Lib Dem survey reveals local residents oppose new motorway service station
John McKay - the editor of the Basingstoke Liberal Democrats' 'Focus' newsletter in Grove - recently sent out a survey to residents in Black Dam and Cranbourne to get their views on Moto's proposed new service station on the M3 motorway at junction 6.
John found that 90% of respondents were against the proposal and 10% were either for or undecided.
The most common reasons given by those against new M3 services were:
- 40% - unnecessary, due to the proximity of Fleet and Winchester services
- 40% - loss of greenfield land, especially south of the M3
- 22% - noise and light pollution
- 33% - highway safety at junction 6 and Black Dam roundabouts
All the residents in favour of the proposed new services quoted job creation as a key benefit.
John said: "Clearly the overwhelming majority of respondents were against the proposed new service station. Whilst safety was a common worry, many residents were concerned about environmental impact."
Since conducting our survey, Moto has now submitted a formal planning application. Moto says that following its public consultation earlier this year, it has made several design changes to accommodate many of the issues raised. The key changes are:
Appearance:
Changes to ensure the design is more reflective of the local chalk down land setting to reduce visual impact.
Landscaping:
Planting 8,500 trees to screen views from the south, plus extending a tree planted mounding to screen views from the Black Dam nature reserve and Crabtree plantation.
Highways:
- Widening the southern carriageway from 3 to 5 lanes, including a dedicated turn-in lane to the service area.
- Widening the eastern carriageway from 2 to 3 lanes and the westbound off-slip from 2 to 3 lanes.
- Improving traffic flow from Black Dam link road onto the M3 eastbound slip road via a segregated filter lane and widened approach.
Detailed plans can be seen at the Council Offices. You can also see Moto's proposal on its website.