Revised Plan For Controversial Homes Development

Revised plans have been revealed to build new ‘affordable’ homes on the edge of Market Harborough’s Farndon Fields Estate.

The previous proposal for land off Angell Drive proved controversial, with over 50 residents lodging objections with Harborough District Council.

The land earmarked for the new homes

The new plan reduces the number of homes on the site from 40 to 38, to allow for a revised layout and the retention of a public footpath.

The initial proposal changed the route of the popular walkway, which was one of the concerns raised by nearby residents.

Developer Owl Homes, which says the homes will made available for shared ownership and social rent, withdrew its first plan last October, a week before councillors were due to consider it.

Planning officers had recommended planning permission was refused.

In documents provided with the new planning application, the developer says: “The reduction in two units has allowed for a more flexible housing layout to address many of the issues, with particular regard to the existing Public Right of Way (PROW), neighbour amenity, highway safety and impacts on biodiversity.

“Of the previous concerns around layout and design, it was noted that the proposed diversion of the PROW was a significant concern to the Local Planning Authority, as the routing and possibility of ongoing accessibility may have reduced its attractiveness and accessibility for all users.

“As a result, the proposed development now honours the route of the existing PROW, which will pass through the northwestern portion of the site, completely uninhibited by any new built development.”

Harborough District Council is expected to consider the new plan within the next three months.