Villagers hit out at plans to build 120 new homes
Developer back with proposals for land near school
PLANS for 120 homes on farmland near a village primary school have prompted a defiant reaction from residents.
One man has called for a bypass if there is to be further development and a mum has said the location of the site was an “accident waiting to happen”.
An application to build in Kirkby Road, Desford, was first submitted in 2014. Developer Davidsons Homes has recently leafleted homes and set up a website asking for feedback on the plans.
Dad-of-two Graham Cole said the village could not cope with so many more homes.
He said: “Desford has satisfied its obligations and grown substantially in the past five years, way in excess of its obligations, with almost all development on greenfield land. There has been little or no increase in Hinckley and Bosworth (Borough Council) investment.
“We have no proposals for increased footpaths or cycle paths to connect us to Leicester, and indeed our bus service is likely to diminish.
“Connectivity to Hinckley is very bad. Our traffic levels have increased substantially, with Manor Road now splitting the village with no pedestrian crossings, despite their being in excess of 1,500 children in the village schools every day.
“I understand the pressures on the council to build houses, but why are so many in Desford with its oversubscribed schools and doctors?
“Surely a bypass should be a nonnegotiable condition for further development.”
A Facebook group was set up when the application was submitted previously, and members have alerted each other to the news that developers are exploring the potential to build on the site again.
Residents posting online said the road will not cope with potentially 250 more cars and services would be under increased strain.
Desford mum-of-three Louise Keatley, who grew up in the village, has two children at the primary school.
She said: “The idea of another housing development is inconceivable. The proposed location of this one is surely an accident waiting to happen.
“The idea of more traffic going past the already-chaotic primary school gates and park sounds very dangerous to me. Desford is already at capacity traffic-wise. Our schools, doctors and dentist practices surely couldn’t cope with any more houses being built.”
The leaflet sent out to villagers says: “Nationally, we are facing a growing housing shortage as people are living longer and in smaller households.
“There are not enough homes being built to meet the demand and as a result there is a need to boost the supply of homes. Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council needs to ensure new homes are provided to meet the needs of existing and future residents.
“The site at Ashfield Farm, Kirkby Road, is able to deliver a range of homes in an attractive, well-designed setting, to help meet these needs.
“It is well-related to the existing settlement and is in easy reach of services and facilities in the village.”
Residents are being asked for their thoughts on the plans.
A note under the website’s feedback section states: “All thoughts received as part of this consultation will be carefully considered and taken into account prior to the submission of any planning application.”