Plans for 415-home development set for approval

The homes, if approved, would be built off the A47 Normandy Way

Plans to build 415 homes on the edge of Hinckley as the second phase of a massive new housing estate are set to be approved.

Richborough Estates has earmarked land north of the A47 Normandy Way for the properties.

Plans for the homes were submitted to Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council last year after the company won permission at appeal to build 475 houses on an adjacent site.

Planning officers have advised councillors to approve the application for the smaller development at a meeting on Tuesday despite objections from nearby residents.

Concerns include potential traffic issues, the impact on existing infrastructure, including GP surgeries and schools, and the loss of green land, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

But, in a report, council officers said the new homes were "a significant benefit", which would outweigh any impact on the landscape.

Their report also states that the first phase of the project gaining planning permission at appeal was a major consideration in deciding whether councillors should approve the application.

According to the document, 83 of the homes must be set aside by the developer as affordable housing, and financial contributions of more than £5m are being requested from Richborough Estates for health, education, roads, sports provision, library and other local facilities and services.

Access to the development, if approved, would be from a new roundabout on the A47 Normandy Way.

The developer previously said the two developments would be separated by a large park.

There will also be other public green spaces, including play areas for children, according to planning documents.