14 homes at Land North Of Sycamore Way, Littlethorpe

What was proposed

The outline proposal was for up to 14 homes, with access considered now and all other matters reserved for later.

“The proposal seeks outline consent for residential development for up to 14 dwellings on the site. The scheme was reduced in March 2025 from a proposal of up to 46 dwellings. All matters are reserved for future consideration, with the exception of ‘access’.”

“An “Illustrative Master Plan” has been submitted which shows a new access into the site from Sycamore Way between the junction with Williams Close and the bend to the west. The internal access road is proposed in a horseshoe with all built form located in the south-western part of the site. The remainder of the site is shown as public open space, with an attenuation basin, wildflower meadows and hedgerows.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is 1.43 hectares of former equine grazing land outside Littlethorpe’s settlement boundary, beside homes, recreation land, countryside, the railway and flood zones.

“The application site comprises an area of land to the north of Sycamore Way in Littlethorpe consisting of 1.43 hectares of grazing land. The site is bordered by trees and landscaping to the north, west and east. The southern boundary is bordered by a timber post and rail fence and there is an existing access into the site in the south- eastern corner via a metal gate.”

“The River Soar runs adjacent to the railway line to the north of the site and a tributary of the River Soar runs within the woodland adjacent to the north of the application site. Part of the application site lies within flood zones 1, 2, 3a and 3b associated with the River Soar. These areas are in the northern and eastern areas of the site but lies outside the proposed built-up area.”

Officer report

Recent planning history

There was no relevant history on the site, but an adjacent 155-home scheme was refused by members and is subject to a pending appeal.

“There is no relevant planning history on the application site, but Members should be aware of the recent application on the adjacent site to the West set out below:”

“The above application was refused for the following reason: The proposed development is located in an area identified as Countryside on the Blaby District Local Plan (Delivery) Development Plan Document Policies Map. The loss of countryside would not be outweighed by the need to provide new housing development in this location including the density of development proposed.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because housing would contribute to supply, while the proposal was considered acceptable on access, flooding, ecology, landscape and infrastructure with safeguards.

“In summary, the application proposes the provision of up to 14 market dwellings on a site outside the settlement confines and on an area designated as a Green Wedge and Countryside. It is therefore somewhat contrary to the strategic housing policies in the Development Plan which seeks to restrain development in these locations. However, as the Council is currently unable to demonstrate a 5-year supply of housing land, the tilted balance applies as set out in Para.”

“The application is in outline form, therefore only the principle and access are being considered as part of this application. The proposal has demonstrated that there will be no harm to highway safety and the proposed access will be suitable. Flood risk and drainage have been considered and an attenuation basin is proposed to deal with surface water drainage. A sequential test is not required as all built development will be outside of flood zones 2 and 3.”

Officer report

What consultees said

Most consultees raised no objection subject to conditions or contributions, including highways, ecology, flood risk, archaeology, water, healthcare and the Environment Agency.

“Leicestershire County Council, Archaeology – No objection subject to conditions. Refer to previous comments (No objection subject to a condition for a programme of archaeological works).”

“Leicestershire County Council, Highways – No objection subject to conditions and S105 contributions. The access arrangements are the same as the larger scheme. Recommend conditions relating to a Construction Traffic Management Plan, access implementation pre-occupation and provision of a dropped crossing with tactile paving across Sycamore Way.”

Officer report

What people said

Objections focused on countryside and green-space loss, congestion, road safety, flooding, pressure on services, wildlife, noise, parking and residential amenity.

“Design • Flats very close to the back of the footpath on Sycamore Way therefore not in keeping with existing development; • Visual impact of flats – contrast to village character; • Loss of local character as a dense urban style development; • Street pattern and density not in keeping; • No confirmation that the scale of housing will only be two storeys; • Housing will be higher than those on the opposite side of Sycamore Way Flooding • Increase risk of flooding; • Existing…”

“The applicant has not followed advise from the LLFA and Severn Trent Water regarding the hierarchy for surface water drainage; Infrastructure • Extra pressure on schools, surgeries and railway parking; • Littlethorpe has few amenities; • The Limes Medical Centre is at capacity; Environment • Loss of green space for the village; • Loss of countryside; • Trees and bushes help with combatting CO2 emissions; • Loss of wildlife; • Impact on air quality from additional traffic;…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The public speaking list included a parish councillor, an objector, a supporter and the applicant or agent.

The committee decision

The application was approved subject to the listed section 106 contributions, a biodiversity net gain condition and 26 planning conditions.

“AND SUBJECT TO THE STATUTORY BIODIVERSITY NET GAIN CONDITION AND IMPOSITION OF CONDITIONS RELATING TO THE FOLLOWING:”

Minutes