Up to 100 homes are proposed on a greenfield site on the edge of Oakham.

Jenkins Weir Ltd of Corby has applied to Rutland County Council to build the homes on a 8ha site north of Braunston Road.

It follows the developer consulting with nearby residents on plans to built up to 120 homes on the same site earlier this year, as previously reported by Nub News.

The outline application, submitted last month, promises up to 30% affordable housing, open space, green infrastructure, children's play area and a drainage scheme.

The application follows a scheme being approved by the county council recently for 62 homes off Braunston Road- a controversial decision that led to the resignation of a sitting Conservative councillor and a subsequent by-election, which was gained by the Liberal Democrats.

It also follows Rutland County County councillors deciding to develop a new local plan after they voted to reject £29.4M of funding towards infrastructure for the barracks garden scheme, a decision which had left the emerging local plan 'unsound.'

The planning application from Jenkins Weir says that with the Local Plan being withdrawn, no weight can be accorded to its policies, though it did say the plan said development would be focussed on Oakham.

Concerning the Oakham and Barleythorpe Neighbourhood Plan, it continued: "There is no clarity on whether the Neighbourhood Plan will progress to referendum and subsequently be 'made' given the recent withdrawal of the Rutland Local Plan.

"Regardless, no decision statement has been published and given unresolved objections to the plan, we consider that very limited weight can be attributed to the Neighbourhood Plan in the decision making process."

With these issues in mind, the application further mentioned Oakham was the 'most sustainable' location for growth in Rutland and the "proposals will provide a

significant boost of up to 100 new homes (including up to 30% affordable housing) in a wholly sustainable location."

There would also be "surface water drainage features and a significant provision of open space; including new planting and the reinstatement of the historic hedgerow."

The planning application promised: "The development of the land north of Braunston Road, Oakham provides a unique opportunity to create a new garden neighbourhood, building on the legacy and distinctive character of The Site."

It would also be: "Creating housing choice and provide areas of truly accessible public open space, whilst improving public access across The Site and the wider pedestrian network."

The application continued: "The masterplan is founded on best practice urban design principles, community integration and sustainable development, with strong links to the wider area.

"Braunston Road will be a highly desirable place to live for the 21st century and beyond, reflecting the desirable elements of the local vernacular. The proposals respect the local character but also move the community towards a more sustainable future, through a significant increase in housing choice.

"Development will accord with the principles of high-quality design and best practice to create a townscape that is both varied, and yet sympathetic to its environment.

"The aim is to achieve a development with a strong identity and distinct sense of place, whilst at the same time integrating with the existing community," it said.

The application further concluded: "The impacts of granting consent are not significant and demonstrable but the material benefits to be gained are considerable.

"Put simply, there are no insurmountable technical issues in the development control sense that should prevent permission being granted for this wholly sustainable development and, therefore, it is respectfully requested that planning

permission is granted without delay."

However, a campaigning Facebook group which opposed the recently approved 62 homes, has urged Oakham residents to oppose the scheme.

The group, created by Scott Henderson and other residents has posted: "The task ahead to get this site rejected is going to be extremely tough!

"What with having the 1st site, which is arguably more contentious, recently approved, the current Local Plan being scrapped and the 5 Year Land Supply quota in tatters.

"We can but try... "

The planning application can be found here on the Rutland County Council website.

Comments can be sent through the link here.