SAFETY fears have been raised over plans for a new business development and health club, with concerns that roads will be dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians.

A new road layout and roundabout is set to be built along with a David Lloyd Health Club on land off Wendlebury Road.

Planning permission was granted for the 6,600sqm development by Cherwell District Council last Thursday. The centre will contain a sports hall, indoor tennis courts, fitness studios, fully equipped gym, indoor swimming pool, café, changing facilities and spa.

It will form part of Catalyst Bicester – a sustainable business community made up of stand-alone buildings and a wetland nature reserve.

But Green Councillor Ian Middleton and Bicester Bike Users’ Group (BicesterBUG) are not satisfied that pedestrians and cyclists will be able to access the site safely under the new road layout.

This includes a new access road and a new roundabout at the junction of Vendee Drive and Wendlebury Road.

Among the major concerns were the lack of separation between cyclists and other road users as well as confused pathways, combined cycle and pedestrian paths and no proper waiting areas for pedestrians and cyclists.

ALSO READ: Golf club under threat as warehouse plans loom

As there is just one point to cross the new roundabout, there are concerns that cyclists will be tempted to cross in more dangerous locations.

BicesterBUG submitted a detailed response with a list of suggested improvements, while Mr Middleton seconded a motion to defer the application to urge the developers to engage with BicesterBUG and for more information on traffic volume from Oxfordshire County Council highways to be produced.

Oxford Mail:

ALSO READ: District council refuses water park resort plan

He said: “I was very surprised to see such a blinkered approach from the majority of the committee to the concerns from local groups over this roundabout.

“As a council, we should be more responsive to the needs and concerns of cyclists and this doesn’t set a good precedent for the future. The changes BBUG were suggesting were fairly minor but would have made a big impact on safety.

“Deferring the application would have focussed the developer's minds on making these changes, or they could have been included as condition. Both options were rejected.”

The councillor was supported by Liberal Democrat and Independent councillors but voted down by Labour and Conservative members.

He added: “It was clear to me that this road layout is inherently dangerous to cyclists. Those who voted to pass the application, seemed content to trust theoretical modelling from the highways department, whereas I prefer to listen to local groups who have on-the-ground experience.

“It’s an accident waiting to happen. I voted against the application as I didn’t want someone’s injury, or even death, on my conscience.”

The David Lloyd Club also has plans for further tennis courts, a permanent air dome for racquet sports, an outdoor swimming pool, spa garden and terrace.

George Bennett, chairman of Bicester Bike Users’ Group, said: “We are deeply disappointed with the decision, which isn’t in accordance with Oxfordshire’s cycle design standards or the Cherwell development plan.

Oxford Mail:

“Cherwell’s development plan requires developments to facilitate cycling and maximise cycling links. This plan, as approved, actively obstructs connections with existing cycle paths, such as along the A41, and is arguably in breach of the policy.

ALSO READ: Plan for 10,000 new homes in Oxford is approved

The consequence of failing to adhere to these policies will fail Bicester’s residents by discouraging cycling resulting in increased vehicle traffic in the area, which simultaneously increases the risk to cyclists battling with sub standard infrastructure."

Oxford Mail:

Simon Parson, director at developers Albion Land said:

“The new Catalyst Bicester leisure and employment development actively responds to the need for healthier and more sustainable travel patterns.

"Catalyst Bicester will provide Bicester with up 1,750 jobs and recreational facilities within easy reach by foot or cycle by high quality connections from the site to Kingmere and onwards into Bicester.

"More than 600m of new or upgraded cycle paths will be provided along Wendlebury Road and the A41 with cycle priority at junctions and accesses. 

"The new roundabout at the entrance to the park has also been designed with cyclists in mind. The design safely accommodates cyclists who choose to stay on the carriageway and those who choose to use the dedicated off-carriageway route around the outside of the roundabout.

"The roundabout adopts international best practice and fully complies with or exceeds UK standards and guidance. The safety of the design has been independently scrutinised and is approved and supported by the Highway Authority Oxfordshire County Council.

"Albion Land has endeavoured to take on board observations made by the Bicester Bike User’s Group and is disappointed that the group still has reservations, despite the advice offered to Members at the Committee meeting from Oxfordshire County Council’s highway officer.”