A1P (1) MAJOR HIGHWAY SCHEMES - A5225 ... - Wigan Council

10.159 At present the trunk roads in the Borough are limited to the M6 and M58
motorways but, until recently, the trunk road network included the A580 road. There
may, conceivably, be other changes in the definition of the network during the plan
period to 2016. It is, therefore, appropriate to make a generalised reference to the trunk
road network in the UDP rather than to specify its current components.
10.160 The objector contends that, within the reasoned justification, the reference
should be to the ‘trunk road network’ rather than to a ‘trunk road’. This preferred term is
used at RDD stage in the first line of the second paragraph of the reasoned justification to
policy A1R.
Action prior to the submission of a planning application
10.161 The reasoned justification for this policy advises prospective developers to
contact the Highways Agency at an early stage about any development that may directly
or indirectly affect a trunk road. An objector argues that the UDP should require
developers to seek and obtain the approval of the Highways Agency to any such scheme
before they submit a planning application to the LPA. The submission and processing of
planning applications are governed by regulations approved by Parliament. The Borough
Council has no remit to modify these or to dictate changes to the decision processes of
other statutory bodies.
The relative priority to be afforded to wheelchair users
10.162 Policy A1R provides that development proposals should, among other
things, ensure that roads, pavements, footpaths and cycle-ways are designed and
integrated into development so as to give priority to pedestrians, wheelchair users and
cyclists and to promote community safety. An objector argues that, within this part of the
policy, the reference to wheelchair users should come before pedestrians. This is not
necessary, however, because the general initial wording of this policy secures that access
to new development must be provided in a way which is compatible with the hierarchy of
accessibility which is presented in policy A1.
Recommendation
I recommend:
(REC 10.23) that no modification be made to the RDD in response to these
objections.
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