Four houses approved in Grimsby after an appeal reverses the council’s rejection based on road safety concerns near Scartho Fork roundabout.
Brocklesby Estate owns the land near Waltham Road, Scartho. The site is by Scartho Fork roundabout. Last spring, councillors worried about road safety.
A planning inspector approved the project and granted outline permission to Brocklesby Estate. The inspector thinks road improvements will help, including widening the road.
Councillor Ron Shepherd opposed it before and spoke against it at a council meeting. Council officers had suggested approval with no road safety concerns.
Councillor Shepherd is now “appalled” by the decision and feels traffic problems were not considered. He said, “How they approved it is beyond comprehension.”
He mentioned the inspector does not live there, while area residents see the traffic situation firsthand. He stated, “They can’t see what we who live there can see.”
His biggest worry is a future accident at the junction, saying visibility is poor. Ward councillors shared these concerns.
The inspector’s report mentions a road safety audit from the applicant. The council did not challenge these findings or give their own report.
The applicant’s audit noted poor visibility between cars exiting and pedestrians. This is because of 8 Waltham Road’s location.
The inspector said there’s a collision risk for visually impaired pedestrians. The inspector added redevelopment may lessen this existing risk.
The inspector was satisfied with access improvements, noting the new road is wider, five meters instead of 3.6. This allows two cars to pass each other.
Tactile paving will warn pedestrians who are visually impaired on each side of the access crossing. A margin will separate the road and the building, which “makes the access more visible,” said the inspector.
The inspector noted a possible issue where drivers turning right might block traffic. This problem existed before for multiple properties, as the scout hut and homes accessed the road.
