MAJOR plans to move Hurn roundabout and install special crossings for horses will be decided at a committee this week.

But concerns have been raised by the parish council, who are calling for work at Blackwater to be carried out first.

The plans for Hurn will go before members of Dorset County Council’s regulatory committee on Thursday, recommended for approval.

Bournemouth Echo: Plans for Hurn roundabout

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The scheme is part of a raft of transport improvements proposed to relieve congestion around Bournemouth Airport.

Work was also proposed for Chapel Gate roundabout, but has been put on hold while further discussions take place on the project proposed by Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership.

As well as the relocation of Hurn roundabout, the proposal also wants to install a signal controlled Toucan crossing on Avon Causeway.

The roundabout would be moved east of its current position, with the push button activated horse crossings provided on Parley Lane and Avon Causeway.

The Christchurch Road section which meets the roundabout would be relocated east to meet the junction, with the old part of the road grassed over.

Part of the Avon Causeway would also be moved to meet the new roundabout, with a section of the old carriageway reduced to one lane for access to Riverside Cottages. Access to Matchams Lane would also be changed.

In order to do this, 240 trees would need to be felled, but the county council say a replacement tree planting plan has been drawn up.

Hurn Parish Council have responded to the plans calling for the scheme to be rejected unless a pedestrian crossing is put on Parley Lane.

The council says they do not believe the new roundabout will help to alleviate traffic unless issues at Blackwater are remedied and want to see money spent at Blackwater before the Hurn junction is changed.

A statement in the planning report to members adds: “Councillors are very concerned that there will be no left turn out from the Post Office onto the Avon Causeway.

“This will be dangerous as drivers will turn left regardless.”

Members of the parish council have also raised concerns about the rural aspect of the village being lost as a result of the new layout and installation of more street lighting.

The plans will be decided at County Hall in Dorchester on Thursday at 10am.