In last month’s news I explained that I had objected to proposals by the developer of 7 new houses at the old Mendip Lodge Hotel site on Bath Road, to install ‘dropped kerbs’ instead of a proper pedestrian crossing across Bath Road. A planning condition requires a ‘pedestrian crossing’ for residents of the new development as the site is isolated from the footpath network, and traffic is fast with average speeds of 38 mph.  I recently met with Mendip’s planning officer and the developer’s planning and highways consultants to explain my concerns for residents safety, and asked the developer’s team to withdraw the proposals and improve their scheme.  The developer’s team argued against a requirement for a zebra or signalled crossing, due to the cost and likely low numbers of people using the crossing, and safety issues associated with a zebra crossing next to a bus stop on a main road with speeding issues. However they agreed to submit a new improved proposal for a new pedestrian ‘island’ across Bath Road. Please see the revised plans here.

I think this is a welcome improvement.  A pedestrian island will allow people to cross the road easier with half the distance to cross to safety, and the island will protect people from vehicles with raised kerbs and lit bollards either side.

But what do you think? To respond, please email consultation.responses@mendip.gov.uk (quoting planning reference 2017/0992/APP) to have your say. I will also push for the access road to be adopted by Somerset County Council (after completion of the houses and resurfacing to a high standard), and the grass to be a adopted by Mendip as public open space.

I have also asked Somerset County Council to prepare plans to slow traffic down here – such as a permanent flashing sign, and to move the 30mph limit northwards – and I have also asked Frome Town Council to see what can be done.

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