Scores of homes look set to be built on former allotment site in Lutterworth - but developers must put money into the community

Scores of homes are set to be built on a former allotment site in Lutterworth – which will also lead to hundreds of thousands of pounds going into the community.

The five-acre chunk of land on De Verdon Road, Lutterworth, is being sold off by Harborough District Council.

And the plot has already got outline planning permission for 72 new houses, making it a target for housebuilders.

The council aimed last year to build on the site itself.

But the authority’s Cabinet agreed on September 8 that the old allotments should be sold off instead.

And the planning go-ahead for the scheme was given by councillors just weeks later.

“The council said it is refocusing its priorities in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic and agreed not to pursue the proposed housing project itself.

“Councillors agreed that the land would be sold on the open market once a decision on planning consent for the housing development is made,” said Harborough council at the time.

“Cabinet also agreed the Council would undertake the archaeology works at the site if planning consent is granted.”

The site, which would boast a crucial new access road off Coventry Road for new residents, is to be sold by “informal tender” with housebuilders being invited to submit offers.

The successful developer will still have to secure full planning approval and agree to plough over £300,000 into local schools, the outdoors, the environment and the community.

Estate agents Fisher German, which is heading up the sale, say on their website: “The site comprises a single enclosure of 5.31 acres being former allotments previously accessed off De Verdon Road.

“The site is essentially level and currently comprises of rough grass, with a few bushes and leylandii trees.

“The site will be accessed from a new junction with Coventry Road, that leads to the town centre and gives easy access to the A4304 leading to the M1 Motorway to the west.

“A resolution to grant detailed planning permission was granted at planning committee by Harborough District Council on October 6, 2020, for the erection of 72 dwellings to include means of access from Coventry Road, public open space and all other ancillary works, subject to the completion of a Section 106 Agreement.”

The Section 106 Agreement, where housebuilders agree to the council’s conditions before getting the green light, demands that 29 of the 72 homes be “affordable”.

The builder will also have to inject £290,000 into Lutterworth’s schools and fork out more than £117,000 for outdoor sport facilities and almost £29,000 to the local NHS.