Burbage: Fears new homes plan could stretch services

Locals are concerned about what the development could mean for services

Residents say they are concerned a plan to build hundreds of new homes on farmland in Leicestershire could put pressure on services.

Redrow Homes has lodged an application to build 422 new houses and a care home at the edge of Burbage.

The proposed estate has been described as a "garden neighbourhood" and would include 84 "affordable" homes.

However, locals have raised concerns over the impact on roads, schools and healthcare facilities in the village.

The developer is seeking permission from Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council to build a mix of homes with up to five bedrooms on fields to the south of the village, next to the M69 motorway.

The plans include 28 one-bed, 129 two-bed, 188 three-bed, 46 four-bed and 31 five-bed homes

The proposed care home would have room for 66 residents, while a number of the farm buildings already on the land would be demolished under the scheme.

Throughout the site, there would be a play area, an orchard, a central green space and ponds, Redrow said.

However, local residents have expressed concern in a pre-application consultation.

When asked if they welcomed the provision of new homes on the site, 124 people said no (81%), 20 said yes (13%) and nine said they were unsure (6%).

One person said: "I fear for the pressure on already stretched public services such as schools, doctors, dentists."

Another said they were worried about the impact on traffic along Coventry Road and parking near schools.

Redrow said it acknowledged these concerns, adding developments like this come with financial contributions towards ensuring local services can cope with the additional strain, known as S106 agreements.

Planning manager Jen Towers told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "We have responded positively to consultation feedback as much as possible, including delivering on our commitment to include bungalows and adaptable homes, in addition to providing a mix of homes to meet the needs of a wide range of families."