Fresh Application For New Homes After Flooding Refusal

Developers are making a second attempt to build 85 homes between two Market Harborough housing estates after controversial plans were rejected in April.

The new outline planning application has been submitted for land between Farndale View and Farndon Fields, with developers saying they have redesigned the scheme to address the council’s concerns. At the same time, they intend to appeal against the refusal of the previous application.

The original plans were rejected by Harborough District Council after councillors went against officers’ recommendations, citing concerns that proposed public open space would be located in areas at risk of flooding.

Campaigners have long argued that the site is prone to flooding and say housing on the land could make the problem worse.

Campaigner say the site is prone to flooding 

More than 130 objections were submitted by local residents, with concerns also raised about the loss of open countryside and increased pressure on local roads and services.

The revised application has been submitted by Wates Manor Oak, following Wates’ acquisition of Manor Oak Homes, the original applicant.

To address the flooding concerns, the developer has reduced the size of the proposed Farndale Meadows recreation area and other open space by around six hectares. It says this removes public open space from flood-prone areas while still providing more open space than planning policies require for an 85-home development.

Planning documents state the revised scheme directly addresses the council’s single reason for refusing the previous application and would continue to provide significant public open space for future residents.

Harborough District Council will consider the revised application at a later date, while the Planning Inspectorate is also expected to consider the developer’s appeal against the earlier refusal.