Scraptoft's Controversial Housing Plan: Approval in Sight

0:00A controversial plan for 200 homes on farmland east of Lester and Scraptov looks set for approval. Developers blur homes and the Gens Farm Partnership won outline permission on about 10.66 hectares off BV Road. That means the big idea gets a green light now, with details like house sizes filled in later. 40% of the homes, 80 in total, would be affordable, plus open spaces and play areas. Meanwhile, the Harbro District Council Planning Committee meets this Thursday, April 16th, and officers recommend pushing it through. Access will come straight off BV Road, and the site matches the size of nearly 15 full soccer fields, with almost half set aside for green, space and drainage. Locals aren't thrilled though, 59 objections have poured in. Folks worry about traffic piling up at unsafe junctions, local doctors' offices already maxed out, and the area lacking roads or facilities to handle. More people. One resident who's lived nearby for 25 years called it, poorly connected without a car.

1:03According to officials, Lestershire County Council as Highway Authority says, the traffic impact won't be severe, even with other nearby builds. Council reports highlight upsides, like jobs from construction, tackling the housing shortage, extra bus routes, and better water runoff control. On balance, they figure the economic, social, and environmental wins outweigh the hit to the countryside's look. Expect a final call at that April 16th meeting, wrapping up this push to expand Scraptoft. Lester News. Today, power by AI bringing you what matters. I'm Corey, with the story.