Chew Moor car park could 'turn delays into gridlock'

The plan to create 19 new car parking spaces at the old Methodist Church on St John’s Road in Chew Moor is set to go to Bolton Council’s planning committee later this week.

Council officers have recommended that the committee approve the plans, subject to conditions.

But Cllr Andy Morgan, of Heaton, Lostock and Chew Moor, has objected to the scheme, saying he is concerned about the “traffic reality” on St John’s Road.

He said: “The highways officers state that the traffic impact will be ‘marginal’ and base their satisfaction ‘on the information provided.’

A new private car park has been proposed (Image: Newsquest)

“This is unacceptable. It is abundantly clear that no highways officer has observed the traffic flow during genuine peak times, the morning and evening commutes, the school run, or other peak times.

“If they had, they would know that traffic through the village is already reduced to a standstill at these key periods.

“Introducing an access point for 19 vehicles at this specific location will only exacerbate this chronic congestion, turning delays into gridlock.”

“Furthermore, I must address the severe road safety risk posed by the close proximity of this proposed entrance to the tight corner at St John’s Road and Chulsey Gate Lane.

“Any vehicle attempting to turn into this car park, particularly those attempting a right turn, will be forced to stop directly on the bend.

“This manoeuvre will obstruct the highway, create a dangerous bottleneck, and significantly increase the risk of collision with approaching traffic that has limited sightlines coming around the curve.

“The proposed car park is situated in a location that is inherently hostile to safe traffic movement.

“I urge the committee to look beyond the marginal assessment provided by officers and consider the real, lived experience of residents, refusing this application on the grounds of road safety and unacceptable traffic impact.”

The proposal has attracted 70 letters of objection and 33 letters of support and was brought to the committee at the request of Cllr Anne Galloway, also of Heaton, Lostock and Chew Moor.

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Bolton Council planning officers have said they believe the traffic impact can be managed.

A report said: “Highways officers are satisfied, acting on the information provided, that potential traffic impact from the car park will potentially be marginal in comparison to the observed traffic volumes using St John's Road and the surrounding highway network.”

It added: “The conclusion based on the submitted information is that adequate forward visibility will be achievable from the bend on St John's Road to the proposed car park entrance, in line with the requirements indicated in national guidance.”

The planning committee is expected to decide on the plans at a town hall meeting on Thursday November 6.