Acoustic barrier debate at Ringwood church by A31 continues

When proposals for the major A31 road widening project at Ringwood were first drawn up, National Highways are understood to have included provision for a noise reducing acoustic barrier to be erected along the length of the boundary with the Church of St Peter & St Paul.

It was anticipated the new barrier would become a permanent addition after parishioners feared the new third lane would result in greater traffic volume and noise.

For several months discussions have been ongoing between the town council, church and highways authority after the plans were deemed unnecessary.

No plan for acoustic barrier between Ringwood Church of St Peter & St Paul and A31

Instead, National Highways has recently proposed to install a 2-metre close-boarded fence to appease concerns.

However, this offer has been criticised by the town council after the Parochial Church Council insisted an acoustic barrier was “essential”.

At a meeting of Ringwood Town Council’s recreation, leisure and open spaces committee on October 5, members took exception to National Highways’ suggestion.

Minutes from the meeting read: “NH have backtracked on their promise, now stating that [an acoustic barrier] would not be required.

Ringwood Gateway building. Picture: Richard Crease

“There is already a problem with disturbance to church services and the concern is, that with heavier and faster traffic, this will become more of an issue and result in the church not being able to function.

“The ownership of the wall is unknown and complicates the matter. Until it is known what is proposed and where it’s to be erected, likely maintenance costs cannot be evaluated.”

Cllr Jeremy Heron said National Highways had “failed Ringwood”.

It was agreed the matter be deferred and considered by the town council on October 26.

National Highways’ A31 project manager Daniel Kittredge said: “Following detailed design and assessment of our A31 improvement, it was concluded that an acoustic barrier was not required to mitigate any noise impacts from our improvement works as there are no significant impacts at noise sensitive locations.

Works on the A31 at Ringwood. Picture: National Highways (Image: National Highways)

“This conclusion was recognised by New Forest District Council in their approval of our final proposals.

“However, we are conscious that the community wants to improve the church environment for local events and we have developed, and offered to fund the installation of, a tall close-boarded fence along the length of the boundary with the church, within the church grounds.

“It is unfortunate that the town council, at its meeting on October 5 concluded that it was unable to accept this offer as it is currently unable to take on the long-term maintenance of the fence.

“We understand the council will meet again on October 26 to further consider its position and will review our ability to deliver the fence at that time.”