Traffic fears at ‘terrible’ roundabout

The Acorn Way/Derby Road/Raynesway roundabout where traffic levels are already described as 'chaos'. Image by Google Maps

By Nigel Slater – Local Democracy Reporting Service

Heavy traffic at a “terrible” Derby roundabout could worsen if 200 new homes are built near it, it is feared.

Concerns over plans to build new homes off Acorn Way were discussed at a public meeting in Spondon.

Keepmoat Homes wants outline planning permission from Derby City Council to build on land located between Spondon and Chaddesden.

The national developer says it wants to create an “attractive, vibrant and stimulating environment” and its proposals “fully accord with all relevant national and local design requirements”.

But the application has so far proved controversial on several grounds.

There are deep concerns that the application site proposed is Green Wedge land. This is an area of agricultural land used to separate different suburbs in Derby to maintain their identities.

The land in question off Acorn Way separates Spondon and neighbouring Chaddesden and Oakwood.

Should the plans be approved, a new access road and ‘T’ junction to the estate would be created on Acorn Way, which has speed limit sections of 40mph and 60mph – the national speed limit.

But because Derby City Council cannot currently meet a legally required five-year housing supply – the authority is under pressure to find land needed for new homes.

It is therefore feared by councillors that Derby’s Green Wedges could be lost – which is the case at Acorn Way.

There are also serious concerns regarding potential traffic increases in an area claimed to be already at congestion “chaos”.

Councillor Jonathan Smale told the public meeting on Tuesday (March 24th) that congestion was already at capacity at the roundabout, which connects Acorn Way with Derby Road and Raynesway.

Mr Smale said: “Anyone who lives in Spondon or Chaddesden knows what a terrible roundabout it is. The (Transport Assessment) report reveals the main roundabout already struggles.”

Robin Marriott, who lives in the area, said: “It is already chaos. You will have another 300 or 350 cars going through. Derby Road and Nottingham Road are going to be one big snarl.”

National Highways, which maintains the nearby A52, has called for a decision to be delayed so it can get further information on any highways impacts.

Derbyshire County Council, which is responsible for maintaining a section of Acorn Way, has also requested a delay to decision-making so more information can be provided.

One resident told the meeting: “Acorn Way is so busy, how are emergency services going to get there?”

A transport assessment report, carried out on behalf of Keepmoat Homes, states “no collisions have been recorded” at the roundabout since 2022.

But it said the development could generate 165 new vehicle trips at morning peak times and 137 new trips in the evening peak period.

It also stated traffic at the Acorn Way end of the roundabout “operates over capacity” during morning peak times.

Keepmoat Homes says it plans to widen the carriageway approaching the island from Acorn Way to mitigate any impacts.

Pressure on Spondon’s infrastructure was also a big talking point.

Councillor Nicola Roulstone said: “There are plans for 1500 new homes in Spondon but no GP surgeries are proposed.

“We are at full capacity at West Park School. It is well sought after.” 

Robin McGinn, planning director at Keepmoat Homes 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.”