Plans to create a road linking the north and south car parks at the Roaring Meg Retail Park - recently renamed 9 Yards - in Stevenage have been withdrawn following objections from the highways authority.

A planning application had been submitted to Stevenage Borough Council for permission to create a link road between the car parks through the public open space in the middle of the retail park.

The plans also included a number of raised pedestrian crossings, new seating, landscaped areas, and space for the forthcoming Stevenage Cycle Hire Scheme.

However, the application has been withdrawn after Hertfordshire Highways raised concerns over the proposal.

It said it did not support the link road "for pedestrian safety reasons", and because "it is contrary to local and national policies, which are to discourage car trips and encourage sustainable forms of travel".

Hertfordshire Highways continued: "The proposed link road would create barriers for, in particular, vulnerable road users such as young children, and the visually and mobility impaired, to directly access the adjacent facilities/shops safely.

"Pedestrianised zones are for the use, enjoyment and protection of pedestrians and, where feasible, cyclists.

"Given the limited benefit for the relatively few vehicles involved to improve the circulation within the car park, on balance the proposal is unjustifiable given the proposal's potential safety implications for pedestrians, particularly vulnerable users."

The highways authority concluded that "the application in its current form is not acceptable" and "the proposals represent a risk for pedestrians and cyclists".