Despite concerns, the council approved 23 more houses on land intended for green space, citing the likelihood of losing on appeal as the main reason.
The committee approved 23 more houses at Deepdale Farm on Lutterworth Road. They admitted they’d likely lose an appeal. Four years ago, 135 houses got approved there.
The original plans included green spaces for plants and animals. Last year, the developer wanted more houses. They asked to add them to a site corner.
A council officer spoke at the meeting. She said the site’s open space is still large, more than legally needed, even with homes added. Some approved open space gets lost, though.
The developer will offset lost biodiversity by improving it somewhere else. One person said it was a protected zone, referring to a company report calling zones “sacrosanct”.
He said more biodiversity exists than claimed. The company fenced off the area, restricting animal movement. Overgrowth happened, reducing biodiversity.
The developer spoke after the meeting, stating they did extensive biodiversity work. The council reviewed the work, and the fence helps with standard health and safety.
Councillors thought refusing the homes would fail on appeal. One called it “a difficult one,” stating they would frankly lose an appeal.
One councillor saw a developer “pattern” of repeatedly applying for more homes on site. Another said developers let sites overgrow. This makes biodiversity look poor at assessment, and he dislikes developers seeking more homes.
He thinks it’s disgusting developer behavior, and we see this happen frequently. Another councillor discussed government housing goals, stating they want 1.5 million homes built now.
He claims a lack of builders, supplies, or money won’t affect that goal. The motion to approve the homes passed, and five houses will be affordable.
