Plans for a new link road and junction directly connecting the A338 with the Wessex Fields Business Park and Royal Bournemouth Hospital have reached a key milestone.
On Monday 28 January 2019 Members of Bournemouth’s Planning Board voted to support the recommendation to grant planning permission subject to the outcome of the Secretary of State’s decision on whether the matter should be called in.
Supported by central government funding the Council’s plans for the new link road and junction will improve the transport infrastructure in this part of the town by creating a new access from the A338 directly to the Wessex Fields Business Park and Royal Bournemouth Hospital.
Gary Powell, Head of Highways & Transportation, said; “We are delighted the Local Planning Board supports the application. The scheme is already supported by central government funding and will provide a much needed second access to Royal Bournemouth Hospital, unlock a major economic development site, as well as ease congestion in the future.
“After almost two years of extensive public consultation on the plans we have made significant progress to address the issues and concerns raised by statutory consultees and the local community.
“It is now absolutely crucial that we receive the outcome of the Secretary of State’s decision soon, as this delay could cause significant impact on the construction schedule resulting in additional costs to the overall programme and future disruption to the travelling public.”
Richard Renaut, Chief Operating Officer at Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said; “We are delighted with the outcome at Planning Board regarding the Wessex Fields planning application. The Trust fully supports the plans to develop a new link road and junction as it will alleviate congestion ensuring our patients, visitors and hardworking staff do not have to endure delays accessing or leaving the site.
“On behalf of the thousands of patients and visitors who support this scheme we now wait in anticipation for the outcome of the Secretary of State’s decision as any delay to the construction will have a significant impact on the Hospital.”
The investment will support the creation of around 2,000 new jobs at Wessex Fields Business Park, safeguard the existing 10,000 jobs in the area, as well as provide a much needed second access to the Royal Bournemouth Hospital site.
Lorna Carver, Director of Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership, said; “Transforming the infrastructure in and around Wessex Fields and connecting it to the A338 will enable the area to reach its full economic potential, creating and safeguarding thousands of jobs, driving business growth across Dorset and providing a second access route to Royal Bournemouth Hospital.”
