We have contacted Sheffield City Council to object to Bloor Homes attempt to remove conditions related to cycling and walking on their development in Deepcar. More information on the Upper Don Trial Trust website.
Our response:
I am contacting you regarding Planning Application 19/00054/FUL on behalf of CycleSheffield. CycleSheffield campaigns for a cycle friendly Sheffield where anyone can choose to make their journey by bike. We want cycling to be inclusive and easy, not limited to the quick and the brave. We have over 1500 supporters.
We object to the attempt by the Bloor Homes to water down or remove the planning conditions for cycling and walking improvements for this development.
We particularly object to any attempt to reduce the width of the shared use cycle/footpath to less than 3m which is the absolute minimum acceptable width. This path will also need to be kept clear of street furniture or other obstructions. To make active travel an attractive option people need to be provided with infrastructure that allows for them to travel safely, comfortably, conveniently and expeditiously. Narrow shared use paths do not deliver this, instead they lead to conflict between different users.
We object to the proposal to use Station Road for motor vehicle access to the site. This road need a modal filter to allow people walking and cycling to access the development but prevent motor vehicle access. It is vital that there is a low motor traffic route into the site from Deepcar as Manchester Road is not suitable for cycling due to a lack of cycle infrastructure.
We object to the removal of the footbridge to Manchester Road. If the loss of woodland is deemed to outweigh the benefits of the footbridge then instead a Section 106 contribution should be paid by the developer. This could be used to spend on other active travel improvements, for example, improving walking and cycling connections to Deepcar to enable people to make short journeys actively.
As a city GP I fully support this objection being put forward and being given legitimate civic attention. As (and when) we emerge from the coronavirus crisis we will need active travel, with many citizens already taking this up, safe infrastructure is the key. The health of patients and their families, and indeed the wider public health of thIs city, demand it. Well done CycleSheffield.
As a society, for both health and environmental reasons, we need to encourage a return to active commuting, like walking and cycling. We risk discouraging this unless development firms are required to accommodate this into their infrastructure.
As a society, for both health and environmental reasons, we need to encourage a return to active commuting, like walking and cycling. We risk discouraging this unless development firms are required to accommodate this into their infrastructure.