Congestion and pollution fears raised over housing developments in Whalley

10:00pm Sunday 20th May 2012 in Whalley Photograph of the Author By Vanessa Cornall, Crime reporter

Traffic in Whalley could descend ‘into chaos’ if something is not done to ease the problems with congestion, parking and air pollution, an independent survey has found.

Residents have become so concerned about the problems, the Save Whalley Action group, has paid for an independent traffic survey, by Capita Simmons to identify how the problems will increase over the coming years.

More than 200 residents gathered at Whalley Abbey on Saturday to hear the results of the survey.

The issues have arisen after Dennis Wilson Homes submitted an application to Ribble Valley Council to create a new housing development by 2021.

This application combined with other projected plans, could mean 1,217 news houses in the village in the next nine years.

Ian Richardson, Director of Capita Symonds explained that by 2021 under this scenario queue lengths approaching the two mini roundabouts in the village would stretch up to one km and produce delays for drivers in the region of 15 minutes.

He said: “Whalley’s road network is close to saturation already.

“If something is not done to ease the problem, when the network is put under this extra pressure it will descend into chaos.

“Traffic is like water. It finds the path of least resistance, it will move on to roads less commonly used and flood the entire network.”

As well as the issues with congestion and parking, residents also expressed concerns that extra housing will devalue the village’s heritage, prevent Whalley children attending the already over subscribed primary school and increase air pollution.

Nick Walker, Chairman of Save Whalley Village, said: “We now have hard evidence that key junctions are already at capacity. The message from this work is that within a few years the road network in Whalley will cease to function effectively. Gridlock will be the result unless a proper plan to mitigate the effects is put in place right now.

“A month ago we sent Lancashire County Council this report and requested a meeting to discuss its findings. We have not even received an acknowledgement to our letter. This speaks volumes about their attitude and frankly LCC should be ashamed.”

He also said that group was particularly worried about pollution at the roundabout on King Street where it meets with Accrington Road.

For more information about the survey, visit www.savewhalleyvillage.org.uk

Comments (24)

12:18am Mon 21 May 12

Pan-cake says...

Could anyone confirm this is the same Ian Richardson of Capita who famously declared to the Lancashire Telegraph (4/6/2003) that the development of the new Royal Blackburn Hospital and surrounding land would not have a detrimental effect on traffic flows on Haslingden Road and the M65 junction and no adjustments were needed.
“But Ian Richardson, from Capita Highways Consultancy, the firm the council uses for road matters, said: "We have undertaken careful studies to make sure the roads can cope.
"A fourth arm will be added to one junction which we are sure will mean that the traffic keeps moving.
"At the same time, we are confident there will be no blocks for 'blue light' traffic."
Perhaps the ‘Save Whalley Village’ activists should speak the ‘Save Guide Village’ (of 2003 vintage) activists, and check the bonefides of Capita Symonds and its staff. They obviously got the planning wrong at Guide – witness the recent large overhaul of the M65 junction, aimed mainly at modifying the exit slip road to allow room for ‘blue light’ ambulances to get passed all the grid-locked traffic.
Still, other traffic management schemes like the Blackburn orbital route seem to be working well, and the Pelican crossing in High Street at Rishton has worked well after planners found HGVs couldn’t negotiate the ‘build outs’ and had to remove half them days after completing the scheme.
No doubt Save Whalley will be happy with their consultants report, but they should be aware that consultants usually produce the outcome that the people who are paying are expecting.
Good luck with the campaign!
Could anyone confirm this is the same Ian Richardson of Capita who famously declared to the Lancashire Telegraph (4/6/2003) that the development of the new Royal Blackburn Hospital and surrounding land would not have a detrimental effect on traffic flows on Haslingden Road and the M65 junction and no adjustments were needed. “But Ian Richardson, from Capita Highways Consultancy, the firm the council uses for road matters, said: "We have undertaken careful studies to make sure the roads can cope. "A fourth arm will be added to one junction which we are sure will mean that the traffic keeps moving. "At the same time, we are confident there will be no blocks for 'blue light' traffic." Perhaps the ‘Save Whalley Village’ activists should speak the ‘Save Guide Village’ (of 2003 vintage) activists, and check the bonefides of Capita Symonds and its staff. They obviously got the planning wrong at Guide – witness the recent large overhaul of the M65 junction, aimed mainly at modifying the exit slip road to allow room for ‘blue light’ ambulances to get passed all the grid-locked traffic. Still, other traffic management schemes like the Blackburn orbital route seem to be working well, and the Pelican crossing in High Street at Rishton has worked well after planners found HGVs couldn’t negotiate the ‘build outs’ and had to remove half them days after completing the scheme. No doubt Save Whalley will be happy with their consultants report, but they should be aware that consultants usually produce the outcome that the people who are paying are expecting. Good luck with the campaign! Pan-cake

6:48am Mon 21 May 12

2 for 5p says...

I notice this has only been flaged up when it is announced they are going to build more homes. Talk about a smoke screen.
Lets just face it you just don't want anyone else living were you are living.
I notice this has only been flaged up when it is announced they are going to build more homes. Talk about a smoke screen. Lets just face it you just don't want anyone else living were you are living. 2 for 5p

9:21am Mon 21 May 12

midas says...

If its been paid for by the Save Whalley Action group - its not independent is it?
If its been paid for by the Save Whalley Action group - its not independent is it? midas

9:31am Mon 21 May 12

Noiticer says...

How many of those who want to save Whalley are incomers who now don't want others to follow them? Are they the same inhabitants of Whalley who own several cars, often very large ones, who never use public transport or walk into the centre to shop?
How many of those who want to save Whalley are incomers who now don't want others to follow them? Are they the same inhabitants of Whalley who own several cars, often very large ones, who never use public transport or walk into the centre to shop? Noiticer

10:07am Mon 21 May 12

Stuart Farquar says...

Such wonderful news when the middle class are shafted lol
Such wonderful news when the middle class are shafted lol Stuart Farquar

10:28am Mon 21 May 12

happycyclist says...

Noiticer wrote:
How many of those who want to save Whalley are incomers who now don't want others to follow them? Are they the same inhabitants of Whalley who own several cars, often very large ones, who never use public transport or walk into the centre to shop?
That's often the case. My own parents were part of an action group who attempted to stop more development around them, because they wanted their brand new 4-bed detached house to remain on the edge of farmland, when a couple of years earlier their plot had been farmland, too.
[quote][p][bold]Noiticer[/bold] wrote: How many of those who want to save Whalley are incomers who now don't want others to follow them? Are they the same inhabitants of Whalley who own several cars, often very large ones, who never use public transport or walk into the centre to shop?[/p][/quote]That's often the case. My own parents were part of an action group who attempted to stop more development around them, because they wanted their brand new 4-bed detached house to remain on the edge of farmland, when a couple of years earlier their plot had been farmland, too. happycyclist

11:17am Mon 21 May 12

The Mouth says...

"incomers - middle class"

So narrow minded - we also pay income tax !!!
"incomers - middle class" So narrow minded - we also pay income tax !!! The Mouth

11:37am Mon 21 May 12

shytalk says...

The residents of Whalley are tory voters by and large..
They only have themselves to blame then for the desecration of their village..Am sure they will be happy now that the tory planning authority and councillors have all got their brown envelopes.
The residents of Whalley are tory voters by and large.. They only have themselves to blame then for the desecration of their village..Am sure they will be happy now that the tory planning authority and councillors have all got their brown envelopes. shytalk

11:48am Mon 21 May 12

skippy1 says...

isnt it amazing how all the council housers from Burnley and Blackburn get on their soapboxes when ever Whalley is on the agenda perhaps if some of you northern monkeys turned Coronation Street off long enough and got a job you might just be able to drive to Whalley to enjoy a Pimms and lemonade in 1 of the fine inns in the village...then again we wouldnt really want you here anyway!
isnt it amazing how all the council housers from Burnley and Blackburn get on their soapboxes when ever Whalley is on the agenda perhaps if some of you northern monkeys turned Coronation Street off long enough and got a job you might just be able to drive to Whalley to enjoy a Pimms and lemonade in 1 of the fine inns in the village...then again we wouldnt really want you here anyway! skippy1

12:01pm Mon 21 May 12

skippy1 says...

Oh I should also point out to all the Blackburn and Burnley folk that you shouldnt stand on your soapboxes as this may cause injury if you topple on your lardy arses.
Oh I should also point out to all the Blackburn and Burnley folk that you shouldnt stand on your soapboxes as this may cause injury if you topple on your lardy arses. skippy1

1:01pm Mon 21 May 12

shytalk says...

skippy1 wrote:
isnt it amazing how all the council housers from Burnley and Blackburn get on their soapboxes when ever Whalley is on the agenda perhaps if some of you northern monkeys turned Coronation Street off long enough and got a job you might just be able to drive to Whalley to enjoy a Pimms and lemonade in 1 of the fine inns in the village...then again we wouldnt really want you here anyway!
Keep voting tory and enjoy your plastic artificial drinks in plastic artificial pubs whilst you can. Soon they will all turned into prayer centres supporting your local mosque, that will be built for the inmates of the new high rises about to be built on whats left of the green fields around the village.
[quote][p][bold]skippy1[/bold] wrote: isnt it amazing how all the council housers from Burnley and Blackburn get on their soapboxes when ever Whalley is on the agenda perhaps if some of you northern monkeys turned Coronation Street off long enough and got a job you might just be able to drive to Whalley to enjoy a Pimms and lemonade in 1 of the fine inns in the village...then again we wouldnt really want you here anyway![/p][/quote]Keep voting tory and enjoy your plastic artificial drinks in plastic artificial pubs whilst you can. Soon they will all turned into prayer centres supporting your local mosque, that will be built for the inmates of the new high rises about to be built on whats left of the green fields around the village. shytalk

1:35pm Mon 21 May 12

skippy1 says...

Now Shytalk you didnt read my comment about health and safety did you! Naughty northern monkey you've obviously fallen off your soapbox, hit your head and damaged the small piece of brain matter that hides there! Go lie down turn on Coronation Street and count the hours till yer next dole cheque arrives!!
Now Shytalk you didnt read my comment about health and safety did you! Naughty northern monkey you've obviously fallen off your soapbox, hit your head and damaged the small piece of brain matter that hides there! Go lie down turn on Coronation Street and count the hours till yer next dole cheque arrives!! skippy1

2:02pm Mon 21 May 12

bburnrover says...

I live in Whalley the only thing I would say about traffic is that cars are speeding from the roundabout up to the national limit sign on Accrington Road. I have to take a risk just joining the main road every morning as cars are doing 70 mph in a 30 mph zone.
I live in Whalley the only thing I would say about traffic is that cars are speeding from the roundabout up to the national limit sign on Accrington Road. I have to take a risk just joining the main road every morning as cars are doing 70 mph in a 30 mph zone. bburnrover

2:58pm Mon 21 May 12

midas says...

skippy1 wrote:
isnt it amazing how all the council housers from Burnley and Blackburn get on their soapboxes when ever Whalley is on the agenda perhaps if some of you northern monkeys turned Coronation Street off long enough and got a job you might just be able to drive to Whalley to enjoy a Pimms and lemonade in 1 of the fine inns in the village...then again we wouldnt really want you here anyway!
Its amazing how people from Whalley, who so desperately want to be "Ribble Valley", call a town center pub an "inn" when really the place is a bit sh1t!
[quote][p][bold]skippy1[/bold] wrote: isnt it amazing how all the council housers from Burnley and Blackburn get on their soapboxes when ever Whalley is on the agenda perhaps if some of you northern monkeys turned Coronation Street off long enough and got a job you might just be able to drive to Whalley to enjoy a Pimms and lemonade in 1 of the fine inns in the village...then again we wouldnt really want you here anyway![/p][/quote]Its amazing how people from Whalley, who so desperately want to be "Ribble Valley", call a town center pub an "inn" when really the place is a bit sh1t! midas

3:43pm Mon 21 May 12

did you smash it? says...

All those poor ickle village bumpkins worried about extra housing 'devaluing the village heritage'.
.
You set of snot-nosed carrot crunchers need to get real you are nothing special, your village is in fact mainly a dump and your holier-than-thou and condescending attitude as displayed by posters like skippy1 is a disgrace.
All those poor ickle village bumpkins worried about extra housing 'devaluing the village heritage'. . You set of snot-nosed carrot crunchers need to get real you are nothing special, your village is in fact mainly a dump and your holier-than-thou and condescending attitude as displayed by posters like skippy1 is a disgrace. did you smash it?

6:45pm Mon 21 May 12

wrinkles says...

I don't live anywhere near the Ribble Valley but I have driven along Whalley & district's narrow roads and think the locals are quite right to be concerned. Roughly each house will have two adults driving to work and dropping off two children at the school gates. Where's the school places, the creches, the recreation centre? Can the local doctor's surgery cope? Presumably the new residents are supposed to find work in Blackburn or Preston - I don't envy them waiting in the traffic queues.
I don't live anywhere near the Ribble Valley but I have driven along Whalley & district's narrow roads and think the locals are quite right to be concerned. Roughly each house will have two adults driving to work and dropping off two children at the school gates. Where's the school places, the creches, the recreation centre? Can the local doctor's surgery cope? Presumably the new residents are supposed to find work in Blackburn or Preston - I don't envy them waiting in the traffic queues. wrinkles

7:32pm Mon 21 May 12

2 for 5p says...

wrinkles wrote:
I don't live anywhere near the Ribble Valley but I have driven along Whalley & district's narrow roads and think the locals are quite right to be concerned. Roughly each house will have two adults driving to work and dropping off two children at the school gates. Where's the school places, the creches, the recreation centre? Can the local doctor's surgery cope? Presumably the new residents are supposed to find work in Blackburn or Preston - I don't envy them waiting in the traffic queues.
so what! Going by your thoery, no were would ever expand.
1200 new homes would be another aprox 5000 people.
Weather there built in whalley or Blackburn you'll need another doctor larger school whatever.
The country is expanding and places like whalley are ideal places for it
[quote][p][bold]wrinkles[/bold] wrote: I don't live anywhere near the Ribble Valley but I have driven along Whalley & district's narrow roads and think the locals are quite right to be concerned. Roughly each house will have two adults driving to work and dropping off two children at the school gates. Where's the school places, the creches, the recreation centre? Can the local doctor's surgery cope? Presumably the new residents are supposed to find work in Blackburn or Preston - I don't envy them waiting in the traffic queues.[/p][/quote]so what! Going by your thoery, no were would ever expand. 1200 new homes would be another aprox 5000 people. Weather there built in whalley or Blackburn you'll need another doctor larger school whatever. The country is expanding and places like whalley are ideal places for it 2 for 5p

9:04pm Mon 21 May 12

Mike Harper says...

Is it wrong to want the Council to fix congestion problems? They are talking about tailbacks stretching all the way to Barrow.

And what has it got to do with being middle class or otherwise? Or being an 'incomer'? I was born in the village - does that mean my opinion should count for more? Of course not.

And can't anyone who posts here spell?
Is it wrong to want the Council to fix congestion problems? They are talking about tailbacks stretching all the way to Barrow. And what has it got to do with being middle class or otherwise? Or being an 'incomer'? I was born in the village - does that mean my opinion should count for more? Of course not. And can't anyone who posts here spell? Mike Harper

12:27am Tue 22 May 12

wrinkles says...

2 for 5p wrote:
wrinkles wrote:
I don't live anywhere near the Ribble Valley but I have driven along Whalley & district's narrow roads and think the locals are quite right to be concerned. Roughly each house will have two adults driving to work and dropping off two children at the school gates. Where's the school places, the creches, the recreation centre? Can the local doctor's surgery cope? Presumably the new residents are supposed to find work in Blackburn or Preston - I don't envy them waiting in the traffic queues.
so what! Going by your thoery, no were would ever expand.
1200 new homes would be another aprox 5000 people.
Weather there built in whalley or Blackburn you'll need another doctor larger school whatever.
The country is expanding and places like whalley are ideal places for it
The country (e.g. the land mass) isn't expanding, in fact it's shrinking due to miles of it falling into the sea in the north and sinking below sea level further south. The only expansion is the population, which once had everything it needed more or less on its doorstep but now has to access its needs by travelling along unsuitable thoroughfares for hours over ever expanding miles.
If you did geography at school you'd have learned that we live in a temperate climate which yields the highest growth of food/crops. The world should be putting buildngs on barren land. When you've covered our land with buildings, where will the next generations find food?
[quote][p][bold]2 for 5p[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]wrinkles[/bold] wrote: I don't live anywhere near the Ribble Valley but I have driven along Whalley & district's narrow roads and think the locals are quite right to be concerned. Roughly each house will have two adults driving to work and dropping off two children at the school gates. Where's the school places, the creches, the recreation centre? Can the local doctor's surgery cope? Presumably the new residents are supposed to find work in Blackburn or Preston - I don't envy them waiting in the traffic queues.[/p][/quote]so what! Going by your thoery, no were would ever expand. 1200 new homes would be another aprox 5000 people. Weather there built in whalley or Blackburn you'll need another doctor larger school whatever. The country is expanding and places like whalley are ideal places for it[/p][/quote]The country (e.g. the land mass) isn't expanding, in fact it's shrinking due to miles of it falling into the sea in the north and sinking below sea level further south. The only expansion is the population, which once had everything it needed more or less on its doorstep but now has to access its needs by travelling along unsuitable thoroughfares for hours over ever expanding miles. If you did geography at school you'd have learned that we live in a temperate climate which yields the highest growth of food/crops. The world should be putting buildngs on barren land. When you've covered our land with buildings, where will the next generations find food? wrinkles

9:27am Tue 22 May 12

2 for 5p says...

If its that much of a problem lets knock the all of whalley down and turn it all into arable land.
If its that much of a problem lets knock the all of whalley down and turn it all into arable land. 2 for 5p

10:22am Tue 22 May 12

Steve Rush says...

Forget whether or not you agree with increasing housing numbers in the Ribble Valley. Everyone must agree that no matter where you build - the appropriate infrastructure is required, to cater for the extra people. Consider this (based on 2001 census figures) 4,000 extra houses in the Ribble Valley will bring 9,640 people 5,440 cars 733 children requiring secondary school education. (This is a very low estimate as the 2011 census figures are not yet available)
Our council's infrastructure plan to deal with this extra influx of people and cars contains the following:
No extra car parking
No change to the road network
No traffic management scheme
No extra doctors
No extra schools (primary or secondary)
No extra sports facilities
No guarantees water and wastewater can be accommodated
No guarantees for refuse collection
There are lots more issues this large amount of extra houses will generate that the council cannot address. Surely it is not unreasonable to point out important parts of infrastructure shortages to existing and potential new residents.
Surely it is also not unreasonable to defend the area you live in whether it be a town or a village.
Forget whether or not you agree with increasing housing numbers in the Ribble Valley. Everyone must agree that no matter where you build - the appropriate infrastructure is required, to cater for the extra people. Consider this (based on 2001 census figures) 4,000 extra houses in the Ribble Valley will bring 9,640 people 5,440 cars 733 children requiring secondary school education. (This is a very low estimate as the 2011 census figures are not yet available) Our council's infrastructure plan to deal with this extra influx of people and cars contains the following: No extra car parking No change to the road network No traffic management scheme No extra doctors No extra schools (primary or secondary) No extra sports facilities No guarantees water and wastewater can be accommodated No guarantees for refuse collection There are lots more issues this large amount of extra houses will generate that the council cannot address. Surely it is not unreasonable to point out important parts of infrastructure shortages to existing and potential new residents. Surely it is also not unreasonable to defend the area you live in whether it be a town or a village. Steve Rush

11:39am Tue 22 May 12

Noiticer says...

Steve Rush is exactly right in his comments and highlights exactly what is wrong with the governing of the Uk by all parties. There is no long term strategic thinking whether it be railways, roads, energy production etc. All is short termism, political expediency, jobs for the boys or profit motivated. Things have got worse not better as the current government believes in a 'laissez-faire' approach or panders to the commercial advantage of its donors such a the large building companies.Compare this with other neighbouring countries in Europe and we are pathetic.
Steve Rush is exactly right in his comments and highlights exactly what is wrong with the governing of the Uk by all parties. There is no long term strategic thinking whether it be railways, roads, energy production etc. All is short termism, political expediency, jobs for the boys or profit motivated. Things have got worse not better as the current government believes in a 'laissez-faire' approach or panders to the commercial advantage of its donors such a the large building companies.Compare this with other neighbouring countries in Europe and we are pathetic. Noiticer

6:51pm Wed 23 May 12

Scott Gant says...

midas wrote:
skippy1 wrote:
isnt it amazing how all the council housers from Burnley and Blackburn get on their soapboxes when ever Whalley is on the agenda perhaps if some of you northern monkeys turned Coronation Street off long enough and got a job you might just be able to drive to Whalley to enjoy a Pimms and lemonade in 1 of the fine inns in the village...then again we wouldnt really want you here anyway!
Its amazing how people from Whalley, who so desperately want to be "Ribble Valley", call a town center pub an "inn" when really the place is a bit sh1t!
Its amazing that you think Whalley is a town when its a village, people like you are just jealous.
[quote][p][bold]midas[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]skippy1[/bold] wrote: isnt it amazing how all the council housers from Burnley and Blackburn get on their soapboxes when ever Whalley is on the agenda perhaps if some of you northern monkeys turned Coronation Street off long enough and got a job you might just be able to drive to Whalley to enjoy a Pimms and lemonade in 1 of the fine inns in the village...then again we wouldnt really want you here anyway![/p][/quote]Its amazing how people from Whalley, who so desperately want to be "Ribble Valley", call a town center pub an "inn" when really the place is a bit sh1t![/p][/quote]Its amazing that you think Whalley is a town when its a village, people like you are just jealous. Scott Gant

7:30pm Wed 23 May 12

Coeur de Lion says...

Scott Gant wrote:
midas wrote:
skippy1 wrote:
isnt it amazing how all the council housers from Burnley and Blackburn get on their soapboxes when ever Whalley is on the agenda perhaps if some of you northern monkeys turned Coronation Street off long enough and got a job you might just be able to drive to Whalley to enjoy a Pimms and lemonade in 1 of the fine inns in the village...then again we wouldnt really want you here anyway!
Its amazing how people from Whalley, who so desperately want to be "Ribble Valley", call a town center pub an "inn" when really the place is a bit sh1t!
Its amazing that you think Whalley is a town when its a village, people like you are just jealous.
I agree this nasty piece of work actually lives in Burnley, he has every reason to be envious.
[quote][p][bold]Scott Gant[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]midas[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]skippy1[/bold] wrote: isnt it amazing how all the council housers from Burnley and Blackburn get on their soapboxes when ever Whalley is on the agenda perhaps if some of you northern monkeys turned Coronation Street off long enough and got a job you might just be able to drive to Whalley to enjoy a Pimms and lemonade in 1 of the fine inns in the village...then again we wouldnt really want you here anyway![/p][/quote]Its amazing how people from Whalley, who so desperately want to be "Ribble Valley", call a town center pub an "inn" when really the place is a bit sh1t![/p][/quote]Its amazing that you think Whalley is a town when its a village, people like you are just jealous.[/p][/quote]I agree this nasty piece of work actually lives in Burnley, he has every reason to be envious. Coeur de Lion

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