Outline proposals for up to 209 homes to be built on land between Syston and Thurmaston have been approved by councillors, subject to planning agreements being finalised.
Two planning applications for the project, which were both developed by Bellway Strategic Land, were discussed by Charnwood Borough Council’s plans committee on Thursday (5 March).
The northern site, to be accessed off Barkby Lane in Syston, would accommodate up to 79 homes, while the southern land parcel, off Barkby Thorpe Lane in Thurmaston, would provide up to 130 homes. The two sites are separated by land which has been allocated for the proposed Barkby bypass.
Following the committee’s decision, legal agreements which will deliver financial contributions towards infrastructure improvements in the local area must now be finalised before outline planning permission can be issued.
Amy Gilliver, Senior Planning Manager for Bellway Strategic Land (East Midlands), said:
“The proposals for these two sites, which are both allocated for residential development in the Charnwood Local Plan, have been carefully developed over several years in consultation with local stakeholders.
“We have listened closely to local views over a long period to ensure that these developments will meet local housing need and complement the existing communities in Syston and Thurmaston. This will be achieved through the provision of high-quality sustainable new homes – including 30 per cent affordable housing – and attractive frontages to both Barkby Lane and Barkby Thorpe Lane.
“We are committed to enhancing the biodiversity of the two sites through the creation of wildlife areas within large areas of open space, alongside new planting to complement the existing trees and hedgerows which will be retained.
“We now look forward to finalising the planning agreements for the two developments, which are expected to include contributions totalling approximately £2.5 million towards facilities such as schools and healthcare.
“Once outline consent is in place, we will then move forward with our detailed plans for the project.”
The two development sites have been designed with distinct characters. The northern site off Barkby Lane, which spans 11 acres, has been planned as an informal suburban area, with curved streets and a central green around the mature trees within the existing copse.
The 12-acre southern site off Barkby Thorpe Lane is planned as a more formal urban neighbourhood with geometric streets and a central urban green with formal landscaping and an equipped children’s play area.
Both developments will feature tree-lined primary streets, perimeter footpaths and tree buffers screening the bypass land, with the potential for a footpath linking the two sites.
For more information about Bellway Strategic Land, visit https://www.