**NEWS RELEASE** Approval for extension to housing scheme

NEWS RELEASE

Approval for extension to housing scheme

An application to extend a housing scheme at Cork Lane, Glen Parva, has been approved by Blaby District Council's planning committee.

Developers Vistry are already working on the site after permission for a 165-home scheme was granted on appeal in January 2023 by a government planning inspector.

This latest proposal for Phase II, featuring 26 homes, was recommended for approval due to this being an existing development. It will be at the south-western corner of the site continuing the line of planned houses.

Conditions have been imposed to ensure disturbance is limited for existing residents living nearby. Lessons learned from the initial works will be taken on board by the developer when Phase II begins.

Ground preparation works, including piling, on the first phase have caused concerns among some neighbours.

The piling is necessary to provide stable foundations as the area is a former landfill site.

Blaby District Council continues to act on these concerns and officers are actively monitoring the site to ensure all actions are within specified national guidelines. 

At a recent meeting between Vistry, Council officers and local Councillors, Vistry agreed to look at a series of extra mitigation measures for the current works.

They also agreed to provide further information on dust sampling and piling work and liaise more closely with local Councillors and residents to keep everyone informed. 

A more detailed plan of action is expected from them within the next few days. The regional managing director from Vistry has also sent a letter to local residents recognising the disruption, thanking them for their patience and providing contact details for residents to raise issues. 

Councillor Lee Breckon, Chairman of the planning committee, said: "While we recognise there has been concern from local residents about the development at Cork Lane, the main housing scheme is progressing. As such we have approved the extension to the scheme. We will continue to work with Vistry to minimise disruption and act in the best interests of residents."

The letter from Vistry can be read here: https://www.blaby.gov.uk/cork-lane-letter