Decision details

To:

(i)             Consider the comments received following the formal advertisement of the proposed introduction of a Toucan crossing on the A345 Countess Road, Amesbury.

(ii)            Recommend proceeding with the introduction of the Toucan Crossing as advertised.

I approve that:

(i)            The proposed Toucan Crossing be introduced as advertised.

(ii)           The correspondents who commented on the Council’s proposals be informed accordingly.

This decision was published on 20 March 2024 and will come into force on 28 March 2024.         

The scheme was identified in the 2013 Local Transport Plan Cycling Strategy as part of the Town Cycle Network for Amesbury. It is also shown in the updated network published as part of the draft Wiltshire Local Cycling and Walking Implementation Plan (LCWIP). It forms a key route for the Amesbury area and as part of a strategic route linking Salisbury and National Cycle Network Route 45 to Stonehenge. One of the main purposes of the proposed route is to provide a safe and convenient walking and cycling route linking the Larkhill community to the services and facilities in Amesbury Town Centre. To achieve this route there is a need for pedestrians and cyclists to be able to safely cross Countess Road to access Fargo Road. As such the provision crossing is integral to the overall delivery of the route.

The proposals are in accordance with Themes 1, 3 and 4 of the Council’s Business Plan.

To:

(i)       Implement the introduction of proposed Toucan crossing as advertised.

(ii)       Amend the proposals in consideration of the comments received.

(iii)      Abandon the proposals.

Consultation has been undertaken with:

•                The elected Wiltshire Council Members representing Amesbury, Durrington and Bulford Wards;

•                The elected Amesbury Town Council, Durrington Town Council and Bulford Parish Council Members through the statutory consultation process;

•                Emergency services through the statutory consultation process;

•                Members of the public through the statutory consultation process;

•                Representatives of the National Trust via a site meeting on the 28/02/2024 to discuss the impact on the setting of the World Heritage site.

The proposed introduction of the Toucan crossing was subject to formal consultation between 8 February 2024 and 4 March 2024. During the consultation period a total of four items of correspondence were received in response to the Council’s proposals. Of those four items, one expressed support for the Council’s proposals, and three objected to the Council’s proposals.