A HIGHWAY improvements scheme to address traffic issues in Acklam is to get underway following the conclusion of a wide-ranging public consultation.
Over a four-week period in February and March this year, Middlesbrough Council consulted extensively to determine the work required to minimise the traffic impact associated with the redevelopment of Acklam Hall.
The exercise included seven options being put to the occupiers of 431 affected properties, ward councillors, Acklam Community Council, local schools, key transport stakeholders, St Mary’s Parochial Church Council and developer Acklam Hall Ltd.
To date, 163 responses have been received from residents in the affected area around Church Lane, St Mary’s Walk and Hall Drive, representing a response rate of 38%. A general consensus found was that doing nothing was not an option and that widening Hall Drive at its junction with Acklam Road to create separate lanes for traffic turning left and right would also be welcomed.
However, a significant response to five possible options for Church Lane and St Mary’s Walk, ranging from localised traffic calming to full closure, did not produce a clear preference. Existing traffic issues were also highlighted by the community.
As a result, it has been agreed that the widening of Hall Drive will go ahead. A further report, analysing the consultation responses in more detail and recommending the approach to be adopted on Church Lane and St. Mary’s Walk, will be prepared and considered later in the year.
Cllr Charlie Rooney, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, said: “It’s clear from the large number of responses to this consultation and the views expressed that resolving existing traffic issues is seen as a high priority by local residents.
“For that reason it’s crucial that, as well as widening Hall Drive, we consider the responses in more detail to make sure that the strategy that we put in place addresses existing traffic issues as well as the potential impact that the Acklam Hall development will have on the local road network.”
The Acklam Hall development involves a major restoration of the Grade I listed building which would see it used as a restaurant, conference facility and business hub.
The wider site will see a medical village and 56 new houses being built, which led to concerns from residents and local councillors of increased traffic.
All costs for the road improvement scheme will be met through contributions of £148,900 secured through the planning process, comprising £129,900 from Acklam Hall Ltd and £19,000 from Miller Homes Ltd for the recent housing development on the former Swedish Mission Field on Church Lane.