Reserve plan for new Big Pit group
CAMPAIGNERS fighting to prevent housing development at Hinckley’s Big Pit are stepping up a gear.
The Big Pit Resistance Group are looking to form an action committee aimed at ensuring the flooded former clay quarry is turned into a community nature reserve.
The move follows the refusal of a planning application from Orbit Housing to drain and fill the pool and build 60 homes,
Anyone interested in supporting the group and its mission is invited to a meeting this Thursday at The New Plough Inn on Leicester Road Hinckley, starting at 7.30pm.
Leading campaigner Dan Stokes said: “The purpose of the meeting is to set up a community group that will aim to fundraise using grants and loans and research the possibility of eventually purchasing the lake and land known as The Big Pit.
“Anyone who is interested in this matter or wishes to volunteer to get involved will benefit greatly from attending as there will be a large amount of information to go through, and some plans to make.”
While Orbit’s planning bid was refused in January it may not mean the end of development threat to the watercourse off Ashby Road.
Permission for the infilling of the pool, as a precursor to housebuilding, is already in place.
It was granted, along with 27 stringent conditions, in December 2014 by a Government inspector on appeal after both Leicestershire County Council and Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council vetoed the plans.
At the time the borough could not show a five year supply of available housing development land - a significant reason for the appeal approval.
The privately owned site is seen by many as a picturesque wildlife haven, which should be tended and opened up to visitors.
Opponents of building on the pool also say there is strong evidence it is spring fed and any residential development would disrupt these natural channels, potentially resulting in flood risk.
Following the decision to refuse the plans, a spokesman for the landowner of the Big Pit site said: “The officers again spelt out to the councillors that they should think twice before turning down this application because they will not be able to win on appeal and it will cost the council a great deal of money.
“Only the design and outlay of the development itself is up for discussion because the site already has planning permission to infill the pit and build 60 affordable houses.
“An objection was made and a vote taken regarding parking spaces plus a couple of other low key complaints about the layout and design all of which are easily rectified.”