Proposed new A46 set to start from the M69
THE PROPOSED A46 expressway would be built near two areas of ancient woodland and several rights of way according to a new report.
The latest report, from local authority and business partnership Midlands Connect, gives the route in greater detail than previous reports saying the new road would meet the M69 at junction two at the Sap- cote roundabout.
After travelling from Leicester and the M1, the road would arrive near Burbage Wood and Aston Firs, both ancient woodlands and both part of the same Site of Special Scientific Interest.
It would also impact on the villages of Sapcote, Primethorpe and Broughton Astley.
The report, called A46 Corridor Study, says the Kilby Foxton Canal Site of Special Scientific Interest is also on the route along with several rights of way and habitats of protected animals such as badgers and great crested newts.
The report also raises concerns about air pollution.
It says: “The impact of introducing traffic close to new receptors or increasing flows on the existing route alignment is likely to result in more losers than winners in air quality terms.”
The report goes on to say more research is needed to find out if the increases will be signifi- cant.
Leicestershire County Cllr David Bill (Lib Dem, Hollycroft) said: “We have no sense of how much additional traffic this would bring to Hinckley. None of the authorities have given us any figures.
“They say at this stage it is only a vision but it could turn into a nightmare.
“An alternative for a route from the Bristol Channel to the North East is to use the A46 north of Leicester and the M1 which would mean major changes at junction 21 instead.”
The proposal for the road is part of Leicestershire’s Strategic Growth Plan to find land for thousands of new homes and meet rising demand. Planning bosses say the road will be a vital part of infrastructure for the new housing developments.
The idea for the road is also part of Midland Connect’s aim for faster journeys along the A46 through the Midlands and between the Midlands and the North East and South West.
They say improvements to the A46 in the Midlands will reduce congestion, boost the economy and make companies more competitive.