Derelict buildings to make way for new homes
A NEW housing development near Market Bosworth has been given the green light by Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council.
Springbourne Homes application to build 20 new houses on the site of the former Hornsey Rise Care Home in Wellsborough was approved by planning councillors.
The news is likely to come as a relief to local residents, the police and fire service who have been plagued by anti-social behaviour at the derelict site for the past six years.
The council said in its report: “The care home closed in 2012 and has remained unoccupied.
“As a result, the site has been subject to frequent vandalism, arson and anti-social behaviour and the buildings are now predominantly derelict and the gardens in very poor condition.
“Sheepy Parish Council and other public consultation . responses acknowledge that some form of development of the site is necessary to address the significant anti-social behaviour and nuisance issues which the site attracts and to improve the overall appearance of the site and its immediate setting which has become an eyesore.
“It is considered there are significant public economic, social and environmental benefits identified within the scheme that weigh in favour of the proposal.
“The residential redevelopment of the site would not result in any significant adverse impacts and would provide contributions towards affordable housing, education and health facilities and the future longterm management and maintenance of the site.”
Springbourne Homes managing director Adrian Burr welcomed the recommendation.
He said: “We have worked tirelessly with council officials in putting together our plans for this development.”
The arson-hit care home has been plagued by vandalism and fire bugs since its closure in 2012.
Market Bosworth Police posted a warning on its Facebook page in June 2018 discouraging people from exploring the site.
Earlier plans for 27 homes, including a three storey apartment block, had been scaled down.