Exeter City Council Planning Department
Forward Planning Dear Sirs
Newcourt Masterplan
I am writing on behalf of The Topsham Society to let you have our response to the above.
1. We welcome the proposal for a bus Park & Ride serving both visitors to Topsham and to the City Centre (para 2.3.6).
2. The Access Study recognises that Countess Wear roundabout is currently over capacity and we are pleased that capacity improvements will be progressed through the PUA (Principal Urban Area) Major Scheme Bid (para 3.3.1). We urge that one of the options to be examined is a low headroom car only underpass for Bridge Road/A379 direction. A car only underpass can be built with reduced headroom, this will minimise the length of approach roads and the land take and visual impact.
3. We support the proposal for a Rail 'halt' and wish to see this progressed as early as possible in order to help influence and form new travel patterns. We would like to see the section 106 procedure used to secure sufficient land for the halt, and to supplement any shortfall in the public/commercial funding that may be required.
The issue with this additional station is not only the land for its construction. In order to deliver an effective timetable serving any additional stations beyond the current configuration there need to be additional passing loops and and two platforms at Exmouth. The section 106 money needs to be carefully applied to ensure that we do not have a non serviceable station!.
4. We are concerned about the secondary access road on to Topsham Road which would appear to give access to the Park and Ride, but also to other traffic. This could make for two very busy junctions in a short distance. Consideration should be given to limiting the access to the Park and Ride so that it does not become just another way to get in to the estate..
5. We understand that the Anglo-Saxon boundary of Topsham passes through this site. We shall be glad if you will examine the practicality of protecting and/or marking of this boundary, together with the placing of appropriate Information Boards.
6. We think the plan to keep Newcourt House as a central focus, with green space around it, is an excellent idea.
David Woods Chairman, The Topsham Society Planning Group