A decision on a scheme to build 100 homes on land off Standard Hill in Hugglescote has been deferred to the next meeting of North West Leicestershire District Council's planning committee.

The plan was 'called in' by Cllr John Geary, representing the Snibston North ward, ahead of Tuesday's committee meeting.

But councillors were told that a decision on the development would now be put back, despite being recommended to permit the application in the associated agenda.

The meeting heard the reasons were that a number of questions were raised at a technical briefing last week in relation to sustainability, and credentials of the site, along with planning policy and highway safety matters.

Councillors were told that initial responses had only just been received ahead of the meeting and that officers had not had the chance to consider the answers and be ready to answer questions about the planned development.

The homes are being planned for Standard Hill in Hugglescote, near Coalville. Photo: Instantstreetview.com

David, Anthony and Andrew Frearson, and East Midlands Housing Association, have applied to demolish the existing buildings and build the new houses with access, foul pumping station and associated landscaping and infrastructure.

But the reasons for Cllr Geary's 'call-in' are based on the design, layout and access to the site from Standard Hill.

Cllr Geary says Standard Hill is a dangerous road where vehicles travel in excess of the speed limit and where accidents have occurred.

He adds that the crossroads in Hugglescote and Ravenstone are over capacity and awaiting improvement works, and that residents of the private road would wish to ensure their access was preserved and that an appropriate boundary treatment was delivered.

Council officers had recommended to councillors that they permit the development, subject to a 106 agreement which would see all of the homes on the site be made affordable housing.

This is along with financial contributions towards education, highways, civic amenity, libraries, health, National Forest and open space, sports, and recreation facilities, which amount to almost £1.2million.

Plans for the development off Standard Hill. Image: North West Leicestershire District Council

The application was submitted in February of last year, and a design and access statement, published at the time, said: "Situated to the western edge of Hugglescote, the application site is accessed from Standard Hill. It is known locally as Jack's Ices – the site of a former ice cream factory.

"The site is adjacent to a greenfield site that has been granted approval for 400 dwellings to the north-east and north-west boundaries.

"The site will be accessed from Standard Hill as per the previous application.

"The location of the proposed junction has been adapted to suit the new layout and the existing topography of the site.

"Due to the location of the site forming an entrance route into Hugglescote, Standard Hill changes from 40mph zone to a 30mph zone prior to entering the formal designation of Hugglescote.

"It is noted that this demarcation will need to be amended as part of the proposed residential development, with the 30mph zone relocated to ensure the new site entrance falls within this."