A LEGAL challenge could be launched against Oxfordshire County Council over two “dangerous” pedestrian crossings and a housing estate.

Vale of White Horse District Council has asked its solicitors to see if there are grounds on which it can challenge the county’s decision to approve pedestrian crossings in Ock Street and Drayton Road, Abingdon.

The crossings would mean 159 new homes off Drayton Road, opposed by residents and Abingdon MP Nicola Blackwood, could be built. The Vale rejected the planning application for the estate, saying it would generate “unacceptable” levels of traffic, but a planning inspector overturned the decision on the basis the crossings were created to break up traffic queues from the estate.

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County cabinet member for transport David Nimmo Smith originally rejected the proposed crossings in March, but made a u-turn on that decision and granted permission earlier this month after housing estate developer Taylor Wimpey legally challenged his decision.

When the application was made, the Vale commissioned a study which concluded the new crossings would be less safe than the existing ones.

Vale leader Matthew Barber said: “The Vale has continuing concerns about the safety risks of the crossings, which will be made worse by the additional traffic the new housing development will cause, through an already over-congested area.”

 

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