Plans for 155 homes in a Leicestershire village were rejected due to flooding and access worries from residents.
Gladman Developments Ltd made the application, needing permission in principle with later details needing approval, too. The plan had mostly market-price homes, but also included 39 affordable homes. Green spaces, footpaths, and play areas were also in the plan.
People strongly opposed the housing plan. 369 objections were submitted online. Residents worried about increased village flooding. The Blaby District Council planning group voted and rejected the application at a meeting.
Chestnut Close residents feared the plan because flooding has worsened in recent years. New construction might worsen river flooding since roads and roofs increase water runoff, making village access impossible during floods.
A resident spoke passionately at the meeting, questioning the site entrance safety. The road barely fits two modern cars, meaning construction trucks would cause problems. He argued emergency and council vehicles would struggle and called the speed limit “ludicrous”.
He stated housing density would rise greatly and access issues remained from a 2019 plan that was also rejected. He showed a newspaper about a fire hazard and warned about emergency vehicle access problems on Oak Road.
The planning group rejected the housing plan, citing unwanted urban intrusion and harming the local landscape’s appearance. They decided significant harm would occur.