Enderby EYE

the village ...and beyond

Enderby Heritage Group express concern over development

18 September 2007

Photo: Heritage Group members and visitors on site

Heritage Group members and visitors on the Aldeby site in June this year.
Photo: Enderby EYE

English Heritage and Enderby Heritage Group have both expressed fears that one of the oldest church sites in Leicestershire could be damaged by developers.

The developers have submitted a proposal to build 54 homes next to the site and Enderby Heritage Group want more archeological work undertaken to ensure that there are no undiscovered historic foundations close by.

The Group believe an abandoned village could be in the vicinity of the former Clark's Garage site and fear that heavy goods vehicles and plant may destroy ancient stones and artifacts.

English Heritage has written to Blaby District Council backing the concerns raised by the Heritage Group.

The site of the ancient church, built about 1,100 years ago lies to the rear of the potential housing project

Concern was expressed during the course of an 'open event' in June this year, when the Heritage Group were on hand to guide members of the public around the site. During the course of the event the Group said they were committed to preservation of the site and keeping a close eye on the nearby development proposals.

Spokeperson for Enderby Heritage Group, Mark Carne says the Group are concerned that the protected site could be damaged by vehicles and contractors huts and it is crucial that further archeological work is carried out to ensure that there is nothing else there.

The Heritage Group believe there may have been a settlement close to the church, and would like further opportunity to try to find it.

The Group believe the site is the 'lost' village of Aldeby, which cannot be proven unless further digs are carried out.

Access to the site would be from St Johns and a deceleration lane from the main carriageway of the B4114 would be built.

Blaby District Council Planning Officers, who will hear the application, are recommending the proposal be approved pending further archeological reports.

Their report states: "The development is in accordance with the development plan, does not materially harm the character or appearance of the area or the living conditions of neighbouring occupiers.

"Further to consultation with the County Highway Authority, the proposed development is considered to be acceptable in terms of traffic safety and convenience, subject to a variety of improvements to the local highway network."