Long-awaited Dudley pedestrian crossing gets go ahead

For more than two years, staff and students at Dudley College had campaigned for the new crossing on The Broadway, saying their lives were being put in danger by traffic using the busy road.

The most recent accident happening before Christmas when a construction student was hit by a car and left with injuries to his foot and hand.

However, Dudley Council rejected the application following objections from residents who were worried there would be noise from students gathering at the site, while they were also concerned that traffic queuing at the crossing would cause air quality problems.

But planning inspector Ian Radcliffe decided the noise from the crossing would be minimal, along with the effect on air quality and therefore the fears raised did not outweigh the safety benefits from having the crossing.

In a report following his visit on February 19, he said the crossing would not create extra noise or traffic pollution on top of what already existed.

He said: "The noise and disturbance for nearby occupiers generated by the crossing would be minimal and the effect on air quality overall would be negligible. Having regard to all other matters raised, I therefore conclude that the highway safety benefits of the proposed development heavily outweigh its adverse effects."

College principal Lowell Williams said: "We are pleased that the planning issue for the puffin crossing has finally been resolved by the Planning Inspectorate.

"Although this has taken over two years to reach a successful conclusion, the appeal has delivered the right outcome. Common sense has prevailed.

"The addition of a controlled crossing has always been a requirement in the development of the Dudley Learning Quarter, as the safety of the college users and the wider public is our foremost concern."

He added he was 'exceptionally disappointed' the plans had been refused in the first place, especially as the council's planning officers had backed the scheme, while tens of thousands of pounds had been spent on the appeal, which could have been better spent on providing facilities for young people.

Steve Johnson, executive director of estates, said: "The college will now work positively with the council's highway team on a refined design for the crossing. Work will be commissioned pending highway access permissions and construction is expected to take place over the summer. The cost of the crossing is being met by the college as part of its £50m Dudley Learning Quarter development and regeneration of the town centre."

The crossing plan has also received the backing of Dudley North MP Ian Austin.