RESIDENTS in Wolsingham may want to consider the increase in traffic that may be caused if a controversial planning application is allowed in Hansterley Forest.
Campaigners against the plans, which include building 70 high end wooden cabins, each with its own hot tub as well as a new visitor centre and Go Ape attraction. Many objections have been submitted to the planning portal and these include people concerned at the impact on wildlife, flora and fauna. There is no mains water or mains drainage in the forest with the effluent being discharged into natural water courses.
Others have objected on the grounds of the increase in traffic along very narrow country roads, especially as the main road out of Hamsterley Village remains closed after almost three years.
The campaigners are trying to make those in surrounding villages, including Wolsingham, aware of the implications of increased traffic, especially down the Causeway in Wolsingham, from the A689 with the parking of roadside traffic making it almost a single carriageway. This may cause bottleneck traffic and also increased noise, pollution and congestion. In Wolsingham, residents have recently been affected by the closure of the bridge over the Wear with those who live on the south side having to use the C30 road through Hamsterley as the diversion route.
The road safety concerns of the campaigners include inadequate passing places, especially in wintry conditions, the intensification of HGV, tourist coaches and construction traffic. All of these may access the forest location via lower Weardale, especially due to the long-term Crakehill Bank road Closure and the long diversion, which may result in and increase in the Wolsingham route.
The suitability of the existing road infrastructure, ensuring all vehicle traffic generated by a new development can be safely accommodated on existing local road networks is also a major concern. Redford Lane junction with C30 Bedburn, for example, is a difficult, unlit, rural non- standard Y shaped junction.
The planning application number is : DM/24/02979/FPA, which was submitted to Durham County Council in November last year. It is one year old and the application has been subjected to extensions over that time with still no date for a decision to be made.
Objectors can access this application on the Durham County Council Planning Portal and raise their concerns there.
