Plan for homes on site of old manor home rejected
The derelict building has been hit by persistent vandalism in recent years, planning documents said
- Published
A plan to build new homes on the estate of an old manor house in a Leicestershire village has been rejected.
The owner of the derelict gatehouse of Ashby Folville Manor, in Ashby Folville, Melton, wanted to restore it and build two, five-bedroom homes on the grounds.
Jamie Lewis, who lives in the manor house, was already granted permission in 2016 to convert the gatehouse to two five-bedroom homes, but he said his proposed plan would allow him to restore the lodge to its former state, and build the homes about 30m away.
At a meeting on 11 July, Melton Borough Council's planning committee, rejected the proposal.
The plan was opposed by Gaddesby Parish Council and five residents in the village, which has about 30 homes, the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) said.
'Large and overbearing'
Earlier this year, Mr Lewis was refused permission for a similar scheme proposing the same restoration work for the grounds, but including plans for seven terraced homes instead of the two detached houses on his latest application.
In response to the latest plan, concerns that were raised included the land being in open countryside, the proposed houses not being in keeping with Ashby Folville village and the lack of need for housing in the village.
It was also raised that historic ridge and furrow land - which refers to the archaeological remnants of medieval farming methods - would be lost.
The gatehouse to the manor - once owned by 80s fitness guru Rosemary Conley - has been blighted by arson, vandalism and graffiti, with police regularly being called out to the building, according to planning documents.
Speaking in favour of the plans, local historian Brian Fare told committee members the lodge was having a negative impact on the village and the conservation area in which it sits due to its derelict condition.
John Simon, Gaddesby Parish Council councillor, said: “The parish council opposes this application for the two houses, but doesn’t oppose the redevelopment of the gatehouse and reinstatement of the driveway.
"The houses are extremely large and overbearing and really out of context to this lovely estate village. The housing needs survey of 2017 did not identify the need for such large houses or at all.”
Robert Child, a Gaddesby ward councillor for Melton Borough Council added that there was "clearly no current need" for new homes in the village.
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