Planning Context
This page explains how the site was identified for homes, what an outline planning application involves, and which councils are involved.
Leicester draft allocation plan (click to enlarge)
What is an outline planning application?
An outline planning application asks the council to approve the overall framework for development of a site and key elements such as how people and vehicles access it. It does not fix every detail of the design.
For this site, the principle of housing development has already been established through its allocation in Leicester's adopted Local Plan. The outline application focusses on matters such as access, the amount of development proposed, and the way the site is intended to come forward.
If outline permission is granted, a later stage called “reserved matters” follows. At that stage, the detailed layout, appearance of the homes, landscaping and materials are worked up and submitted for approval, with a further opportunity for public consultation.
Facilities plan (click to enlarge)
How was this site chosen?
Every council must have a Local Plan: a long-term blueprint for where new homes, jobs, shops and services should go. Leicester City Council’s Local Plan was formally adopted on 9th June 2026, after being examined by the Government’s Planning Inspectorate. It identifies this site, land north of the A46 Bypass, as a strategic location for new homes under Policy SL04.
The policy asks for a high-quality design, a mix of types and sizes of homes, affordable housing, self-build plots and open space, and for the on-site pond to be kept. It also requires a masterplan and phasing plan to guide delivery.
Green infrastructure plan (click to enlarge)
Is the site in the Green Belt?
In addition to the site’s allocation status, it is not within the Green Belt and is not covered by any national or local landscape designation, making it well-suited to build housing.
The Castle Hill Green Wedge does lie to the west of the site, and the Local Plan asks that development takes account of it. Our design has done so by placing the lowest-density housing and extra planting at the western end of the site, beside Anstey Lane.