Plan for 185 Homes Bordering Leicestershire Village Nears Approval

A proposal for the construction of 185 new residences on the periphery of a Leicestershire village is anticipated to receive approval. Developer Davidsons initially sought permission for 205 homes situated directly south of Countesthorpe, adjacent to Willoughby Road, submitting its initial application to Blaby District Council in January. However, the proposal was postponed due to concerns regarding its high density, and subsequently, in October, it was revised to encompass 185 houses, as indicated by council records. This Thursday, the planning committee of the council is expected to grant approval to the updated plan, subject to several stipulations. In addition to financial contributions towards local education, transportation, and other facilities aimed at alleviating the effects of the new development, Davidsons – which described its project as an “extension” of the village – will be required to ensure that 25% of the new dwellings are designated as affordable housing. The proposal garnered 623 public submissions; among these, 612 expressed opposition to the new homes, six were classified as “neutral,” and four voiced support for the application, according to information from the council. Opponents of the scheme articulated worries regarding the “loss of village identity,” potential strain on local services, traffic congestion, and flooding risks. Conversely, those who endorsed the plan stated that Countesthorpe is presently “unaffordable” and that the development would “enable people to stay in the village,” as detailed in council documents. The concluding planning committee meeting of the year for Blaby District Council is scheduled for Thursday.