The proposed development at Oak Road in Littlethorpe was refused by the Blaby District Council Planning Committee last week. The application, submitted by Gladman Developments Ltd, sought outline permission for up to 155 residential dwellings, including affordable housing, public open space, landscaping, and sustainable drainage systems.

The key reason for refusal was that the site is designated as countryside in the Blaby District Local Plan. The committee determined that the loss of this greenfield land was not justified by the need for housing in this location. The development was considered an unwarranted urban intrusion beyond the well-defined settlement boundary of Littlethorpe, causing significant and demonstrable harm to the local landscape, countryside, and village character. The proposal was deemed contrary to Policy CS18 of the Blaby District Local Plan (Core Strategy) and Policy DM2 of the Blaby District Local Plan (Delivery) Development Plan Document.

It will be interesting to see whether the applicant decides to appeal this decision.

More details of the Countesthorpe Foston Road Development

The Reserved Matters application for the development of 170 houses on Leicester Road / Foston Road was submitted this week. This application outlines the proposed site layout, house types, and other key details. It is disappointing to see that Active Travel England—the government body responsible for assessing whether developments support cycling to schools, shops, workplaces, and other destinations—has not provided specific feedback beyond their standard guidance.

The post Planning Update – Week Ending 22nd February 2025 appeared first on Blaby Green Party.

Blaby District Planning Meeting: Littlethorpe & Countesthorpe Developments Face Critical Decision

On 13th February, Blaby District Council’s Planning Committee will decide on two controversial housing developments in Littlethorpe and Countesthorpe. The proposals—one for 155 homes off Oak Road, Littlethorpe and another for 41 homes off Gillam Butts, Countesthorpe—have been recommended for approval by planning officers despite strong objections from local residents, parish councils, and Green Party campaigners.

Littlethorpe Development (155 Homes, Oak Road)

This proposal, has faced considerable opposition, including from Narborough Parish Council, and Cosby Parish Council and concerns raised by Network Rail. Key concerns include:

Traffic and the Level Crossing

One of the biggest concerns is the impact on the already congested level crossing at Station Road, Narborough. Network Rail were consulted on the application and did not raise an objection, but they expressed concerns regarding Narborough Level Crossing. They stated: ‘The safety of railway level crossings and all crossing users is of paramount importance to us and we would have concerns over any proposed scheme that would increase the usage and risk of a railway crossing.’

Despite this, there are currently no confirmed mitigation measures in place. Improvements to the level crossing are not realistically possible, as previous proposals for step-free crossings such as lifts have already been ruled out, including in plans for the Hinckley National Rail Freight Interchange (HNRFI). This means that residents of Littlethorpe and Narborough could face longer delays and increased traffic spillover onto surrounding roads with no viable infrastructure solution.

Access & Road Safety

Littlethorpe is not well served by major roads, and the development proposes only one access point via Oak Road, a narrow, residential street. With emergency vehicles, bin lorries, and general traffic, many question whether the road infrastructure can handle the extra demand.

The Local Highway Authority (LHA) has acknowledged that the development exceeds the usual threshold of 150 homes for a single access point, yet has not objected on this basis. Additionally, refuse vehicles may be required to use both sides of the road when turning, which could cause temporary traffic disruption.

The B4114 / Desford Road roundabout will see increased congestion by 2029, with significant traffic impact during peak hours. As a result, the developer is required to propose a mitigation scheme, though details remain unclear.

A £50,000 contribution towards cycling and walking routes has been proposed, but there is no certainty that this will significantly improve connectivity to Narborough Station or local schools. Without viable alternatives to car travel, the development risks increasing car dependency in an area already struggling with congestion.

Flooding & Drainage

Although the site is in Flood Zone 1, residents have reported increasing instances of surface water flooding nearby. The Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SuDS) proposed by the applicant is untested, and there has been no independent verification that it will prevent water runoff from affecting existing homes.

Severn Trent Water (STW) has confirmed that foul water capacity is available, subject to a Section 106 agreement, but surface water drainage remains unresolved. The developer is required to pursue a connection to a nearby watercourse, meaning there is still a risk of flooding issues if a viable drainage solution cannot be secured.

Green Space & Policy CS18 Conflict

Blaby District’s Core Strategy Policy CS18 protects countryside land from inappropriate development. The Littlethorpe site is clearly in the open countryside and is not allocated for housing in the Local Plan. However, due to Blaby’s inability to demonstrate a 5-year housing land supply, national planning policy (the ‘presumption in favour of sustainable development’) may be used to justify overriding local protections.

Many local campaigners, including Blaby Green Party, disagree with this approach, arguing that housing shortfalls should be met by prioritising brownfield sites and sustainable locations, rather than eroding village boundaries and green spaces.

Countesthorpe Development (41 Homes, Gillam Butts)

While the Countesthorpe development is smaller, it still raises serious concerns about traffic, infrastructure, and sustainability.

Highways & Road Capacity

The single access route via Hallcroft Avenue means that all traffic from the development will feed into Station Road, already a busy commuter route. The Local Highway Authority has highlighted that the number of dwellings served by this junction exceeds recommended thresholds, yet no junction improvements have been proposed as a condition of approval.

Local Services Under Pressure

Greenfield Primary School is already full, and Countesthorpe Health Centre has stated it cannot expand—yet financial contributions towards education (£225,778) and healthcare (£31,750) have been suggested without a clear strategy on how they would be used to create additional capacity.

What Happens Next?

Given that several applications, including in Cosby and Countesthorpe, have already been approved due to the lack of a 5-year housing supply, this continues to set a dangerous precedent for further speculative applications on greenfield sites. Both proposals have been recommended for approval largely due to the district’s lack of a 5-year housing land supply, meaning developers can exploit national planning policies to push through housing in unsustainable locations.

Blaby Green Party believes that new housing should be genuinely sustainable—well-connected to public transport, with supporting infrastructure in place before development begins. These applications do not currently meet those basic principles.

How You Can Get Involved

• Attend the Planning Committee meeting on 13th February to hear the discussion and voice concerns.
• Contact your district councillors and let them know your thoughts before they vote.
• Push for better planning policies that prioritise brownfield development and sustainable infrastructure.
• Join the Green Party campaign: We are calling for a sustainable housing strategy that protects our villages and green spaces while ensuring the right homes are built in the right places.

With the Leicestershire County Council elections approaching in May 2025, residents have a real chance to influence county-wide policies that impact transport, infrastructure, and environmental planning. Green Party candidates will be standing in every division across Leicestershire, advocating for sustainable infrastructure, improved public transport, and policies that support well-planned development.

If you share these concerns, get in touch or join our campaign!

Final Note

We strive to ensure that all facts and figures in my articles are accurate. However, like everyone, we can and do make mistakes. This article is provided with errors and omissions excepted (E&OE).

If you spot an error or have additional information that could improve this analysis, please feel free to contact us via email contact@blaby.greenparty.org.uk. Constructive feedback is always welcome!

The post Planning Update – Week Ending 8th February 2025 appeared first on Blaby Green Party.

Following our initial exploration of the challenges in Whetstone, it’s time to delve into a potential solution that combines innovative water management with long-term infrastructure planning. Drawing inspiration from the Blackburn Meadows Flood Storage Area in Sheffield, we present the idea of developing a reservoir / storage area at Whetstone Pastures.

The Sheffield Model: Blackburn Meadows

The Blackburn Meadows Flood Storage Area in Sheffield demonstrates how a dual-purpose water infrastructure project can succeed. Designed to hold up to 1.2 million cubic metres of stormwater, the facility operates as a temporary reservoir during extreme rainfall events. When not in use for flood management, it supports local biodiversity and serves as a green space for the community.

Key takeaways from Blackburn Meadows include:

• Flood Mitigation: Controlled storage of stormwater protects urban areas from catastrophic flooding.
• Environmental Benefits: Integration with green infrastructure supports wildlife habitats and recreational use.
• Climate Resilience: Adaptable design accommodates changing weather patterns.

Why Whetstone Pastures?

Whetstone Pastures is uniquely suited for the development of a reservoir / storage area for several reasons:

• Strategic Location: The site sits above the flood-impacted areas of Whetstone and Littlethorpe, making it an ideal location for managing water flows and mitigating downstream flooding.
• Allocated for Development: This area has already been designated for development, allowing for the integration of water management infrastructure within the broader land-use plan.
• Topographical Advantage: Its elevated position enhances its capacity for controlled water storage and release, ensuring effectiveness in flood management.

A Vision for Whetstone Pastures

Building on the Blackburn Meadows concept, a reservoir and water storage area at Whetstone Pastures could offer the following benefits:

1. Flood Risk Management:
   • The facility could temporarily store millions of cubic metres of water during heavy rainfall, preventing downstream flooding in Whetstone and surrounding areas.
   • A controlled release system would ensure rivers and drainage systems are not overwhelmed.
2. Ecological and Community Value:
   • Incorporating green infrastructure, the site could support wetland habitats and biodiversity, enhancing the area’s natural environment.
   • Recreational facilities such as walking trails, birdwatching areas, and educational programmes could transform the site into a valuable community asset.
3. Future-Proofing:
   • By addressing flooding risks with a long-term solution, the project would position Whetstone as a model for sustainable development in the face of climate change.

This is just an initial idea, and no detailed analysis has been done. However, the growing challenges require a radical long-term solution.

Challenges and Considerations

Of course, such a project would require careful planning and investment:

• Environmental Impact: A detailed assessment would be essential to ensure minimal disruption to existing ecosystems.
• Community Engagement: Early and transparent consultation with local residents and stakeholders would help build support and address concerns.
• Funding and Collaboration: Public and private sector partnerships, alongside government grants, would be crucial to finance the project.

Conclusion

A reservoir and water storage area at Whetstone Pastures represents a bold but necessary step towards securing the area’s future. By taking inspiration from successful projects like Blackburn Meadows, this idea could deliver transformative benefits, tackling flooding risks while enhancing the local environment and community.

Investing in such infrastructure today will not only address current challenges but also create a resilient and sustainable legacy for generations to come. Let’s seize this opportunity to lead by example and ensure Whetstone’s future is not left to chance.

The post Flood Mitigation at Whetstone Pastures: A Bold Idea appeared first on Blaby Green Party.

As development continues to increase, our reliance on the maintenance of flood defences and the regular clearance of brooks, streams, and the river has never been greater. While these defences were designed to hold more water than the fields they replaced, the combination of climate change, inadequate maintenance, and a county council lacking strong enforcement powers underscores the urgent need for action.

Flood prevention is not just about maintaining current defences; it is also about addressing systemic gaps in oversight and planning for the future. The Leicestershire Lead Flood Authority (LLFA), managed by Leicestershire County Council, faces unique challenges in this regard. Officers at the council have voiced frustration in meetings about the misconception that they have enforcement powers when they do not. The term ‘Authority’ is misleading for this organisation, as it lacks the necessary powers to enforce critical flood prevention measures.

For instance, the Sustainable Drainage Approving Body (SAB) is responsible for overseeing Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) in Wales but not in England, leaving a critical regulatory gap in ensuring effective drainage solutions in our region. In Wales, SABs are local authorities tasked with ensuring that new developments are designed and built to meet national standards for sustainable drainage. They evaluate and approve drainage applications, maintain drainage systems, and have the power to inspect and enforce compliance. This robust framework in Wales contrasts starkly with the lack of a similar system in England, where such oversight and enforcement powers are absent, creating significant challenges in ensuring effective flood risk management.

Thinking bigger is essential when planning flood protection infrastructure. This could include the construction of a large new reservoir capable of holding back significant amounts of water during heavy rainfall, thereby reducing pressure on existing defences and minimising the risk of flooding downstream. Climate change models predict an increase in the frequency and severity of flooding events, making it essential to upgrade existing systems and adopt innovative solutions. This includes implementing natural flood management techniques such as rewilding floodplains, improving soil health to increase water retention, and creating buffer zones along watercourses.

Furthermore, it is essential to view the system as a whole, recognising that each SuDS scheme feeds into the next. A coordinated approach is vital to avoid a piecemeal method that could exacerbate flooding downstream or overwhelm adjacent drainage networks. Groups of owner-occupiers working independently to address localised issues may inadvertently solve their own problems while creating significant impacts elsewhere in the system. Professionally guided efforts and collaboration are necessary to ensure effective outcomes.

In addition, community involvement is crucial. Educating residents on flood preparedness and encouraging local stewardship of waterways can make a significant difference. By working together and demanding accountability from those responsible for our infrastructure, we can build resilience against the challenges ahead.

The time to act is now. Delaying maintenance or failing to invest in improvements will only exacerbate the risks.

The post Flooding – Narborough, Whetstone & Littlethorpe appeared first on Blaby Green Party.

I was pleased to accept an invitation to meet with representatives from Miller Homes’ development communications team. They had previously met with residents of Elliot Close and Wright Close, whose homes were flooded during heavy rain caused by Storm Henk in January this year.

The proposed development site on Springwell Lane, is located on land approximately 8–10 metres higher than the flooded area, though within 400 metres of it. The site lies on fields that frequently flood, raising valid concerns about whether the new construction would exacerbate water retention issues.

As with most modern developments, the project includes a Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS). In this case, the SuDS design incorporates a large pond at the lowest point of the site, near Springwell Lane, where water currently drains from the field. This pond is intended to provide the same water retention as the existing field, with an additional 40% capacity to account for climate change. This approach appears to be standard practice, as I have heard similar commitments at other recent planning proposal presentations.

Researching who is responsible for approving the design and overseeing the construction of SuDS in England can be quite confusing. While SuDS Approval Boards (SAB) were established in Wales in 2019, the process for County Councils in England to take on a similar role is only now beginning to take shape, I have asked Leicestershire County Council who are the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA), if they have now taken on the SAB role as the website does not make this clear.

When questioned about the maintenance of the SuDS, the representatives stated that their preference would be for it to be adopted by Severn Trent Water. If that is not possible, the County Council would be the next option. If neither of these options is viable, responsibility would be handed over to a management company for long-term upkeep.

Other topics discussed included the potential closure of Springwell Lane beyond the estate to vehicular traffic, allowing access for cyclists and pedestrians only. Given that this single-track road already has blind bends and is considered dangerous, the increased traffic from the development would likely worsen the situation.

The issue of gas supply to the new houses was also raised, especially given that gas installations will be banned from 2027. I expressed my view that including gas connections should not be considered.

The potential for solar panels on the new homes was another point of discussion. The representatives mentioned that Miller Homes has begun installing solar panels on some properties, though many buyers remain uncertain about their cost-effectiveness. This highlights the need for greater public education on the benefits and payback of solar technology. Interestingly, the representatives noted that estate designers are advocating for house orientations, such as south-facing roofs, and layouts that support solar panel installation. However, the current proposed layout does not appear to fully capitalise on this potential.

I was informed that 25% of the development will consist of social housing. These homes will be distributed across the site in clusters of no more than six properties each. While this exceeds the requirements set down by Blaby District Council, it is disappointing that a greater proportion is not being targeted at first-time buyers or those looking to downsize, as this could better address wider housing needs.

Finally, the representatives confirmed that the application will be a full planning submission, rather than an outline one, to accelerate the development process. Given the absence of a five-year housing supply within the Blaby District, applications like this are more likely to be approved.

The representatives said they would produce a Frequently Asked Questions document based on the residents questions and those I raised. I will link this to the post when I receive it.

How can you help?

If you would like to support our work further, please consider joining us, unlike the other major political parties we are not funded by wealthy individuals or companies, so we are free to speak without outside influence.

The post Planning Update Week Ending 14th December 2024 appeared first on Blaby Green Party.

After the proposal for 125 new homes in South Whetstone in last weeks update , this week we have an actual application validated for 68 houses to be built in an adjacent site but accessed off Wright Close. After the flooding in the area earlier this year, I suspect this application will raise some concerns. The image below is from the map of housing developments I maintain.

Update on Keepers Farm proposed development

After we reported the submission of a Environmental Impact Assessment Application for a proposed development of 350 houses between Blaby and Countesthorpe back at the beginning of the month the story was picked up by the BBC. They report this week that Blaby District Council has ruled that no assessment is needed. so clearing the way for the submission of an outline planning application.

Update on 200 house Development at blaby Golf Course

Amongst the documents added to the application recently, is a response from the Lead Flood Authority (Leicestershire County Council). To quote from the document.

The catchment to the west includes a basin which proposes to hold water above existing ground
levels which raises concerns with risk to surrounding development in the case of earthworks
failure at this location. It is noted that the east catchment basin is also partially bunded above
existing ground levels. Every effort must be made to lower any storage required in this area and
to mitigate against earthworks failure.

With the concerns of flooding in the local area, it will be interesting to see if the plans are amended in response to these comments.

It also worth noting that a HIGHWAYS RESPONSE ADDENDUM has also been added by the developer, which appears to respond to concerns about the new link road between Lutterworth Road and Winchester Road being used as a short cut.

The post Planning Update Week Ending 23rd November 2024 appeared first on Blaby Green Party.

We were expecting the next review of the New Local Plan for Blaby District to be before Christmas, but I received this update on the 14th November 2024 via email from Blaby District Council.

The timeline for our new Local Plan, which will guide future development across the District, has been updated following a review of Government proposals to change the national planning system.

The Government is planning changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) including compulsory housing targets and changed policies. To make sure our new Plan meets these changes, we now aim to produce the next version, known as the Regulation 19 version, by July 2025.

This version is a full draft that we will consult on, asking residents, businesses and communities their views on proposals for development across the District until 2041.

After public consultation the Local Plan will be put to the Planning Inspectorate for examination by an independent inspector.

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Planning application submitted for A Solar Farm

Plans have now been submitted to Blaby District Council for a Solar Farm in 201 acres (81 hectares) of land at Soars Lodge Farm in Foston., near Countesthorpe. This BBC News Article Covers the Story. the documents associated to this application are available here on BDC Website ref 24/0734/FUL.

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125 new houses in Whetstone

This is a planning proposal by Miller Homes (not yet a formal application) for 125 houses at the south end of the village on Springwell Lane (in yellow in the image below). This covers part of a site for up to 770 homes (in purple in the image below) which was included in the last review of the local plan. Image from a map of sites maintained by Mike Jelfs

The post Planning Update Week Ending 16th November 2024 appeared first on Blaby Green Party.

Lots of activity in Cosby this week, surveying in fields opposite the Golf Course on Broughton Road, though obviously this may have nothing to do with housing (info from Spotted Cosby Facebook Group Post). The site is in the new local plan proposal where it quotes that it is suitable for around 360 houses.

More certain however is Narborough Road in Cosby (on the RHS when leaving the village) where Catesby Estates are advertising land for residential development of 150 houses. This is close to the site of the proposed development on Warwick Road, Littlethorpe of 150 Houses plus a primary school.

Reviewing the weekly list of new planning applications validated this week, only a couple of single new house developments were entered for consideration. Previous applications where decisions were made this week included 23/1039/FUL approval for the creation of a SEND autism school for primary school aged children in school years 3-6 (ages 7 to 11) in Glebe House, Main Street, Kilby, next to the Primary School, for eventually up to 20 children, here is a BBC Article covering the decision.

If you would like to support our work further, please consider joining us, unlike the other major political parties we are not funded by wealthy individuals or companies, so we are free to speak without outside influence.

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