Pinfold Lane, North Luffenham, Rutland

Exceptional exceptions site:

Close partnership with hard-working parish representatives over several years led to much-needed affordable homes being built in North Luffenham.

The need for homes

Following discussions with residents and councillors, Midlands Rural Housing conducted an initial housing needs survey in North Luffenham. This and additional information from Rutland County Council’s waiting list clearly identified there was a demand within the village.

Beyond the Brief

Community consultation

In 2005, a planning proposal was submitted to build eight homes on a former allotment site. The subsequent public consultation showed that whilst some villagers were skeptical about the need for affordable housing, generally people accepted that should go ahead. Consultation also highlighted uncertainties over whether the earmarked allotment site could be used. As a result, North Luffenham Parish Council was encouraged to reconsider the location of the prospective development. A working group was created to investigate any constraints, conduct a further local needs survey and identify other sites that might be suitable for ‘exceptions site’ development (that is, housing built as an exception to general planning policies). Midlands Rural Housing conducted a follow-up needs analysis in June 2007. This highlighted demand for a mix of rented and shared ownership homes. Alongside these findings, the working group identified an alternative site, on leased farmland adjacent to Pinfold Lane, owned by the parish council who agreed to sell to Spire Homes to allow building to proceed. The new site, whilst just outside the village boundary, was still close enough for residents to access local facilities. The outlook is also captivating, with beautiful views across open fields.

Maximising build potential

Working with architects, Jefferson Sheard a revised planning application, supported by the parish council, was submitted to Rutland County Council and proved successful. Development started on-site in November 2008 and the final scheme mix comprised:

Rented units: 2 x one-bedroom flats

2 x two-bedroom houses

1 x three-bedroom houses

Shared ownership units: 2 x two-bedroom houses

2 x three-bedroom houses

Pinfold Lane was completed in July 2009 and as the scheme is an exceptions site, priority was given to North Luffenham residents and people with a strong connection to the village - the shared ownership and rented properties were quickly occupied.

Design sustainable

All of the properties were constructed using a sustainable method of modern construction, the Westframe timber frame solution. Using prefabricated timber speeds up the building process and means that other trades can start working on properties before the brickwork is completed. It’s also highly sustainable as residual materials can be re-used for other products – so you get less waste. In fact, 94% of construction waste from the site was recycled, as part of the Longhurst Group commitment to the national ‘halve waste to landfill’ campaign. The homes at Pinfold Lane also have air source heat pumps for their heating and hot water, which keep fuel costs and carbon emissions low. Spire Homes is committed to supporting local communities wherever possible. Most of the operatives working on the scheme were Rutland or Leicestershire residents, and wherever possible, materials were sourced from local builders’ merchants.

Conclusion

Rural ‘exceptions’ developments be a minefield; they need considerable time, energy and support to come to fruition. North Luffenham Parish Council’s dedication and influence were vital to help bring this scheme to life. Members not only engaged the local community and persuaded local people of the need for affordable housing, they also actively supported pre-planning discussions and kept people informed through a range of ongoing parish meetings. But the results – as the Pinfold Lane scheme clearly proves – are well worth the work.