Plans for 38 new homes in Great Bowden have been submitted

The application, from Morris, looks to build the homes on land east of Welham Lane, Great Bowden. If approved, the development would see the homes on a 2.13-hectare agricultural site, which has existing access from Welham Road.

The proposal submitted to Harborough District Council (HDC) includes eight custom builds, 12 'affordable' homes, and 18 market-value homes.

Documents note that the scale of the build is not included in the detail of the plan as this will come later, however developers have said in order to provide guidance, the masterplan has been developed on the basis of “broadly two-storey buildings with some reduced height elements close to neighbouring properties and to break up the roofscape”.

However, one objector to the plans believes they should be refused due to noise from the A6 and noise and smell emanating from the Fernie Hunt kennels.

In their objection, sent on Saturday, February 28, they said the “oppressive, constant” noise from the road is “ever present” in the background throughout the village “but would be unbearable for the properties proposed and certainly the properties that lie adjacent to the A6 would not be able to enjoy any outdoor time in their gardens because of the noise”.

Regarding the Fernie Hunt dogs, they said: “The Fernie Hunt provides a valuable fallen stock service for local farmers and equestrians at the kennels adjacent to the site.

“This involves the cutting up of dead animals for feed and storage of carcases awaiting removal, both of which can produce offensive odours.”

In addition, they said, the dogs’ barking “can be heard throughout the village and whilst long-term residents get used to it, it would be very unsettling for any new residents”.

Other points argued in their objection include the proposal adversely affecting the character and appearance of the area, and being a “significantly overbearing development that adversely affects the amenity of existing and future residents”.

In terms of access they note the single access point comes out onto a single track road “popular with walkers, horse riders and is part of the Sustrans National Cycle route”, who would all be “dangerously affected by the number of vehicles entering and exiting the site”.

Consultation on the plans runs until Friday, March 20. A decision on the plans is expected by Thursday, May 14.