Track upgrade and lighting at 215 Leicester Road, Field Head, Markfield

The site and surroundings

The track is a narrow existing route between residential gardens, leading to open land and a backland dwelling.

“The application site forms part of an existing vehicular and pedestrian access track that covers a rectangular area of approximately 53 square metres, being 18 metres long with a minimum width of approximately 3.4 metres. The access track connects to a gated access into an existing open area of land, located to the east and south east of the access track.”

“The access track curves to the north, giving vehicular access to a residential dwelling (No.215 Leicester Road). The dwelling sits in a backland position, behind existing built form along Leicester Road and Markfield Lane frontages.”

Officer report

Related development

The track is linked to an approved outline proposal for up to 115 homes and a separately approved section of pathway.

“This application relates to a larger major development in Charnwood Borough (P/22/1031/2) which is an outline planning application for the demolition of 287 Markfield Lane, and the development of up to 115 dwellings, together with open space and drainage infrastructure (All Matters Reserved except Access). This application was approved at CBC Plans Committee on 13 th November 2025.”

“The application is cross boundary with Charnwood Borough Council (CBC) for the proposed upgrade of the full length of the pathway. HBBC will determine only the area within the red line which falls within its jurisdiction. A corresponding application for the section of pathway within CBCs jurisdiction (P/25/1333/2) was approved at the CBC Plans Committee on 13 th November 2025.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended permission because the path would improve sustainable connections and could operate safely with suitable conditions.

“The application seeks to upgrade an existing track to provide a path/cycle way to serve the housing development under planning application P/22/1031/2 (CBC). The proposed track would provide connectivity to nearest settlement of Markfield, encouraging the occupiers of the proposed housing development to use more sustainable modes of travel, therefore, meeting the aims of sustainable development.”

“In terms of highway and pedestrian safety, it is considered that the use of the proposed path/cycle way as a private drive and pedestrian link can co-exist without undue harm to pedestrians using the path/cycle route, while maintaining the use as a private driveway. The proposal would also provide a sustainable travel options for future users of the application considered under CBC permission P/22/1031/2.”

Officer report

Advice from consultees

Highways, ecology, drainage, pollution, trees, archaeology and police consultees raised no objections, some subject to conditions.

“No objections, some subject to conditions from:”

“HBBC Drainage • LCC Highways • LCC Ecology • HBBC Pollution • HBBC Tree Officer • LCC Archaeology • Leicestershire Police…”

Officer report

Concerns from residents

Thirty-one objections raised concerns including access safety, lighting, privacy, biodiversity, noise, drainage and antisocial behaviour.

“As of 12 November 2025, 31 objections have been received from 16 separate addresses regarding the following:”

“Failure to meet Highway design standards • Conflict with vehicular access at 215 Leicester Road • Privacy and safeguarding issues (relating to CCTV) • Light pollution/amenity harm • Police requested safety infrastructure not included • No vehicle restriction/safety signage • Biodiversity harm • Police advice ignored • Out of character with the surrounding area • Unsafe exit onto Leicester Road • Risk of antisocial behaviour • Noise pollution • Application should be…”

Officer report

Who spoke

Two objectors, the agent, a ward councillor and the county councillor spoke about the application.

The committee decision

The committee resolved to grant permission subject to the officer conditions and delegated the final detail of those conditions.

“(i) Permission be granted subject to the conditions contained in the officer’s report;”

“(ii) The Assistant Director Planning & Regeneration be granted delegated powers to determine the final detail of planning conditions.”

Minutes