Leicester housing estate could be reduced by 700 homes

A housing development in Leicester may end up with fewer homes and more employment space, latest documents have shown.

The Ashton Green development has been in progress since planning permission was granted in 2011, although the land has been intended for housing since the mid-1970s, according to Leicester City Council.

Originally, the plan called for up to 3,000 homes, a school, and around five hectares for employment space. However, in 2014, the scheme was adjusted to increase employment space to 10 hectares, while maintaining the same number of homes.

Now, Leicester City Council is seeking permission to further increase employment space to 15.9 hectares, citing “strong market demand.” To accommodate this change, around 700 homes could be removed from the plan, reducing the number of homes to 2,300.

Planning documents suggest that even without the increased employment space, building 3,000 homes would be “unobtainable” due to density and character considerations. Additionally, the proposed secondary school may be relocated to the neighbouring Ashton Green East plot, where another 670 homes are planned. This second phase is part of the council’s new local plan, which is still pending approval. If it doesn’t proceed, the school will remain in the original Ashton Green development.

To date, 208 homes have been built in Ashton Green, with another 200 under construction. A factory for Bradgate Bakery, owned by Samworth Brothers, has also been established on the site.

In 2022, the Labour-run city council declared a housing crisis, citing insufficient homes to meet demand, with 6,025 people on the housing waiting list. As of January this year, the number has increased to 6,431, with over 5,000 people expected to wait more than five years for a suitable home. Some council members believe the Ashton Green development is crucial to addressing the housing shortage. At a March meeting regarding a £45 million loan to purchase 225 new homes, Liberal Democrat councillor Nigel Porter suggested using funds to build new homes rather than relying on temporary housing solutions.