It’s clear that these authorities have not properly engaged with each other with open minds. The County Council leader has flatly refused to consider splitting the county into two, despite this being the District Councils’ proposal. Meanwhile, Leicester City wants to expand its boundaries to take in most of Blaby District, making a split-county model unworkable. Yet the idea of a “doughnut” County Unitary Council surrounding the city is also something central government has said they don’t want.

What a mess—all because different councils cannot work together, despite many of the same councillors sitting on multiple authorities! Instead of putting forward a solution that works for residents, they are each fighting to protect their own turf.

We need change. We need local government that works together, not against itself. What do you think?

The City Council Proposal.

The District Councils Proposal.

The post Local Government Reorganisation in Leicestershire – What a Mess! appeared first on Blaby Green Party.

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.

An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) application (reference: 25/01/EIASCO) has been submitted for a site intended for approximately 825 houses. The land is part of the local plan and effectively links the area allocated to the New Lubbesthorpe development with Enderby. While an outline or full planning application has not yet been submitted, these typically follow soon after the EIA process.

The post Planning Update Week Ending 25th January 2025 appeared first on Blaby Green Party.

You might want to check out our recent posts on the devastating flooding events of 6th January. One explores the underlying causes, while the other presents a bold idea to spark discussion on a more permanent solution.

Planning Applications – a Quiet Start to the year

So far this month, no major new housing applications have been posted on the Blaby District Council (BDC) website. However, the following application might be of interest.

Stoney Stanton – Retention of campsite

An application has been submitted for the retention of a campsite, including 50 allocated camping pitches, a new internal road, a 4m high bund, and fencing. The proposal also includes a children’s play area, a caravan storage area, and the retention of a toilet block and reception building. | Fortway Farm Leisure and Fishery, Broughton Road, Stoney Stanton, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE9 4JA.

The post Planning Update Week ending 18th January 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.

The post Planning Update Week Ending 21st December 2024 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.

The website detailing the proposal for a development on Broughton Road in Cosby has been updated to include the outline of the site boundaries alongside some other details. The developer also hosted an event for the public to view the proposal at the Village Hall in Cosby on 5th December 2024.

Planning refusal Aston Flamville

An application (24/0595/FUL) to build 2 houses in Aston Flamville within Blaby District has been refused for numerous reasons detailed in the decision notice, including a lack of access to public transport and safe active travel routes.

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 7th December 2024 appeared first on Blaby Green Party.