‘Homes fight goes on’
VILLAGERS TO KEEP OPPOSING SCHEME AFTER REJECTION APPEALED
VILLAGERS have vowed to continue their fight against attempts to build 55 homes.
The scheme for a site off Wykin Lane, Stoke Golding, was turned down by Hinckley and Bosworth borough planners due to concerns about the impact on traffic and the village’s infrastructure.
Developer Davidsons Homes has now requested a four-day inquiry into the rejected project.
Steve Martin helps organise Friends of the Community: Stoke Golding, which filed an opposition to the plans.
He said on the group’s Facebook page: “We are continuing to build the facts and data of our resistance in readiness for the appeal and will certainly need a further show of the strength of feeling from the village at the appropriate time.
“Once we know more, we will share.”
Mr Martin spoke at the Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council planning committee meeting at which the plans were rejected.
He told councillors: “In reference to national framework policy, this proposal is unsustainable in terms of social, environmental and economic impact.
“Our schools are full and waiting times at the doctor’s surgery are now weeks rather than days.
“The village population has already outstripped our amenities and infrastructure.
“More homes cannot be justified until this situation is resolved.”
The site entrance was to be in Wykin Lane.
Mr Martin told the meeting: “Wykin Lane is a narrow, poorlymaintained country lane.
“To add more traffic to this lane with a site access point directly opposite the cemetery entrance would be reckless and negatively impact highway safety.”
Councillor Jonathan Collett, who represents the ward where the homes would have been built, also opposed the plans.
He told the meeting: “You will have seen the weight of public opposition to this plan – more than 260 responses against this proposal and only one in favour.
“The village is absolutely united against this proposal.”
A motion to refuse the application was approved by eight votes to seven, with two councillors abstaining.