Homes

Land at Cottage Farm

Project Details

Client
Bloor Homes
Location
Oadby, Leicestershire
Year
2011 — present
Services
Planning, Masterplanning, Landscape Architecture

First steps

Despite limited local objection and a positive recommendation, the initial application for residential development on the edge of Oadby was refused at committee by Oadby & Wigston Borough Council. Following refusal, our team successfully presented a compelling planning and landscape case at appeal, demonstrating both the pressing need for new homes and the site’s strong credentials as a sustainable location for growth. The appeal was allowed, establishing the principle of development.

The Council subsequently challenged the decision, but both the High Court and the Court of Appeal upheld the outcome, providing a robust foundation for the site’s future.

The bigger picture

Shortly after, the Council began reviewing its Local Plan and, recognising the site’s potential, identified further adjoining land to support additional growth, sought to allocate land for a further 250 homes.

Define prepared a comprehensive masterplan showing how the site could deliver, 350 new homes within a high quality landscape framework, with strong walking and cycling links to the town, surrounding countryside and local facilities.

The masterplan also demonstrated how the highly valued neighbouring sport and recreation facilities could be extended and enhanced as part of the development, delivering wider community benefits.

This work underpinned a second successful planning application in 2020. Development is now well advanced and proving very popular locally.

Further growth

Define continues to support the next phases of growth, helping to shape a well-defined and attractive new edge to the settlement that transitions sensitively into the Green Wedge. With the Council now reviewing its Local Plan again, we are proactively working with them to secure the site’s allocation to help meet Oadby’s future housing needs.