Land swap brings Leicester SUE scheme closer

Stephen George + Partners LLP (SGP) is currently working with William Davis Ltd on Phase 1 of the North East of Leicester Sustainable Urban Extension (SUE) known as Thorpebury. The scheme has taken a step closer with the submission of a Section 73 request for minor changes to previously approved Reserved Matters Applications, after a “land swap” between William Davis and David Wilson Homes.

Explains Peter Brown, Studio Director at SGP’s Leicester office: “There are three home builders involved in Phase 1 and swapping the parcels of land will allow for better site access and an improved delivery programme. There will be a slight change in house types and positioning, but the overall numbers of homes will remain the same. Both William Davis and David Wilson Homes will be able to start construction early, which will speed up delivery of homes on site.”

SGP has worked with William Davis to design 144 units, out of a total of 604 dwellings proposed for Phase 1 of the Thorpebury SUE. Situated on approximately 360 hectares to the north-east of Leicester, the development will, in total, provide 4,500 new homes in a balanced mix of high-quality housing which can flexibly meet a wide variety of needs in both the short and longer term. As well as diverse employment opportunities, two schools and two local centres, green infrastructure and open community spaces will be key features within the new community.

Concludes Peter: “We have worked closely with all three Phase 1 developers and the landowner to coordinate the site layout and urban design, ensuring that each parcel presents a character which is distinct from the next, whilst still providing a single, coherent sense of place throughout the development.”

The planning decision is expected around June and Phase 1 will be on-site in Quarter 3 of 2021.