Houses approved in Lubenham despite residents saying new neighbours will be able to see into their bedrooms and gardens

A controversial application to build an array of houses in Lubenham has been approved, despite many local residents raising privacy concerns.

Nine houses are set to be built on land adjacent to Main Street after the application was approved by officials at Harborough District Council.

The development will see three, three bed houses built as well as two, four beds and four, two beds. But many villagers have expressed their dismay over the project, with many raising concerns over potential privacy breaches as well as flooding fears.

One objecting resident said in response to the application: “Any proposed development of this land will undoubtedly impact on our privacy with our bedroom windows and south facing garden in full glare of any new homes – the closest bedroom window being within two metres of the development boundary. Not to mention the additional noise impact and likely disturbance from road traffic.”

The applicant Pavon Ltd submitted the outline application in June which was approved earlier this week by council officials. A reserved matters application will need to be submitted before building commences in the village near Market Harborough to clarify the sites access, layout and appearance.

Others raised their concern the site was not within the village’s neighbourhood plan. One annoyed resident said: “This is a site not included in the Lubenham neighbourhood plan previously agreed and adopted. Any additional access points created on the main street from the proposed site will create a potential hazard on this blind bend where cars often enter the village at speed.”

Another added: “Lubenham has lovely wildlife that frequent the field such as deer and pheasant. The building of nine houses would of course destroy this peaceful habitat and also interrupt the surrounding habitats too.

“If new houses are continuously allowed to be built in the village, we will see an influx of other landowners applying for the same permission. If the floodgates are opened, Lubenham will soon lose its village charm and be inundated with unsightly new houses.”

Residents also said the site could be prone to flooding from a nearby river. One villager said: “The rainwater that runs down from the surrounding hills is already putting pressure on the River Welland. I’ve seen it on multiple occasions at worryingly high levels. This will be put under more stress if nine new houses are erected next to it. And I cannot see any proposal to protect the river and the occupants of houses nearby.”