Developer loses appeal over 134-home village plan

A developer has lost a bid to overturn a council's refusal of plans for up to 134 homes on the edge of Sharnford.

Blaby District Council turned down planning permission for the development of a 16-acre (6.6-hectare) greenfield site to the north of Leicester Road in July.

Applicant Maxi Property Development Ltd subsequently lodged an appeal against the refusal.

However, a government planning inspector has now upheld the council's decision.

The inspector said he agreed with the authority that the site was unsustainable and unsuitable for new housing.

In a report, the inspector said: "Sharnford is extremely limited in terms of the services and facilities within it.

"I accept that there is a school, public houses, play areas and a car garage, but note that there is no shop or post office.

"As such, facilities for day-to-day living and convenience are not available within the village itself, with residents instead needing to travel to other nearby settlements, such as Sapcote or Stoney Stanton, for day-to-day services and facilities."

The inspector said there were bus services and walking routes to neighbouring villages, but that he was unconvinced they were an easy, realistic or practical alternative to a car.

Mike Shirley, the council's portfolio holder for planning and the village's ward councillor, said: "Planning policy makes it clear any new housing scheme should be sited sustainably, with options for residents to work, shop and access amenities which don't solely rely on the use of a private car.

"Our original refusal was based on the lack of these options, and it's gratifying to see our refusal upheld for the same reasons."

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