Shops and bars plan for estate appears lost
Estate centre plan looks to have been ditched by developers
A PROMISED community hub and retail centre for residents on the Sketchley Brook estate looks to have been shelved.
The Fulcrum was lauded by developers as the heart of the settlement when plans were approved in August 2011.
This “local centre” was to consist of 743 sq m of shops (A1 use), 1,394 sq m of potential restaurants, cafes, take-aways and bars and 465 sq m set aside possibly for a health centre.
Fifteen live work units were also suggested as well as the salvage and conversion of historical parts of the old Johnsons factory buildings.
The aim was to provide a focus for the 350 or so new homes being built on the former industrial sites sandwiched between the Ashby Canal and Hinckley Railway Station.
The design statement described it as: “Prestigious and high quality services and facilities as part of a high profile “hub” at Rugby Road, incorporating the retention of the 19th century Johnson’s power house and engine house if new, viable beneficial uses can be found.”
However, now the area earmarked for the Fulcrum - opposite the Hansom Cab pub off Rugby Road, is the subject of a planning application for 49 houses, and the old Johnsons buildings have long since been demolished.
On social media residents have been made aware of the submission and have mixed views. While some are resigned to the fact more housing may be required, others feel a petition should be launched to fight for the original amenities which were promised.
So far the Hansom Cab, opened in August 2015 by brewery giants Greene King, is the only leisure element of the ambitious scheme.
Persimmon Homes, the firm behind the fresh application, say the homes will range from executive to affordable and feature two and two and a half storey property types.
The submission states: “The proposed development will ensure that connectivity is improved to all non-vehicular routes in the vicinity in order to promote sustainable methods of transport. The site and its associated landscaping provide a picturesque setting for the development site.
“This attractive ‘edge-of-village’ setting is one of the key reasons why this site is capable of supporting much-needed family housing in Burbage. The views towards the west areas of open green space, and the semi-rural nature of the site offer a key feature of executive housing developments.”
The bid is currently open for public comment before it is listed for a future planning committee meeting.
A borough council spokesman said: “The application site is located on land that is allocated within the borough council’s Site Allocations and Development Management Policies Development Plan Document for mixed use development.
“The mixed use designation allows for the retention of the existing employment uses on the site as well as the provision of a neighbourhood centre and residential development - for a minimum of 46 dwellings.
“An application has been submitted for the erection of 49 dwellings only, so the applicant will need to demonstrate that failing to provide the neighbourhood centre is acceptable in planning terms and that the proposal accords with all other relevant local plan policy.
“The application is currently being considered and further information from the applicant has been requested by the borough council.”