Road solution (From Malvern Gazette)

Road solution

12:40pm Monday 18th March 2013 in Letters

WITH the nationwide shortage of affordable housing, it is inevitable that the site to the North of the Ledbury railway viaduct will be developed.

However, Ledbury Town Council should continue to press for a reduction in the number to be built.

The proposed 700 units means that the density will be 50 per hectare.

Most recent housing developments in the town average about 20 units per hectare, with a few isolated pockets at densities approaching 50.

Concern has been expressed (and rightly so) about access to the new housing. The Core Strategy includes the possible construction of a new road from the bypass under the viaduct.

As I explained in an earlier letter, an engineering solution is possible which would not interfere with the viaduct foundations.

This new road would be of benefit also to the industrial units along the Bromyard Road by giving them easier access to the national trunk road system.

The council should press hard for this.

A new primary school forms part of the Core Strategy, but what about extra provision for secondary education and for healthcare?

When proposals for the town centre and the possible loss of sports facilities are included, it is clear that the town council has a major task on its hands. I hope their efforts on behalf of the local community are successful.

JAMES F BARNES Ledbury