Locals flock to view plans for new Oakham housing development off Brooke Road
Plans for a long-mooted housing development went on display today with dozens of residents going along to find out more.
Taylor Wimpey wants to build 165 homes off Brooke Road in Oakham on a green field site close to the level crossing.
The national building firm laid out its proposal at a one-day exhibition held at the Oakham Methodist Church, with a site plan, information about road improvements and details of a dedicated green space on display. More than 30 people attended within the first half an hour.
The scheme has been proposed since 2015 and has been in and out of local plans. It is currently not an allocated site for housing development in the county council's current draft local plan, but that is now likely to change due to the Labour government's house building initiative which will see housing targets increased hugely. Rutland County Council expects that it will have to double the number of homes being built and so new sites will have to come forward.
At the exhibition, residents seemed resigned to the fact that the 165 homes would be built but had concerns about traffic.
Steve Barrow, who lives in nearby Trent Road, said: "It is cast in stone as far as I am concerned. However, there is an issue with traffic and the nearby level crossing, which can be down for 12 to 13 minutes sometimes. What needs to happen is a bridge built across the level crossing, but that will cost millions."
The site is close to Brooke Hill Academy and at school opening and closing times the road often becomes jammed.
The developer is proposing to create 15 off road parking bays to alleviate congestion; build a small car park of around 15 spaces for school drop offs and also put in a new turning lane near to the level crossing.
David Haines, who has lived on Brooke Road for seven years, said: "I'm a nimby obviously, but who wouldn't be if they knew their view was going to be lost? There will be a lot of social housing and lots more traffic. I don't think the houses are aesthetically pleasing. There has been no thought put into the design."
The scheme will contain 30 per cent affordable housing and the literature on display said: "At the heart of the new neighbourhood lies a commitment to local distinctiveness. Inspired by Oakham's traditional architectural style, the development will prioritise exceptional design quality, ensuring the new homes blend harmoniously with their surroundings and foster a strong sense of place."
The developer says it will review feedback next month and then submit a planning application in March. It expects a planning decision this autumn and then to start building in September next year.
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