A decision to refuse permission for 200 homes to be built on a golf course is being challenged.<\/p>\n
In July, Blaby District Council’s planning committee voted to reject<\/a> the plans set for a large proportion of Blaby Golf Centre.<\/p>\n Councillors decided the scheme would be “harmful to the local area rather than beneficial” after concerns were raised over the pressure the new homes could place on local services.<\/p>\n Developers Hallam Land Management (HLM) is now appealing to the government’s Planning Inspectorate to overturn the decision.<\/p>\n Ahead of the decision, council officers recommended the scheme be refused and the application garnered more than 1,700 objections from the public.<\/p>\n In their report, officers said while the development would provide much-needed housing, the loss of 16 hectares of green wedge land was “considered to be inherently harmful.”<\/p>\n They said proposals to relocate other well-used businesses at the centre, including a dance school, gym, taxi rank, boutique and beauty salon, were inadequate.<\/p>\n Mike Shirley, council portfolio holder for planning and strategic growth, said: “We were confident that refusing this application was the right thing to do in planning terms when it came before us last year.<\/p>\n “The harms it posed, both to established and well-used local businesses and the local community, significantly outweighed the benefits of new housing.<\/p>\n “We do not believe the situation has changed and we hope the government planning inspector will feel the same way.”<\/p>\n The inspector will now carry out an independent review of the council’s decision to ensure it was made fairly and in accordance with planning law and policy.<\/p>\n Hallam Land Management has been contacted for comment.<\/p>\n Follow BBC Leicester on Facebook<\/a>, on X<\/a>, or on Instagram<\/a>. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk<\/a> or via WhatsApp<\/a> on 0808 100 2210.<\/p>\n More on this storyRelated internet links