230 homes planned for Lutterworth as residents say ‘it can’t cope’
Plans for a new 230-home development have emerged, but residents say Lutterworth is “already struggling” and “can’t cope” with more housing.
William Davis Homes, along with joint applicants Helen Elizabeth Marx and Julia Michelle Tivey, want to build the homes on land off Leicester Road.
The plans, submitted to Harborough District Council on March 26, could see a range of one to four-bedroom homes, including 22 two-bedroom bungalows specifically intended to meet the needs of an ageing population, according to the developers.
The 9.7-hectare site will also include natural areas, as well as parks and play areas for children.
Developers say the homes will “create a strong, vibrant community” and would provide “significant social, economic and environmental benefits” to the district with 40 per cent of the houses being affordable.
According to documents, developers scaled back the plan from 245 homes to 230 after a consultation with Lutterworth residents, who feared it would overwhelm existing schools, shops, and healthcare facilities.
However, 16 objections have already been publicly raised to the development, with many claiming that Lutterworth is “struggling” and is “getting overcrowded”.
One objector said: “Lutterworth town is already struggling with the extra houses that have been built, and the town, shops and doctors are massively overcrowded.
“I’m waiting weeks for doctors’ appointments because nothing can cope with the extra people needing these services”.
Another said: “Lutterworth is already overpopulated with recent housing developments. The roads will not support 300+ more vehicles in an already saturated spot.
“The schools here are full. The doctors cannot see the people who have lived here for over 35 years, let alone an additional influx of 400-500 people. The town cannot cope.”
Another public objector added: “Schools are full, roads are full of people parking like idiots because there’s no room for parking.
“If you knocked on every door in Lutterworth, 90 per cent would say no because we’re struggling as it is.
“I have to wait three weeks to see a doctor, and the same, if not longer, for the dentist because they’re so full. Enough is enough now. I say a firm no”.
Consultation over the plans will take place until May 11. Harborough District Council officers or the council’s planning committee will then decide whether to approve or deny the plan.