Government Urged To Review Go-Ahead For Thousands Of Homes

The government is being asked to review Harborough District Council’s decision to give the go-ahead for nearly 3,000 new homes.

South Leicestershire MP Alberto Costa has asked for the Lutterworth East scheme to be ‘called in,’ after expressing concerns about parts of the massive development, set for land adjacent to the M1.

Over 2,000 residents living in and around Lutterworth responded to a survey launched by the MP last month, with an overwhelming number supporting the call for the government to step in.

Mr Costa spoke to Hfm:

The area set for the development

The route of a ‘spine road’ around the development, building houses next to large electricity pylons and potential construction of an industrial park with 4 large warehouses are among concerns.

Leicestershire County Council is behind the plan and its leader Nick Rushton is urging the government not the review the decision, saying it would be inappropriate and delay the delivery of much-needed new homes.

His letter to the Secretary of State states that the proposal is fully in line with Harborough’s local plan and includes a compliant amount of affordable housing.

It goes onto say he recognises that some residents have concerns,  but adds that these have already been scrutinised in public by a planning inspector through the relatively recent local plan process – and then through the planning application process, resulting in a recommendation that the scheme be approved by Harborough District Council’s planners and a democratic decision by the Planning Committee.

Mr Costa’s contribution speaking in support of the application at the committee meeting is also mentioned.

No indication has been given as to when the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government will make a decision on the call in request.