East of Ratby Lane, Markfield
The Site
Our site is located to the east of Ratby Lane and south of Jacqueline Road, adjacent to the existing built-up areas of the village to the north and west of the site, providing the opportunity to create a sustainable and well-connected development.
The site is located roughly 10 minutes walking distance from Markfield Village Centre, which offers key services including a school, shops, a GP practice and community facilities. It has excellent transport links, providing easy access to Leicester, the M1 and A50, and nearby towns. Local bus stops are within walking distance, with the nearest around 225 metres from the site, connecting residents to employment and leisure opportunities in Leicester, Coalville and the surrounding areas.
Site location plan
Housing Need in Markfield
The recent Hinckley and Bosworth Local Plan – where Markfield has been recognised as a ‘Key Rural Centre’ – highlights a growing need for additional housing in the borough, which is further supported by the updated National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which has increased housing targets by 59%, from 433 to 689 homes a year. As a result, the council must identify suitable sites for development.
The adopted Markfield Neighbourhood Plan also recognises the requirement for a minimum of 334 new homes between 2020 and 2039 and identifies a large proportion of older households in the village, indicating an increased demand for housing suitable for downsizers.
Planning History & Context
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council started work on a new Local Plan in 2017, highlighting a growing need for additional housing in the borough. As part of the process of preparing the Draft Local Plan, the council must identify suitable sites for development. Our site east of Ratby Lane, is now allocated for development of around 130 homes in the draft Hinckley and Bosworth Local Plan 2020 – 2041. We have been working closely with officers from Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council to develop proposals for the site that meet the aspirations of the Council and the local community.