58 affordable dwellings at Wardens Walk, Leicester Forest East

What was proposed

The application proposed demolishing existing buildings and structures and building 58 affordable homes with associated works and access from Wardens Walk.

“Full planning application: Demolition existing buildings and structures and erection of 58 affordable dwellings (Use Class C3) and all associated works, with access via Wardens Walk.”

Officer report

The site

The vacant former farm occupies about two hectares within Leicester Forest East’s settlement boundary, bordered by residential streets, Baines Lane and the A47.

“The application site is a vacant field known as Grange Farm which is to the west of Wardens Walk within Leicester Forest East’s Settlement Boundary as defined by the Policies Map of the Blaby District Council (Delivery) Development Plan Document (2019) and is situated on land allocated for residential development in the Blaby District Local Plan Delivery DPD (2019) Proposals Map where Policy SA.2a applies.”

“The application site is a former farm, known as Grange Farm dating from the early 1900’s. The farmhouse and outbuildings, sheds and associated structures are accessed off an existing entrance off Hinckley Road and Baines Lane. The farmhouse and outbuildings, sheds and associated structures are vacant with the farmhouse showing evidence of fire damage. Forest Grange which dates from the late 1800s is situated to the west of the site beyond Baines Lane.”

Officer report

Planning history

The site was allocated for housing and already had outline permission for up to 58 residential units approved in November 2023.

“22/0248/OUT Outline planning application for the development of up to 58 new residential units with associated landscaping, parking and vehicular access (All Matters Reserved). Approved 28.11.2023”

“The application site benefits from Outline planning permission for the development of up to 58 new residential units (on a market led scheme) with associated landscaping, parking and vehicular access.”

Officer report

What residents said

Forty-one objections focused on the narrow Wardens Walk access, traffic and parking, pressure on services, drainage, construction disturbance and environmental effects.

“- The single, constrained and narrow nature of the access off Wardens Walk - Alternative access proposed from Baines Lane and Hinckley Road - Highway and pedestrian safety, traffic congestion and parking implications - Pressure on facilities and services, including schools, public transport and health care facilities, - Pressure on existing infrastructure, including foul and surface water drainage – noting problems with the existing sewage system and water pressure, -…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant or agent, Richard Cooke, was invited to give a five-minute presentation.

The committee decision

The committee approved the application subject to a section 106 agreement securing affordable housing, open space, biodiversity measures and a late viability review.

“Provision of 100% Affordable Housing • On-site open space provision • Biodiversity Net Gain Provision • S106 Monitoring contributions – District and County Councils • A late stage viability review mechanism to establish whether the development becomes viable to pay any contributions relating to the following: • Secondary education • Library facilities • Civic amenity and waste facilities • Health care facilities • Off site open space contribution • Travel packs, bus passes…”

Minutes

Approval requirements

The approval included the statutory biodiversity gain condition and conditions covering design, trees, ecology, drainage, highways, travel planning and waste management.

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

“Planning Committee - Thursday, 27 November 2025 15. Submission of Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans 16. Construction Environmental Management Plan (including a piling method and mitigation statement) to be submitted to and agreed and adhered to during development. Scheme to address the management and/or safe disposal of asbestos to be submitted and agreed and adhered to. Unidentified contamination remediation strategy to be agreed. 19.”

Minutes