Ambitious plans to build 885 homes and a school in Kirby Muxloe, have been granted outline planning permission despite concerns over traffic congestion in the area.
Blaby District Council’s planning committee narrowly passed the scheme from L&Q Estates, by a vote of 5-4.
As well as the 885 homes, which would be build on land north of the A47 Hinckley Road, the development provides for a new primary school, landscaping and public open space. There is also the potential for a coffee shop with community use.
Councillors had raised concerns over “severe” traffic congestion, in Leicester Forest East and Kirby Muxloe, which will come as a result of the development.
All vehicle access will be from a proposed roundabout on the A47 with pedestrian and cycle only access onto the A47 opposite Beggars Lane.
At the planning meeting, Leicester Forest East Councillor Stuart Coar, described the A47 as often being ‘gridlocked’ for many hours of the day, with ‘queues of traffic stretching back nine miles at times.’
However, the developer has agreed to carry out improvements to Beggars Lane and Kirby Lane, which both link onto the A47.
A contribution of £1,104,000 towards a roundabout at the Desford Crossroads was also agreed with Leicestershire County Council which is already working on a scheme to improve traffic flow there.
Councillor Ben Taylor, Blaby District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Planning Delivery and Enforcement and Corporate Transformation, said: “While I understand the concerns from residents in respect to this development, we must consider our housing land supply and those areas marked as a prime location for housing within our local plan.
“I’m pleased to see the planning committee approve this application and to see the scheme come to fruition. The scheme will offer opportunities for a new community to grow and thrive and provide valuable affordable housing.”
The 44 hectare site has been allocated for housing in the Blaby District Local Plan since 2019 and is mainly agricultural land bordering the existing sports clubs on Hinckley Road as well as Kirby Muxloe Golf Club.
It is expected that 25 per cent of the housing provided will be affordable within a mix of sizes, from one bed to four beds and bungalows.
