A planning application for the next phase of houses at the Money Hill development in Ashby has been delayed by three months - as the traffic impact statement has not been completed.

Phase Two is an outline application for up to 975 residential dwellings at Money Hill.

But Leicestershire County Council documentation suggests the transport statement 'is likely to take several months'.

The council highlights 'the need to establish and submit details of the transport and traffic impact of the proposals, which are not currently included in the submitted Transport Assessment (TA)."

It adds: "Given the scale and location of the proposals, this will include the use of the Local Highway Authority's (LHA's) Pan Regional Transport Model (PRTM), which will need to be agreed with the LHA and other stakeholders as well as any corresponding mitigation proposals. This process is likely to take several months."

Notwithstanding this, the LHA will continue to review the limited highways and transport information which has been submitted and provide advice in due course.

Phase Two is set to be built off the A511 Ashby by pass. Photo: Ashby Nub News

"As a result, the LHA would request that the Local Planning Authority (LPA) do not determine the application before the outstanding work has been concluded, so that the LHA can establish whether the residual cumulative impact of development can be mitigated." 

National Highways has also recommended in early January that the application not be determined for a period of 'three months from the date of this notification'.

It added: "At the time of preparing this report, National Highways is still in pre-application discussions with stakeholders, namely the developers transport consultants and the LPA, primarily in relation to agreeing parameters including trip rates, trip generation and distribution.

"Once the modelling issues have been agreed we will then be in a position to issue a revised formal response informing that the holding notification can be lifted."

How the new homes on Money Hill are set to look. Image: Bloor/Taylor Wimpey

Ashby Civic Society says it is reserving judgement over the application until the impact statement has been completed.

In the meantime, the Society has raised questions such as: Will it mean that the 5,000 extra cars on Ashby roads will make a continual gridlock or not? Will the A42 roundabout be affected and how badly?

As well as this, Smisby Parish Council has identified a series of concerns about the next phase.

Discussing Traffic and Safety, it said:

• A511 Roundabout: The roundabout for the development at the top of Money Hill roundabout, recently constructed, is dangerously designed, causing confusion for motorists and leading to near misses. The unclear signposting and lane logic force drivers into last-minute swerves, evidenced by the tyre marks on the unnecessary raised kerbs. Increased traffic from the proposed development will exacerbate this issue, making a redesign crucial for safety.

• A511 Road Noise: The existing volume of traffic on the A511 already generates significant noise pollution for residents. The increased traffic flow from the development will worsen this issue. The submitted plans lack sufficient noise mitigation measures, such as strategically placed bunds, to counteract this impact.

• Pedestrian Safety: The pedestrian crossing points at the Ivanhoe roundabout, connecting the A511 and B5006, are already considered unsafe due to the high speed of the traffic. The increased traffic flow necessitates a safer solution, such as a pedestrian bridge or another controlled crossing method, to prevent accidents.

• B5006 Footpaths: Existing pavements along the B5006, particularly north of the Ivanhoe roundabout and in the Derbys section, are inadequate and unsafe for pedestrians due to the high traffic speed and volume. This issue, reported to Leicestershire Highways Department on several occasions, will be exacerbated by the increased traffic. The pavements require immediate attention and ongoing maintenance to ensure pedestrian safety.

• Traffic Speeds: The A511 currently has numerous, frequently changing speed limits along a short stretch, creating confusion for motorists and potentially encouraging speeding. A single, consistent speed limit (perhaps as low as 40 MPH) along the entire A511 from the A42 to Boundary is suggested. This would improve safety, simplify navigation for drivers, and potentially facilitate better enforcement against speeding, particularly considering the known issue of motorbikes using this section as a "race-track."

• Cycleways: The proposed plans lack sufficient dedicated cycle path provisions, raising concerns about cyclist safety and discouraging eco-friendly transportation options.

Discussing Infrastructure and Environment, Smisby Parish Council said:

• Services: The proposed plans lack adequate provisions for essential community services, including schools, a doctor's surgery, and play areas. This raises concerns about the strain on existing resources and the overall wellbeing of future residents.

Some homes have already been completed off Nottingham Road

• Aircraft Noise: The development's proximity to East Midlands Airport means increased residents will likely amplify existing noise pollution concerns from aircraft. The current plans lack adequate consideration for this issue. However, the airport's ongoing "Future Airspace Programme" consultation, which includes public feedback on flight paths, presents an opportunity to address this concern

• Wildlife: The plans lack provisions for wildlife conservation, such as strategically placed tunnels or crossings, to protect the existing thriving wildlife population in the fields and hedges. These measures are crucial to mitigate the impact of development, maintain biodiversity, and provide safe passage for animals.

• Public Transport: Existing public transport options around Ashby are inadequate. While the proposed development presents an opportunity to address this issue and improve connectivity, the current plans fall short of providing sufficient solutions.

Ashby de la Zouch Town Council leader Chris Smith posted: "The Town Council has been studying all the documentation and feedback to prepare a comprehensive response.

"The draft response will be published on February 10 in the Planning Committee agenda (I will also post it here), and agreed at the Planning Committee on February 17. Any further feedback would be much appreciated."