New Rushden Lakes link road could cut traffic at Skew Bridge roundabout by a quarter

Revised plans for a link road that could help ease traffic problems at Rushden Lakes have been submitted.

The updated application is for full planning permission for construction of a link road and associated works between Ditchford Road and Rushden Lakes.

Documents for the application by Shoemaker Gp Ltd say about a quarter of the existing Rushden Lakes traffic would use the link road instead of Skew Bridge roundabout.

Planning permission for a link road was originally granted in February 2019, but with a series of amendments now proposed to the design and layout of the previously approved scheme, a new application is required.

The applicant hopes the amendments will:

- provide a more effective transition between the link road and its interface with Rushden Lakes

- improve traffic circulation along the link road and within Rushden Lakes and enhance connectivity and legibility within and beyond the site

- provide separate access to Rushden Lakes for service vehicles

- enhance the road's soft landscaping proposals

The link road will connect directly to the existing Rushden Lakes car park via a 150m spur road and to the service road to the west of Garden Square.

An area of additional staff car parking is proposed at the eastern end of the link road, immediately west of Garden Square.

It will comprise of 69 staff car parking spaces and be accessed from the existing service road.

The plans also include minor reconfiguration of part of the existing Rushden Lakes car parking, with these proposals resulting in a total net increase of 39 car parking spaces at Rushden Lakes.

Planning documents say: "The proposed link road will aid the operation of Rushden Lakes by providing an alternative access to the site and taking vehicular movements away from Skew Bridge roundabout.

"It is anticipated that around a quarter of the existing Rushden Lakes traffic would use the link road instead of Skew Bridge roundabout.

"The revised design will also help the car park and circulation routes operate more efficiently and improve visitor safety within Rushden Lakes by providing a separate access route into the site for service vehicles.

"The operational benefits that the link road would provide to Rushden Lakes would allow it to function more successfully, helping the wider area to capitalise on the business and other opportunities brought forward by Rushden Lakes, which in turn will support Rushden's Growth Town objectives, self-reliance and sustainable growth."

It is hoped that the link road will help to facilitate The Crown Estate’s wider vision for land to the west of Rushden Lakes site, where it is in the process of exploring the opportunity to deliver new homes to help meet local need, as well as creating new green connections and high-quality workspace.

Speaking in April, the developer said the updated link road application is not anticipated to impact the timing of delivering the link road which is due to be built and operational towards the end of 2021.

The revised link road plans will be considered by East Northants Council.

For more information on the application, click here

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