Blaby District Council has recently announced its plans for a new housing development, Hayes Gardens, set to occupy a 141-acre area to the east of Enderby in Leicestershire. This proposed development has generated significant controversy due to the potential closure of the Enderby Golf Course to make way for the new community.
The majority of the land designated for this development is owned by Santander UK, with the council expressing its intention to close the primarily council-owned Enderby Golf Course to facilitate the project. Council leader Terry Richardson has emphasized the importance of gathering input from local residents before finalizing the decision to incorporate the scheme into the local plan development strategy.
“In collaboration with Santander, we envision Hayes Gardens as a sustainable community model. In addition to addressing the pressing need for housing, this development will focus on providing more publicly accessible green space and promoting biodiversity. Furthermore, improved access routes for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles aim to alleviate the long-standing congestion issues in Enderby, especially around Mill Lane,” stated Richardson.
Despite being in the early stages, the proposed development aligns with the council’s commitment to meet the government’s target of identifying land for 687 new homes annually until 2036. Nick Roberts, the head of property at Santander UK, has expressed the company’s support for the local plan and emphasized their desire to contribute to the broader local community within which they operate.
The public will have the opportunity to learn more about the scheme through a series of public meetings scheduled for May and June. These meetings will serve as a platform for the community to voice their opinions and concerns about the potential closure of the Enderby Golf Course and the construction of the new housing development in its place.
As the debate continues, it is evident that the proposed closure of the golf course has ignited strong feelings within the community. The potential loss of a beloved recreational facility must be carefully weighed against the pressing need for additional housing and infrastructure development. It is crucial that all voices are heard, and the decision-making process is transparent as local authorities work in collaboration with the private sector to shape the future of Enderby.