1 October 2019
The plans approved by the previous Conservative-controlled Bournemouth Council for a multi-million pound roadbuilding scheme at Wessex Fields have been drastically scaled back by the new Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole (BCP) Council.
The council still intends to complete a new link road from the dual carriageway to the site it bought for creation of new jobs near Cooper Dean. However, the road will now stop at the Wessex Fields boundary and will not carry on to Bournemouth's hospital and law courts, until a public consultation has been conducted over the use of the site.
Unfunded proposals for a road to cross the A338 at Holdenhurst have been mothballed.
BCP Council is controlled by the Unity Alliance, councillors from a diverse range of non-Conservative parties and groups, including the two Green councillors. The Cabinet Member for Regeneration & Culture stated: "We have made it clear that as a cabinet we want to see more emphasis on sustainable transport options, and not just focus on increasing road-space for cars."
The reversal has been cautiously welcomed by environmental and community campaigners.
Green Councillor Simon Bull said: "The original decision to grant permission for the road through the Wessex Fields and the junction off the Wessex Way was not one that I supported. As a member of the planning board I voted against the application; two council officers did not support the application which puts a big question mark over it.
"I welcome the decision not to build the road through to connect with Deansleigh Road, but question the decision to build part of the road at this stage which serves no purpose."
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