Controversial Housing Scheme Recommended for Approval

Plans to build 85 new homes on land between two Market Harborough estates are being recommended for approval, despite more than 130 objections.

The proposal covers around 30 acres of land between the Farndale View and Farndon Fields developments.

Concerns raised by residents include flood risk, increased pressure on roads and health services, and the loss of countryside.

Concerns raised by residents include the site being prone to flooding:

Campaigners opposed to the plan say that the site lies within multiple flood zones, has a history of local flooding, and has no formal flood defences.

They argue councillors are being asked to approve development in principle before full flood mitigation details are confirmed, including concerns that proposed drainage systems may struggle in severe flood events.

Residents have also cited concerns raised by Anglian Water about insufficient capacity in the local wastewater system and potential pollution risks, while questions remain over whether a single access road is suitable for the scale of development.

Councillors and Harborough MP Neil O’Brien have also raised concern about the plan and there have also been calls for further investigation following evidence suggesting an Iron Age settlement on the site.

However, planning officers at Harborough District Council are recommending approval when councillors consider the application next week.

The new homes are planned for land between two housing estates in Market Harborough

A report says the landscape has the capacity to accommodate the development, with any visual impact deemed acceptable.

It adds that the scheme would respect the form and character of Market Harborough and its surroundings, while impacts on heritage and neighbouring residents could be reduced through conditions.

Highways officers say the road network can cope with the additional traffic, while flood risk and drainage concerns are considered manageable in principle.

Planning officers conclude that, although the scheme conflicts with parts of the development plan, the benefits — including meeting housing and affordable housing need — outweigh the harm, and the application should be approved.