Still time to object to plans for former leisure centre site
I write to express my concerns regarding the planning proposal for the old leisure centre site, that was initially displayed for public view in the Atkins Building on 22nd November.
The proposed development will dramatically change the appearance of this area of Hinckley, have a huge impact on the local population, traffic management, road and pedestrian safety, car parking, and inevitable consequences affecting many of the wider population who regularly walk and cycle from the Hollycroft estate through Trinity Vicarage Road, Mill Hill Road and Trinity Lane routes into town and to local schools etc.
The planned ‘over development’ will undoubtedly increase the strain felt by already inadequate local infrastructure, amenities and services, including doctors surgeries and schools etc. The council fails to recognise and address the negative social and environmental impact of these proposals, and there is now an urgent need to bring these plans to the notice of the town as a whole.
Residents of the immediate area are expressing considerable concern about the plans as the borough council is the land owner.
Councillor Stuart Bray will support and present a petition to the council, objecting to the proposed development, signed by 100+ residents, and all local residents are being urged to submit their personal objections as soon as possible, within the fast approaching deadline of January 3.
The current proposal includes 107 residential units, made up of 18 houses and 89 flats, featuring a ‘landmark centrepiece’, SEVEN storey block of flats; with very little provision for residential parking. Furthermore, the plan does away with the old leisure centre public car park, to accommodate several houses and create the only access road for the development, connecting Marchant Road with Trinity Vicarage Road, further increasing traffic flow, congestion and on-road parking.
The proposed through-road will create huge problems in terms of increased traffic flow onto and through Trinity Vicarage Road. The potential volume of traffic generated from 107 residential units throughout the day and particularly during typical commuter times is significant, particular- ly if on average, each unit has two cars. A further 150 - 200 cars joining the already traffic clogged Trinity Lane and Coventry Road areas would increase hazards of gridlock, pollution, general road and pedestrian safety, driver and pedestrian stress levels.
Minimal residential car parking provision on the development and the closure of Trinity Vicarage Road car park would lead to a flood of vehicles regularly parking on roads and pavements already burdened by excessive resident and non-resident parking.
Further concerns raised by objectors include:
Safety issues for people cycling walking, using mobility equipment for the disabled, parents with prams etc., through the area to town, and a considerable number of children walking to and from schools and amenities; as well as those attending Holy Trinity Church and the Trinity Centre. Inadequate safe crossing provision Increased car crime Increased associated crime Another planning application in March- ant Road was recently approved by the council despite similar objections and concerns raised, including those of it being:- out of character, creating an invasion of privacy, consequential on-road parking, inadequate traffic management and pedestrian safety in an area already struggling to accommodate residential parking.
At a time when central government announces renewed action to stop parking on pavements (usually a result of inadequate residential and public car park provision), it seems that our local authority continues to ignore the concerns of local people; and pays scant attention to its commitment to the wellbeing of residents, their experience of living in Hinckley and its obligation to ‘place-shaping’ for the future.
‘Place-shaping’ is now widely understood to describe the ways in which local players collectively use their influence, powers, creativity and abilities to create attractive, prosperous and safe communities, places where people want to live, work and do business. D Pepper Resident of Trinity Vicarage Rd