A developer has unveiled plans for 82 homes on a site near a Leicestershire village after gaining approval for the scheme on appeal. The new estate, on land off Lychgate Lane, Burbage, was approved by a government inspector last year, after being turned down at a Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council planning meeting, where a councillor said the village had become the “go-to place” for developers.
Avant Homes East Midlands has now submitted more detailed plans to the council for the 4.86 acre site, which the developer is calling Chestnut Acres. It will consist of 82 two-, three- and four-bed properties, with 17 of the homes being classed as ‘affordable’. The developer said it hoped to start work in early 2025, with the first new residents expected to be able to move in later that year.
Planning inspector Benjamin Clarke, who gave the scheme the go-ahead, said: “The proposed development would result in a notable increase in the overall level of built form at the expense of the site’s existing open and verdant character.” But he said the adverse effects did not outweigh the benefits of new housing for the borough.
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He also recognised concerns about the amount of development taking place in Burbage, but said he felt that the impact of the new estate could be offset by legal and financial agreements with the developer. Avant has now confirmed it will make roughly £900,000 of contributions towards local facilities and services, including education and healthcare.
Avant Homes East Midlands managing director Ben Felton said: “With easy access to local amenities, Leicester and the wider East Midlands region, we think Burbage is an excellent place for us to build.” He said there was “high demand” for the company’s homes from “people living locally or thinking of moving to the area”.
He added: “We now look forward to Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council’s [sic] considering our plans.”
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