One of the key issues of concern with Local Plan site BL3 is the access via Caverswall Lane. As the name suggests, it's a narrow lane with no safe pedestrian access. It's also become increasingly busy over recent years - and is home to the only level crossing within Stoke-on-Trent. This is something local residents are well aware of, but brings a unique set of issues for access.
Network Rail, who operate the train track network nationally, openly state that they wish to remove level crossings from the transport network as they are unsafe for trains, vehicle users and pedestrians. Any proposals to develop site BL3 would mean addressing the Catchems Corner level crossing and how the increase in vehicle movements would be dealt with (particularly the construction traffic), the impact on surroundings roads of freight issues which are longer and can cause traffic tail backs, and how in general the area can be made safer.
So you'd think the City Council would have shared these plans with Network Rail and engaged them in the process... but it turns out they haven't. The clip below outlines what Network Rail shared with me when I met with them.
