Purpose Question Assessment

Prevent the merging of settlements Question 1A: Are there physical features to prevent the merging of settlements and does the land contribute to maintaining the open and undeveloped character of the land? Answer 1A: Yes. The Blaby Bypass (A426) which runs along the western boundary of the Green Wedge from Enderby Rd to the north to where it joins the Lutterworth Rd to the south of the parcel is a physical feature that would prevent the physical merging of Blaby and Whetstone. This would however leave just a dual carriageway between the two settlements if infill development were to take place, and therefore not necessarily provide a clear distinction between them, or protect their individual characters as separate settlements.

Question 1B: Are there features to provide a visual perception of distance between settlements? Answer 1B: Yes. Whilst the Whetstone side of the Bypass is hedge and tree lined along this stretch, there are some breaks in the trees in places, at which points it is evident that the built development of Whetstone abuts the edge of the Bypass. A small buffer is in place between the bypass and the rear of the properties, giving a sense of separateness from the land further to the East. On the Blaby side of the Bypass, there is a vegetated boundary (which in the middle part of the northern part of the parcel is on a raised embankment). This is formed of hedgerows and trees that block a wider view, adding to the sense of separateness between settlements. At times (near the stables and the Vipers RFC ground in the northern half of this parcel), a wider view can be seen to the landscape beyond towards Blaby, and fields and a perception of distance can be gained, with rooftops of Blaby looking further away in the distance. Therefore the topography and the presence of the hedgerows and trees is important in contributing to the perception.