The Transport Strategy - Update

Since responding to Charnwood Borough Council’s Further Consultation in October 2008, Davidsons has continued to work on the transport proposals for east Loughborough. This has involved further design work on the southern section of the Eastern Distributor Road between the A60 and Epinal Way. The proposed road would run for some 2.8 kilometres linking from Epinal Way northwards to Nottingham Road, connecting with the new Burder Street Link Road. From Epinal Way a new bridge would be provided over the Great Central Railway with a new roundabout on the A6 at Bull in the Hollow Farm. The route would then run north, crossing the canal before connecting with the A60 Nottingham Road. The route has been designed so that it would remain operational and safe to use in times of flood. This addresses concerns raised by some parties over whether the proposals would provide a flood free route. Davidsons are continuing to discuss their proposals with the Environment Agency and will be presenting further evidence to demonstrate that appropriate compensatory measures can be incorporated to ensure that the proposal would not increase flood risk, and would satisfy the requirements of Planning Policy Statement 25, Development and Flood Risk.

It will also be important to provide good connectivity with the town. Pedestrian and cycle links to Moor Lane and Littlemoor Lane have been incorporated into the design.

The further transport modelling undertaken has demonstrated that the east Loughborough development can be successfully accommodated without the need to provide a full Eastern Distributor Road. Proposals for the northern section of the route from Meadow Lane to the A6 Derby Road are a matter for Leicestershire County Council as Highway Authority. Davidsons’ proposals would not prejudice the future completion of this northern section. We will continue to discuss with the Highway Authority options for a full Eastern Distributor Road. Consultants acting for Davidsons have reviewed the County Council’s proposals for this northern section and have identified alternative options. This includes a route which would make use of the existing highway network including Belton Road, Belton Road West and Bishop Meadow Road, with junction improvements as necessary. This is considered to represent a viable option which merits further investigation.

The further detailed work undertaken in the last few months demonstrates that there is an acceptable technical solution for the southern section of the Eastern Distributor Road which would provide for a flood free route. The estimated cost for this section is some £17 million. It would form part of a package of potential transport measures to be funded by the proposed development east of Loughborough.

The further modelling work using the Loughborough traffic model demonstrates that the package of transport measures proposed will deliver significant traffic relief on a number of routes within Loughborough Town Centre, creating real opportunities to improve public transport, cycling and walking. Predicted traffic reductions include:

• a 34% reduction on The Coneries;
• a 67% reduction on the A6 Leicester Road
• a 28% reduction on Barrow Street.

Using a detailed traffic model, the County Council assessed the likely impact of alternative locations for development on the transport network and the package of transport measures likely to be required. Its findings were set out in two reports published in November 2006 and April 2007. Copies of these reports can be viewed on the County Council’s web site.

These assessments conclude that only a package of transport measures including a high quality bus route along Nottingham Road and Ashby Road linking to the town centre, park and ride sites and a Loughborough Eastern Distributor Road would deliver significant traffic relief to the town, unlocking opportunities for enhancements for walking, cycling and public transport.

The County Council has recently confirmed that it remains of the view that, as part of an overall package of transport measures, a Loughborough Eastern Distributor Road offers the best prospect of delivering sustainable growth, reducing congestion and improving public transport in the town, and that an SUE east of Loughborough provides the best opportunity to tackle transport issues in the town.

Davidsons’ proposals will assist with the delivery of key components of the package of transport measures identified by Leicestershire County Council including,

• A high quality bus route along the A60 linking to the railway station and the town centre;
  
• a park and ride site;
  
• improved cycling and walking opportunities;
• a partial Eastern Distributor Road linking the A60 with Epinal Way to the south of Loughborough.