A demolition plan has been put forward to make way for 58 affordable homes in the Leicestershire countryside. Applicant Matt Rice, of East Midlands Housing, has put forward a full planning application for land off Wardens Walk in Leicester Forest East.
A previous outline planning application – for the plans to be approved in principle – was put forward to Blaby District Council (BDC) by applicant Kathryn Harris Land Management for 58 homes in 2022. This scheme, which comprised 43 market houses and 15 affordable homes, was was approved in November 2023.
A total of 55 people were consulted on the plans, resulting in two objections. BDC does not allow access to those comments.
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A consultation exercise was carried out prior to the original outline approval with over 1,000 leaflets distributed inviting residents to an online public consultation. The applicant states the “relatively small” number of comments focussed on traffic concerns, access through Warden’s Walk and noise mitigation for the new housing.
The land is described as being associated with the former Grange Farm to the south of Hinckley Road, and east of Baines Lane, comprising former farmhouse buildings and undeveloped grassland. New road and pedestrian access is proposed for the site.
Plans note the site is mainly greenfield and approximately two hectares in size. The farm buildings are now derelict and “subject to some significant fire damage and no longer fit for purpose” plans add.
58 affordable homes are planned
(Image: Google)
The proposed homes include six one-bed maisonettes, six two-bed bungalows, 27 two-bed houses, 18 three-bed houses, and one four-bed house. 35 of the homes would be social rented properties and 23 shared ownership. Documents state the majority of the new homes will be two storey in height “which is typical of the area and consistent with the wider context”.
Documents state the proposed layout of the site takes into account access via Wardens Walk with the new properties “in a semi-detached arrangement” along the new access road. Parking would generally be to the sides of the properties, and a total of 111 car parking spaces are proposed.
Currently, there are two points of access to the site. The main access to the existing buildings is via Baines Lane, and there is also additional access from Hinckley Road to the north which plans note “is heavily overgrown and no longer fit for purpose”.
The M1 is close to the western edge of the site but documents note it is separated by Baines Lane and an “extensive” barrier of trees.. There are a residential homes to the east of the proposed development including along Wardens Walk and South Avenue.
A decision is expected to be made on the plans by Tuesday, April 8.
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