AN action group has formed in a bid to stop a planned development for 130 homes which it says could ‘gridlock’ the area.
Concerned residents have formed Nottingham Road Action Group (NoRAG) to oppose the proposals by the Money Hill Consortium, made up of representatives from Cogent Land LLP, Bloor Homes and Taylor Wimpey.
It wants to build 130 new homes and a health centre in Ashby’s Money Hill area, followed by second phase of bringing a total of 605 homes to the town.
The scheme outlined that the houses and health centre would be accessed from Nottingham Road, through what NoRAG claims is a narrow cul-de-sac, metres from a sharp bend and directly opposite Ashby School.
NoRAG founder Mike Ball, who has lived in Ashby for 23 years, said: “The road infrastructure surrounding Money Hill does not support a proposal this size. We needed the A511 bypass because of traffic queuing all the way from the A42 into town along Nottingham Road. It is now almost as busy as it was before we had the bypass built.
“What is needed are innovative plans which will allow our town to grow without grid-locking the roads. The cul-de-sac off Nottingham Road is on a notoriously dangerous bend, which has been the scene of many accidents over the years.
“The goal of NoRAG is to stop any future development adding to the strain already placed on Nottingham Road. If anyone would like to join us or to support us please email me Mike@NoRAG.co.uk or by visiting www.norag.co.uk”
A spokesman for the consortium revealed a planning application has now been submitted, and said: “These homes will only be accessed via an improved junction off Woodcock Way from Nottingham Road. It includes the widening of Nottingham Road to accommodate a new right-turn filter into Woodcock Way.
“To address safety concerns about Nottingham Road and the proposed junction, measures will be introduced to slow traffic down. Separate pedestrian and cycle links to the town centre are also planned along with a bus route.
“Included with the medical centre is a new car park which will supplement the available parking spaces in Ashby.”
The spokesman added that trees and shrubs will be planted and improvements made to the existing National Trail route of Ivanhoe Way. Large ponds will also minimise the risk of localised flooding.
A public exhibition is being hosted at Ashby School on Wednesday, January 23, from 4pm to 8pm.
