Messrs M.G., S.M., J.H. and J.M. Grindal and the M.G. & S.M.

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also on land within your clients’ ownership on the north side of the River Avon. Approximately 555 metres of the new route would be on your clients’ land. This compares with a total of 1,490 metres of X12, X7 and X8 which are to be stopped up on land retained by your clients. The line as published has the following advantages:- • It utilises existing underbridge crossings of the A14 on the south side of the river and the M1 on the north side. • It provides the most direct replacement for the existing Public Rights of Way. • The route minimises the potential impact on the known otter holts which are to the south of the River Avon at the western end of the proposed bridleway. • The route minimises the impact on known otter activity below the River Avon viaduct and disused railway bridge. • It has a high amenity value, compared with other possible routes close to major highway boundaries. • It is in accordance with a strategy agreed in consultation with representatives of the vulnerable user groups and the local Highway Authorities for Leicestershire and Northamptonshire. We now turn to the specific points raised in your letter. Issue Raised: In your letter you state that a bridleway to the south of the River Avon would avoid the unnecessary cost of a new bridge across the river. Following a southern route would enable the existing strong bridge on the disused railway to be adapted to carry a bridleway at a much lower cost. The condition of the disused railway bridge is unknown. It has not been maintained for several decades and its adoption as a Public Right Of Way with dual use as an agricultural access would carry a greater risk in terms of refurbishment and maintenance costs, than the purpose built bridleway bridge which is proposed. Issue Raised: In your letter you state that by following the route of the old railway to the south, conflict between equestrians and farm vehicles would be minimised. You also state that this access would be increasingly used by your client as the main access to the north would be no longer available. The proposals below the River Avon viaduct retain the present situation, whereby an existing bridleway and agricultural access are shared. In consultation with the previous owner of the adjoining plot (Mr. Wright), and your clients, it was agreed to move the proposed extension of the bridleway, west of the viaduct, on to the route of the disused railway, thus restricting the shared use to that as already exists. Issue Raised: In your letter you state that the proposal to locate the bridleway some way out into the field would result in the loss of good quality agricultural land. You also state that irrigation pipes would be required either on top of, or under the proposed Page 2 of 6
idleway, otherwise the whole field area will no longer be able to be used for growing potatoes. The Environment Agency requires an eight metre headland between the river and the bridleway to allow for maintenance of the river. This requirement would apply to both river banks and would lead to a similar loss of land area, whether the bridleway was north or south of the river. We consider that the land affected on your client’s side of the river is graded as 3b, moderate quality agricultural land, mainly due to soil limitations. Mitigation would include provision for an irrigation water pipe under the proposed bridleway on your clients’ land. Issue Raised: In your letter you query whether there is a need for the bridleway to follow the river given that it is an important environmental and wildlife corridor. The value of the river as a wildlife corridor is understood. The published Environmental Statement confirms that environmental measures associated with the proposed bridleway to mitigate potential disturbance to otters, coupled with improved pollution measures to the road drainage system, would lead to an overall improvement to the river corridor in terms of ecology and nature conservation. The measures associated with the bridleway are:- • the eight metre headland which would not be in intensive agricultural use • re-grading of sections of the river bank to extend marginal vegetation • shrub planting to screen the known otter holt • woodland planting to provide a further otter refuge. With the bridleway in place and the scheme in operation, the Environmental Statement confirms that there would be a Slight Beneficial effect for the river habitat and a Moderate Beneficial effect for otters. Issue Raised: In your letter you state it would be beneficial to preserve the wildlife corridor along the River Avon. You advocate an alternative bridleway route which runs up the east side of the M1, before following the access road to drainage pond DP7 south of the A14. The bridleway route would continue south of the A14 before crossing under the A14 and joining up with the existing bridleway network. Please find attached a plan (SKETCH/OBJ/GRINDAL/001) illustrating our interpretation of your proposal (Route Alternative 1 or 1b). It is considered that your alternative would have the following disadvantages when compared with the published proposal:- • The alternative routes are indirect and would add approximately 795 metres to the section between the M1 and A14, resulting in a distance of 1960 metres compared with 1165 metres for the published proposal. Page 3 of 6
Page 1 and 2: Inquiry Document No: HA/23/01 M1 Ju
Page 3 and 4: M1 Junction 19 Improvement Response
Page 11 and 12: Your ref: Our ref: dd: df: e: Date:
Page 13: Our ref: Your ref: Mr. Paul Allen,
Page 17 and 18: • Pond DP7 - The northwest extent
Page 19: Godbold, Adam Subject: FW: M1 Junct
Page 27 and 28: Vehicles per day (2-way) Currently
Page 29 and 30: BIRD’S NEST COTTAGE HEATH HOUSE A
Page 52 and 53: M1 JUNCTION 19 IMPROVEMENT PUBLIC I
Page 54 and 55: M1 Junction 19 Improvement - Proof
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M1 Junction 19 Improvement - Proof
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Messrs M.G., S.M., J.H. and J.M. Grindal and the M.G. & S.M.

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