate viability assessment has been prepared which demonstrates that the scheme can deliver a proportion of affordable housing. This has been informed by the high costs associated with the delivery of infrastructure and other contributions to be provided as part of the development, including the provision of land for a medical facility, a new primary school, formal football pitches, transport contributions, safeguarding of land for the HRR and financial contributions to the delivery of the section of the HRR between Roman Road and Kings Acre Road. The affordable housing provision that will be delivered on site will comprise the maximum viable level of affordable housing for the site. This approach is in accordance with the NPPF and Policy HD1 in terms of considering viability in the delivery of affordable housing provision and will contribute towards meeting affordable housing needs in accordance with Policy H1. The precise mix of affordable housing provision will be detailed at reserved matters stage having regard to market conditions at that time.