HC Deb 09 February 1965 vol 706 c60W
64. Sir J. Eden

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what is the forecast of the growth of traffic using Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth, on which he based his decision to approve the Holdenhurst Road relief scheme.

Mr. MacColl

The increase in future traffic along the Holdenhurst Road makes the relief road necessary. My right hon. Friend's full reasons are set out in the official letter of 27th November, 1964, to the Bournemouth Council, a copy of which I am sending to the hon. Member.

Mr. Cordle

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he is aware that the new development road plan in the Holdenhurst Road area in Bournemouth is causing concern among local residents; and if he will review the plan and invite Professor Buchanan to undertake such inquiry as he thinks fit.

Mr. MacColl

My right hon. Friend is aware of the concern among local residents and fully appreciates their feelings. The road proposals in the Bournemouth Review Town Map were examined with particular care, not only because of the serious problem of traffic congestion in Bournemouth, but because of the strong objections, as shown at the public local inquiry, to the proposed relief roads. He was satisfied, however, that a very large increase in traffic was inevitable along the Holdenhurst Road, and that a relief road on the route proposed was sound. He does not think that any further study would produce a better route or one more likely to find local acceptance.