Appeal decision paves way for new homes in Leicestershire village

Multi-disciplinary development consultancy Marrons has supported William Davis Homes in securing planning permission on appeal for up to 70 homes in Barrow upon Soar after Charnwood Borough Council failed to determine the application. 

Following a planning inquiry, the Planning Inspectorate allowed the appeal and granted outline planning permission, concluding that the scheme on land off Cotes Road complies with the council’s recently adopted local plan, which has allocated land for new homes, and will deliver much-needed market and affordable housing in a sustainable location. 

Marrons’ urban design team defended the masterplan development brief that had been prepared for the allocation, demonstrating that the masterplan would support a cohesive wider development and that the site can accommodate up to 70 homes, which would integrate into the wider proposals. 

In her decision, inspector Helen Hockenhull found that the submitted concept masterplan and development brief provided an appropriate framework for the comprehensive development of the wider allocation and can evolve as other parcels come forward. The inspector also concluded that the documents were sufficient to inform future planning applications across the allocation and supported a coordinated approach to delivery. 

The approved scheme will also deliver a range of infrastructure benefits secured through planning obligations, including affordable housing, education contributions, healthcare contributions, public open space, biodiversity enhancements, sustainable transport measures and off-site highway improvements. 

David Kemp, urban design associate director at Marrons, who represented William Davis Homes at the appeal, said: “We are delighted to have supported William Davis Homes in securing this outcome. 

“This decision is a strong endorsement of the masterplanning and urban design approach developed for the site. The inspector recognised that the concept masterplan and development brief provide a robust framework for the wider allocation and that they can evolve as future phases come forward while maintaining a comprehensive and coordinated vision for the area. 

“The decision also confirms that the site can successfully accommodate up to 70 homes through a high-quality design approach that responds to local context and site constraints, while helping to deliver much-needed new homes for Barrow upon Soar. 

“It demonstrates how effective masterplanning can provide both certainty and flexibility, enabling development to come forward while ensuring the wider allocation is delivered in a cohesive and sustainable way.”