Phase 3 junction improvements at Willenhall Road / Neachells Lane And Moseley Road Junction And Land Adjacent Wolverhampton

“Planning application no. 23/00295/FUL Site Willenhall Road / Neachells Lane and Moseley Road Junction and Land Adjacent, Wolverhampton…”

“Proposal Alterations and extensions to A454 Willenhall Road / Neachells Lane and Moseley Road Junction (forming Phase 3 of the wider series of proposed highway improvements along the A454 Willenhall Road – the City East Gateway Corridor)”

“Phase 3 of the scheme is located approximately three miles east of Wolverhampton city centre, centred around the Neachells Lane junction. The site covers an area of approximately 2.7 hectares and comprises both highway and non-highway land.”

“The non-highway land includes: • The area between the existing Shell petrol filling station and the Travis Perkins depot on Neachells Lane. It includes parts of the curtilage of both the Shell and Travis Perkins sites • Residential properties, including Windy Ridge and Oakdene, Neachells Lane, WV13 3LR • Part of the rear gardens of 575 to 589 Willenhall Road • Part of the rear amenity space and car parking of 591 to 599 Willenhall Road • The former public house site at…”

“In September 2018, the Council’s Cabinet (Resources) Panel approved a public consultation on transport improvement options for the City East Gateway – A454 Willenhall Road Corridor. On 2 April 2019, the Panel endorsed a preferred multi-modal scheme for Phases 1 and 2, involving a comprehensive highway redesign to support all transport modes. Phases 1 and 2 cover the highway section between Bilston Road Island and Hickman Avenue.”

“This junction is a longstanding pinch point, with delays and poor performance across all arms threatening to undermine the benefits of the wider scheme. Its improvement is of strategic importance to the whole scheme. Following public consultation, on 3 March 2020, the Cabinet (Resources) Panel endorsed Option 5 (referred to as Option B in consultation documents) as the preferred scheme for Phase 3.”

“Highways and Transportation 10.24 The scheme is expected to deliver substantial benefits in terms of traffic flow and congestion relief, journey time reliability, and road safety. Improvements to pedestrian and cycle infrastructure are welcomed and contribute to sustainable travel objectives. The scheme has been reviewed by the Highways Authority, which supports its implementation subject to conditions.”

“However, the scheme involves the loss of two residential properties, partial land acquisition from commercial and residential curtilages, and the removal of amenity and parking spaces for some properties, with impacts upon businesses including Shell Petrol filling station. While mitigation measures, such as new access arrangements and public realm enhancements are proposed, the impact on existing residents and businesses is significant and have been weighed carefully.”

“Publicity 6.1 A total of nine representations were received in response to the proposed highway improvement scheme. Six representations were cited as objections. The key concerns and comments raised are summarised below: Highway Safety and Residential Amenity • Several residents expressed concern about the proximity of the proposed four-lane road to residential properties, particularly rear gardens.”

“Traffic Management and Accessibility • Objections were received about the proposed restriction to a left-turn-only exit onto Neachells Lane, which is considered inconvenient and likely to increase travel times and congestion. • Residents noted that Neachells Lane is already heavily trafficked during peak hours and feared the changes would exacerbate existing pressures. • Requests were made for clarification regarding the absence of a right-turn option in the submitted plans.”

“Tim Philpot, Service Lead - Transport Strategy, and the Section Leader responded to questions asked. They stated the following: Concerns regarding internal noise levels had been discussed in depth with Environmental Health, and it was believed that with the right mitigation, the issue could be addressed. A management plan for the construction and demolition process would be in place to help mitigate disruption. 3.”

“Members of the Committee acknowledged the need for change at this junction and welcomed the proposed scheme.”

“Councillor Alan Butt moved the recommendations within the report. Councillor Rita Potter seconded the recommendations.”

“Resolved: That planning application 23/00295/FUL be granted subject to conditions, including: • Five-year time limit for commencement • Approved plans • Demolition, Construction and Environment Management Plan, to include but not exclusively noise matters and mitigation measures during the site preparation, demolition and construction periods.”

“Drainage Strategy • Landscaping • External Lighting • Ecological Mitigation • Post completion monitoring report to assess the effectiveness of the scheme in terms of traffic flow, safety, and environmental impact, and shall include recommendations for any necessary remedial measures • Detailed proposals for Tree Removal and Tree Planting • Submission and Implementation of Tree Protection proposals • Implementation of noise attenuation including acoustic…”