150-home plan for Husbands Bosworth emerges

By Tess Rushin, Local Democracy Reporter

Plans for 150 homes as well as a “multifunctional” green space have emerged for Husbands Bosworth

Applicant Catesby Strategic Land Limited has put forward the plans for agricultural land east of Townend Close in the village.

Outline proposals submitted to Harborough District Council look to fill almost half of the 5.11-hectare site with homes.

Outline permission looks to secure agreement for the development in principle, with the finer details to be worked out in later applications.

Catesby Strategic Land Limited’s plan indicates that the market housing mix will be determined at a later stage, but the application suggests the mix will include one and two-bed homes, a number of three-bed homes, and a small selection of homes with four or more bedrooms.

The site land east of Townend Close in the village of Husbands Bosworth Image: Google Earth

The applicant also suggests that some of the homes could be bungalows. A total of 60 homes (the equivalent of 40 per cent) would be affordable and are described as being “pepper potted” throughout the development.

The developer said the design of the affordable homes would be integrated into the area and “indistinguishable” from the market homes.

The application states that around 5.26 hectares of the site will be provided as “multifunctional” green infrastructure, which will include new publicly accessible open spaces, including a children’s play area, and new leisure footpaths.

Vehicles will access the site via a priority controlled T-junction from Welford Road. Plans note the access road will be designed in accordance with the Leicestershire highway design guide for a residential access road, which specifies a single point of access is suitable for up to 150 homes.

Documents also look to add a “staggered speed limit change along Welford Road with the aim of reducing vehicle speeds on approach to the proposed development and onwards into Husbands Bosworth”.

The applicant carried out a consultation exercise from Thursday, February 12 to Sunday, March 8. Catesby Strategic Land Ltd said this involved “informing key stakeholders, distribution of an information leaflet, hosting a consultation website and the ability to submit feedback using a variety of methods.”

Issues raised during the consultation included drainage and flood risk issues associated with the homes, while infrastructure capacity, provision of open space and concerns about overdevelopment were raised too.

Concerns around traffic impact and safety were raised as well.

Catesby Strategic Land Limited responded to each of the issues raised. In terms of drainage and flood risk, the developer said a full flood risk assessment and sustainable drainage strategy will accompany the application following engagement with water and waste network providers.

In response to the issues raised regarding traffic impact and safety, the applicant said: “The future planning application is supported by a comprehensive transport assessment. It confirms the site is a sustainable location for new residential development with good access to pedestrian, cycle, and public transport connections.”

Consultation on the plans is open on the HDC portal until Thursday, May 14. A decision on the plans is due to be made by Tuesday, June 30.