The Road Network

8.22 Suffolk Local Transport Plan identifies a hierarchy of roads in the borough which the Borough Council will respect when considering proposals for development. The A14 trunk road is designated as part of the Trans-European Network and is administered by the Highways Agency. A number of junctions on the A14 in the Bury St Edmunds area suffer with traffic congestion at peak periods and careful consideration has been given to the location of development to minimise its impact on the road and make use of existing capacity. A comprehensive capacity study is being undertaken on the A14 in Suffolk and its findings will inform future revisions of the Plan.

8.23 Other roads in the borough which are part of the Primary Route Network are carrying large volumes of traffic. Where they pass through villages, the local environment is being put under significant pressure. Increased levels of traffic between Bury St Edmunds and Diss on the A143, between Bury St Edmunds and Thetford on the A134 and between Haverhill and Cambridge on the A1307 are of particular concern. There are currently no major road schemes, such as bypasses, in the Local Transport Plan for the borough and consequently only traffic calming measures along the existing routes are likely to be implemented.

8.24 Roadside Services: Road users need a variety of facilities, including parking, fuel, food and accommodation. Such facilities need to be located with great care, avoiding environmentally sensitive areas.

POLICY T9: ROADSIDE SERVICES

Permission will not be granted for petrol filling stations, restaurants, cafeterias, serviced accommodation and parking in the countryside.