Leicestershire Parish Councils

RESPONDENT NO. 44

MATTER 15 : PLENARY SESSION 19th JULY 2007

STATEMENT OF BRAUNSTONE TOWN COUNCIL

Question: If less/additional growth is to be recommended, how should this be accommodated in the Plan.

1 The Panel is aware of Braunstone Town Councils objection to the wording contained in the THREE CITIES SRS POLICY 3 PARAGRAPH 5.10 viz. “The Best opportunities to meet the bulk of the additional provision for the PUA lie west of Leicester in Blaby (between the A47 and the M69) and north of Leicester in Charnwood (east of Thurmaston)” .

2. The wording is too site specific and no evidence has been presented to suggest that alternative sites have been considered.

3 Assessments in accordance with Spatial Strategy (Policy 2) have clearly not been completed in relation to suitable additional sites within urban areas.

4. At the Examination hearing Blaby District Council’s representative confirmed that there were alternative sites within Blaby District that could accommodate the previously identified demand.

5. The infrastructure at the M1 and M69 is already at capacity.

6. Alternative sites for PUA’s were suggested during the hearing (including Oadby & Wigston) and serious consideration does not appear to have been given to these.

7. The identification of sites for urban extensions should by a matter for District Council’s through joint working and their respective Local Development Frameworks.

8. We support Blaby District Councils view that decisions on accommodating any additional growth should be guided by principles of urban concentration and regeneration.

9. The best use should be made of urban capacity within the Leicester Urban Area and we would urge the Panel look to this source if it is seeking to accommodate further growth.