Item No. Item No. 15 A228 Leybourne and West Malling Bypass A228 Leybourne and West Malling Bypass

Item No. 151515 A228 Leybourne and West Malling Bypass A Report by the Head of Transport Management to the Highways Advisory Board on 13 September, 2001 Introduction 1. On 14 September 2000, the Transport Operations Board approved (Minute 75 refers) public consultation on modifications to the approved A228 Leybourne and West Malling Bypass known as the Orange Route (see Figure 1 and Drawing No’s 10559/H1/P/01 on display). 2. On 9 January 2001 the Transport Operations Board (Minute 6 refers) were informed that very positive feedback had been received from the consultation on the Modified Orange Route (MOR). Key points from the consultation were identified and the Board gave its approval for further studies. 3. This report provides a summary of those key points and outlines the scheme changes proposed to the MOR following the further investigation. The report also recommends approval to the revised MOR (see Figure 2 and Drawing No. 10559/H1/P/12A on display), and authority to seek all necessary consents and to progress the proposals through the appropriate statutory procedures. 4. A more comprehensive description of the revisions is shown as Appendix 1. Summary of Key Points and Revisions Made (see also Appendix 1) 5. Leybourne residents were generally unhappy that severance of Castle Way from the bypass at M20 Junction 4 would result in longer trips via Park Road, which in turn would have an adverse effect upon the residents and property in Park Road. It is now proposed to realign Castle Way, north of Park Road, and connect it with the MOR at a traffic signal junction which would be linked operationally to the traffic signals of M20 Junction 4. This connection will also retain good access to the Castle Lake Travel Inn. 6. The new link between Park Road roundabout and M20 Junction 4 will have an adverse impact on residents in Park Road. This section of road has been lowered and noise mitigation measures included that are sensitive to retention of existing mature trees in the area. It is accepted that a consequence of lowering the road is that the oil pipeline that crosses the route of the link will need to be lowered. 7. Concern had been expressed about the signalised roundabout on Park Road and its proximity with the junction of Birling Road. The proposed roundabout has now been re- positioned northwards and lowered to provide separate connections and reduce its environmental impact. The layout of the connections to Birling Road and Leybourne Grange aim to improve safety and discourage inappropriate use of Birling Road as a short cut for through traffic to the A20 west and West Malling. 8. In reflecting the ‘urban’ nature of the road, and its lower design speed of 50mph, it has been possible to realign that part of the bypass immediately south of Park Road, closer to Birling Road. This reduces severance and effects on the landscape, including the saving of mature trees. Sensitive earthwork design will mitigate adverse impacts of the scheme and provide an opportunity to enhance the landscape, and the footpath and bridleway links. Provision of a footbridge south of Leybourne Park Farm will link local 15.1 Item No. 151515 A228 Leybourne and West Malling Bypass A Report by the Head of Transport Management to the Highways Advisory Board on 13 September, 2001 footpaths on either side of the bypass. The realignment also reduces severance and makes much greater use of land already in the County Council’s ownership, and reducing the amount of land required for the scheme. 9. Concern had been expressed that there were too many traffic signals and that this would lead to ‘rat running’ to avoid the signals. It was also considered that the A20/A228 junction proposals were too complex. Although it has been necessary to introduce signals where Castle Way now connects to the MOR, a simplified traffic signal controlled T junction between the A228 bypass and Ashton Way will mitigate some of the concern. The junction could also be adapted to provide an emergency vehicular access to More Park School and The Hermitage. 10. In conjunction with simplifying the A20/A228 junction and reducing the number of traffic signals, representations were made to provide a bridge to carry the A20 over the proposed bypass (as in the current approved Orange Route scheme). A bridge has now been included and this in turn has created the opportunity to adjust the alignment and level of the bypass between Leybourne Wood and Ashton Way reducing several adverse impacts of the scheme in this area. 11. Two properties in Pump Close which were to be demolished under the Orange Route scheme are now saved. 12. A preliminary study of the environmental impacts of the scheme has been carried out and appropriate mitigation measures have been incorporated in the scheme proposals. The proposed alignment, earthwork proposals and noise fencing are already detailed to be sympathetic to the surrounding environment, including several areas where it is possible to return land to agriculture. A more detailed study of environmental issues will be an integral part of the planning application process. 13. Traffic management and safety issues for Castle Way are of high importance from comments received from the consultation. It is premature to decide upon the action necessary to discourage inappropriate use of the road. It is therefore proposed to consider the treatment of Castle Way as a separate public consultation exercise to be carried out during the construction period of the bypass. The intention would be that appropriate treatment of Castle Way would be implemented as an integral part of the Bypass scheme. 14. Provision of a bus only link connecting the bypass to West Malling railway station is an integral part of the scheme and received positive support at the November consultation. Meetings have been held involving Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, Connex and Railtrack, regarding future development of the station. However, with no real progress being made due to wider issues, options for car access have not been progressed. the proposals therefore remains to provide a bus only access as shown on the MOR scheme plan. pedestrian and cycling links to the station, together with appropriate landscaping, are points of detail to be progressed as the scheme develops. Specific Concerns Regarding Park Road 15.2 Item No. 151515 A228 Leybourne and West Malling Bypass A Report by the Head of Transport Management to the Highways Advisory Board on 13 September, 2001 15. Following the public consultation, held in November 2000, Park Road Residents formed a Residents Association to campaign against the MOR proposals, although their concerns had already been highlighted from the consultation process. Connecting Castle Way to the bypass will reduce the flow of traffic along Park Road however, there are still concerns that Park Road will be seen as an alternative for drivers who wish to avoid traffic signals. There is also the possibility that future development at Leybourne Grange will generate even further traffic along Park Road although this would be greater without a Bypass. Further Consultation with Parish Councils and the Residents Association 16. A copy of the revised scheme was sent to the eight Parish Councils of Leybourne, West Malling, East Malling & Larkfield, Ryarsh, Offham, Birling, Kings Hill and Mereworth. Some comments have been received and copies of letters are on display. Any new or significant issues will be reported at the meeting. 17. A copy of the revised scheme was sent to the Park Road Residents Association who expressed their disappointment with efforts to address problems that will arise in Park Road because of the bypass, and have submitted a petition for Park Road to become a cul de sac. However, with Leybourne Grange development still undecided including the needs of buses, cyclists, pedestrians, equestrians and emergency vehicles it would be premature, at this stage, to decide the action necessary to discourage inappropriate use of the road. As with Castle Way, it is therefore proposed to consider the treatment as a separate public consultation exercise to be carried out during the construction period of the bypass. Further Consultation with Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council 18. In response to the November 2000 consultation, Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council’s Development Planning and Transportation committee resolved to reserve its position on the Modified Orange Route until such time as a planning application is received accompanied by a full Environmental Statement. The committee also expressed concern over several issues which have since been the subject of further study. 19. A copy of the revised scheme was sent to officers of Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, in July 2001. They conclude that the revised scheme goes a very long way towards meeting most of their Council’s concerns. In particular, they welcome in principle the decision to reopen the Castle Way junction. They also welcome the revisions to the vertical and horizontal alignment and landscaping details north of the A20, the reintroduction of an over-bridge at the A20 and the significant simplification of the A20 junction arrangements. They consider that other areas of outstanding concern are mainly matters that can best be dealt with as part of the planning application. A copy of their letter is on display. 20. On 21 August 2001, a briefing was held with Officers and Members of Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council…………………………………………………………… .......……… Views of the Highways Agency 15.3 Item No. 151515 A228 Leybourne and West Malling Bypass A Report by the Head of Transport Management to the Highways Advisory Board on 13 September, 2001 21. Since the DETR (now DTLR) shelved their programmed scheme to widen the M20 between Junctions 3 and 5, in November 1996, the Highways Agency have been concerned that the A228 scheme would have an adverse impact upon the operation of the M20 motorway.

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