HUHNE CALLS FOR PUBLIC INQUIRY INTO LORRY PARK (Eastleigh Liberal Democrats)

Eastleigh Liberal Democrats <enquiries@eastleighlibdems.org.uk>

HUHNE CALLS FOR PUBLIC INQUIRY INTO LORRY PARK

December 4, 2008 2:15 PM

Eastleigh MP Chris Huhne is calling for the Traffic Commissioners to conduct a full inquiry into the lorry movements in and out of Chalcroft Distribution Park in West End.

Mr Huhne said in a letter to the Traffic Commissioners that the park was never intended to be used intensively for road distribution.

He said: "It was originally a victualling depot for the Royal Navy with access by rail, and yet it has grown like topsy into its current status without any explicit decision by the planning authorities. As such, it is sited extremely inappropriately both for local residents and for road access."

Mr Huhne cited problems of vibration, noise, road safety, night-time disturbance, and lack of easy access.

Below is a transcript of the letter to The Traffic Commissioner:

Dear Sir/Madam,

Re: G J Cooper Holdings Limited, OH0222181 SI, Unit 4, Chalcroft Distribution Park, Burnetts Lane, West End, Southampton SO30 2PA.

I have been contacted by a number of my constituents, regarding the negative effects of Heavy Goods Vehicle traffic from the Chalcroft Distribution Park on local residents and their families, friends and visitors in Burnetts Lane. My constituents' concerns include: vibration; noise; night-time disturbance; road safety for both pedestrians and other vehicles; excessive traffic; and the suitability of the operating centre in relation to the safety of the entrance and exit arrangements from the site onto the public highway.

I do not believe that Chalcroft Distribution Park was ever intended to be used intensively for road distribution. It was originally a victualling depot for the Royal Navy with access by rail, and yet it has grown like topsy into its current status without any explicit decision by the planning authorities. As such, it is sited extremely inappropriately both for local residents and for road access.

One of the outcomes of the 2007 public inquiry into the operating centre at Chalcroft Distribution Park was that Mr Maddrell, The Deputy Traffic Commissioner who heard the case, ruled that there were sufficient grounds for there to be a review of G J Cooper Holdings' Licence when it was due for its 5-yearly renewal. The licence for G J Cooper is due for renewal on 31 January 2009, and I am writing on behalf of a number of my constituents to request that such a review be undertaken.

In light of my constituents' concerns, I would ask that the Traffic Commissioner hold a public inquiry, with a view to imposing restrictions on night-time vehicle movements and the weight of vehicles permitted on Burnetts Lane as they come in and out of Chalcroft Distribution Park.

I look forward to your comments and reply.

With best wishes,

Yours sincerely,

Chris Huhne MP