A revised proposal for a housing development in Barleythorpe has once again been hit with opposition from residents.

An original proposal was submitted in June 2023 by Allison Homes and the company responsible for the Oakham Heights development in Barleythorpe, for construction on the area enclosed by Wheatfield Way, Grooms Close, Haybarn Close, and the existing Oakham Grange care home. The plans requested planning permission for 67 properties, which has since been increased to 69, mainly one- and two-bed maisonettes and houses.

In the months following the initial submission, letters of objection from almost 30 households in the area were received by Rutland County Council, leading the planners to alter their proposals. However, since the latest submissions, many locals have claimed that their concerns have still not been addressed.

Almost 30 households in the area have submitted letters of objection (Philip Tradewell).

The majority of concerns relate to traffic and parking in the area, as residents point out that the area is already busy, with many having to park on roads. The adjacent children's play area is also raised as an issue with regards to an increased number of parked cars on nearby streets making it unsafe for children. In addition, homeowners expressed their discontent with the condition of the area, many years after moving in: a number of roads remain incomplete, and the local facilities and amenities are felt to be inadequate.

Stuart Kidd, on behalf of the Forestry Office, also states that the proposed developments interfere with nearby trees and rooting areas, and that shade from these would be unwelcome for potential new residents, leading to pressure to remove them.



The plans are for neealy 70 one and two-bedroom maisonettes and houses (Rutland County Council).

Recent flooding to the area has also led to worry. Some residents point to the overflow of drainage facilities last year on nearby Ostlers Drive and Stud Road, suggesting that a large increase in residents would only put more strain on these.

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All documents relating to the case are available on the Rutland County Council website, where local residents can also comment on the proposals.