300 New Homes in the Village Coming Soon?

BRAG reports on the planning inquiry; sewerage, traffic flow and social cohesion.

The final proceedings of the planning inquiry into Jelson Homes’ proposal to build 300 units on land off Melton Road did not take place last December as scheduled but, due to illness, was held over until 15th and 16th January 2013. The Inspector, Keith Manning , made his accompanied formal sites visit as intended on 6th December 2012.

The first day (15/01/2013) was given to highways issues focussing on the Grove Lane junction, Barrow (river) bridge and site access issues. On the latter the developer proposes a single site of access whereas for sites of this size, two points of access are regarded as best practice for safety purposes, although the developer dismissed this.

The final (half) day heard from local residents and then the final summing up submissions by those representing the developer, Charnwood Borough Council and Barrow Parish Council (BPC). The latter focussed on the lack of evidence provided by the developer that built units could be delivered within five years. For example, the BPC barrister pointed to the inadequate assessment of the sewerage system and the possibility that a higher capacity system may require installation if the development is permitted.

Local resident Graham Hobbs asked for a trial period of the proposals to improve traffic flow over Barrow Bridge and that a planning decision should not be made until the outcome was clear. The developer dismissed this by saying this was not needed because their computer traffic modelling and research showed the improvements required and they were confident of achieving them. Sue Rodgers for BUSCA told the Inspector that the homes would place an unacceptable pressure on already over stretched social facilities, having an adverse impact on the social cohesion of the village. She expressed concern that the developer would not meet the section 106 financial commitments in view of them reneging on a previous similar commitment.

Borough councillors Hilary Fryer and Pauline Ranson said ‘the sheer scale of the proposal was just too much for the village to take.’ In summing up, Counsel for the developer dismissed all objections raised by Charnwood Borough Council, Barrow Parish Council, Barrow Health Centre , BRAG and local residents and called for the appeal to be upheld and permission to build be issued as soon as possible.

The Inspector intends to finalise his report by late February or early March and send this to the Secretary of State, Eric Pickles MP for a final decision by himself or the housing minister, Nic Boles MP, on or by 13th May 2013.

Alan Willcocks, Vice- Chair, BRAG