Leicestershire village will 'double' in size if new homes plan approved

A small village in Leicestershire would "double in size" if a plan to build new homes is approved, opponents have claimed. Brudenell Estates wants to demolish existing agricultural buildings at Manor Farm and Grange Farm, which lie south-west of Cranoe, and convert existing barns on the site into six more homes.

Harborough District Council planning officers recommended approval of the application, despite it being "contrary" to the Harborough Local Plan 2011 to 2031.

The scheme would include public open space, traffic calming measures, drainage infrastructure and landscaping improvements. A new double garage would be added to Grange Farmhouse and a new driveway to Manor House Farmhouse.

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Details for the site were put forward to Harborough District Council's planning committee on Tuesday, June 11. Chair of the committee Councillor Amanda Burrell said on the night that the report was to be deferred until the next meeting on Tuesday, July 16.

But neighbours in the village disputed the plans when consulted, saying they are "too extensive" and would increase the number of homes to nearly double.

In terms of the new builds, the five new houses proposed are a combination of two, two-bed homes, one three-bed home and one four-bed home. They are next to and facing onto School Lane in the village. Planners said the proposed homes reflect the architectural detail of their surroundings.

The barn conversions would use six existing barns with all but one having been on the site since at least 1885, according to planners, and are considered structurally sound to change from their existing use into homes. A number of modern or dilapidated barns would be demolished.

Planners recognised that the changes to the existing barns are substantial, which, they said, generally should be avoided. However, in this case, planners noted that the development would result in an overall improvement to the area and ensure the best use of the "non-designated heritage assets" which, if not developed, would result in further deterioration.

When consulted earlier this year, one household in the local community applauded elements of the development, but said it was "too extensive" given the existing size of the village. They said that the village was little more than a hamlet and doubling in size would impact on the neighbouring villages and result in an increase in traffic and services.

A further two properties in the village combined their responses and suggested the application be refused "given the substantial extensions proposed to the barns." They added that Cranoe would be considered a hamlet on size "if it wasn’t for the presence of St Michaels Church" and already has fifteen homes. The current proposal of eleven houses would increase the percentage of households by 73 per cent.

At the meeting on Tuesday, June 11, Coun Burrell said: "On officer advice, [the application for] Manor House farm, Main Street Cranoe is going to be deferred. Officers have considered this deferral request, and are satisfied there is no procedural error or unfairness, and advise us as appropriate that this matter is deferred to the next meeting."