Object
Harborough Local Plan 2011-2031, Proposed Submission
Representation ID: 7004
Received: 17/11/2017
Respondent: Ullesthorpe Parish Council
Legally compliant? No
Sound? No
Duty to co-operate? No
* evidence the A5 is inadequate
* no major upgrading of the A5 envisaged prior to 2030
* additional HGV volume and commuter traffice from the allocation will make the A5 inoperable
* surrounding villages already used as rat-runs
* inadequacy of the A5 will impact on business efficiency and the ability of the workforce to commute effectively
* various traffic assessments commissioned use different definitions for severe
* public transport in the vicinity is limited
The Midlands Connect Strategy 2017 - 2030 highlights the inadequacy of the A5, this strategy does not envisage any major upgrading of the A5 in the Magna Park area prior to the end date of the strategy in 2030, one year before the end date of the proposed submission version of the HDC Local Plan. When the additional HGV volume and commuter traffic from the proposed policy are factored in, the current A5 layout become inoperable. Surrounding villages are already suffering from increased traffic volume when being used as a 'rat-run' to avoid A5 congestion and HGVs using 'short-cuts'. In addition to the increased traffic flow through surrounding villages the inadequacy of the A5 will also impact on business efficiency and the ability of the workforce to commute effectively at the current and proposed expansion Magna Park sites. UPC also contests that the definition of 'severe' is subjective, the various traffic assessments commissioned use different definitions of severe. It should be noted that public transport options in the immediate vicinity of Magna Park are limited and private car is the most convenient way for employees to travel to work.