Environment – Page 3 – Stourpaine Matters

PR 4076 – Solution to Dinah’s Hollow

Engineers from Dorset County Council have unveiled the solution to stabilise the slopes in Dinah’s Hollow, near Melbury Abbas.

The C13, between Blandford and Shaftesbury has been closed since April after a report showed that the slopes beside the road were unstable and a potential hazard to road users.

A combination of soil nailing, mesh work and low level concrete panels will be used to stabilise the soil to prevent slippage, protect the slopes and allow the road to be reopened.

The consultants Parsons Brinckerhoff, considered a number of possible solutions including regrading the slopes, bio-engineering and high retaining walls. The final solution will use proven technology and allow as much as possible of the ancient holloway’s character to be retained.

Timescales for this work are being finalised, but a number of statutory processes may delay the start of the work. These include approvals for works to trees protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) and Environmental impact assessments.

There will be a period of vegetation clearance and removal of some trees to allow access to the banks for installation of stabilisation measures. To reduce the disturbance to birds and other animals this cannot be done between March and August. It is hoped that a number of trees at the top of the slope will be retained.

Cllr Peter Finney, Cabinet member for environment and economy, said:

“Getting the timing right is going to be very tricky. Our discussions are still on going with various third parties to resolve any final issues. As soon as these negotiations are successfully completed the operation plan can be put in place, then there will be clarity with the timescales. Until that point is reached no definite dates can be finalised.

“Teams will continue surveying and repairing roads affected by the closure, but a longer term solution to reducing the impact on surrounding routes is being worked on.”

For more details of the solution and the engineers reports visit www.dorsetforyou.com/dinahs-hollow

Issued By:
Fiona King, Public Relations Officer
Tel: 01305 224725
Email: f.e.king@dorsetcc.gov.uk

Communications Unit, County Hall, Dorchester DT1 1XJ. Tel 01305 224491
www.dorsetforyou.com/news

The Stour and Moors River Restoration Plan

Following on from successful public engagement events held in November, the Stour Catchment Initiative and the Environment Agency will be exhibiting a poster display to introduce the River Restoration Plan for the Stour and Moors rivers at local venues in January and February 2015.

Further information can be found by following the link below

Stour and Moors River Restoration Plan Poster

PR 4016 – Dinah’s Hollow surveys published

Ecological surveys of the slopes through Dinah’s Hollow have been published.

The C13, between Blandford and Shaftesbury was closed by Dorset County Council in April after discovering that the slopes beside the road were unstable. The surveys were carried out by the county council’s natural environment team and are based on three site visits in May and July. The aim of the study was to identify protected species and assess any impact that any work may have on wildlife.

A number of protected species have been identified on site including badgers, bats and a number of birds including song thrushes and woodpeckers.

Several recommendations have been suggested to reduce the effects of any proposed work including carefully felling trees to prevent bats from being harmed and restricting tree and scrub clearance during nesting season.

Cllr Peter Finney, county council Cabinet member for environment and economy, said:

“A number of engineering solutions to stabilise the slopes are currently being developed, but care will be taken to ensure wildlife is protected and the character of this historic holloway is retained.”

Alongside the animals a number of notable plant species have also been found. These will be conserved where possible and enhanced by replanting of native species after the work is complete.

Cllr Deborah Croney, the local member for Hambledon, said:

“It is important to find a solution that protects road users, allows the road to reopen and preserve the area’s character.”

For full details of the surveys and the closure visit www.dorsetforyou.com/dinahs-hollow

Issued By:
Fiona King, Public Relations Officer
Tel: 01305 224491
Email: f.e.king@dorsetcc.gov.uk

Communications Unit, County Hall, Dorchester DT1 1XJ. Tel 01305 224491
www.dorsetforyou.com/news

C13 – Road will be closed until next year – PR 3994

A meeting of the chairs from the parish councils affected by the closure of the C13 at Melbury Abbas have been told that due to the complexity of the project the road may not be opened until late spring at the earliest.

The C13, between Blandford and Shaftesbury has been closed by Dorset County Council for four months after discovering that the slopes beside the road were unstable.

Local county councillor, Deborah Croney, called this regular briefing session to keep communities up to date with news on the road closure and longer term traffic solutions.

Deborah Croney, said:

“There is a lot of work happening behind the scenes at the moment. The soil tests will be analysed and reports on what can be done to stabilise both Dinah’s Hollow and the area below St Thomas’s Church are due in the autumn.

“Officers are looking at a number of options to manage traffic flows when the C13 is opened. I am also investigating longer term infrastructure improvements and possible funding opportunities.”

“The county council has been working with the organisers of the Great Dorset Steam Fair and highways colleagues in neighbouring counties to warn motorists of the closure and advising on alternative routes or changes in journey times during this busy time.”

More information about the traffic management options and updates on the closure of the C13 can be found at www.dorsetforyou.com/dinahs-hollow.

Ends

Issued By:

Fiona King, Public Relations Officer
Tel: 01305 224491
Email: f.e.king@dorsetcc.gov.uk

Communications Unit, County Hall, Dorchester DT1 1XJ. Tel 01305 224491

www.dorsetforyou.com/news

Planning Application – 2/2014/0876/FUL

There is a meeting to discuss this application – click here.

Reference	2/2014/0876/FUL
Alternative Reference	PP-03548222
Application Received	Tue 22 Jul 2014
Address	Land At E386023 N109671 Havelins Stourpaine Dorset
Proposal	Erect 5 No. dwellings (including 2 No.affordable dwellings) and 6 No. garages / car ports. Form vehicular and pedestrian access.
Status	Pending Consideration
Appeal Status	Not Available
Appeal Decision	Not Available

The Planning Documents can be viewed here: 2/2014/0876/FUL

PR 3986 – C13 – Construction Industry boom delays tests

The testing of soil samples from unstable slopes in Melbury Abbas will not be finished until early September due to a buoyant construction industry.

The C13, between Blandford and Shaftesbury has been closed by Dorset County Council for four months after discovering that the slopes beside the road were unstable.

Soil samples were taken from two areas in the village, the first below St Thomas’s church and a second set of samples were taken from both sites of Dinah’s Hollow.

The tests, to be carried out by an independent laboratory, have been delayed due to a backlog of work at many labs around the country. The results will provide detailed information about the strength of the soils to help the consultants, Parsons Brinckerhoff (PB), draw up a number of measures to stabilise the slopes.

The reports on both sites are due to be finished by the autumn when they will be consulted upon, allowing local residents to voice their opinions. Financial implications will also be considered and a budget for the work agreed upon.

The final scheme will be designed, contractors employed and then construction can begin. A firm timescale will not be available until the options have been scrutinised and an understanding of the practical solutions gained.

Cllr Deborah Croney, local member for Hambledon, said:

“Dorset County Council is working hard to make sure this situation is resolved as quickly as possible, but this is a complex project and it will take time to find a solution that works.“In the meantime I’ve been working with officers to look at a number of traffic management solutions that could help reduce the impact of large vehicles using both theC13 andA350 once Dinah’s Hollow has been opened.“I’m also is continuing with my infrastructure improvements agenda, which is a longer term goal working with the parishes, County Council, the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and MP, Robert Walter to source central government funding.”

For more information visit www.dorsetforyou.com/dinahs-hollow

Ends
Issued By:
Fiona King, Public Relations Officer
Tel: 01305 224491
Email: f.e.king@dorsetcc.gov.uk

Attachments

Boreholes for soil samples Dinah’s Hollow.JPG
Soil samples from Dinah’s Hollow Soil samples from Dinah’s Hollow

Communications Unit, County Hall, Dorchester DT1 1XJ. Tel 01305 224491

www.dorsetforyou.com/news

PR 3974 – Site visit at Dinah’s Hollow

Local villagers have been given the chance to view the closed section of the C13 and ask questions about what is happening.

Representatives from the parish councils affected by the closure of the road between Blandford and Shaftesbury visited the site with county council officers earlier this month (9 July).
The escorted visit showed residents the reasons for shutting the road and showed where soil samples have been taken to help the engineers design a solution to stabilise the slopes.
The C13 through Melbury Abbas was closed by Dorset County Council following investigations that revealed the steep slopes were unstable.
There is a diversion along the A350 between Blandford and Shaftesbury bypassing this closure.
The county council has been working with Dorset Police and local communities on the A350, C13 and surrounding roads to reduce the use of ‘rat runs’ and remind drivers of the speed limits through the villages.

Extra Speed Indicator devices (SIDs), temporary flashing signs that warn drivers who are speeding, have also been installed.

Cllr Deborah Croney, county councillor for Hambledon, said:

“The site visit was very helpful. Ideas about the closure were discussed alongside current and future traffic issues.
“The county council’s highways team have been analysing road usage and speeds affected routes. Details of data collected will be published soon.”

Up to date information about the closure and work plans visit www.dorsetforyou.com/dinahs-hollow

Issued By:
Fiona King, Public Relations Officer
Tel: 01305 224491
Email: f.e.king@dorsetcc.gov.u

PR 3951 – Plans reduce impact of road closure

Preparations have been made to reduce the effect of closing the C13 at Melbury Abbas on the surrounding roads.

The major route between Blandford and Shaftesbury was closed by Dorset County Council following investigations that revealed the steep slopes were unstable.
The county council has been working with Dorset Police and local communities on the A350 and surrounding roads to reduce the use of ‘rat runs’ and remind drivers of the speed limits through the villages.
Extra Speed Indicator devices (SIDs), temporary flashing signs that warn drivers who are speeding, have also been installed.

Deborah Croney, county councillor for Hambledon, said:

“The closure of the C13 has had a significant impact on traffic travelling through the county.
“We’ve been working collaboratively with partners and Dorset Police to prevent and discourage poor driving behaviour along both the A350 and C13.
“The Local Safer Neighbourhood Teams are using speed cameras along the routes and working with local parishes to develop Community Speedwatch schemes to provide vital reassurance.”

Signs have been placed along the route to deter large vehicles and HGVs from using the smaller roads.
The council have also placed advance warning signs at Poole’s ferry terminal and ferry companies are advising customers of possible delays along this route.

Andrew Martin, the county council’s head of highways, said:

“The traffic data show’s that our management of the highway network is working with a reduction of large articulated vehicles using the A350. We will continue to monitor the roads and adjust our work accordingly.”

In Dinah’s Hollow surveys have already been carried out on the steep slopes. A mobile elevated work platform had to be used for some of the work due to the height and angle of the sides.
The next step is for boreholes and soil tests to be taken. These will be carried out on private land and some areas of crops will be affected. The council has negotiated with the landowners for permission to carry out the boreholes. Work is planned to start next week (w/c 30 June).

Up to date information about the closure and work plans visit www.dorsetforyou.com/dinahs-hollow

Issued By:
Fiona King, Public Relations Officer
Tel: 01305 224491
Email: f.e.king@dorsetcc.gov.uk

Public Bridleway (E18/8) Closure

New order from 28 April 2014 for 26 weeks.

Contact Graham Stanley 01258 456970 for further details.

Basically, ~~from 13 February 2014 for 21 days,~~ Hod Drive up and over to the River Stour is off limits with a fine of up to £400 as there could be dangerous work being carried out.

The alternative route is to the end of Manor Road, along the River Iwerne and up to Hod Hill and over to the car park near Handford (Bridleway 18/15).

Wellie weather!

Fuller details here:

New – Temp closure E18.8 April 2014-1
Old – Temp closure E18.8-2 MS Word – description of closure.
Old – BR E18.8 temp closure-1 (PDF) – bridleways affected.

Flood advice drop-in session

Flood advice drop-in session
Council Chamber, North Dorset District Council,
Nordon, Salisbury Rd, Blandford Forum, Dorset DT11 7LL

We are inviting you to a flood advice drop-in session at the North Dorset District Council Offices in Blandford on Wednesday 2^nd April. The session will be jointly hosted by the Environment Agency and North Dorset District Council and will take place in the Council Chamber between 2.30pm and 7.30pm.

Residents can call in at any time during the session. Staff from the Environment Agency, North Dorset District Council, Dorset County Council and Wessex Water will be available to answer questions, offer advice and gather information about the effect of the flooding. There will also be information boards giving general flood information.

Information about the government flooding support scheme will also be available. Details of the scheme and how to apply are also available on the “Dorset for You” website www.dorsetforyou.com.

If residents are unable to attend and wish to report flooding to their property they can do so using the online report form that is online on the Dorset for You website. For more details on the event please contact the Environment Agency’s Flood Resilience Team on 01258 483326 or floodwessex@environment-agency.gov.uk

Richard Battersby
Acting Wessex Flood Resilience Team Leader