‘Absolute disgrace’ as village is set for another 65 houses
INFRASTRUCTURE JUST NOT THERE TO SUPPORT A LARGE DEVELOPMENT, SAYS CAMPAIGN GROUP
CAMPAIGNERS have slammed as an “absolute disgrace” a council’s decision to approve the construction of 65 homes in a village near Hinckley despite widespread opposition from residents.
A proposal to develop fields to the east of Roseway, in Stoke Golding, caused a split down party lines between councillors on the planning committee at Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council when the application was considered.
The five Conservative and one Labour member voted against the scheme, while 11 Liberal Democrat representatives voted in favour of it.
Campaign group Friends of the Community: Stoke Golding prepared a detailed document to oppose the plan, citing concerns over access to the site and the extra pressure the estate would put on village services.
Steve Martin, from the group, said of the decision to approve the Glenalmond Developments application: “This is an absolute disgrace. The councillors who voted in favour of this development did not have the decency to even visit the site and take up our invitation to engage with residents.
“For them, this was a pure desktop exercise. How can they make a such decision without visiting? This should be illegal.”
Mr Martin told councillors during the meeting: “Following national framework policy, this proposal is unsustainable in terms of social, environmental and economic impact.
“Village growth outweighs amenities and infrastructure. Our schools are full. Appointments at the surgery are now weeks.
“We only have one small shop. There is no longer a post office. Transport consists of an hourly bus service that ceases at 7.30pm, with none on Sundays. More homes cannot be justified.
“The proposed site would eliminate a significant green space and the views thereof from the surrounding lanes and footpaths.
“The site is outside of the village boundary, highly prominent and would command an elevated position, harming the intrinsic value and rural, farm-based feel and character of Stoke Golding.
“The views from Stoke Lane across the fields to the east and into the village are valued by many.
“Further, the view of St Margaret’s Church from Hinckley Road, Dadlington, would be obliterated by this development.”
Concerns were also raised about the potential for flooding, as the land is predominantly clay-based and the water has to run off rather than drain through.
One of the councillors who backed the plan said local councils effectively had their hands tied as they were under pressure to help provide new homes.
Councillor David Cope said during the meeting he had a lot of sympathy for residents’ concerns, but that district councils are under pressure from central government to meet housing demand.
He said: “I’m deeply unhappy with this development, like many others, but as things stand what can be effectively and sensibly done to prevent it?
“Especially as we’ve got the sword of Damocles hanging over us if we are seen to deviate from the directives issued from afar, and they are overseen by inspectors.
“I remain unimpressed, but more depressingly, deprived of the real ability to influence the situation as I’d want to.”
Friends of the Community: Stoke Golding was previously successful in its opposition to plans for 55 homes, off Wykin Road, which were rejected by the borough council.