Explanation DQ3

11.23

Policy DQ3 lists a number of major road and rail routes within Knowsley which provide strategic gateways linking to the regional and national transport network. In order to protect and enhance the image of Knowsley and Merseyside as a whole it is considered important to optimise the visual appearance of these routes. Whilst much of the land which is visible from these routes comprises high quality farmland or development, the corridors also include some areas which have become less attractive.

11.24

Knowsley also contains a number of more minor routes which nevertheless provide important “gateway” links between the strategic transport network and the Borough’s town and other centres. Examples of such routes include Lower Road and Higher Road (Halewood); Roby Road, Archway Road and Tarbock Road/Cronton Road (Huyton); and County Road, Valley Road/Hall Lane, Moorgate Road, Bank Lane and South Boundary Road (Kirkby).

11.25

High quality new development visible from the routes listed can help to promote a sense of dynamism and vitality in the area. Poor quality new development in these locations could however hinder efforts to attract investors as well as harm the environment for local people. New development will therefore be expected to protect or enhance the appearance of these corridors as well as comply with the more general design policies set down elsewhere in this chapter.

11.26

The six Merseyside local authorities and the North West Development Agency have agreed a strategy, known as “New Approaches”, which will promote the reclamation of derelict, underused or neglected land within strategic transport corridors and prominent gateway locations across Merseyside for “soft” after uses.  Improving the routes listed in the policy may involve the acquisition of land outside the highway or railway boundary and policy DQ3 makes it clear that site assembly powers will be used if necessary to promote environmental improvements.

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