Residents Win Fight Over ‘Death-Trap’ Lagoon

Residents have won a fight to get major improvements made to a lagoon near their homes in Market Harborough.

The area on the Farndon Fields estate has been branded a ‘death-trap’ for animals and wildlife and an eye-sore, after it was not installed in-line with approved plans.

A slippery plastic lining was put down instead of a clay base, leading to badgers and foxes drowning, and shrubs and trees surrounding the lake have died.

Major improvements will be made to the lagoon following a campaign by residents

Avant Homes had previously proposed a ‘mitigation plan’, but residents and Harborough District Council expressed concern it did not go far enough to address the issues.

The developer has now agreed to carry out major work, so the lagoon is upgraded to the specifications it should have been originally.

Lorna Trueman lives near-by and has helped lead the campaign for action:

A spokesperson for n Avant Homes said: “We will be implementing the previously approved scheme for the lagoon and shall start works over the course of the next few weeks.”

A Harborough District Council spokesperson said: “The developer has confirmed that they intend to implement the original approved scheme for the pond area on the Farndon Fields development in Market Harborough as soon as possible.

“The developer has withdrawn a planning application relating to this work as it has been deemed by the council that this is not required as the intent is to implement the original scheme to remedy the current situation.”