Highways England has responded to the additional information supplied by Aggregate Industries in relation to planning application 20/2542/FUL, which details the use of flashing warning lights "to facilitate an efficient crossing point for the current dairy herd at Straitgate Farm."
Highways England… continues to offer no objection to the application on the basis that the frequency of livestock crossing movements does not increase over those set out in Table 1 of our formal planning response dated 31 December 2020. Any increase to the proposed frequency and/or duration of road closures of the B3174 over those set out in Table 1 will not be supported without appropriate assessment to ensure an unacceptable impact on the safe operation of the strategic road network does not occur.
What does "Table 1" in Highways England's earlier response say about the "150 Dairy cows"?
As needed by exception, approximately 4 daily movements 3 times per year.
By contrast, Aggregate Industries would need regular cattle crossings to facilitate a quarry at Straitgate.
Why is Highways England concerned that this should not become a regular crossing point for the current dairy herd, with all the associated delays? Highways England says:
Given the proximity of the crossing point to the A30 westbound offslip, any increase in the frequency of livestock crossing movements and therefore the period of time the B3174 will be closed may result in queuing vehicles extending further back towards the A30, and potentially onto the A30 mainline which will be considered as having an unacceptable impact on highway safety…
