Residents concerned over road safety and the amount of traffic that would be generated by the redevelopment of the Dorma site feel their fears have been backed up in a new report.
Proposals to redevelop the former factory site, to build 182 new homes as well as business units and a community facility, are due to be determined on Monday.
An independent report was commissioned by High Peak Borough Council, following a request from the Development Control Committee, to look at highway issues round the narrow road junction that would be used.
The assessment by Axis states that the traffic generated by the site’s former use could be as much as 45 per cent lower than that suggested by the applicants for peak times during the day. They state the proposed redevelopment could lead to a 64 per cent increase in traffic levels, 536 vehicles a day, when compared to its previous use.
Anecdotal evidence from residents and former staff at the site suggests industrial Dorma traffic levels averaged 20/30 lorries per day including light commercial vehicles as well as up to 60 employees’ cars.
But Derbyshire County Council’s Highways are adamant that an objection to the proposals on highway safety grounds could not be substantiated and therefore raise no objection.
A spokesman for residents said: “Unlike most planning applications there is a wish by residents to make use of the vacant site, however this development needs to be of an appropriate size that recognises realistic sustainable traffic levels that can be permitted historically at this junction.
“The figure should be factored to ensure reintroduction of the use of this junction will not increase the present hazardous nature of Green Lane and Whitehough Head Lane, and adjoining lanes, which have few paths and significant need for on-road parking.
“The pedestrian access onto Buxton Road, near Alderbrook School, is no longer included in the application. Therefore all pedestrians, children walking to Chinley School or to catch the bus to Chapel High School, will have to walk over the bridge and up Green Lane where it is narrow and has no foot path.”
The application is recommended for approval and is due to be determined at Monday’s Development Control Committee meeting.
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