Melton bypass ambitions could get multi-million pound '˜shot in the arm' if developer's homes plan gets go-ahead

Traffic clogging up the A607 Leicester Road entrance to Melton EMN-160419-100740001

Planning committee members will consider a major planning application on Thursday (April 21) which could have a big impact on the ambition for a much-needed bypass for Melton.

Melton Borough Council’s planning committee is set to decide a proposal, submitted by Gladman Developments Ltd, to build 520 homes off Leicester Road, 78 of which would be affordable housing for social rent and shared-ownership.

Gladman’s application also includes a contribution of £4.5 million supporting an outer relief road for Melton, as well as £500,000 for local schools and contributions to policing, civic amenity, libraries and a further £500,000 for public transport.

Its offers are a result of the work carried out by Melton Borough Council and Leicestershire County Council to analyse traffic conditions and to prove that the only realistic solution to Melton’s traffic problems and to allow it to prosper is an outer relief road.

Melton Borough Council has committed to allow developments to proceed where they are acceptable in all other ways, provided that they make a fair contribution to the overall solution, either by physically building part of the relief road or providing funds for the part relevant to their proposal.

Council leader Byron Rhodes said: “The contribution that has been negotiated will be a shot in the arm for the bypass – enough to complete a full design and to help us start work on some of the most important sections. “Our previous studies showed that a bypass is necessary and this significant offer shows the value of that work.”

The council’s planning committee will meets to discuss the Gladman’s proposal at 6pm on Thursday in the Pera offices on Nottingham Road.