Claire Harris our Councillor for Markfield, Stanton Under Bardon and Field Head - Reports:
It has been an incredibly busy and, at times, frustrating period
across the ward, largely driven by a surge in planning applications.
As many residents will know, without a Local Plan firmly in place,
our area remains vulnerable to speculative development—and we
are seeing the consequences of that now.
There are several significant applications currently affecting our communities.
• THE HILL LANE PROPOSAL for 67 dwellings remains open for consultation
until 5th June.
• A large logistics park has been proposed on WHITWICK ROAD, seeking to
cover a substantial green area due to its proximity to the M1.
• The JACQUELINE ROAD APPLICATION for 135 dwellings, which was deferred at the last planning
committee, is due to return on 2nd June, with a decision likely made before this article is published.
• More recently, we are also facing an application in STANTON UNDER BARDON for a new employment
site.
I want to be very clear: I am not opposed to development. However, I strongly oppose unsustainable development
and the cumulative impact these proposals are having across our ward. The current situation is already placing
enormous strain on our infrastructure and everyday lives.
Traffic congestion has become a daily reality. Simply getting out of the village can feel like a challenge, with
queues backing up across key routes. Parking is increasingly difficult, forcing residents to park on grass verges and
pavements. Speeding remains a concern, and when incidents occur on the M1, our local roads quickly become
gridlocked. Like many of you, I share this frustration.
I have been working continuously with residents to raise objections where appropriate and to ensure your voices
are heard. I have also met with cabinet members to push for practical, short-term solutions. While progress has
been limited, I have secured some patchwork repairs in Markfield, with further resurfacing promised later this year.
However, on highways infrastructure, I want to share a particularly concerning piece of information. Since 2010,
developers have contributed approximately £2.66 million through Section 106 agreements specifically for highways.
That is a significant sum.
Naturally, I asked how much of that has been reinvested into highways improvements
within my ward.
The answer? Zero.
Yes—none of those funds have been spent locally. Instead, they are
reportedly being directed towards the wider growth corridor, delivering
little tangible benefit to our residents. This raises serious questions
about fairness, transparency, and whether the system is working for our
communities.
Another growing issue is school access. I am increasingly receiving
casework from families in Markfield whose children are unable to
secure places at the local school and are instead being allocated places
elsewhere.
This is not only unsustainable but deeply unfair for families who chose
to live in the area expecting access to local services. It is certainly not
something highlighted in glossy developer brochures.
At present, the balance simply is not right. Financial contributions are not
meaningfully mitigating the impact of development, and too often decisions
rely on “tick-box” exercises that fail to reflect real, lived experiences. Quite
frankly, residents are fed up—and I understand why.
Is it really too much to ask for basic infrastructure improvements such as
additional parking provision or safe pedestrian crossings to accompany
new developments?
Please be assured that I hear your concerns and am actively working to
represent them at every level. I would also strongly encourage all residents
to take part in Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council’s Regulation 19 Local
Plan consultation when it opens. This is a crucial opportunity to shape the
future of development in our area.
Together, we must ensure that our communities are heard.
