Representation by Marc Sidwell
- Date submitted
- 10 September 2020
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
As a homeowner in Marlesford I am extremely concerned that the impact on our village has been insufficiently considered. EDF rarely even mentions our existence, and yet the Southern Park and Ride will be situated very close to our village. The impact of redirected traffic passing through the village and the increased weight of traffic on the A12 will be considerable. Increased noise, air and light pollution in a peaceful rural village over a ten-year period are real concerns, and the impact of the greatly increased traffic level is even more worrying. Crossing the A12 on foot is currently an important part of life in Marlesford – it follows traditional footpaths and gives access not just to the nearest shop and café – the Farm Café – but also to the nearest train station (Wickham Market, in Campsea Ashe). This is already a challenging crossing, but if traffic is heavier (2,000 extra HGV and bus movements daily!) it might become impossible, especially for older and more vulnerable residents. Leaving the village and joining the A12 in either direction might be even more difficult – and that will only increase the risk of rat-runs through the village and surrounding roads. Marlesford is a peaceful haven, not only for its residents but also for holidaymakers in several holiday lets. The development also brings uncertainty and perhaps threat to these small businesses. The proposal for the Four Village Bypass was a sensible mitigation strategy, and it is a great disappointment that EDF is opting only for the cheaper Two Village option, which does not help Marlesford at all. Indeed, I understand that the structure of the EDF bypass proposal makes it impossible for a Marlesford-Little Glemham bypass to be added later. I would urge re-consideration of the site or adoption of the four village bypass. At the very least, a bypass that could be later expanded to help our village would be sensible, as would moves to maintain foot access across the A12 and car access onto the A12.