August 2022
Following the Public Inquiry we have been working to finalise the detailed design for the scheme. In the meantime, we have completed demolition of Sysonby Farm earlier this year and are now progressing with ecological and archaeological works on site to allow the scheme to proceed.
During the week commencing 22 August notices will be served upon the affected landowners, tenants, and occupiers to confirm that the County Council will take entry onto the land at the beginning of December 2022.
We are now working to submit the Final Business Case to the Department for Transport in October 2022 to confirm their £49.5m contribution. The outcome of this and a final decision to proceed with construction of the scheme will be taken by the County Council’s Cabinet in December 2022.
If approved, we will carry out a public event (details to be confirmed) to inform residents and businesses of the details of the works, timescales and how we will manage any disruption. The works would then start on site in March 2023.
April 2022
The NE MMDR Public Inquiry was opened by the Inspector on Tuesday 21 September 2021 and closed on Thursday 7 October 2021. The Inspector subsequently submitted a report, making a recommendation to the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State announced in a decision dated 31 March 2022 that the proposed Compulsory Purchase Order and Side Roads Orders (including modifications) have now been confirmed. This is being advertised on site and in the local press dated 28 April 2022 with affected landowners being notified directly.
September 2021
The Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) and Side Roads Order (SRO) notices were submitted to the Secretary of State for confirmation on 21 October 2020. A number of objections to the CPO and SRO were received and the Secretary of State gave notice on 15 January 2021 of the intention to call a Public Inquiry to consider the objections. The Council was required to serve a Statement of Case on the Secretary of State and on each statutory objector. These were served on all objectors within the necessary timeframe.
Proposed Modifications
A number of minor modifications were required to the CPO and SRO which are necessary to ensure accuracy, consistency as well as address some concerns raised by landowners. The modifications do not comprise any increase in the land required for the scheme. Relevant parties have been consulted in relation to the modifications. Full details of the modifications can be found on the Proposed Modifications page.
Public Inquiry
The Secretary of State gave notice that a virtual Public Inquiry, in connection with the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) and Side Roads Order (SRO) would take place. The Public Inquiry (now closed) began on Tuesday 21 September 2021 at 10am. The Pre-Inquiry meeting was held on Tuesday 6 July 2021.
Details of the virtual Public Inquiry, can be found on the new Public Inquiry page and on the Public Inquiry Notice document below:
Next Steps
Following the decision from the Public Inquiry, further information on next steps and anticipated timescales will be provided when available.
Copies of the CPO/SRO Orders are available online at Compulsory Purchase Order and Side Roads Order process. Those unable to access the documents online can telephone 0116 305 0001 or email mmdr@leics.gov.uk to seek advice from the project manager or from a member of the team.
