Zero carbon resi development given go-ahead

Plans to create 36 net zero carbon homes in Easthorpe, Leicestershire have received council backing over a year after the proposals were originally submitted.

Gusto Homes Easthorpe LLP has been working with the planning department at Melton Borough Council for over 18 months to come up with revised designs for the scheme after it was initially knocked back.

The development will now move forward after the council decided the revised plans were in alignment with its environmental commitments.

Steff Wright at Gusto Homes said: “The delays and costs involved with this appeal are a clear demonstration of the need for reform of the planning process. The site was allocated for housing and our application was recommended for approval over a year ago by the council’s planning officers. Gusto Homes have been at the forefront of building efficient, clean energy homes for over 25 years and with the cost of energy escalating there has never been a greater need for all new developments to be built to a net zero carbon standard.”

Franklin Ellis Architects designed the homes.

Simon Betts, director for DLP Planning, who led the appeal, added: “We have been supporting Gusto Homes throughout this project and are pleased that the Inspector agreed with the Appellant that the scheme could satisfactorily deliver 36 new carbon zero homes, balanced against site constraints. The Inspector concluded that the proposals would not result in settlement coalescence, any harmful effect on the significance of the scheduled monument and would provide an appropriate and suitable mix of housing. In addition, the scheme includes a completed planning obligation which secures a variety of financial contributions towards education, healthcare and local infrastructure.”