News: Parish Council proposes one-way system for construction vehicles

Chilbolton Parish Council is proposing a one-way system for construction traffic going to and from the Test Valley Farm site.

Following the meeting with Alfred Homes and the last Parish Council meeting, the Parish Council has approached Alfred Homes asking them to consider a one-way route through the Village. The route would cover Drove Road, Little Drove Road, and Station Road.

This follows concerns raised at both meetings by residents about the difficulty and danger of lorries passing along the current route. That route, agreed with Hampshire County Council’s Highway Authority, has construction traffic entering via Coley Lane from the Mayfly junction, turning right onto Drove Road, then right onto Little Drove Road.

Exit from the Village is via the same route, which will carry up to 30 lorries per day to and from the site.

The new proposal would also include Station Road, reducing the risk of construction vehicles meeting each other in opposite directions.

Joe Chamberlain, Site Manager for Alfred Homes says of the proposal:

This is still very much in the early stages of review, and no decision has been made at this point. We will consider the practicalities and implications of any proposed route carefully. Before anything is agreed or implemented, we will share the proposed arrangements with residents and relevant parties and provide an opportunity for everyone to comment.

Currently, Alfred Homes have deployed a banksman on Little Drove Road, who is tasked with directing the movement of traffic. Residents expressed concerns that it is impossible for one person to monitor the entire length of the road. Passing places are due to be installed later this year.

Cllr David Hall, Chair of the Parish Council, said:

Since the public meeting we have had very constructive dialogue with Alfred Homes and [Joe Chamberlain] has been responsive to concerns raised. There are no perfect solutions and there are drawbacks to any solution. Alfred Homes will be working on the site for many months and have to live with us! We are very pleased that they have already shown their commitment to work with the village to find practical solutions, minimise disruption and address safety risks.