Public meeting refusal

CONCERNED ABOUT the impact of the Ashton Green development on local roads, in December Birstall Parish Council invited representatives from Leicester City Council and the County Council to a public meeting so councillors and the public could voice their concerns and listen to the proposed mitigation measures to control the increase in traffic, particularly along Greengate Lane.

Both the City Council and County Council have declined the invitation.

Responding to Birstall Parish Council’s request, City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “The process of consultation at this stage of the local plan review is very prescribed and planning officers will be able to advise on how to respond. I don’t believe a public meeting would be productive in this context.”

The County Council’s response stated: “I am afraid we do not have the resources available to us to attend Parish meetings.”

660 new homes are planned for land off Greengate Lane and feature in Leicester City Council’s Local Plan.

The site, known as Ashton Green East, also features a 1200-place school. Together with the 3000-home Ashton Green development, it will put increased pressure on local infrastructure.

Birstall Parish Council has now registered as an “interested party” with the City Council, so that it will be kept informed, and consulted, on policy documents relating to the development.

The Parish Council is urging local residents to respond to the public consultation of Leicester’s Local Plan, which runs from January 16, 2023, until February 27, 2023.

Birstall Parish Council Clerk, Sue Coulson said: “Birstall Parish Council will continue to make their voice heard on this matter, and will be considering a response to the consultation, including making it known that they have yet to be informed of what mitigating plans Leicester City Council have for reducing the impact on traffic on Greengate Lane in

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