Plans for 10 new homes on a parcel of land on the outskirts of Blackfordby have been submitted to North West Leicestershire District Council.

Derby-based housebuilder, Chevin Homes, intends to construct the scheme on land to the south east of Drift Side.

The plans show the project is designed to consist of seven bungalows and three houses.

A Planning Statement issued with the application says that the site is designated as outside the settlement limit of Blackfordby, according to the Policies Map of the North West Leicestershire Local Plan.

But that, however, predates the adoption of the Blackfordby Neighbourhood Plan, which allocates the site for residential development of up to 14 dwellinghouses.

In this case, the neighbourhood plan is to take precedence.

The Planning Statement adds: "Whilst the allocation was for up to 14 dwellings, this number was not informed by a detailed design and it is considered that the density of the scheme presented represents the optimum planning balance in having an appropriate housing mix, maintaining the rural character of the site and ensuring that the environmental considerations, such as drainage and biodiversity, are taken into account."

A plan of the proposed development site in Blackfordby

The breakdown of the development shows there will be two two-bed bungalows, five three-bed bungalows, one four-bed house and two five-bed houses at the site near Ashby de la Zouch.

The Planning Statement says: "It is considered that the proposal represents good design and will result in an attractive development which is both welcoming and distinctive.

"The new access has sufficient visibility for safe egress and access and the construction of 10 dwellings would not result in an unacceptable intensification of the access."

A Design and Access Statement says the development:

• Creates a new corner plot on arrival into the site, which frames the arrival into the village from the south;

• Forms a positive response to the Public Right of Way within the site, creating a more formal route into the existing urban area;

• Allows for a comfortable standoff from the wildlife corridor and brook to the east, and proposed development to the west;

• Proposes a redirected route for the public right of way, running parallel to the countryside, creating the best experience for its users.