PROPOSALS to knock down an ageing sheltered housing complex in Lutterworth and build 24 homes in its place have stalled.
The district council’s planning committee was not happy with the design and layout, questioned the adequacy of parking and the effect on traffic by building on land on Maino Crescent where Westerby Court stands.
Questions were also raised over the lack of open space and the impact on schools as a result of the new residents.
They had been advised by planning officers that development was acceptable.
Deborah Floody, Seven Locks customer relations manager, told us: “We have carefully considered the recommendations of the planning committee and believe we have now made the changes to our application and proposals which fulfil their requirements.”
The Observer reported in February on Seven Locks Housing’s proposals for 17 two and three bedroom houses, four flats and three bungalows to be rented out to its tenants.
There has been old person’s housing on the site since the mid-1960s when three properties for two people and 13 for flat for one with wardens accommodation was build.
And in the late 1970s 11 further bungalows and car parking were added.
But the association said bedsit-style rooms had become difficult to let and had been deemed the site unfit for purpose with most tenants moved to alternative accommodation.
The project had the backing of the town council and just five letters of objection were received from people living by.
It is not known how much it would have cost although planning documents show a bid for £360,000 had been made to the Homes and Communities Agency with the district council contributing £45,000.
A date for the revised application to go back before the committee has yet to be set.
