Rutland County Council’s planning committee has given unanimous approval to a proposed housing development of 213 dwellings on a field adjoining Burley Road at the north‑eastern edge of Oakham.
Design aims to reflect Oakham character
Members heard that the scheme, submitted by Mulberry Homes Ltd, seeks to reference traditional Oakham architectural features. The design includes façades and chimneys intended to echo local vernacular; developers said chimneys would be largely decorative rather than serving working fireplaces.
"I like the look of them — they've been well done,"
was the view expressed by Cllr Steve McRobb (Labour) during the planning meeting on Tuesday 21 July.
Green space, play areas and allotments planned
Alongside the housing, plans include what officers described as extensive green spaces, play facilities and allotments. The new estate is designed to envelop the existing large Co‑op supermarket on Burley Road and to surround Wilson Playing Fields of Oakham School to the west.
- Total homes authorised: 213
- Self‑build plots: 10 (additional permissions required later)
- Heating provision: air source heat pumps for all houses
- Solar panels: not included, as applicants say sustainability requirements are met without them
Sustainability measures and the self‑build element
Max Mossman, speaking for the applicant, confirmed that every home would feature air source heat pumps. He also told the committee that because the development meets current sustainability standards without photovoltaic panels, solar arrays will not form part of the proposals.
The planning permission covers all 213 homes, but the application designates 10 plots as self‑build, which will require separate consents at a later date. No dates for construction or phasing were provided at the meeting.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Number of houses | 213 |
| Self‑build plots | 10 |
| Heating | Air source heat pumps for all homes |
| Retail presence | Existing large Co‑op supermarket retained within estate |
Committee members generally welcomed the design approach. Councillors cited the development’s attempt to sit sympathetically with Oakham’s built character and the inclusion of amenity and recreational space. Debate at the meeting concentrated on design, layout and sustainability measures rather than on the principle of development itself.
Residents and local stakeholders will now be looking for details on traffic assessments, school and GP provision impacts, landscaping plans and precise timings for delivery. As the permission includes self‑build plots, prospective individual builders may have future opportunities to apply for those specific plots subject to separate approvals.
The decision is significant for Oakham’s growth, adding a large estate on a prominent edge‑of‑town site. Further reserved matters and discharge of planning conditions will set out detailed implementation and mitigation measures in the months to come.
