05/12/2025
Subject: Concerns Regarding Planning Application 25/00746/OUT – Development of 90 Houses near Riddle Roundabout
Dear [Insert Planning Officer’s Name],
I am writing with regard to planning application 25/00746/OUT, concerning the proposed development of 90 houses near the Riddle roundabout. I would like to raise the following concerns, underpinned by relevant planning policy and guidance, that I believe warrant further scrutiny and consideration:
Traffic and Highway Safety
1. Cumulative Impact on Traffic:
The Riddle roundabout already experiences significant congestion due to its location near the A4303, Magna Park, and the supermarket on the A4303. The additional vehicle movements generated by the 90-house development will exacerbate existing congestion, particularly during peak hours.
- NPPF Paragraph 111 clearly states that development should only be approved if it does not lead to a severe residual cumulative impact on the road network. Given the ongoing expansion of Magna Park and the already approved Lutterworth East SDA, this additional development may push the area beyond capacity.
2. Highway Safety Risks:
The proposed development risks creating unsafe conditions at the Riddle roundabout and Swinford Road, where heavy lorry traffic is already significant. The Highways Authority must confirm that the proposed road layouts, access points, and any road-widening initiatives are sufficient to avoid hazards for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.
3. Concerns About Highways Assessment:
I have concerns that the Highways Agency may not have fully accounted for the cumulative impact of this development in their assessment. I urge the council to seek further clarification on the methodology used, particularly regarding peak-time traffic flow and the ability of the roundabout and Swinford Road to cope with increased demand.
Noise Pollution and Quality of Life
1. Increased Noise Levels:
Traffic noise is already a significant issue for residents near the Riddle roundabout and surrounding roads, particularly from lorries accessing Magna Park. The proposed development will increase vehicle movements, exacerbating noise pollution even with sound barriers in place.
- I would recommend requesting a Noise Impact Assessment to determine the full extent of the impact and to assess whether the proposed mitigation measures are sufficient to address the issue.
2. Impact on Residents:
The increased traffic and noise levels will negatively affect the quality of life for both current residents and those moving into the new development. This should be considered under the NPPF's requirement to promote healthy and safe communities.
Environmental and Air Quality Concerns
1. Air Quality Management Area (AQMA):
Lutterworth is already designated as an AQMA due to high levels of nitrogen dioxide from road traffic. The additional traffic generated by this development will likely worsen air quality further, potentially putting the council at risk of breaching its statutory environmental obligations.
2. Sustainability Commitments:
The council has declared a climate emergency, which requires all new developments to meet the highest sustainability standards. I would expect this development to include:
- Energy-efficient housing designs.
- Electric vehicle (EV) charging points for all homes.
- Green infrastructure to improve air quality and biodiversity.
- Investment in public transport and cycling/walking infrastructure to reduce car dependency.
Infrastructure Impacts
1. Healthcare:
Lutterworth Health Centre is already under pressure to meet the needs of the local population. The additional residents from this development will likely increase demand on local healthcare services, exacerbating existing capacity issues.
2. Schools:
Local schools may require additional capacity to accommodate the children from the 90 new homes. I request that the planning officer ensure appropriate funding and provisions are included to address this.
Conclusion and Request
I urge you to carefully evaluate this application against the provisions of the NPPF Paragraph 111 and the Harborough Local Plan, particularly with respect to:
- The cumulative traffic impacts and whether these are "severe."
- The adequacy of proposed mitigation measures for traffic, noise, and air quality impacts.
- The ability of local infrastructure, particularly healthcare and schools, to accommodate the additional population.
Given the significant concerns outlined above, I believe the application requires further review and justification before any recommendation can be made.
Thank you for your time and...