Planning Application Ref:
P/11/1549/2

Conversion of existing garage into self contained two bedroom annex and erection of new double garage at 28 Wide Street, Hathern, Leicestershire , LE12 5JH

Date: 04.10 .2011

Dear Ms Stapley
Hathern Parish Council notes that this “annex” is effectively a large self-contained bungalow and should be treated as such in planning terms. The Council is concerned about the impact the new double garage will have on immediate neighbours in Old Way and in particular the height of the garage is likely to cause a reduction in natural daylight falling on No 36 Old Way.
Yours sincerely
Mrs M Spencer, Clerk to Hathern Parish Council
cc HPC Councillors

Planning Application Ref: P/11/1418/2
Two storey extension to side and rear of three storey dwelling.
31 Derby Road, Hathern, Leicestershire, LE12 5LD

Date: 13. July .2011

Dear Ms Stapley
Planning Application Ref:P/11/1418/2
Two storey extension to side and rear of three storey dwelling..
31 Derby Road, Hathern, Leicestershire, LE12 5LD

Hathern Parish Council (HPC) is concerned that this very modern extension is very much at odds with the design of the original building and feel that the character of the existing Georgian house is compromised by this. Charnwood Borough Council itself sets out that planning permission for development of locally listed buildings can only be granted provided “the appearance or character of the building and its setting are safeguarded”. HPC feels that this application does not meet that criteria and that a design more in keeping with the existing building would sit more comfortably here.
Yours sincerely
R G Dann, Chair Hathern Parish Council cc. Clerk to HPC, HPC Councillors

Communication to Leics CC of the Hathern Green Spaces Consultation of April 2011.

April 2011 - COMMUNITY RESPONSE TO THE GREEN SPACES CONSULTATION

In order to put together a community based response to this consultation Hathern Parish Council held a public meeting attended by 41 residents from the village. As its basis this response uses the information gathered at that meeting.
By far the most important aspect to the protection of green spaces for Hathern is that the village is defined by the open countryside that surrounds it on all sides. It is what makes Hathern a rural village, defines its character and provides its separate identity. The village itself sits almost centrally within the parish boundary with primarily open agricultural land running from the outskirts of the village to the parish boundary and beyond. To compromise that green ring around the village is to take that identity away from this community. With the very close proximity of two large conurbations, in Loughborough and Shepshed, the importance of sufficient green space to ensure an effective separating wedge cannot be understated. In this respect the most critical areas of green space are the fields that comprise the land bounded by Shepshed Rd, Loughborough Rd, Pear Tree Lane and the Black Brook, and then the land to the south west of the village and the east of Loughborough Rd
We have marked on an aerial view of the village the extent of those green spaces that the community of Hathern feel are the most important. Apart from the role they play in defining the rural character of our village and providing a protective and separating wedge from encroaching urban sprawl
there are many other reasons why residents value these spaces and the amenities they provide:
• Footpaths and Bridleways – much of the countryside around the village is criss-crossed with public access rights of way providing a traffic free environment for walkers, cyclists and horse riders across attractive and open farm land. Residents and others from outside the village use these areas extensively for recreation, exercise and relaxation. They are easy to access and very close for most villagers
• Wildlife Habitats – the areas around Hathern provide a wide variety of environments for wildlife, ranging from riverside, to floodplain, to rolling hills and woodland. The established hedgerows and field margins that characterise much of the agricultural land are important habitats and food sources. To the south west of the parish the Blackbrook and tributary streams, ditches, and bank sides support a rich variety of breeding and visiting wildlife a number of which are protected from interference. Oakley Wood to the west has SSSI status. The extensive floodplains of the River Soar include sites that are Local Wildlife Sites designated by the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust and the area part of the Re-wilding the Soar Valley initiative.

• Biodiversity – these areas, especially the Garendon Estate and adjacent land provide wildlife corridors along which many rare and protected species, move, breed and feed.
• Trees and Woodland – There are relatively few woodlands or copses in the green spaces close to the village so it important to keep those areas that do exist, for example at the top of Pear Tree Lane and along Hathern Drive (both to the South of Hathern), because these areas provide features on open countryside and act as valuable wildlife habitats
• Agricultural Land – the vast majority of the green spaces around the village are farmed, and much of that has organic status. The agricultural setting of Hathern is historically and culturally important for villagers. Local farms provide local produce; part of a more sustainable and green approach to living in the countryside. These active businesses bring economic benefits to the local economy. Residents value the relative peace of the agricultural landscape and do not want that replaced with sports or playing fields with associated access, car parks etc
• Allotments - There is a tremendous interest in growing your own produce and it is an important leisure activity for those who are allotment tenants. There are no vacant allotments on either of the two allotment sites in Hathern (Shepshed Rd, Loughborough Rd).

• Heritage and historical sites – The remains of All Saints church and Dishley Grange sit within countryside to the south east of the village. Garendon Park, with its many listed buildings, is just south of the parish boundary and its estate land comprises much of the countryside between Shepshed Rd and Loughborough Rd. The Shepshed Rd its self is historically important as the trading link between Hathern and Shepshed.
• Floodplain – the River Soar's floodplain is functional; protecting the Hathern from flooding. Residents fear that development on or around this area will increase the risk of flooding to the village itself. The floodplain also provides important access to the river for walkers, anglers and the like.
• Visual Amenity – The views from various parts of the village across beautiful open countryside are of importance to villagers. Residents especially value the sense of openness and space, and the peace and tranquillity. The Soar Valley river corridor that runs from Kegworth through to the outskirts of Loughborough is considered of especial importance.

In summary the open countryside that surrounds our village needs to be considered as one vitally important green space; one that defines the settlement of Hathern. That green space reaches the parish boundary and in some areas goes beyond. It provides an essential separation from nearby urban conurbations and a host of benefits to villagers, that includes its:
• Landscape value
• Natural/environmental and wildlife value
• Recreational value
• Community value
• Historical value

There are other important green spaces within the more built up areas of Hathern, that include : Hathern Park, the adjacent sports field, the school playing field, the Round Bank, the Cemetery, and grassed area that surrounds the Church.

Hathern Parish Council

April 2011

Response from Hathern Parish Council : Planning Application Ref: P/11/0492/2:
Formation of public footpath with ancillary landscaping.
Land off Golden Square, Hathern, Leicestershire, LE12 5HU

The Parish Council has serious safety concerns about this application. Because of the topography of the main site entrance and its distance from the primary facilities in Hathern this path will certainly become the main route for pedestrians and cyclists to access the A6 and the rest of Hathern, including the school, post office and GP's surgeries. However this proposed path is unlit and not of a suitable standard for heavy use by pedestrians and cyclists. It links with a simple unsurfaced, unlit and muddy footpath – that in itself will become part of this primary route into Golden Square. It is especially unsuitable and potentially dangerous for children walking to and from the primary school. We are also concerned that it will encourage pedestrians to cross the busy and dangerous A6 at its junction with Golden Square as both controlled pedestrian crossings are some distance from this point. We object to this application on these grounds.

Yours sincerely

R G Dann, Chair Hathern Parish Council

cc. Clerk to HPC, HPC Councillors

Response from Hathern Parish Council:Planning Application Ref: P/11/0026/2: Land opposite 16 Dovecote St, Hathern

3 February 2011

How many more applications are we going to have for this small site ? The developer has approval for a 2 bed house – he has part built a house that has a larger footprint and envelop than specified in the existing planning permission. This is unacceptable for such a tight site, putting the building closer to the immediate neighbours.

Our objection to the previously withdrawn application (p/10/2563/2) still stands for this current application – I attach a copy of that objection dated 16th Dec. Having now checked with LCC's “Highway Requirements” the minimum width for an onsite parking space is 2.75 metres with an additional 0.5 metres where boundared by a wall ( which is the case here). The available width is nowhere near this. As the proposed parking space is directly adjacent to the front door it is clear that the home owner will not park the car in this space as it will be extremely difficult to exit the vehicle whilst still keeping the access way for the neighbour clear. Lets be practical here – the space available is not of a size that is appropriate for car parking.

The concern of the Parish Council is that in a village where street parking is a regular source of resident complaint (because many of the roads are narrow and existing properties do not have off street parking) new build houses should not exacerbate that problem. They should have an appropriate level of correctly sized off street parking. This development application clearly does not have that.

Yours sincerely

R G Dann, Chair Hathern Parish Council

cc. Clerk to HPC, HPC Councillors 3 February 2011

Response from Hathern Parish Council:Planning Application Ref: P/10/2563/2: Land opposite 16 Dovecote St, Hathern

16th December 2010

This is yet another planning application seeking to build a larger house on this site than was approved previously, and Hathern Parish Council strongly objects to this current application.

Parking in this part of the village has been problematic as the roads were never designed to accommodate multiple car ownership and very few houses in Dovecote Street have off-street parking. The on-site parking indicated in this planning application is simply insufficient and does not even meet the minimum requirements. Firstly the length of the available parking space has been reduced as a result of the extended footprint of the proposed new dwelling. It is now below that normally required by LCC Highways. Secondly it is difficult to see how, if two cars are parked in a tandem manner (if this is at all possible given the restricted length of the space), that both the occupier can access the front door and the neighbours in Wide Street use their rear access to Dovecote St simultaneously. The available space is just too tight. It is quite clear what is going to happen – the off street car parking area will not be used and the occupiers' cars will be parked in the street – on a dangerous corner. This is a busy junction with Wide St and we foresee difficulties if more vehicles are parked along this narrow stretch of Dovecote St.

Let us see some sense here – this plot is very small and there needs to be sufficient space for off street parking, and there simply isn't in the layout proposed in this application. Please do not build in problems for residents later.

Yours sincerely

R G Dann, Chair Hathern Parish Council

cc. Clerk to HPC, HPC Councillors
16th December 2010

Response from Hathern Parish Council to P/10/2527/2 No.4 Cross St Hathern

Response from Hathern Parish Council : Planning Application Ref: P/10/1746/2: Cross St, Hathern

This property is in a very sensitive and important part of the Conservation Area and therefore materials used should be sympathetic to the existing building. Attention should be paid to the brickwork and detailing around windows and especially the roof - where the new extension roof should match the existing roofing that uses graduated Swithland slates.

We have concerns that the 2 storey extension may impinge on the closest neighbouring property in Church St causing loss of natural light. We are unsure whether this would be significant but it needs assessing. It is also unclear as to how the driveway will be altered to access the repositioned car port parking provision.

Yours sincerely

R G Dann, Chair Hathern Parish Council

cc. Clerk to HPC,HPC Councillors

Response from Hathern Parish Council : Planning Application Ref: P/10/1875/2: Change of Use, 32 Swallow Walk, Hathern

Hathern Parish Council strongly objects to this planning application. This location, in the heart of a wholly residential area, is entirely inappropriate for a retail outlet. In our view the operation of such a business would be damaging to the amenity of local residents. It would create unacceptable levels of noise and disturbance, especially to immediate neighbours. The site lacks adequate parking, visibility spays and turning space for customers. This would lead to more congested parking on the street and cars reversing out of the access into the street to the detriment of safety to both pedestrians and other road users. The proximity of the jitty next to this property will exacerbate the dangers for pedestrians, especially children, as they turn into Swallow Walk and immediately have to cross the vehicle access to the Pharmacy

The Council is also most concerned about the detrimental impact of the pharmacy on the two existing dispensaries and the general store in the village.

Yours sincerely

R G Dann, Chair Hathern Parish Council

cc. Clerk to HPC,HPC Councillors

Planning Application Ref: P/10/1683/2: Land opposite 16 Dovecote St, Hathern

Hathern Parish Council strongly objects to this planning application. This small site is already very tight for the 2 bed dwelling previously approved but inappropriate for the larger 3 bed dwelling now proposed. Extending the planned building to accommodate the additional bedroom will significantly increase the overall envelope of the development and impinge detrimentally on the two properties in Wide St that back on so closely to this site. We are also very concerned about the parking provision. The new supporting post compromises the already very tight parking spaces. Surely the width has now been reduced to below the 2.4 m required ? We cannot see that the eventual occupier would use the tandem parking spaces as they are so narrow, instead the road would be used. This is a busy junction with Wide St and we foresee difficulties if more vehicles are parked along this narrow stretch of Dovecote St.

Yours sincerely

R G Dann, Chair Hathern Parish Council

Hathern Parish Council: P/10/1634/2
Retrospective change of use of farm buildings to use classes B1, B2 and B8.
Dishley Grange Farm, Derby Road, Loughborough, LE11 5SF

Hathern Parish Council Response to : P/10/1634/2
Retrospective change of use of farm buildings to use classes B1, B2 and B8.
Dishley Grange Farm, Derby Road, Loughborough, LE11 5SF
Overall we believe that the industrial units on this site provide useful services to the local community and that its location, being away from residential housing with good access onto the A6, is acceptable in principal.
However it is sited in a rural location adjacent to an historic agricultural site and therefore should be more visibly sympathetic to those surroundings. Contrary to what the Design and Access Statement says this site is highly visible from the A6 and currently is an eyesore from that aspect. There is an opportunity here to improve the overall appearance of this site – by more extensive landscaping than is proposed, by rationalising signage to lessen its visible impact (especially that signage affixed to buildings) and providing purpose made parking facilities for customers.
The site is subject to significant traffic flow as these units provide services to the general public and not just to other businesses. The access road is a simple gravel track and should be upgraded.
Yours Sincerely

R G Dann, Chair Hathern Parish Council
cc Clerk to Hathern PC
16. 09.2010

Charnwood Borough Council Planning Application - on behalf of Cliffe Investments Ltd, Ref: P/10/1580/2: Land South of Shepshed Road, Hathern

Hathern Parish Council- Response to Planning ApplicationP/10/1580/2
Hathern Parish Council is writing to express its objections to the planning application that has recently been submitted on behalf of Cliffe Investments Ltd on land south of Shepshed Road, Hathern. In view of the scale and potential impact of this proposed development we feel strongly that this application should be considered by the Planning Committee and wish to exercise our right to have a Parish Council representative speak at the Planning Committee meeting in support of our objections.

Hathern Parish Council supports development where it can be appropriately integrated into the village, is consistent with the village's rural character and where it matches the pattern of the village. In fact we have supported 5 out of the 7 most recent applications for new build development in the village. We object to the development of this site as it is considered to be an inappropriate location for additional housing, extending into open countryside with the attendant coalescence issues that accrue, furthermore it will not integrate well into the village and does not match the pattern of existing housing.

The Planning Statement that supports the planning application has identified the lack of five year housing supply as a justification for supporting the proposals. PPS3 identifies at paragraph 71 that where local authorities cannot demonstrate an up-to-date five year supply of sites, they should consider favourably applications for housing having regard to policies within PPS3 and in particular paragraph 69. Paragraph 69 states that in general, Local Planning Authorities should have regard to:
• Achieving high quality design
• Ensuring developments achieve a good mix of housing reflecting the accommodation requirements of specific groups, in particular, families and older people
• The suitability of a site for housing, including its environmental sustainability
• Using land efficiently and effectively
• Ensuring the proposed development is in line with planning for housing objectives, reflecting the need and demand for housing in, and spatial vision for, the area and does not undermine the wider policy objectives e.g. addressing housing market renewal issues.

It is considered that the development proposals to the south of Shepshed Road do not meet the requirements of paragraphs 69 and 71 of PPS3. Guidance suggests that applications for housing development should come forward in order to assist in meeting a five year supply, however these should be carefully assessed in terms of suitability, environmental sustainability and design i.e. they should not be allowed in any location at any time. The site to the south of Shepshed Road, Hathern is not considered to be a suitable location, it is outside the limits to development, it is in an unsustainable location and it is not considered to constitute a high quality design. Whilst it is acknowledged that the Council have previously raised concerns with regard to their ability to meet a five year housing supply, given recent central government advice they will need to review their requirements in light of the revocation of Regional Spatial Strategy. It is considered that should this housing development be allowed at this time this could be premature and jeopardise the housing strategy for the Borough.

The site is outside the limits to development of Hathern to the west of the A6 away from the main facilities and services of the village. The location plan makes clear that this is a location where housing should be refused, an important consideration in light of Section 38(6) of the Town and Country Planning Act.

It is considered that the site is not in a sustainable location. In practical terms potential residents of this site would have to negotiate a steep hill to waIk to the village and it is considered that due to the difficulties of accessing the village from this location, this would reduce the potential trips on foot and cycle and would in fact lead to increased traffic and highway problems given the unsustainable location of the site.

The proposals incorporate the development of 62 dwellings from a single access point onto Shepshed Road. This access is outside the village and does not therefore link this proposal with the village. It is considered that this is an inappropriate highway solution to service this number of houses and the Parish are concerned about the increased traffic movements associated with this proposal. Given the landlocked nature of the site it is difficult to see a solution to improve the situation as there appears to be little opportunity for a second access to serve the site.

The illustrative layout that has been provided with the application shows a dense, tightly cramped proposal with little consideration to the character of the area and the pattern of existing housing. The site does not follow the limits to development but is separated in parts by fields. Little thought has been given to areas of open space and the layout is dominated by roads, parking and built form. There are six houses proposed in the area immediately adjacent to the rear garden of 56 Shepshed Road which will give rise to a lack of privacy and potential for overlooking. The boundary treatment in this part of the site is particularly weak with little thought to landscape treatment. The two areas of amenity space at the front of the site are considered to be out of character and questionable as to how useable these areas would be for recreation purposes. The affordable housing proposed at the back of the site is considered to be ill-conceived and out of character its looks as though it is an after-thought rather than a well-designed and integrated part of the development proposals.

Further concern is raised in respect of the amount of development within Hathern and its ability to support further housing. Permission for the development of 10 houses to the rear of 77 Loughborough Road was approved in September 2009 and more recently 58 dwellings were approved to the east of Loughborough Road. Hathern is a settlement of approx. 850 dwellings, if consent were achieved on this site then that would result in a 15% increase in dwellings and this scale of growth would put unacceptable pressure on existing services and facilities. It is considered that Hathern is not an appropriate settlement capable of supporting this level of additional development.

We trust that the above comments will be taken into account in consideration of the application proposals and we would be grateful to be kept informed of the progress of the application.

Yours sincerely

R G Dann, Chair Hathern Parish Council cc. Clerk to HPC, HPC Councillors
13th September 2010.

Charnwood Borough Council Planning Application - P/10/0415/2 - David Wilson for 58 houses on A6.

Hathern Parish Council – Response to Planning Application P/10/0415/2.
Whilst recognising the need for and potential benefit of new development within the village Hathern Parish Council has significant concerns about the scale, location and impact of this proposed development.
1. The proposed site is open countryside on the edge of the village and lies outside the defined Limits to Development for Hathern. If the Borough Council had in place its required 5 year supply of deliverable development sites then this development would be disallowed. Unfortunately that is not the case and much is tied up with deliberations about the Local Development Framework and its Core Strategy. This strategy currently proposes the large scale development of the Garendon Estate and as such would have a profound and disrupting impact on Hathern. In these circumstances, we believe, it would be inappropriate to allow this development ahead of decisions on the Core Strategy. Whilst we understand that such a development as is proposed here cannot be refused on grounds of “prematurity” alone it can be considered as an important factor when considered together with other material objections.

2. The site is located at the Loughborough end of the village and as such would contribute to the erosion of the important separation between Hathern and the sprawl of Loughborough. This separation is increasingly under threat, as evidenced by the large Pear Tree Lane housing development and the Dishley Grange application for a very substantial commercial/industrial estate that would also locate a new football ground next to Hathern. Further development of this nature seriously threatens the unique identity of the village. The Borough Council has a duty to protect settle identity here and those ends would not be served by allowing this development.

3. The development , situated on the very edge of the village with just a single access point onto the A6, is effectively a self contained housing estate. From a community perspective this lacks integration and cohesion with the rest of the village. New development in the village should provide for linkage and involvement with the existing built environment and with its community. In practice this development is very much “stand alone” and offers very little positive benefit to the existing community.

4. The scale and layout of the development (58 houses on a stand- alone estate) is considered to be totally inappropriate for a small village – the Council believes that a series of smaller scale developments mixed with current housing would better help preserve the appearance and character of the village. The Council also considers the proposed street and house design “urban” in character and not suited to a village environment – in particular the 3 storey elements are out of proportion.

5. The traffic and road safety implications of this development are of concern. The section of the A6 through Hathern is already extremely busy and congested . An additional and significant level of vehicle movements directly onto the A6 from this estate will increase congestion and increase the risk of accident. This is especially the case for those trying to turn right out of the site – local residents will testify to the problems they encounter on a daily basis. Our view is that vehicles should only be permitted a left turn out of this estate. For those turning right onto the site there should be a central pull in to ensure traffic behind does not back up waiting for the vehicle in front to be able to turn into the estate. We are also very concerned about the proximity of the adjacent bus stop to the estate entrance. Those vehicles tempted to overtake the bus when stationary at the stop will be blind to those vehicles turning out of the site – and of course vice-versa.

6. Whilst welcoming new families into the village the Council is concerned that the children of school age will not be best served by available transport. The secondary schools in Charnwood that village children attend are Burleigh and Garendon. The County Council have very recently discontinued the school bus service to these schools and, as there is no direct public transport option, children now rely on parents to take them. Allowing development in the village on the scale proposed will further exacerbate the use of private vehicles for this purpose. This runs counter to the Borough Council's Climate Change Strategy where school journeys are specifically identified as “offering significant potential for change”

7. Much of the agricultural land between Hathern and the River Soar is important floodplain. Fields have flooded in periods of heavy rain and there have been problems with run-off surface water from the A6 getting into local housing along this road and into the adjacent fields. Furthermore there have also been instances of overflow release of sewage into the ditches that boundary the proposed development site. The Council is very concerned that this development would exacerbate these issues and create further problems for local residents.

8. The Council has a number of specific issues related to the layout of this estate.

a. For several of the existing neighbours there clearly is a loss of amenity. We are especially concerned for Nos 130 and 138 Loughborough Rd where new housing is located much too close to these existing properties. We are concerned that such proximity will bring noise disturbance and a loss of privacy.
b. The children's play area is positioned to ensure maximum detrimental impact on existing neighbours. Such an area is likely to be used almost exclusively by children living on the estate and therefore it should be more centrally located where it would be better suited for residents and where any noise and nuisance created would be borne by those residents.
c. The surface water ponds could be unsafe to children. We are concerned that there are 5 such potentially dangerous sites within this estate.

On the basis of the above issues and concerns Hathern Parish Council cannot support this planning application

R G Dann, Chair Hathern PC 29.04.2010

Charnwood Borough Council Planning Application - P/10/0337/2 - 27 Shepshed Road, Hathern.

Hathern Parish Council - Response to Planning Application P/10/0337/2 - 27 Shepshed Rd

We note this is a retrospective application where, without planning approval, the occupier has been running a business from a residential property for some time. The Council considers this use of a residential property in this area totally inappropriate. It is clearly causing nuisance and disturbance to immediate neighbours. This type of business should be located in an area properly designated for commercial activity. We strongly object to this application.

R G Dann, Chair Hathern Parish Council

Charnwood Borough Council Planning Application - P/10/0425/2 - Three Crowns Marquee

Charnwood Borough Council Planning Application - P/10/0380/2 - Gladstone Street

Hathern Parish Council – Response to Planning Application P/10/0380/2 – Gladstone St

The Council has concerns about the relative size of this structure and its visual impact, being located in a very prominent corner position.

Charnwood Borough Council Planning Application - P/09/0276/2 - Proposed Erection of 10 Houses at Brunsleigh Croft and at the Rear of 71 Loughborough Rd, Hathern, LE12 5HV

Response from Hathern Parish Council dated 18th August 2009

Hathern Parish Council objects to this yet further application to build on this site. Our primary concern is still highway safety and the consequential safety of residents. The Council re-iterates its basic objection :

This section of the A6 through Hathern has a poor safety record with many accidents over recent years. Vehicles from the additional 10 houses using the shared access junction will further increase the risk of further accidents to both pedestrians and road users especially as the proposed access to the development conflicts with the junction opposite, ie between the A6 and Wide St.

The proposed provision for right turn into the development is inadequate and right turners into the development will create potentially dangerous tailbacks on the A6. These vehicles will, at best, queue up parallel to the vehicles queuing to turn right into Wide St from the Kegworth bound carriageway of the A6 and will have to cross through that line of stationary vehicles into the path of vehicles coming from Loughborough. At worst right turning vehicles into the development will cross into the lane dedicated to right turners into Wide St and queue there, potentially head to head with vehicles turning right into Wide St. There will be insufficient room for right turners from both carriageways to queue during the busy periods of the day and drivers will become confused as they approach this section of the road. The risk of collision between vehicles from opposite directions intending to turn right into Wide St and the proposed development must be considered very real as is this risk of accidents as the queue of vehicles turning right into Wide St spills out onto the main part of the carriageway.

We have further concerns that the access driveway has been narrowed to include a single lane section with the pedestrian footpath removed – this could create safety issues for residents and visitors. Furthermore we are not convinced, from the information provided in this application, that the provisions made for the protection of this site's bat population meet those previously detailed by the Borough Council's ecologist.

One final point. We entirely disagree with the presumption made in the letter to yourselves, dated 27th July, from the developer's agent that the most recent revisions to application are only of interest to the ecologist. The consequences of all changes made to these plans need to be considered properly by all those concerned in the planning process. We trust that the officers and members of the Borough Council will do just that.

Yours Faithfully

Mrs M Spencer, Clerk to HPC,

CC. RG Dann, Chair Hathern Parish Council
18.Aug.09

Charnwood Borough Council Planning Application - P/09/0276/2 - Proposed Erection of 10 Houses at Brunsleigh Croft and at the Rear of 71 Loughborough Rd, Hathern, LE12 5HV

Hathern Parish Council objects to this further application to build on this site. Our primary concern is highway safety and the consequential safety of residents.

This section of the A6 through Hathern has a poor safety record with many accidents over recent years. Vehicles from the additional 10 houses using the shared access junction will further increase the risk of further accidents to both pedestrians and road users especially as the proposed access to the development conflicts with the junction opposite, ie between the A6 and Wide St.

The proposed provision for right turn into the development is inadequate and right turners into the development will create potentially dangerous tailbacks on the A6. These vehicles will, at best, queue up parallel to the vehicles queuing to turn right into Wide St from the Kegworth bound carriageway of the A6 and will have to cross through that line of stationary vehicles into the path of vehicles coming from Loughborough. At worst right turning vehicles into the development will cross into the lane dedicated to right turners into Wide St and queue there, potentially head to head with vehicles turning right into Wide St. There will be insufficient room for right turners from both carriageways to queue during the busy periods of the day and drivers will become confused as they approach this section of the road. The risk of collision between vehicles from opposite directions intending to turn right into Wide St and the proposed development must be considered very real as is this risk of accidents as the queue of vehicles turning right into Wide St spills out onto the main part of the carriageway.

The visibility onto the A6 from the access road is of utmost importance – the A6 is a busy and fast road (despite the 30mph speed limit). The Council is concerned that safety is being compromised by an insufficient line-of-sight requirement. A bollard in the centre of the A6 will be required – another hazard for drivers to negotiate and no doubt create its own accidents.

Furthermore the recent changes to the road marking on the A6 toward Kegworth providing on-road parking bays has made the approach to the access point to the development and the turn into Wide St even more hazardous by narrowing the available road and affecting the line of sight around the bend

These safety issues are considered paramount by residents of Hathern and we foresee a significant increase in the risk to both drivers and pedestrians if this proposed development is carried through in its current form.

Yours Faithfully

Mrs M Spencer, Clerk to HPC,
CC. RG Dann, Chair Hathern Parish Council

Planning Application P/08/2048/2 - Dishley Grange.

Hathern Parish Council is totally opposed to the proposed development of the countryside to the North and West of Dishley Grange for the following reasons :

1. Much of this development (53%) lies within the designated floodplain and as such presents further risk of flooding to neighbouring communities along this section of the Soar Valley. By developing on floodplain we are surely storing up problems for the future.
2. A large parcel of farm land (8.5 hectares - almost as much again and the proposed development area) will be turned over for “flood compensation”. This means that this land cannot be used for agriculture, recreation or any future development. This cannot be a sensible use of such a valuable resource. Surely there must be alternative sites where the land can be used much more effectively.
3. The land under consideration here forms part of the important green corridor between the village of Hathern and the encroaching sprawl of Loughborough. The Council is opposed to any development that further erodes that area of countryside and threatens its settlement identity.
4. Clearly such a development will attract a significant additional level of traffic into the local area. Apart from that associated with the 800 new employees there will be a large number of HGVs and other commercial vehicles coming and going from the site. All of these vehicles will have to use the A6 and most of these will come through Hathern on their way to the M1/M42/A50. There will be additional noise, disturbance and airborne pollution affecting all who live within the vicinity, together with an increased risk of serious accident as these vehicles travel through our village.
5. The consequential increase in traffic that will use the A6 through Hathern runs contrary to one of the Priority Outcomes from the recently published Leicestershire Sustainable Communities Strategy 2008, ie “Less traffic goes through the centre of Hathern (A6)”
6. The proposed development is speculative with no current need demonstrated. There are many industrial units in and around Charnwood that are empty. Such development should be focused on existing brown field sites.

Planning Application: P/08/2115/2 - King's Arms

Application No. P/08/1302/2 Listed Building Consent.

We note the very high standard of design and finish in this application.

We have no objections to this application.

Appeal Ref No : APP/X2410/A/07/2059246/NWF Charnwood Borough Council Planning Application - P/07/1311/2 - Proposed Erection of 15 Houses at Brunsleigh Croft and at the Rear of 71 Loughborough Rd, Hathern, LE12 5HV
18 Feb 2008

Planning Application No. P/08/0056/2
Location; College Garth, Derby Road, Hathern.

Planning Application No. P/07/2896/2
Location; 23 Dovecote Street, Hathern.

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