Appeal lost over garden homes

GARDEN grab housing plans for a plot near Burbage village centre have been dismissed on appeal.

The outline application, to demolish number 65 Coventry Road, create a new access and build 13 new properties on the long rear garden, was originally turned down by Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council.

Now a Government inspector has upheld the decision on appeal saying the development would spoil the character of the area.

The scheme drew much local criticism when presented to the borough council.

While the submission suggested the project would bring “much-need- ed housing” to Burbage, more than 30 letters of objection were received.

The garden, described as more like a field by the inspector, borders Britannia Fields and so provides an open aspect link to the park.

While the inspector recognised the potential twostorey homes would not be overly intrusive visually, they would “represent a shift of the built up development beyond the edge of the village.”

He said: “Whilst I recognise that the boundary hedgerows and trees provide some visual containment, the degree of visibility will vary according to the seasons.

“The appeal site together with the adjoining fields, provide a contribution to the visual quality and the openness of the area.

“It adds to the character and appearance of this part of Burbage and provides an important contribution to the setting of the village.

“This positive contribution to the character and appearance would largely be lost by the development, which would substantially urbanise the site.

“Moreover, the siting itself, with the dwellings situated behind the existing dwellings at the front would create a backland form of development.

“This would introduce an uncharacteristic layout into the street scene.”