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More than 130 new homes could be built near a notorious traffic hotspot next to a busy Derby retail park. But the developer behind the plans says the traffic will be reduced.
Plans have been submitted to build up to 135 new homes adjacent to the Kingsway Retail Park, which has become well known for severe traffic jams over the years.
The application to Derby City Council is to extend the Manor Park residential estate directly opposite the busy shopping area. The site is close to the Kingsway road serving the A38, which also sees daily congestion.
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Hundreds of homes have already been built at the site in recent years, making it one of Derby’s newest housing developments.
However, fresh plans have now been submitted to increase the number of homes and create public realm space for new residents.
New homes and green space is planned for an area of vacant land close to the A5111 Grand Canyon roundabout, which serves the retail park and the Kings Highway pub. There are also plans to build on land currently used as a temporary car park for Royal Derby Hospital patients and visitors.
The plans have been submitted by Homes England – the government’s official housing and regeneration agency for England. A mix of houses and apartment blocks is proposed.
An illustrative masterplan states this includes eight one-bedroom, 47 two-bedroom, 44 three-bedroom, and 31 four-bedroom dwellings. Of the homes, 30% will be affordable. There will be around 150 car parking spaces included.
A planning statement says: “The site presents a number of opportunities to create a well-connected, sustainable and high-quality residential neighbourhood as the final phase of the wider Manor Kingsway redevelopment.
“The site’s depth allows for a range of housing typologies, including apartments and family homes with high-quality private and shared amenity space. The overall layout offers flexibility to respond to changing needs while delivering a sustainable, legible and distinctive new neighbourhood.”
Shoppers have spoken about the problems they have had exiting the retail park during busy periods. There is a feeling that traffic in the area could get worse if new homes are built nearby.
Changes were made to the retail park a couple of years ago following major traffic problems. One taxi firm threatened to boycott the retail park because the congestion was so bad.
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One shopper, who has visited the retail park for decades, said: “I’ve been coming here for a long time, since it was built.
“Sometimes the traffic here is diabolical and at times it can take ages to get out. It will be even worse if the new homes are built.”
Another shopper said she was unsure how any new homes would impact traffic. But did say she was once left waiting to exit the shopping park for an hour and a half sometime ago.
But planning documents dismiss any concerns traffic will get worse: It says: “The net trip generation demonstrates that the proposed development will result in a significant net reduction in traffic on the surrounding highway network than the existing temporary car park, such that the highway impact assessment is not necessary. The residual cumulative traffic impacts of the development are not significant.”
According to Derby City Council’s planning portal, a decision could be made at the end of the year. However, dates can be subject to change.
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