Plan for 180 homes rejected over highways fears

Plans to build 180 homes on the edge of a Leicestershire village have been rejected over concerns about extra traffic.

Developer David Wilson Homes wanted to build the properties on 50.1 acres of farmland south of London Road in Great Glen.

Harborough District Council planning officers had recommended the scheme be approved but councillors voted to refuse a planning application when they met on Tuesday.

The authority had received 199 objections to the proposal.

Concerns included fears the amount of new homes would generate extra traffic on the nearby A6 in an area that is already congested.

Trustees of the 1,260-pupil Leicester Grammar School were among the objectors and councillors were told there were about 1,100 vehicle movements into the grounds each morning.

Leicestershire County Council highways officers warned the cumulative impact of new homes, along with other proposed developments in and around the village could have a "severe adverse impact" on the transport network.

David Bainbridge, agent for the applicant, told the committee the development was sustainable and measures could be put in place to mitigate the highways impact.

However, councillors disagreed and voted by seven to one to refuse planning permission.

The committee was warned that new national planning legislation meant the local refusal of any housing scheme of more than 150 homes would be referred to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) which might review the decision.

Peter Scott, who represents Great Glen on the council, told the BBC: "I'm very pleased permission was refused. Anyone who knows the A6 would tell you how bad the traffic gets.

"I am concerned the government may now try to get our local decision overturned."

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