Details of the history of the DTEP scheme from it's origins in 2003.
This project originated in 2003 when the former Dorset County Council agreed with Dorchester Town Council and West Dorset District Council to prepare the Dorchester Transport and Environment Plan with a view to enhance the environment of the town centre and reduce the negative impacts of traffic.
Overview of the original scheme
The plan was to create a one way flow uphill towards Bridport, to Top 'O Town Roundabout. Eastbound traffic was to be routed via Williams Avenue, Damer's Road, Maumbury Road and through a new gyratory system to Weymouth Avenue, South Walks and Acland Road and Church Street. Various road closures and one way streets were to be implemented.
This scheme was not taken forward due to funding issues.
The Final Report from 2005
For full details and diagrams of the original agreed scheme, please see the Dorchester Transport and Environment Plan - Final Report 2005.
Project history
| Date | Project history |
|---|---|
| 2003 | The former Dorset County Council (DCC) agreed with Dorchester Town Council and and the former West Dorset District Council (WDDC) to prepare a scheme. Consultants Scott Wilson appointed to undertake studies and manage. |
| 2004 | Public consultation. |
| 2005 | Following completion of the consultation, a final report was published which identified a preferred option. 'Option 6' in the December 2005 final report was to be built as one project starting with a new gyratory at Maumbury. |
| 2006 | Preliminary design undertaken, focussing on key junctions to the south of the town centre. |
| 2008 | The Department for Environment, Fisheries and Rural Affairs (Defra) issued formal advice regarding air quality in High East and High West Streets, requiring WDDC to declare an air quality management area (AQMA) and prepare a plan to improve air quality, strengthening the need for the DTEP project. An agreed joint action plan between WDDC and DCC identified the DTEP project as a key element of that plan. |
| 2009 | Partial pedestrianisation of lower South Street and New Street carried out. |
| 2010 | National economic situation ceases DTEP work and defers construction. |
| 2012 | Review of project finds it no longer affordable and recommendations put forward for a phased approach. |
| 2013 | The former DCC Cabinet accepts recommendation and allocate funding for development of project in 2013/14 and beyond. |
| Autumn 2013 | Consultation on phase 1 & 2 of DTEP. |
| February 2014 | DCC Cabinet ask for all options suggested by public to be investigated/analysed. |
| Spring 2014 | Local member led working group created to oversee analysis and gauge public opinion of the scheme. Over 40 scenarios were modelled to assess 14 suggestions from the 2013 consultation. Revised scheme proposed. |
| June 2014 | Residents and 'professionally interested' panels assess scheme with around one third in favour of the revised DTEP and two-thirds against. Member led working group conclude that although opposition has been reduced the revised scheme (or any scheme that diverts traffic away from the High Street onto other roads in the town) is unlikely to have sufficient public support. |
| 3 September 2014 | Cabinet decide the deferred DTEP elements go to AMG to be prioritised against other capital schemes. |
| 24 September 2014 | DTEP elements get the go ahead from the Asset Management Group. |