£1.6m spent by developer in village
THE DEVELOPER behind a controversial new estate in Burbage is pumping more than £1.6 milion into local facilities.
The cash, obtained through a Section 106 agreement with Redrow, will go to schooling and play area improvements as well as fund the creation of 14 affordable homes at a cost of £1.2 million.
Planing permission for reserved matters was agreed on the 34 hectares of farmland, at the rear of existing homes on Lutterworth Road, in January 2016.
This was a resubmission from housebuilder Davidsons whose original application was refused at planning committee on March 31 2015, due to fears of unsustainable pressures on local services.
Davidsons instigated an appeal, on the basis the borough could not demonstrate a five year housing supply.
However, the application came back to committee and was approved in January 2016 before the appeal was heard.
Last November Redrow took on the project, now labelled Ambion Way, and received a renewal of the approval for reserved matters.
The Section 106 agreement seeks to address some of the concerns over drain on public services.
As well as providing the clutch of affordable homes Redrow will also finance almost £200,000 worth of improvements to primary education facilities and fund new and improved play and recreation amenities at a cost of more than £115,000.
Pauline Turnbull, sales director for Redrow Homes (Midlands), said: “Our Ambion Way development will be a real boost for the area, providing much needed new homes to meet local demand and helping to address the housing shortage.
“And, while building new homes is Redrow’s core business, we’re also committed to creating thriving communities where people love living, which is why we’re happy to invest in the surrounding Burbage area. As we’ll mainly be building three and four-bedroom family homes it’s particularly fitting that we will be helping to improve facilities at a local primary school. We’ll also create children’s play facilities on site and fund maintenance works at the Britannia Road recreation ground.”
Redrow will also fund £57,000 worth of improvements at Burbage GP surgery, pay more than £30,000 towards transport measures and make a contribution to Burbage Community Library.
The estate will access from Lutterworth Road and a new crossing and extra footpath are planned.
In an attempt to disperse any road noise from the neighbouring M69 a densely wooded embankment has been established between the site and the motorway.
A range of two-storey house types will be constructed including detached, semi-detached and terraced.
Feature dwellings will be placed in key locations, such as prominent corners, and the overall architectural style will be 1930s inspired Arts and Crafts.
The plans for the 3.4 hectare plot were vigorously opposed by residents and the parish council when initially submitted.
Potential purchasers can register their interest in the homes at Ambion Way via the website www. redrow.co.uk/ambionway or by calling Hinckley 501717.