Representation by Elmesthorpe Stands Together (Elmesthorpe Stands Together)
- Date submitted
- 11 June 2023
- Submitted by
- Non-statutory organisations
EST ( Elmesthorpe Stands Together) has concerns over the following areas , this is not an exhaustive list. Location of the proposed development, throughout the process EST feel that the village of Elmesthorpe has almost disappeared, we are a small village and the impact such a large development will have on our doorstep will be irreparable. The overall need for rail freight in the area needs to be balanced with the increasing demand for passenger rail, which would occupy the same line, locally the HNRFI would have a significant impact on the crossing at Narborough and would increase the downtime substantially. Overall impact on air quality. NOx and particulate matter is already at high levels of exposure: developments that will undoubtedly further exacerbate this issue are not acceptable. The future proofing of the proposed development with respect to government targets on the switch to electric vehicles (including HGV, cars and trains) or the removal of reliance on fossil fuels. Lack of mitigation of Elmesthorpe in the traffic plans other than to place an uncontrolled crossing at the base of the railway bridge close to Bostock Close – a site which is already high risk to traffic incidents. The use of the Burbage Common Road as an emergency access point to the proposed site, or any consideration as to how traffic will impact the village. As the closest village settlement to the proposed site, the impacts must be considered. Any increase in traffic will have an impact. On-site shuttle bus, services or routes. Bus routes and bus stops associated with the proposed HNRFI are not regarded as appropriate to run through Elmesthorpe. Workforce of the proposed HNRFI parking in surrounding residential areas and using the pedestrian access to the site, to avoid the inevitable shift change bottlenecks as well as HGV’s using local roads as rest areas when the HGV park on site is either full or too expensive to use. The design for the proposed RFI site needs to be reassessed. We feel that there is a need for the RFI to be located in an area that is furthest from any residential areas to help to reduce light, noise and air pollution along with the reduction in vibration caused from the trains themselves, therefore reducing the impact the RFI will have on local residents. The possibility of increased incidence of line cleaning/alignment. This is a procedure that takes place in the small hours of the morning and is exceptionally noisy and disruptive; it prevents almost the entire village from sleeping. Flooding to the local area, Burbage Common Road and the entrance to Bostock Close are both known to flood historically, Local public water supply could be impacted. Any impact on the local water supply is not acceptable to anyone living in the surrounding area from lower water pressure or supply quality issues. The loss of mature trees, hedgerow, flora, fauna, will have a devastating impact on the vast and varied local wildlife, which may never return once their habitats are destroyed. A significant concern is how the workforce for the proposed site will be sourced, as locally the unemployment level is very low. The ‘initiative’ for ‘green travel’ is unrealistic. The immense size of the proposed development leaves inadequate areas for landscaping mitigation and biodiversity offset. Landscaping and bunding does not seem sufficient to reduce the visual impact on the surrounding areas. An increase in these would also alleviate the impact of sound and light. The impact on the archaeological and heritage areas are of importance to the local community. Experience of those in the vicinity of the train line is that vibrations of existing train traffic is already felt in homes. The proposed site is exceptionally close to residential areas that currently do not experience any noise or light disturbance The site is proposed to be operational 24/7 and 365 days a year and the increase in light and noise have a severe impact on residents especially overnight. The construction phase is planned as a 10-year construction phase, that alone will have an impact on the residents and environment and to some will have permanent and long-lasting effects. The proximity of the proposed HNRFI to Elmesthorpe means that no amount of mitigation can alleviate the irreversible and staggering negative impact it will have. Quite simply put, should the proposed HNRFI go ahead, the character of this village would be decimated and the lives of those living here would be irreversibly altered.