Plans for the Bardon Link Road have been given the go-ahead by North West Leicestershire District Council.

The scheme involves the construction of the Link Road extending southwards from the A511 Bardon Road and comprising a new 450 metre section of highway.

There is also provision for a shared foot/cycleway, construction of a fourth arm on existing Bardon Road/Stephenson Way roundabout junction and underbridge beneath the railway.

It would involved the demolition of four houses along the south side of the A511.

A council officer's report says the proposed link road would form part of the County Council's overall strategy for transport impacts from the wider growth in South East Coalville and elsewhere as set out in the North West Leicestershire Local Plan.

The link will extend from the Bardon Road/Stephenson Way roundabout. Photo: Instantstreetview.com

The route would, when connected to the principal spine road running through the Lower Bardon site, allow for a vehicular connection between Grange Road - at the recently constructed roundabout - and Bardon Road. 

A public consultation was held on the new road last October in Coalville.

The report adds: "In principle, it is considered that, given the importance of this link to delivering the transportation infrastructure necessary to support the wider growth required in the Council's Local Plan, the proposals should be supported.

"A key constraint in terms of providing a vehicular link in this location is the existing railway.

"It is considered that the option taken (i.e. passing through the embankment rather than seeking to form a bridge over it) is the most suitable from a design and visual impact point of view, and would avoid the more significant visual impacts arising from a high bridge type structure.

Image: Leicestershire County Council

"In terms of neighbour amenity effects, it is noted that the houses either side of the Bardon Road connection would have a new road between them instead of the demolished dwellings currently in situ.

"However, the supporting noise assessment indicates that any noise impacts would be addressed by appropriate fencing.

"It is considered that, subject to the extent of noise mitigation achieved being appropriate having regard to the relevant standards, such an approach would be acceptable."

Planning permission was granted as long as there is: The means of finish to the proposed underpass (and including its internal walls) so as to seek to ensure that a safe and welcoming environment is provided for non-vehicular users; and any acoustic or other fencing being sited behind proposed landscaped areas so as to minimise their visual impact from the public realm.