Changes to A629 road improvement scheme though Halifax are approved by Calderdale councillors

Calderdale Council’s Planning Committee approved the amendment to the second phase of the multi-million pound A629 scheme which overall will improve the main route for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians between Halifax and Huddersfield.

The road realignments approved on the route through Halifax town centre mean that some historical features can now be retained.

The council was seeking planning permission to amend previously approved road realignment along Church Street, Halifax.

Changes include altering alignment to the south of Church Street incorporating a larger pavement area and improving cycle access, and the removal of a proposed bus lay-by to the north east of Church Street.

Realignment of Church Street is needed to achieve a minimum width which can accommodate larger vehicles and higher traffic flows, the council has said previously.

In order to achieve this, the approved scheme initially proposed the movement of the former pedestrian gate piers to Halifax Railway Station and the loss of part of the front area to 48-58 Hermitage Mews (also known as Heritage Mews), with existing stone walls to be replaced.

Initially this approach was preferred as it allowed for a Grade II listed building at 1 Deal Street to be retained.

But since the granting of planning permission, 1 Deal Street was identified to be structurally unsafe and has subsequently been removed, meaning this land can be used instead and the other elements can be saved.

Councillors asked questions about road widening , role of cycle routes, layout, heritage issues, forecast flow improvements and traffic lighting.

Coun Paul Bellenger (Lib Dem, Greetland and Stainland) asked if putting lights in – currently a mini-roundabout is on part of the route – would slow traffic down, not in line with the scheme as a whole intent.

Officers said all traffic lights in the new road system will be synchronised and able to respond to changes in traffic density, especially in peak periods.

“You can guarantee it will flow better than it does at the current time,” said the officer.

As a controlled junction it would be safer for all road users, he told the meeting.