A PLANNING application has been submitted for a multi-million pound riverside scheme in Leicester which is set to create a whole new neighbourhood of affordable family homes, apartments and a park.

Planning is being sought for a new community at the 10 hectare site, which was the former British Union Shoe Machinery works in Ross Walk. The impressive scheme, drawn up by architects Marchini Curran Associates (MCA) is funded by a mix of public and private funding and will incorporate one of the largest parks built in the city for a century.

The mixed use scheme will include 191 properties comprising of 137 town houses and 54 apartments which will be delivered by the developer Westleigh Developments. 119 of the properties will be social housing units available through Leicester Housing Association and Nottingham Community Housing Association's affordable rent and shared ownership initiatives.

The site will eventually contain around 1,200 homes and feature six children's play areas and include, shops and cafes, office space and a nursery. 

Outline planning consent was granted for the site early in October 2009 and demolition of the old buildings has already begun, completion is expected in April 2011.

"The scheme will create a whole new neighbourhood," says Nils Feldmann of MCA, "and will feature creatively designed apartments and family housing that incorporates many affordable properties.

"The run-down BUSM site will be transformed into a vibrant new community close to the Belgrave Road area of Leicester, says Nils. "The brownfield site is within one of Leicester's five regeneration zones, and features in the city's masterplan for change."

"This scheme can kick start the regeneration in the north of the city. This is the first time that a developer will bring such a large number of family houses into a city centre regeneration area. There will be a mix of apartments and townhouses and 120 of the units in the first phase of 190 homes will be affordable, which is what people are looking for when the housing market is still so difficult to crack.

"Following on from this, there will be shops, bars and restaurants and a children's nursery and play areas."

The key aims of the development is to make the scheme sustainable and to provide affordable family housing.

Nils continues: "Under the current climate, it is vital that we incorporate sustainable features in the design of the scheme. The townhouses and apartments meet the requirements of the Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3 and incorporate highly insulated shells, solar panels and exhaust air heat pumps. Rain water run-off will be reduced through the use of permeable surfaces to courtyards and SUDS along the LEAP and the first part of the Linear Park."

Nils adds: "In the future there will also be the added benefit for residents who will be able to enjoy walking and cycling by the river."