256 homes to be built on land between villages

OPPONENTS SAY ESTATE WILL JOIN UP SETTLEMENTS

MORE details have been released about a planned 256-home estate opponents warned will join up two villages.

Outline permission was granted for the development, on fields off Melton Road, East Goscote, by Charnwood Borough Council, despite 176 objections.

The proposal was submitted by Gladman Developments. The land has since been bought by Redrow Homes East Midlands.

The decision to approve came after council officers warned that the lack of an up-to-date local plan meant the authority would struggle to defend a decision to refuse the application if it went to appeal.

Redrow has now submitted a full planning application, with details of the number and type of houses it is planning to build.

The properties would have one to five bedrooms with 77 of the houses to be set aside for affordable rent or shared ownership.

There would be a section of parkland across the north of the site, including open grassland, woodland, two bodies of water and a play area.

Queniborough Parish Council has already responded to the new application, with clerk Rachel Barlow-Skinner reiterating concerns from its members about traffic and other issues.

She said: “The council is increasingly concerned about the effects of developments in the area, the reduction of green spaces between communities and the implications for infrastructure including, schools, doctors’ surgeries, police and cemeteries and the planning authority needs to ensure that these requirements are fully assessed and catered for.”

Redrow Homes said: “The site at East Goscote will provide a unique and attractive place to live.

“The development will provide a mix of house types, tenures and densities to reflect a wide range of household requirements, creating a varied character which responds positively to local vernacular and providing much-needed housing to Charnwood.

“The scheme will make use of its proximity to the village centre, where local services and key community infrastructure are located.

“Redrow will make use of the existing landscaping to create beautiful green spaces promoting social interaction and a sense of ownership.”

Comments about the application can be made on the council’s planning portal until February 24.