Mr. Robert Montgomery(a) (49)

In respect of the LCC LLITM validation extract you have sent me on 9th April I wish make the following observations.

Table 3.6 page 43 of 68 (also Tables 3.7, 3.8, 3.9 and 3.10)

24 hour person productions from Barwell West SUE

According to these figures:

202 + 113 + 106 + 60 = 481 Barwell SUE residents will be driving south to work in , Warwickshire, and the West Midlands.

Meanwhile 69 + 113 = 184 Barwell SUE residents will be driving north to work in Inner and Outer Leicester and Blaby.

These figures simply do not make sense to me.

The areas of Outer Leicester and Blaby (Blaby includes Fosse Park, Grove Park, Meridian etc.) provide large and convenient areas for employment and shopping which are quick to access from Barwell, only 10 miles and 20 minutes away. This could make Barwell SUE attractive for those employed in this part of .

Whereas commuting to Coventry, Warwickshire and the West Midlands involves travelling through and crossing the A5 at some point which is a physical barrier. The centre of Birmingham is 32 miles away and an unattractive 1 hour journey from Barwell. This surely makes Barwell SUE unattractive for those working south of the A5.

I have previously pointed out that unemployment rates in Coventry and the West Midlands are above the national average. So where is the demand for housing in Barwell SUE for people employed in these areas, given the poor commuting journey? (Reference my previously submitted comments 14th October 2013 and 9th March 2014).

More people are therefore likely to commute from Barwell SUE northwards towards Leicester than southwards over the A5. Not 2.5 times more south than north as the figures suggest. The traffic and highway implications are obvious as clearly pointed out by the Parish Councils, myself and others in corresponded previously.

Furthermore, according to these figures nobody will be driving to Inner Leicester for work, education, shopping or on business at any time of the day or evening!!!!

This has to be untrue and is simply not credible.

Having lived in Stapleton (which is unfortunately adjacent to Barwell SUE) for 25 years, myself, my family and neighbours have regularly driven into the centre of Leicester for these purposes. And continue to do so. The centre of Leicester is only 11 miles (25 minutes) from Barwell and is a major centre for professional businesses, universities, shopping malls and cultural attractions.

My conclusion can only be that these figures do not make any sense, and are further evidence that the LLITM model, and consequently the and Barwell AAP, are both deeply flawed.

(My figures are taken from the on line RAC Route Planner).

Robert Montgomery