Homes plan refusal could see unwanted poultry farm built at eyesore site on outskirts of Melton

Springbourne Homes Limited wants to build the homes on land east of Sandy Lane, between Melton and Burton Lazars.

It has also said the scheme could involve the reconstruction of an original 1940’s Nissen hut at the site as well as the creation of a heritage interpretation centre which could house information about the site’s history, its links with the RAF Melton Melton Airfield and role during the Second World War and the site’s post-war use as a Polish Displaced Persons Camp.

Melton Council’s planning committee, which will discuss the outline planning application tonight (Thursday), has been recommended by planning officers to refuse the proposals on grounds that the housing development would be in an unsustainable location, creating an isolated community, and that it would be ‘likely to lead to an intensification in use of Sandy Lane which is considered unsuitable in design and width to cater for the increase.’

If the housing application is refused local residents fear a poultry farm will be built there instead.

Earlier this year Agrinvest, the sister company of Springbourne Homes Ltd, won a planning appeal and as a result was granted planning permission to house around 270,000 broiler chicken in seven sheds at the site.

Residents remain concerned about the negative impacts they’d experience if the poultry farm is built, particularly the smells, although assurances have been given that mitigation measures would be put in place.

Adrian Burr, director of Agrinvest and Springbourne Homes Ltd, previously told the Melton Times said: “As a responsible and considerate company we’ve listened to the local community regarding their concerns about the poultry farm. We subsequently re-examined the site and our options and submitted a new planning application for a residential development. It’s now a matter for the local community and council to discuss and decide between a poultry farm or new homes on the site.”