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Up to 350 homes could link existing settlements

Google Streetview A view of Winchester Road and the open fields to its east, with the edge of Blaby peeping over hedges in the backgroundGoogle Streetview
Land between Blaby and Countesthorpe is being eyed up by developers

A proposal to build hundreds of new homes to connect two Leicestershire communities is being drawn up.

A "screening opinion" - which is required to decide if an environmental impact assessment would be required when any full planning application is submitted - has been made for farmland separating Blaby and Countesthorpe.

Documents submitted to Blaby District Council said up to 350 homes were being considered for the Keepers Farm site east of Winchester Road.

A site plan submitted with the scheme shows the development would connect to both the existing settlements at its north and south edges.

Applicant Woods Hardwick Planning Ltd said its plans would also include an 8.47 hectare country park, public footpaths and landscaping, and up to 88 of the homes would be classed as “affordable”.

Woods Hardwick Planning Ltd A black and white map with a red area to the east of Winchester Road outlined, showing the extent of the proposal. It touches the existing housing of both Blaby to the north and Countesthorpe to the south, although a chunk in the centre is left where Balmore House sits.Woods Hardwick Planning Ltd
The land earmarked for hundreds of new homes would connect to both Blaby and Countesthorpe

Any full application given the go-ahead would see the new housing accessed off Winchester Road.

In its letter to the council, Woods Hardwick Planning Ltd said: “The development would deliver new housing, including 25% affordable, in an area where there is demonstrable need.

“The introduction of a country park would provide a community facility affording communal spaces and means for encouraging healthy lifestyles.”

The letter added that the area was “well placed to absorb the impact of additional growth”.

Blaby District Council aims to respond to the screening opinion request by mid November.

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