Edward has attended a public meeting in Kirby Muxloe, organised by local residents concerned at the potential impact of the housing development set to take place on land behind Barry Close/ Barry Drive in the village.
He joined local Borough Councillors Chris Frost and Tony Greenwood, as well as Parish Council Chairman, Paul Lewis, and well over 100 concerned local residents to hear their concerns about potential traffic impacts of the development, as well as their fears for footpaths regularly used by local people and dog-walkers to cross the land.
Blaby District Council have already granted Outline Planning Permission for the development of up to 88 new houses on the plot of land, and residents are calling for a public consultation, with active Police involvement, in considering the impact of the development on local traffic volumes and road safety in the area, and measures to address their concerns, as well as pressing for the recognition of routes used to walk across the land as formal public rights-of-way.
After the meeting Edward said: "While, as an MP, I have no control over local planning decisions, I am aware of the strength of local feeling and concerns in Kirby Muxloe, particularly about the potential traffic impacts of this development. I have previously met with local residents to discuss this, and have raised their concerns with the Council, and I also know how hard local Councillors are working with residents on this issue.
This very well-attended public meeting shows just how strongly local people feel, and their very real concerns about potential traffic and road safety impacts of the new development. This development has already received outline planning permission, but it is important that residents' concerns about traffic and footpath rights-of-way are addressed by the Council. I welcome Blaby D.C's willingness, set out at the meeting, to meet with local Councillors and residents' representatives to discuss their concerns about traffic impacts, and I will continue to do all I can as Kirby Muxloe's MP to ensure residents' voices are heard."