The Proposal

The proposals would deliver a vital package of transport measures that will increase opportunities for walking, cycling and public transport in the town and support regeneration initiatives in East Loughborough. In order to provide relief for the town centre, to accommodate high quality bus services and to limit the impact of the proposed SUE, the scheme provides for a partial Eastern Distributor Road from Epinal Way in the south through to the A60 Nottingham Road. This road would provide an opportunity to significantly improve the current traffic problems in Loughborough.

The proposed SUE would provide an opportunity to enhance the character and attractiveness of Loughborough by developing a stronger association with the River Soar.

The scheme would feature a new riverside park and nature reserve, providing informal recreation together with provision of enhanced wildlife habitats to be developed in conjunction with the Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust. Such a focal point for the development, and for the town, would contribute significantly to improving local distinctiveness and provide an enhanced recreational resource for existing and new residents of Loughborough.

Although the River Soar forms part of the site, the Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) recognizes that the proposed SUE development site does not fall within an area at risk of flooding, lying predominantly in Flood Zone 1. Part of the site south of Cotes and along the Kings Brook falls within the floodplain; however, no vulnerable development would be located in these areas. An assessment of likely flows from the site has been undertaken and these can be attenuated through sustainable urban drainage systems.

Davidsons is committed to delivering (at the very least) 10 per cent of energy on site from renewable sources. At this stage, the particular form of renewable energy has not been decided, due to constant advancements in technology; however, in the first instance a combined heat and power (CHP) system will be explored, using energy from waste, bio-digestion or biomass.

The proposal for a mixed-use SUE at Cotes would significantly contribute to the regeneration of East Loughborough. The proposal envisages the development integrating with Loughborough rather than functioning as a self-contained new community. The proposed SUE would assist in the regeneration of East Loughborough by providing:

• New educational facilities and accessible employment opportunities for East Loughborough residents
• New recreational facilitates including a riverside park and nature reserve to address existing recreational deficiencies in the area.
• An improved living environment for East Loughborough by removing through-traffic, improving air quality and increasing safety.
• The opportunity to help unlock further regeneration opportunities in the area by improving the current traffic problems via the Eastern Distributor Road

The transport measures proposed will also assist with the Council’s Eastern Gateway proposals and Great Central Railway’s improvement plans.