Latest from CPRE Leics

27 April 2010
- extract from report to CPRE East Midlands Regional Group

ACTIVITIES
• The Planning Training seminar, on 13 Feb, had 30 attendees and was very well received. A follow-up event to discuss planning issues with Branch volunteers had only 6 attendees, but the timing was difficult - the week after Easter.
• We have recruited a new Press & Communications Volunteer, who responded to our advert on do-it.org. We also have a new volunteer Planning Campaigner who contacted us after becoming aware and concerned about the new housing targets for areas of Leics.
• Plans are advancing for a photo competition, the theme is The Effect of Climate Change on rural Leics. We're in discussion with the main local paper about partnership in the project.
• We had a stand at the Annual Seminar of the Rural Community Council.

LOCAL PLANNING ISSUES
• Bardon Quarry Extension: It is in fact a new quarry (not a quarry extension) and we will only support this if overriding economic and strategic needs are proven, which seem doubtful.
• An application for a single wind turbine, for a farm in Tilton-on-the-Hill, was supported by the Branch, but refused by Harborough District Council on grounds of noise to nearest residential properties and harm to historic assets in the area.
• There are two other wind turbine developments in Melton District and the Branch will visit public exhibitions on these.
• Objection lodged to premature large-scale housing application to the south of Countesthorpe (this brought in new members). This application has been refused.
• Meeting with Barrow Residents' Action Group - CPRE's Charnwood District Group (DG) submitted an objection to proposed (premature) large scale housing development.
• Charnwood DG objected to a proposed large housing development at Mountsorrel.
• Objection to Biffa application for an incinerator at J23 Shepshed lodged with Leics. CC and Charnwood Borough Council.
• The subject of planning pre-maturity has arisen with large scale housing applications being made in strategic locations ahead of the emerging LDF. Guidance on this matter has been sought from National Office.
• The legal agreement between North West Leicestershire District Council and East Midlands Airport is still awaited. This will set out the s.106 conditions in support of the runway extension and associated works. It will most likely focus largely on sound insulation grants for homes closest to the airport.
• CPRE has commented on matters to the East Midlands Airport Draft Noise Action Plan. Unofficially, it appears that the DfT have rejected the EMA NAP in its current form.
• Liaising with Graeme Willis to produce PR on the value of tranquillity while the aircraft are grounded.
• Request to North west Leicestershire District Council for Air Quality Management Area data for the Motorway/Kegworth - airport zone. In the past data between traffic emissions near to the airport and the airport itself has been confused and to some extent the latter has used this to their advantage. Hopefully, the lull in air traffic should give an interesting comparison, although I do recognise the fact that some vehicle movements at the airport will have declined. However, I am reliably informed that freight forwarding HGV traffic did increase significantly

LISA MICHAEL
Communications & Development Officer
CPRE Leicestershire