Plans launched for 345 homes near Leicester
A Leicestershire farm could be demolished to make way for up to 345 homes under plans lodged by developer Bonnel Homes.
A hybrid scheme registered with Blaby council this week includes a full application for 77 homes, with a request for outline permission for a further 268, on a site between Blaby and Countesthorpe – around 5 miles south of Leicester city centre.
The proposals would see a mix of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5-bedroom properties build on 55 acres of farmland known as Keepers Farm, set to include 25% affordable housing. A new convenience store would also be built as part of the development, if approved.
A proposed 20-acre country park included in the outline portion of the scheme would provide a “robust and defensible edge to the settlement” and safeguard a ringfenced green space between Blaby and Countesthorpe, designed to prevent the two settlements from merging, according to documentation submitted with the scheme.
A supporting statement prepared by consultants Woods Hardwick Planning added that the scheme could help to contribute to a shortfall in housing land supply in Blaby.
Recent calculations in a document published by the authority in February this year stated that the council had a 3.53 year housing land supply – behind the required target of five years.
According to the council, the shortfall has been caused by delays in completion on a number of large housing sites in the district, with a new local plan currently in development.
The northern portion of the site is identified as a reserve housing location in the current local plan, with an allocation for approximately 55 houses, which adds that the site would provide an “excellent gateway development” location.
“There is a clear need for housing sites now to address the Council’s considerable shortfall, which is exactly the reason this site has the reserve allocation,” said the supporting statement.
“Whilst the site is not within the current settlement boundary it is considered to be well related to the settlement. The country park to the south would provide a defensible boundary to the site and permanent separation between Blaby and Countesthorpe.
“As part of the open space proposals for the Country Park, the design incorporates a comprehensive network of recreational routes, offering connectivity to the wider landscape and adjacent developments.”
Access to the site would be provided by a priority T Junction off Winchester Road, with the northern side of the access road planned to accommodate a shared cycle and footpath.
A decision on the proposals will be taken by Blaby council following the end of the consultation period on 11 November.
Plans and documents relating to the scheme can be viewed via the council’s planning portal using reference: 25/0818/HYB
