CON Consultation 2 DOI Highways

HIGHWAYS DEVELOPMENT CONTROL Planning Application Response

Email: [email protected] Officer: SH

Date of Response: 7 October 2021 Date of Application: 1 Sep 2021 Application Reference: 21/01078/B Location Address: Thanehurst Tromode Road Douglas Isle Of Man IM2 5EH Description: Creation of a driveway and vehicular access Highways Comments: The proposal seeks to create a double width dropped vehicular crossing of the footway and hardstanding for the parking of two cars on removal of the boundary features, a tree and front garden. It is unsupported due to the proximity of the traffic signal junction. There would be very poor inter-visibility and difficult seeing the signals. Additionally, the proposal would introduce conflicting traffic movements where there are high demands on road users for alertness and decision-making. The associated stop line straddles the proposed driveway positions.

Reference is made to a scheme along Tromode Road scheme which is yet to be finalised. This may introduce advanced stop line for bicycle use. Again the use of the proposed driveways would interfere with the operation of the traffic signals.

Sometimes it is possible to install a call box within a site by traffic signals. In this instance, there would be no such circumstance where this could arise. Such an installation would be detrimental to road safety and the junction operation, including its capacity to cater for pedestrians, cyclists and other road users.

For the record, the drawn exit visibility splays are restricted to 25m in either direction at a 2.4m setback. That to the left is constrained by the junction at Quarterbridge Road / Bray Hill and requires a third party agreement. On the site plan, it is drawn passing over neighbouring land and clipping the corner of the building. Clearly, obstruction of the sight line arises from the building. Large vans are known to park on the existing hardstanding / parking apron at the corner too, causing another safety hazard for the use of this site for parking purposes if granted consent.

As drawn, the actual parking area for hardstanding is of sufficient dimensions to allow side by side driveway for two cars meeting the IOM Strategic Plan car parking standards of two per unit at 5.5 x 5.9m (3.4 + 2.5m). This is sufficient for the sharing by pedestrian and vehicles too. Notwithstanding, it would take up the entire front garden. Usually, this is unacceptable and run off / surface water drainage is necessary to prevent water from flowing out onto or damaging the public road.

The proposal raises road safety and network functionality concerns and is opposed. It would increase the conflict of traffic movements close to a signal controlled junction with detrimental impact on its operation and

where there would be restricted visibility for emerging vehicles resulting in additional safety risks and inconvenience for all users of the highway contrary to IOMSP General Policy G (h) and (i).

Recommendation: O Code definition DNO - Do not oppose DNOC - Do not oppose subject to condition NHI - No highways interest O – Oppose.