Blaby District Council’s refusal of an application of up to 170 dwellings in Countesthorpe has been upheld by The Planning Inspectorate.

The application on land adjacent to Leicester Road and Foston Road in the village was refused back in November 2016.

The Council rejected the plans, submitted by Catesby Estates Limited, after the application conflicted with policies set out by the Blaby District Local Plan, which seeks to promote sustainable development.

In addition, the substantial development would have “represented an unwarranted intrusion of urban development beyond the existing well defined edge.” It was also felt that the dwellings would have caused “significant harm to the character and appearance of the landscape and character of the village.”

Summing up the appeal in his 11-page decision, Inspector Richard Allen concluded:

“The proposed development would not accord with the development plan as a whole. The material considerations advanced by the appellant are not sufficient to persuade me that the proposal should be determined other than in accordance with the development plan.”

Mr Allen also established that Blaby District Council can demonstrate a five year supply of housing land, which is required by the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Councillor Sheila Scott, Portfolio Holder for Planning, Housing Strategy, Economic & Community Development, said:

“This is an important ruling for us, and one which we are naturally delighted with. We were clear with the applicants from the outset that this was not a sustainable site for development.

“We hope this sends the message to applicants that we will refuse planning applications if they do not follow the guidelines and policies set out both nationally and by this Council.”

The ruling comes a year after another appeal was dismissed following the refusal of up to 150 homes off Cosby Road in Countesthorpe.