Harborough MP backs move to scrap a new multi-million pound A46 expressway cutting through the district

Harborough MP Neil O’Brien is backing a surprise move to scrap a new multi-million pound A46 expressway cutting through the district.

The controversial road was set to go ahead as part of a long-term Strategic Growth Plan put together by local councils to tackle steep population growth in Leicester and throughout the county over the next 30 years.

An exact route was never published but the expressway would have run straight through the Harborough district - including Great Glen, Fleckney and Billesdon.

Neil O’Brien has repeatedly slammed the proposed scheme since it was first put forward in 2018.

“It’s very welcome news that these plans won’t be proceeding.

“It would have not only ruined large swathes of countryside in the district, but also resulted in lop-sided housing development across the county for the southern and eastern parts of Harborough in particular,” insisted the Conservative MP.

“It would have also done nothing to solve the problems of getting in and out of Leicester from the county.

“From the emails and survey responses I received, it was clear that the vast majority of responders were also opposed to the idea.

“So I’m sure this news will be welcome across the constituency.

“I look forward to working with local councils and other stakeholders on developing ideas to improve infrastructure across the constituency.”

Cllr Phil King, the leader of Harborough District Council, said: “Many communities rightly expressed concerns as indeed our council did a couple of years ago, where we issued a number of caveats when it was presented and debated.

“Our concerns as a council were reinforced following the scrutiny work late last year, which I communicated to the committee overseeing this work back in July of this year.”

He added: “We now need a fundamental review of the Strategic Growth Plan now that the context has changed so considerably, which I look forward to contributing to on behalf of residents across Harborough District.”