The emerging proposal has been informed by in-depth analysis of landscape and visual considerations.
The site is set within the context of adjacent built-up areas, transport infrastructure (including the M1 motorway), and surrounding employment buildings, all of which are an urbanising influence on the landscape. Within this context, the site itself has no pronounced sense of scenic quality, tranquillity or distinctiveness that sets it apart.
However, whilst the site has no intrinsic landscape value, its northern elements play a role in the setting of Kirby Muxloe castle. The layout of the proposed development has therefore been informed by detailed consideration of how this important feature is seen in the landscape to mitigate any potential impact. This approach has had the benefit of maximising the opportunities for the provision of high-quality green infrastructure and tree planting. It is also proposed that a significant number of bungalows would be provided with those areas of development towards the north of the site, with reduced building heights in these locations responding to landscape and visual considerations.
Overall, it is considered that the landscape impacts of the development would be limited and localised. The planning application will be accompanied by a Landscape Visual Assessment which will identify and assess any potential impacts of the development on the surrounding landscape.
Green wedge
It is recognised that the site is located within the Green Wedge. However, the Green Wedge designation is not a constraint to any/all development, rather it is intended to guide development to appropriate locations.
Blaby District Council conducted a review of the Green Wedge in 2016. In this review, it was concluded that the area of Green Wedge including the proposed development site should be considered for removal from the Green Wedge. A key role of Green Wedge is to act as a recreational resource. In relation to the site, the review concluded that:
Land between the M1 and Kirby Fields is a potential candidate for Green Wedge review. It is largely inaccessible to the public, and fails to meet other Green Wedge objectives.
Green Wedge Review (Blaby District) 2016
Therefore, not only would the release of the site from the Green Wedge be consistent with guidance from Blaby District Council, but it would also in fact contribute to objectives of the designation by providing public access to outdoor recreational space on the site where none currently exists, while delivering much-needed development in a sustainable manner.
An extract from the Green Wedge Review (Blaby District) 2016 showing the site marked for review due to is failure to meeting Green Wedge objectives. - Click to enlarge