A planning application for a 500 home development in Barleythorpe has been submitted by De Merke Estates.

This application was received on the 13th of July and was validated on the 19th of July 2022.

If successful, this development will take place on land west of the Main Road (B640).

In May 2022, De Merke Estates hosted a consultation on this development, set to be called The Lookout.

Here, an early draft masterplan was prepared for the site, setting out how new homes could be delivered alongside the potential for a new primary school or other community facilities, public open spaces, and associated infrastructure.

However, the application submitted by De Merke states that: "The need for a Primary School in the area is documented in the OBNP (Oakham and Barleythorpe Neighbourhood Plan). Equally, the desire for a Doctor's Surgery has been raised through pre-application discussions and consultations, yet the requirement for such a facility (or a Primary School) is not presently recognised either by RCC (an Education Authority) or the local NHS healthcare provider."

On the 26th of May 2022, residents voted in favour of the Oakham and Barleythorpe Neighbourhood plan referenced here. Find out more by clicking the link.

Oakham resident Jason Bates commented on the application submitted by De Merke: "It's a 500 house development, on a greenfield site, it's in the wrong place, it's the wrong size, and it should be rejected.

"Oakham needs houses, but this isn't the right place OR the right size, it will destroy irreplaceable landscape features and create a cul-de-sac development that will cause significant traffic risk, and lead to poor outcomes for a town that is already struggling with strained infrastructure after years of housing development."

Residents have limited time to comment upon or object to this development.

The link to voice these objections or comments can be found here.