Controversial plans for huge new community near Lutterworth set to go ahead

Plans to build a huge new community near Lutterworth will go ahead after the government decided not to “call-in” a decision on the scheme.

The development at Lutterworth East will create up to 2,750 homes, community facilities and business space near Lutterworth, and could create 2,500 jobs.

South Leicestershire MP Alberto Costa has requested a ministerial call-in of the plans, during which the government could take over the decision on whether to grant the application or not.

Cllr Phil King, leader of Harborough District Council, said: “Now we have the Secretary of State’s decision not to call in this planning application, we are able to move forward, conclude the section 106 agreement and issue planning permission. This will provide much-needed investment boost to the local economy, with job and training opportunities during the construction phases.”

The 550-acre development will be on land east of the town and the M1, and would include over 100 hectares of green space – approximately half of the site – two primary schools and employment space.

The scheme will also ensure the protection of the Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) known as Misterton Marshes, the River Swift and its tributaries, Thornborough Spinney, mature trees and hedgerows.

The scheme proposes:

• A Community Park, playing fields, allotments, woodland, trees and hedgerows and new ecological habitats
• Foot and cycle paths – connecting with Lutterworth town centre
• 23 hectares of retail and business space – creating up to 2,500 jobs
• Two new primary schools
• Improvements to main roads and junctions to increase capacity, a new M1 bridge, and a new spine road
• A community hub – with the potential for shops, restaurants, cafes, community hall and other local facilities

Approximately 1,260 of the new homes are expected to be built by 2031 and the rest after 2031.

In April 2020, Harborough District Council’s planning committee deferred a decision on the application to consider late representations made on behalf of University Hospitals Leicester.