Leicestershire housebuilder William Davis Homes has submitted a planning application to build 93 new homes in the Rutland village of Cottesmore.
Thirty per cent of the homes will be affordable, featuring a mix of properties for rent, shared ownership, or major discounts for first-time buyers.
The proposed development, which will have homes ranging from one to five bedrooms, also includes:
- Bungalows, for accessible living
- A community orchard or garden, wildflower meadows and tree planting
- A children’s playground
- Extra parking to ease congestion at St Nicholas Primary Church of England School opposite the site
The plans have been influenced by the views of local residents and the Parish Council, gathered during community engagement work by William Davis. Issues raised included the need for affordable homes, biodiversity and design in keeping with the area.
The development will be neutral in terms of biodiversity, ensuring no net loss in the range of plants, insects and other wildlife.
David Dodge, Development Director for the Loughborough-based company, said: “We recognise and want to address the lack of affordable homes in rural communities. As a result, almost a third of the homes constructed will be made available as a priority to local people, either for rent or for sale under the First Homes scheme, which delivers new homes at a 30% discount to the market price.
“We have worked very hard to ensure that this development will bring real positives for Cottesmore. We will continue to listen to local people.”
The planning application will be considered by Rutland County Council in the coming months. While there is no local plan in place, the development site was initially allocated for housing.
As part of the proposals, William Davis also anticipates entering into a legal agreement with the County Council to ensure that local amenities (including schools, roads, recreation facilities, policing and health care provision) will be funded to cope with the additional houses.
