Controversial affordable home scheme for former ice cream factory set for approval

Controversial plans for 100 affordable homes near Coalville are set to be approved. A decision on the former ice cream factory suffered a last-minute delay after officials raised concerns.

The proposal, from EMH Group, aims to build 100 affordable homes on the site of the former Jacks Ices factory at Standard Hill in Hugglescote, near Coalville. The plan is mired in concern and controversy, with residents labeling the proposal “dangerous” after it emerged access would be from the top of Standard Hill. Other safety concerns have also been raised, with some councilors fearing drivers speeding in the area.

Last month, North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) officials tried to play down the concerns and give the green light to EMH Group’s plan, but “sustainability accreditation” fears and traffic safety concerns saw that decision delayed at the last minute. Among them were concerns about increased traffic linked to the approved extension of nearby Hugglescote Primary School.

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Now, in new documents ahead of their decision, the NWLDC has confirmed that further discussions with the County Highways Authority have seen them put forward moves to approve the scheme. In their report, they said traffic concerns from the primary school expansion were “alleviated” during the approval process and had no impact on Standard Hill.

Potential plans to reduce the speed limit along the whole of Standard Hill to 30mph from the current 40mph in certain sections have also been rejected. The NWLDC report said highways officials found this proposal to allay public concerns was unlikely to win support from motorists who would “see no justification” for the move. They also called the potential decline “inappropriate” for Standard Hill.

The council’s report also supports previous findings which showed no objections to the site’s proposed access and potential traffic impacts. Potential flooding concerns about the land were also dismissed after no objections were raised by the Lead Local Flood Authority.

Subject to the conditions of section 106, the NWLDC says the scheme should be approved. A final decision will be made next Tuesday (June 4).

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