The proposal for plans to develop a three hectare site off Hawthorn Drive first emerged in 2014 – with the third and latest application being turned down by Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council in July 2021.
Marrons Planning co-ordinated the planning appeal, including the day to day management, on behalf of developer Barwood Homes and landowner J H Hallam & Son Limited, and the development was allowed in May 2022.
Andrew Gore, partner at Marrons Planning, provided planning evidence at the public inquiry, which clearly demonstrated a housing land supply shortfall; that the housing and settlement boundary policies were substantively out-of-date; and that there was an acute affordable housing shortfall in the borough; as well as the accessible, sustainable nature of the site.
He said: “We are delighted that permission for this scheme has now been granted. We worked positively with council officers throughout the application process – ultimately delivering a recommendation of approval at the planning committee, which was subsequently overturned by members.
“The scheme will provide a range of house types and sizes, creating a sustainable, inclusive and mixed community, while also increasing footfall and revenue for the village’s shops. The delivery of 20 affordable dwellings – 40% of the development’s total – will make an important contribution to meeting the council’s affordable housing need.
“A large area of public open space will also be constructed, alongside the improved management of a woodland belt – delivering ecological enhancements with biodiversity benefits.”
The development will produce 19 three-bedroom and 10 four-bedroom houses to be sold on the market, and 20 affordable homes, including four one-bedroom homes, eight two-bedroom houses, and eight three-bedroom properties.
The site has been the subject of a number of previous planning applications – the first of which was submitted in December 2014. Despite being recommended for approval by officers, it was refused at planning committee in March 2015. A revised planning application was submitted in April 2016 and was again refused in June 2016. The latest application was submitted in June 2020.
