Green light on affordable homes

Dozens of much-needed affordable homes will be built in Leicester Forest East after Councillors backed a new scheme. 

A full planning application from East Midland Homes (EMH) for the 58 properties was approved by Blaby District Council planning committee members at a recent meeting.  

Outline permission for the site at the disused Grange Farm off Wardens Walk had been granted in November 2023. 

EMH hopes to deliver six one-bedroom maisonettes, 33 two-bedroom homes, including six bungalows, 18 three-bedroom homes and one four-bedroom home. 

Tenure will be split between 39 social rent and 19 shared ownership. 

Machinery from the derelict farm will be placed around the scheme as public art, providing a link to the area’s heritage. 

Between the outline and full planning applications it became clear EMH was keen to offer a fully affordable scheme. However, an independent evaluation revealed it would not be viable if Section 106 payments were made. 

On approving the bid Councillors agreed to remove the requirement for Section 106 payments to ensure the scheme remained viable. However, it was decided a review should take place to see if the payments could be made at a future date. Section 106 contributions are payments provided by a developer to support local services such as schools, libraries and transport. 

Councillors concluded the need for affordable homes was critical in trying to address the current levels of housing need and homelessness both in the local area and across the District. 

They decided the site close to Hinckley Road and the M1, was an effective use of previously developed land and in a sustainable location. 

Councillor Susan Findlay, vice-chairman of the planning committee, said: "Like many other Councils we are facing increasing levels of homelessness with local families being outpriced of the rental sector. These properties will be a massive boon to our residents struggling to find a place to live. 

"It is rare for committee to agree to remove the requirement for developer contribution payments for local services. However, in this instance it was clear this was justified to allow for the delivery of essential affordable housing."

Councillor Susan Findlay
Vice Chairman of the Planning Committee