SOHAM DOG PARK

PROJECT

We were instructed to prepare an Access Appraisal Technical Note in support of the proposed development at Soham Dog Park. This site is a retrospective development that transitioned from agricultural land to an enclosed dog park. Concerns were raised in regard to the access of the site and it’s suitability and safety for the dog park and the local highway network.

We were to argue the fact that this access is safe and suitable, conforming with standards in the context of the local highway network.

APPROACH

Our work began by instructing Automatic Traffic Count surveys on the surrounding road network. This would be used to define the actual speeds of vehicles travelling on roads that are posted as 60mph. These results outlined that vehicles were in fact travelling much slower, in the region between 20mph and 30mph. Contextually, vehicles were slowing due to the rail infrastructure and turning space that was close by.

We used this evidence to produce visibility splays from the access point, showing these conformed with the speeds in which vehicles were travelling. As the access point would need to view three directions, our visibility splays determined that suitable visibility can be achieved in all directions for both outwards and inwards visibility.

In our Technical Note, we were able to comfortably argue for the access and state it’s suitability in design, alongside a clean highway safety record. Coupled with the real vehicle speeds, we effectively argued that the access was safe for the Dog Park use.

OUTCOME

The retrospective planning application has been submitted and is pending consideration.