Councillors need to fight unhealthy plans
I AM writing to oppose a planning application that poses a serious health risk to residents young and old.
Residents living in Kirby Muxloe and Leicester Forest East (LFE), along the wider Hinckley Road A47 corridor, experience the highest levels of air pollution in the county, due to the heavy traffic crawling continually along the Hinckley Road and the hectic traffic throughout the day from the nearby M1.
Blaby planning department are supporting yet another planning application from developers L&Q Estates to build 885 houses on the few remaining green fields between Kirby Muxloe, LFE and Desford.
This is on top of three very recent developments approved by Blaby District Council in the area, totalling over 4,000 houses at Lubbesthorpe LFE Beggars Lane, Barry Drive Estate and ongoing at Desford Road/ Ratby Lane, Kirby Muxloe.
There are also three current housing developments in progress around Desford. Resulting traffic from this massive overdevelopment will make travelling along Hinckley Road intolerable.
Air pollution is a recognised public health emergency. Invisible nitrogen oxide fumes and microscopic particles from diesel fumes are known to cause asthma, bronchitis, lung disease and increase risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Onset of Alzheimer’s is also increased and there is evidence that children’s intelligence is reduced.
There is an increase in babies born with low birth weight where toxic fumes are high.
The particles from diesel fumes permeate houses and their lethal effect builds up year on year.
Councillors should be aware of these facts and vote in the best interests of the residents they represent.
In addition to the serious health risks from invisible toxic fumes, car accidents will also increase if this proposal goes ahead.
Residents of Kirby Muxloe and Leicester Forest East urgently need councillors who will fight to oppose planning applications which threaten their families’ health and quality of life.
Sadly, the opposite seems to be happening at Blaby District Council.
J Nicholls,
Kirby Muxloe