Over 60 New Homes Approved in Harborough Villages Despite Opposition

Plans for more than 60 new homes across two Harborough villages have been given the green light despite opposition from villagers.

Councillors last night granted outline permission for up to 30 houses on land off The Springs in Fleckney, and up to 35 homes on land off Station Road in North Kilworth.

Residents had raised concerns over flooding, highway safety and pressure on local infrastructure.

The application site in Fleckney

Manor Oak Homes put forward the Fleckney scheme, which will include 40 pe cent affordable housing and modified access onto Main Street.

A total of 29 objections were received, with concerns the site plays a role in flood mitigation and that development could increase flood risk.

Councillors were also told the site sits outside development limits, but as Harborough District Council cannot currently demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, approval was recommended.

No major concerns were raised by the Environment Agency regarding flood risk.

The plan was passed by six votes to four.

The site in North Kilworth

In North Kilworth, there were 25 objections to plans put forward by Francis Jackson Homes, with concerns including pressure on schools and doctors, and the sustainability of building in a greenfield location.

However, the application was narrowly approved by five votes to four.

Both developments have been given outline permission, with further details to be submitted to the council in due course.