Oakham housing plans promise 'nature-led' estate

A new 70-house estate on the outskirts of a Rutland town will be "nature-led" and designed to "promote residents' health and wellbeing" according to documents submitted by the developers.

The proposed estate site is an eight-acre field south of Stamford Road in Oakham, west of the roundabout connecting Stamford Road with Burley Park Way.

The plans have been submitted to Rutland County Council by the field's owners, the Society of Merchant Venturers (SMV) – a Bristol-based charity founded in the mid 1500s.

They state 21 of the homes will be classed as affordable to create a "sustainable, attractive new community".

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the proposals include green spaces to "support wildlife habitats, promote residents' health and wellbeing, and provide a new play area for children".

The SMV said under the scheme "a clear sense of place will be developed, building on the character of Oakham through high quality architecture, open space, and respect for the historic character of the neighbouring conservation area".

To encourage outdoor activity in and around estate, a network of pedestrian and cycle paths would also be incorporated into the development, including along "green corridor" routes that would connect with existing public footpaths, it said.

The estate would be divided into four quadrants by two main roads that converge at the centre.

People can comment on the application through the planning portal on Rutland County Council's website.

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