Un-official letter to the HA Submitted by: Jim on
Jun 20, 2006
M1 Widening J21-30 Team
Highways Agency
5, Broadway
Broad Street
Birmingham
B15 1BL
Date
Objection to the proposed M1-M69 link road
Dear M1 Widening J21-30 Team,
I am writing to register my objection to the proposed widening
of the M1 in Leicestershire and in particular the M1-M69 link
road through Leicester Forest East highlighted by the Highways
Agency in a recent exhibition.
I would also like to register my annoyance that the majority
of LFE residents that will be affected, were totally unaware
of the proposed major works through the parish and that the
Highways Authority considered it more appropriate to hold
the initial exhibition at Kirby Muxloe Parish Hall.
According to the Highways Agency they propose to ‘improve’
the current eight lane motorway north of the motorway service
area, adding an additional four lanes through the heart of
the parish.
To enable the works to contained within the current boundary
it will be necessary to remove the majority of embankments
and plantings currently in place and as a consequence, losing
any natural noise reducing qualities. Retaining walls will
replace the earth removed that will no doubt reflect the noise,
increasing the current high noise levels and vibration caused
by the additional running lanes being built closer to homes
in the area.
I am particularly concerned with regard to the proposed four
lane motorway grade link road between junction 21A and the
M69, which according to the drawings will pass within yards
of residential properties and may require additional land
uptake outside the motorway boundary and will require major
re-alignment to the A47 Hinckley Road, a major commuter route
to enable construction of a new A47 / M1 over bridge.
The proposals also indicate a flyover will have to be constructed
to carry the proposed M1-M69 link road over the motorway.
To allow such a monstrosity at a height that will be so visually
intrusive and carry traffic at motorway speeds without considering
the welfare of nearby residents is scandalous.
The senior Highways Agency representative Tony Turton advised
those present at the meeting that ‘alternative routes’
were looked at and the current preferred route was the most
cost effective. The residents at the meeting were promised
that details of these ‘alternative routes’ would
be made available to the parish council to allow residents
to view them. At the time of writing they have not yet been
received.
In my opinion ‘the simplest and most cost effective’
route for a direct link to the M69 would be in the region
just to the South of the services on land already owned by
the Highways Agency and well away from any residential area.
I urge you to consider the land available to the South of
the motorway service area as a viable alternative site for
a direct link to the M69, a guaranteed solution to relieve
the congestion through junction 21 without the enormous expense
to the taxpayer and limiting disruption and noise to at least
the current levels for the residents of Leicester Forest East
& Thorpe Astley
Yours sincerely,
Your signature
Your Name
cc MP
cc MEP
cc Leicestershire County Councilor
cc Leicester Forest East Parish Council
cc Blaby District Councilor
cc Minister of Transport
