In March 2019, we are holding workshop discussions with representatives of community groups and business to begin exploring the future of the Army and Navy Junction, Chelmsford.
What are the workshops for?
We need to find the right solution for the Army and Navy junction, which offers long-term benefits and accommodates housing and economic growth of Chelmsford and the surrounding area. These workshops are the start of the process of seeking feedback from local people and interested parties to help shape the right long-term solution for the city.
The information that we gather at this stage will be crucial in helping us to begin to plan for a major scheme to help resolve the issues with the existing junction.
We will not be presenting plans or designs at these meetings. The progression of options, or designs will be part of a public consultation to be held later.
Why are these workshops not open to everyone?
The project is still at a very early pre-design stage. These workshops are designed to be small in size, not large-scale public consultation events. We want to encourage information sharing and discussion between a broad range of people who use the junction. Invitations have already been sent to representatives of the local community and interested parties.
We know that this will disappoint some residents who would like to be involved, but these meetings are limited in size to make sure that a broad range of groups can be represented. We have asked representatives from a range of community groups, including residents’ groups, parish councils and local businesses to attend.
We want to hear from a cross-section of people and groups to make sure we capture the different experiences of using the junction. Smaller workshop-style events have been chosen to help all involved get the most out of the sessions.
Further public consultation and information events will be held at a later date, at a time when we are be able to present members of the public with options or proposals to discuss.
What will be discussed?
These workshop meetings are intended to provide an opportunity to discuss the key issues and challenges we need to overcome in providing a long-term solution for the Army and Navy junction and for Chelmsford, and to explore potential opportunities to improve the way the junction works in the future.
We will not be presenting specific proposals or plans, but as this is still a very early stage in the programme, we will be discussing ideas for potential solutions.
How can you have a say?
If you have not been invited to one of the workshops but wish to have your say on the Army and Navy roundabout, you will be able to do so at a later stage of the programme. These early workshop discussions are only the beginning of a programme which will include further public information events. Any proposals for a solution to the Army and Navy junction and flyover will be subject to formal public consultation.
We will also be talking to local councillors, and parish councils following the workshops. Should you have any concerns or points which you would like to raise regarding the junction at this stage, please do let your local councillor know.
We will be issuing regular updates on the scheme, and meetings of the Army and Navy Taskforce as progress is made.