‘Harmful’ homes plan opposed by parish council
Plan would see 165 homes built off Lutterworth Road in village PARISH COUNCIL OBJECTS TO SCHEME OUTSIDE BURBAGE
COUNCILLORS have opposed a “harmful” scheme for 165 homes on a main road outside Burbage.
The proposal for land off Lutterworth Road, near the M69, was discussed at a planning meeting of Burbage Parish Council, where several residents raised concerns.
The authority decided to object to the plans over concerns it would increase congestion and cause too much pressure on village services.
Minutes for the meeting published on the council website said: “In considering this application along with the large number of public representation and comments, members resolved to object.
“The proposal lies outside of the settlement boundary and would result in a harmful and detrimental intrusion into the countryside aspect of Burbage.
“It was felt that this large scale development of 165 dwellings would impact negatively on the congestion and safety of the already overburdened Lutterworth Road and all main routes through Burbage.
“It was also felt that the proposed development was unsustainable in relation to education and health care provision within the village and would inevitably increase pollution.”
The complex would include up to 33 “affordable” homes, with the site to extend up to the motorway.
Vehicles would access the 8.92-hectare site via a T-junction on Lutterworth Road, at the northern end of the site.
The size of the scheme was reduced from 170 homes in light of feedback from the community, after a pre-application meeting held by developer Davidsons and the parish council.
Leaflets were distributed in the area and the responses included 109 objections and just one in favour of the scheme.
A design statement filed with the plans said the scheme would include “a range and mix of family house types, sizes and tenures which offer flexibility and choice, creating a balanced and integrated community”.
Another estate of 72 homes has been built on the opposite side of Lutterworth Road, by developer Redrow, with most of the properties now occupied.
The parish council also objected to plans by Barwood Development Securities for an estate of 140 homes and a large area of industrial units in Burbage, between the A5 and Sketchley Grange Hotel, which were filed in September 2019.
The authority feared it would cause too much extra traffic and would ruin the beauty countryside.
Access to the housing complex would come from a new junction off Sketchley Lane while the commercial project would be accessed via Watling Drive, which is a short drive from the A5.
Affordable housing would make up 20 per cent of the homes, with 32 per cent to be medium and larger family units, 64 per cent to be smaller and medium sized units, and 4 per cent to be multi-person housing and flats. Four written responses were received by the parish council objecting to the proposal, including one from Councillor Mike Hall. of the surrounding