Markfield Parish Neighbourhood Plan: Referendum Version 6.11. Basic information was gathered for each site and we appraised each option for its suitability, availability and achievability using clearly defined sustainability criteria. Factors such as access to services and facilities, heritage, nature conservation and landscape have been considered.
Land South London Road, Markfield
6.12. Our objective assessment has concluded that the preferred site is south of London Road. The site is currently agricultural land and is set principally along a shallow-sided valley alongside a brook that flows down to and under the M1. The site is bordered to the north by Jelson’s existing ‘Farmlands’ scheme, the rear garden boundaries of properties on Croftway and Birchfield Avenue, and London Road. Its southern, eastern and western boundaries are, in the main, defined by established hedgerows. Although many of the hedgerows contain mature trees, except for the garden of Vine Cottage, there are no significant tree groups. Hedgerows in the centre and eastern parts of the site have generally been regularly maintained, whilst those in the western part haven’t. Hedges in the western part also contain more mature trees than elsewhere. 6.13. Access will be via new main vehicular and pedestrian access from London Road to the east of Chitterman Way. There will be a secondary access from Doctor Wright Close and a pedestrian and cycle access only from Croftway. Two rights of way (R29 and R4) pass through the site with the Leicestershire Round (R2) being close to its western boundary. 6.14. Although the site falls away gradually to the south, gradients both across and along it are, relative to other parts of Markfield village, quite shallow. Accessing facilities at either the neighbourhood or village centre would be straightforward using the existing road and right of way networks. 6.15. The site contains one area of definite ridge and furrow, in the field immediately behind Croftway. There is also one area of probable ridge and furrow in the field immediately behind the newest (Farmlands) housing area. The site doesn’t contain any designated areas or points of wildlife interest. 6.16. A substantial section of the site falls within a Mineral Consultation Area for igneous rock. 6.17. A full planning application for the development of 283 dwellings (20/01283/FUL) was submitted by Jelsons to Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council in December 2020. This was just after the close of consultation on the Pre-Submission version of the Neighbourhood Plan, although Jelsons did undertake community consultation on their proposals beforehand. 6.18. The application site measures some 18ha but includes substantial areas of green infrastructure and open land. The proposed housing allocation matches the application site, but the areas of housebuilding are to be 62
