Area of Separation (c) Between Lubbesthorpe, Leicester Forest East and Thorpe Astley

Question

Answer

Further to the east there is the M1 motorway, beyond which is Thorpe Astley. A recreation area is situated just to the east of the M1 and is open in character, serving as a buffer.

Question 2: Does the land have an open and undeveloped character and are there areas of intervisibility?

Question 3: Does the land contribute to maintaining the character and identity of either of the separated settlements?

Question 4: Is the separation of settlements being compromised by inappropriate uses or development?

The land is open and undeveloped and the majority is publicly accessible. The open and expansive character serves as clear divide between the Leicester Forest East and New Lubbesthorpe. The area to the east of the M1 is open and used for recreation, providing a buffer between Thorpe Astley and the M1, and New Lubbesthorpe beyond. There are multiple areas where there is intervisibility between Leicester Forest East and New Lubbesthorpe when viewed from the built-up edges of these. Also, from several locations along the central area of the land (also publicly accessible) it is possible to view both these settlements simultaneously with the gap in between, allowing observation of the separation.

The topography affords extensive views across the open land towards the east, creating a clearly identifiable tract dividing the settlements. The built-up edges of the settlements are clearly defined and are distinguished from each other. The recreation area to the east of the M1 provides a more formalised area which abuts front facing properties on the edge of Thorpe Astley, again giving a sense of separation and from the urban feature of the motorway and the proposed extent of New Lubbesthorpe to the west.

The M1 is a built feature running through the land however is not considered to compromise the designation. It does not affect the gap between New Lubbesthorpe and Leicester Forest East, and is a continuation of the existing barrier between Leicester Forest East and Thorpe Astley.

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