Proposed Development of Up to 350 Homes to Connect Leicestershire Settlements

A plan is under development for the construction of several hundred new residences, intended to join two communities in Leicestershire. A “screening opinion” has been requested for agricultural land situated between Blaby and Countesthorpe. This opinion is a mandatory step to determine whether an environmental impact assessment will be necessary upon the submission of a comprehensive planning application. According to documents presented to Blaby District Council, the Keepers Farm site, located to the east of Winchester Road, is being evaluated for the potential development of as many as 350 homes. The site plan accompanying the proposal indicates that the development would establish connections with both existing settlements at its northern and southern boundaries. Woods Hardwick Planning Ltd, the applicant, stated that their plans also incorporate an 8.47-hectare country park, public footpaths, and landscaping. Furthermore, up to 88 of the proposed homes would be designated as “affordable”. Should a complete application receive approval, access to the new residential units would be provided via Winchester Road. In a letter addressed to the council, Woods Hardwick Planning Ltd articulated: “The development would deliver new housing, including 25% affordable, in an area where there is demonstrable need.“The introduction of a country park would provide a community facility affording communal spaces and means for encouraging healthy lifestyles.” The correspondence further noted that the locality was “well placed to absorb the impact of additional growth”. Blaby District Council intends to provide a response to the screening opinion request by the middle of November. For updates, BBC Leicester can be followed on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Story submissions are accepted at eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or through WhatsApp at 0808 100 2210. This material is Copyright 2024 BBC, with all rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Further details on their external linking policy are available.