Homes England visit New Lubbesthorpe
With more than 700 occupations New Lubbesthorpe is fast becoming a large new community in Blaby District.
Blaby District Council welcomed Homes England to view this new, award-winning development. Homes England is the Government body that works to fund new affordable housing and increase the number of new homes in the country.
The delegation spent a morning with Councillors and members of the Council’s Strategic Growth team looking around New Lubbesthorpe, which is nearing the end of its first phase of construction. Homes England’s visit gave them the chance to learn more about what has made this award-winning development such a popular choice for new residents.
Alongside new dwellings, representatives also saw the infrastructure that has been put in place so far. A presentation by the Strategic Growth team explained the history and future of the site, as well as highlighting the key lessons that can be learnt for future strategic developments in the district.
New Lubbesthorpe’s journey so far includes the opening of the first primary school and several play areas, as well as the introduction of sustainable public transport facilities including the Novus Flex and Novus Direct bus services. Two new Enterprise hire cars are also available to residents.
Homes England representatives were also shown the Community Hub next to the school where a dedicated community worker has been provided from the first day to welcome new residents.
Councillor Ben Taylor, Portfolio Holder for Planning Delivery and Enforcement and Corporate Transformation said: “To be able to host Homes England highlights the way in which New Lubbesthorpe has become a shining example of how new developments should be delivered across the country.
“We have worked closely with the landowners, The Drummond Estate, to ensure New Lubbesthorpe is a success. The Section 106 Legal Agreement secures the necessary associated infrastructure that help to make this development such a desirable place to live.
“It was fantastic to get such positive feedback from the delegation, especially in relation to the community work we have ensured was delivered. We want to continue to raise the profile of New Lubbesthorpe so that it becomes a national example of good practice.”
The final stages of this first phase of New Lubbesthorpe will see the completion of already approved housing as well as the provision of the first Local Centre on Tay Road which will include an array of facilities for the community.
Before Phase Two of the development can begin a new Design Code is required to provide guidance for house builders which sets out expectations of how high quality homes, streets and spaces should be designed.
In this coming next phase, all new homes will be required to offer some greenery to the street and each residential parcel will provide ecological enhancements, including hedgehog highways, along with bat and Swift boxes.
New Lubbesthorpe is set to continue its growth over the next three phases in order to provide 4,250 new homes, with the next major trigger at the completion of 2,000 homes, when the secondary school is required to be built.
More information on the progress of New Lubbesthorpe is available on the Blaby District Council website and social media pages.