Public consultation on proposed improvements for Alphington

A public consultation is being held on proposed public realm enhancements in Alphington.

With planned development in South West Exeter likely to increase travel through Alphington, Devon County Council is exploring a series of improvements for Church Road and Chudleigh Road to reduce vehicle speeds, improve the public realm and provide better facilities for pedestrians and cyclists.

Design work for public realm enhancements in Alphington was initially carried out in 2014. However, with funding now secured for improvements, these designs are being revisited to ensure that proposals meet the needs of the Alphington community.

The proposals explore three key areas and the options being considered are:

• Alphin Brook roundabout. Installing a zebra crossing on Church Road, south of Alphin Brook roundabout, and narrowing the junction of Brookfield Gardens with Church Road.

• Area around St Michaels and All Angels Church triangle. Widening the footpaths and zebra crossings in the area around St Michaels and All Angels Church triangle, and the existing green space could be extended into the one-way section, removing parking and vehicle access from this section, and improving the public space. Vehicles would still be permitted to turn left at the main junction at Dawlish Road and Church Road.

• Chudleigh Road – church triangle to double mini roundabout. Narrowing the road close to the church to act as a traffic calming measure, with northbound vehicles required to give way to on-coming traffic, and a zebra crossing to the north of the double mini roundabout, with some widening of the path on the western side.

Alternatively, people might prefer the current road layouts to remain as they are.

Councillor Andrea Davis, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport, said: “We’re keen to hear the views of the local community on these proposals and we’re asking for feedback from people to help inform further development of these designs. We're looking to gauge preferences for the different elements and what is most important to the local community.”

Councillor Yvonne Atkinson, County Councillor for Alphington and Cowick, said: "There is a great need for investment in Alphington’s roads and pavements to make them safer for pedestrians, cyclists, wheelchair and scooter users. We also need to slow traffic down on Chudleigh Road, Church Road, Dawlish Road and Shillingford Road. While these funds are not enough for all the improvements I would like to see, they are a start. Some traffic will be slowed down on Chudleigh Road before Ide Lane and in Church Road if these proposals are approved by residents. To help improve safety I would also be pleased if residents could join me in a Speedwatch Programme which was approved by the police before the first lockdown."

The consultation information and survey are available online on the County Council’s Have Your Say webpages and feedback must be submitted by Monday 31 January 2022.

Anyone who would like to request a paper copy of the consultation leaflet and/or the survey should email swexeter@devon.gov.uk or write to: SW Exeter, Room 120, County Hall, Topsham Road, Exeter, EX2 4QD.