‘Outrageous’ plan for 100 homes approved
COUNCILLORS APPROVE BUILDING ON OPEN LAND DESPITE OBJECTIONS
PLANS have been approved for more than 100 homes, despite neighbours’ and councillors’ concerns.
The application, which was submitted by North West Leicestershire District Council to itself, would see the estate built off Waterworks Road, Coalville.
Bardon ward representative Councillor Angela Black said people did not want the homes built.
She said: “I find it outrageous that we are here to object to another development in the Bardon area.
“I find it difficult to believe this council would allow taking away 4.2 hectares of green space.
“Residents do not want to lose this land.”
Planning chiefs conceded that while the loss of green space, used as recreation ground and a dog walking area, was “unfortunate”, alternative provision would be provided at Hermitage, in Whitwick.
This idea prompted anger from residents, with more than 1,000 signatures submitted against the plan.
Ian Allen, who spoke at the meeting, said: “Do you think cultivating Hermitage in Whitwick will compensate for the loss of land here? I don’t. Hermitage is 1.2 miles away.”
The site has been earmarked for housing since the former Coalville Urban District Council bought it in the 1950s.
Councillor John Legrys, Coalville West representative, said many residents had been “caught out” by this fact and said the council had not communicated this properly when proposing the scheme.
However, he also said he was dubious about the proposal, adding: “The grassland is unique to Leicestershire.
“We do not want more of our land to be built on. Genuine concerns about open space have been ignored.”
Others acknowledged the divisive nature of the scheme, but felt it brought many benefits to Coalville.
“The loss of any green space is to be deeply regretted,” said Worthington and Breedon’s Coun Ray Morris.
“This plan is ideally located for the town, but I fully sympathise with those against it.”
Councillor Jim Hoult said: “People need houses. Where do we build them? We’ve got to build them somewhere.” Whitwick councillor Dave Everitt said: “We should be really careful about this. These green areas are essential. We cannot keep building houses next to houses.”
However, committee members voting in favour of the scheme.
Coun Nigel Smith, chairman of the planning committee, said after the meeting: “This was an application that generated a lot of interest from people, especially around the loss of green space.
“We have a duty as a local authority to make sure our district provides the housing that is required by our communities, so on balance the committee decided to permit the development.”
I find it outrageous that we are here to object to another development in the Bardon area
Councillor Angela Black