Bungalow slated for demolition to make way for four new houses in village gardens

Plans to demolish a bungalow to make way for four new homes in a Leicestershire village have been revealed. One of the new homes will go on the land vacated by the demolished bungalow at 110 Station Road, Broughton Astley, plans submitted to Harborough District Council reveal.

It would be redone closer to the neighboring property at 108 Station Road to allow for an access road between the numbers. 110 and 112. The plan led to concerns about losing light to that property, the documents show. Applicant Saul Butler is also seeking permission to build a further three houses in the rear gardens of 110 and 112 Station Road.

The new properties would be a mix of one-storey, two-bed homes and 1.5-storey buildings with three or more bedrooms. A number of objections have been lodged against the plans, including by Broughton Astley Parish Council.

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The authority said access to “backland” – a term used for developing land behind existing homes – the development would be off a major road, raising concerns about additional traffic. The council added that there were already seven similar projects in the same area.

The council said in a statement: “The parish council opposes this land application as a whole, including access which is on a major road, which raises concerns with additional vehicular access as there have already been seven similar developments along this portion.

“Parking along this road is already a problem with vehicles parked along the road causing traffic congestion at various times throughout the day. Therefore, the committee opposes this request”.

Neighbors have also reacted negatively to the scheme, citing a negative effect on the natural habitat, increased traffic, impact on their lighting and increased noise from the access road to neighboring properties. One neighbor said the development would have a negative impact on their “peace and quiet”.

They said: “This proposed work would adversely affect the natural habitats and wildlife in the area, which is one of the major benefits of living on this road. We currently enjoy privacy in our gardens and the multiple buildings that are planned would cause us to be overlooked and help reduce the peace and quiet and diverse nature we see.

“Station Road is already a busy road and these proposed buildings could result in increased parking on the main road and a potential increased hazard for pedestrians. Waste collection would not be possible on the access road and this will result in a large number of bins being left on the pavement before collection day, further increasing the risk to pedestrians.

“To us, the number of buildings proposed on this small area of ​​land seems excessive and there does not appear to have been any consideration for the feelings or quality of life of the local neighbourhood.”

There would be a private drive through the site to the new homes, which would have a turning point at the end, the plans suggest. Access will be from Station Road.

An area of ​​the site is to be paved to increase the parking spaces from the current six to 14. Garages are also proposed for some of the homes.

Consultation on the plans closed this week. A decision is expected to be made by Harborough District Council by Thursday, August 8.