406 homes at Land North Of Normandy Way, Hinckley

What was proposed

The application sought reserved matters approval for 406 homes, roads, parking, drainage and landscaping, alongside the discharge of listed outline conditions.

“Proposal: Application for Reserved Matters (layout, scale, appearance and landscaping) of outline planning application 24/00264/OUT for 406 dwellings with associated internal road layout, car parking, drainage and landscaping.”

“The application seeks approval of Reserved Matters details comprising layout, scale appearance and landscaping (further to outline permission ref 24/00264/OUT for residential development of up to 415 dwellings alongside associated site infrastructure and open space).”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site lies north of Hinckley, north of Normandy Way and west of Ashby Road, with a hospital to the north-east and hedgerows along its northern boundary.

“The site is located to the north of Hinckley, north of Normandy Way and to the west of Ashby Road. Westfield Farm lies in the middle of the site but is outside of the red line of the planning application. The Hinckley and Bosworth Community Hospital is situated to the north-east of the site and the northern boundary by existing hedgerows and associated trees. It is commonly referred to as Hinckley North Phase 2.”

“Hinckley North Phase 1, west of the site, was granted outline approval for the erection of up to 475 dwellings including reserving land for a primary school (plus expansion land) at appeal (reference 22/00318/OUT). A reserved matters application for 475 dwellings is currently under consideration by the Council (reference 25/00537/REM).”

Officer report

Earlier planning decisions

The outline permission for up to 415 homes was approved, while nearby developments included approved or resolved applications for up to 475 homes.

“24/00264/OUT – Outline planning permission for the erection of up to 415 dwellings including landscaping, open spaces, drainage and associated infrastructure (outline – access only) – APPROVED.”

“23/00432/OUT – Outline planning application for the erection of up to 475 dwellings including public open space, drainage, landscaping and associated infrastructure – RESOLVED TO BE APPROVED BY MEMBERS SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS AND SIGNING OF S106 LEGAL AGREEMENT (Adjacent to site).”

Officer report

What residents said

Residents objected to overlooking, reduced privacy, loss of a green buffer, noise, sunlight, construction impacts, traffic, pollution and the proposed boundary treatment.

“This is an opportunity to minimise the impact of this huge development on local residents. Some of the visualisations included in the outline planning permission application contained a plan for allotments to the rear gardens of the Ashby Road residents. Whilst I appreciate that this was only the outline stage, this would have been far preferable compared to the now proposed layout of housing and driveways/gardens immediately behind.”

“We are also concerned about the impact upon our evening sunlight along with noise levels from closely positioned housing/gardens immediately behind- in addition to the noise that will result from construction. These are all factors that will impact our daily life but also undoubtedly on the value and future appeal of our properties. • The Council has a duty of care to safeguard the health, safety and amenity of existing residents.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant spoke during consideration of the application.

What members debated

Members considered assurances that existing conditions protected street lighting, trees and hedges, then added consultation with ward members to the motion.

“It was moved by Councillor R Allen and seconded by Councillor Flemming that permission be granted following assurance from officers that existing conditions ensured street lighting and protected trees and hedges.”

“Following further discussion, it was requested that ward members be consulted on the final decision. The mover and seconder of the motion agreed to include this within their motion.”

Minutes

The committee vote

The motion to grant permission was carried.

“Upon being put to the vote, the motion was CARRIED and it was…”

Minutes