‘Ghost island’ needed on busy Derby route

Plans to build up to 200 homes next to Acorn Way have been submitted. Image by Keepmoat Homes.

A “ghost island” must be installed, as a minimum, on a busy Derby route, if up to 200 new homes are to be built – highways bosses have said.

Derby City Council has raised concerns over a controversial plan by Keepmoat Homes to build a new development off Acorn Way towards Spondon.

Acorn Way is a busy traffic route linking the Oakwood and Chaddesden area with Spondon. Most of the road has a 60mph speed limit, but it is reduced to 40mph at the Spondon side.

The plans, submitted to the council earlier this year, are to build up to 200 homes at the Spondon end of the road adjacent to Derby Road.

The homes are planned on what is classified as “Green Wedge” land, which is aimed to separate the city’s suburbs and provide them with their own urban identity.

Derby City Council has a policy in place to protect “Green Wedge” spaces.

But due to the current demand to build homes across the city, this policy is being significantly tested by developers.

However, traffic concerns have also been raised in recent days.

Planning documents state there is a proposal for a T-junction off Acorn Way to enter and leave the housing development. No other vehicle entrances are planned.

Derby City Council highways bosses have raised concerns about this and told Keepmoat Homes that a rethink is needed.

The authority has stated in writing that the development should have a “ghost island” installed “as a minimum” instead of a T-junction.

A ghost island allows motorists a safer way to turn right on a high-speed road from a junction.

Rather than having to wait for both lanes to clear, motorists can use a central marking area to turn right safely in two phases.

A letter from Derby City Council highways to Keepmoat Homes states: “There is one vehicle access proposed for the site off Acorn Way, located approximately 200m north of the Derby Road roundabout. 

“The proposed simple T-junction layout shown provides no provision for vehicles turning right off Acorn Way. 

“Given the scale of development, the layout of the new junction onto Acorn Way will be critical to the impact of the development on the adjacent highway and wider area. This was highlighted at length as part of the previous two submissions, which resulted in a roundabout access design. 

“Therefore, it is queried, why a simple T junction is now considered acceptable. As a minimum, the Highway Authority would expect to see the provision of a ‘ghost island’ for right turning traffic as part of the design.”  

Worried residents expressed concern about nearby roads during a public meeting about the proposals.

After the meeting, Robin McGinn, a Keepmoat planning director, said: “We’re aware of the concerns around the plans to create 200 homes off Acorn Way and as the planning application progresses, Keepmoat will continue to ensure the development is aligned with Derby City Council’s adopted land plans.

“As a partnership-first housebuilder, Keepmoat prioritises working closely with all relevant bodies to create sustainable communities and deliver much needed local housing options.”

A decision on the planning application is expected later this year.