Green field land ‘up for grabs’
PLANS for 168 homes next to the M1 in the county have been approved, despite a campaign to stave off the development.
The proposals, for a 15-acre site between Ratby and the M1, were approved by Hinckley and Bosworth Borough councillors after a warning by planning officers that Government policies in favour of providing housing land outweighed local rules suggesting the scheme was not acceptable.
Officials told the committee the council’s failure to deliver a five-year supply of housing land meant any refusal would likely be overturned by a Government planning inspector.
About 300 residents had previously gone to a public meeting to oppose Charterhouse Strategic Land’s plan for the land, off Groby Road, which includes part of the Springfield Riding School.
Villagers’ concerns range from nearby roads struggling to accommodate the cars the new homes will bring, to added noise pollution and the pressure the scehme will put on services such as schools and GP surgeries.
Planning committee member Councillor Andy Furlong asked officials: “What’s the point? If residents and their elected representatives cannot make decisions against unwarranted development, where does that leave us?
“The predicament comes as a direct result of the absence of a fiveyear housing land supply.
“That effectively means that every single piece of green field land across the length and breadth of our borough is basically up for grabs.
“It’s no surprise there are surveyors all over the borough, some trespassing on people’s land, in order to carve up parcels for potential housing development.
“What we are saying is the Government will strip me of my power as a member of this planning committee – basically ‘give up here in this room tonight.’
“I’m not prepared to then go down without a fight.
“If the government’s planning inspector wants to come and strip my powers, let them come. Let them do it.
“How did we get into this situation in the first place? Who was responsible and how are they being held to account and how and when will we get out of this mess?”
Ratby’s ward councillor, Ozzy O’Shea, said it was not fair to ask the residents to take more housing.
He said: “The people of Ratby have taken enough houses and pressure from the council over the years.
“They cannot continue to sustain this problem.
“Please think what you’re doing and please, please vote against this proposal.”
The plan was passed by eight votes to six, with two abstentions.
Charterhouse said: “The development will respect the local character but also move the community towards a more sustainable future, through a significant increase in housing choice and an appropriate outward expansion to Ratby.
“Development will accord with the principles of high-quality design and best practice to create a townscape that is varied and sympathetic to its environment. The aim must be to achieve a development with a strong identity and distinct sense of place while at the same time integrating with the community.”