Protest at Big Pit housing scheme plans

CAMPAIGNERS opposed to plans for filling in Hinckley’s Big Pit as a precursor to building 60 homes will be staging a mass protest today. (WEDNESDAY SEPT 6)

Launched by the Big Pit Resistance Group the gathering will take place at the Ashby Road entrance to the flooded clay quarry from 4pm.

Leaflets have been posted through doors in the local area and an open invite has gone out to anyone interested in saving the pool, a haven for wildlife and one of the last remaining stretches of open water in Hinckley.

Laptops will be available to allow people to log comments on the borough council’s website where the latest planning application for the 60 affordable homes can be viewed.

Petition papers will also be available to sign and to take away.

The full planning application from housing association Orbit Group Limited has been lodged with the council and will be decided at an upcoming meeting.

The scheme involves draining the Big Pit then dumping 75,000 cubic metres of inert material into the void before work starts on constructing the homes.

Planning permission for the infill works was granted on appeal in December 2014.

Campaigners believe the site should be preserved as a nature spot and are convinced any physical works will disrupt local drainage increasing the risk of flooding.

Orbit say surveys and reports demonstrate the proposals are technically acceptable and the development will provide valuable, affordable housing.