NOT TO BE PRINTED_Draft Final TAAP comments duly

Velda Luckhurst Thetford 13 Policy TH 12 Comment
Mr Andrew Codd Thetford 13 Policy TH 7 Agree
Mr Ed Chambers
Thetford Town
Council THETFORD 13 Policy TH 7 Comment
Mr Paul Leeming Carter Jonas Harrogate 13 Policy TH 7 Agree
Mr Stuart Wilson Thetford 13 Policy TH 7 Agree
Mr Stuart Wilson Thetford Society Thetford 13 Policy TH 7 Agree
Mr. neil
blackshaw
Thetford healthy
town programme Thetford 13 Policy TH 7 Disagree
Most studies, certainly in Europe, show that traffic lights do not
improve traffic flow. Every roundabout with lights doesn't bear
thinking about. As for improving Norwich Road between Hurth Way
and Bury Road junction - how? Where? Houses down both sided,
primary school, two sets of pedestrian lights which must stay. The
only time now one can get into the traffic or cross the road safely is
during half term and holiday time as there is hardly anything about.
Now you want to protect the ancient monument at the Brandon
Road, Bury Road junction - it's a pity one did not think of that before
with that monument looking straight across the priory what a tourist
attraction. No Canon's Close was built - no one ever learning from
previous mistakes.
We have a complex issue here but generally: Car ownership
increased rapidly over the last 50 years and clearly exceeded the
expectations of most planners of the time (most estates built during
that time (including Thetford) encourage driving on grassed areas to
park / access front doors and overnight parking is tight). Let us work
with the times and design for car ownership of about 1.5 cars per
new household (other than elderly) at least. This will provide
uncluttered streets (safer and smarter) and the reductions in car use
for short journeys (though probably not a reduction in car ownership)
over time will be a bonus. Furthermore Thetford will be a commuter
town to other areas and car ownership for those welcome residents
would typically be a must.
Work is ongoing in Barnham Cross Common to address the car
parking issue. This could be repeated at other places in the
town. The Core Strategy has car parking standards at Policy
DC19 and it is not proposed to change these. Reductions in car
use for shorter journeys is the aim of the TAAP. By providing
jobs in line with housing as well as other changes in the town, for
example to the town centre, the vision is for Thetford not be a
commuter town. No further action.
[Note: Typographical error - ‘waking' - in penultimate line.] Concern
expressed about proposed changes to Forest ownership and
possible consequences for the High Lodge operation. [After note:
this comment now presumed to have been ‘overtaken by events'.] Typo noted. Comment more for Loops. Correct typo.
Broadly the provisions of these policies correspond with the
measures put forward through the draft Masterplan (Policy TH7
Walking and Cycling, Policy TH8 Buses and Policy TH9 Bus Design
Principles) and transport strategy. Fundamental to the Masterplan
and transport strategy for the SUE is to optimise connectivity to the
remainder of the town and the facilities within it. It is intended that
the quality of the provision and frequency of services will enable
modal shift away from single occupancy car journeys alongside
softer measures and other demand management techniques. Support noted. No further action.
Agree. In the short term the High Lodge facilities should be made
accessible from Thetford for cyclists and walkers via the river
corridor and forest tracks. There would be a need for a crossing point
along the Brandon Road.
TH12 represents worst case scenario of what is required.
Reality is that any reduced scheme would be encouraged and
could be seen as more acceptable in financial and
environmental terms. The approach in the policy is deliverable
and acceptable to NCC who manage the local road network.
Junctions will struggle around the town with background growth
and no large scale development. Lights can manage capacity
and help more sustainable users such as bus and cyclists and
pedestrians get around easier.
Support noted. Thetford Loops map shows the need for such a
crossing. No further action.
In the short term the High Lodge facilities should be made accessible
from Thetford for cyclists and walkers via the river corridor and forest
tracks. There would be a need for a crossing point along the Brandon Support noted. Thetford Loops map shows the need for such a
Road
crossing. No further action.
New wording to the effect that provision must be made for safe onroad
cycling. A cycle route technical standard will be produced. All
proposal will be expected to meet it. REASON There is substantial
evidence that utility cycling is to a large extent dependent on direct
and convenient routes and that measures to promote safe on road
cycling are an essential part of a sound cycling strategy. In the
absence of a cycling strategy and of adopted technical standards it is
essential that the masterplan contains clear guidelines so as to
secure the above aim. NCC are working on local cycling guidance.
Amend supporting text re what
capacity enhancements are.
Include words direct, convenient and
safe in policy.