Oak Road planning appeal

The Planning Inspectorate has concluded a four-day appeal into the refusal of a 155-home development off Oak Road, Littlethorpe. 

Blaby District Council planning committee members rejected the outline planning application when it came before them on 13 February.  

They rejected the proposal saying it posed “significant and demonstrable harm” to the character and the appearance of the local landscape and village. 

Applicants, Gladman Developments Ltd, appealed the decision, leading to the public hearing. 

Both Gladman and the Council set out their arguments to the Planning Inspector and several residents also gave their views. 

Gladman contested the site is ordinary farmland, not within an area of elevated value or sensitivity and already heavily influenced by the adjacent urban area of Littlethorpe. 

They argued there would be minor adverse effect on the local character overall and the 155 homes, including 25% affordable properties, would deliver much-needed homes. 

During the inquiry Gladman’s legal team provided strong justification and evidence that contradicted the views of the Council, as outlined by the planning committee in February.  

This left the Council with limited options to continue the defence of the decision without being seen as unreasonable.  

As a consequence, Gladman’s offered the Council the opportunity to concede the case, without incurring further costs which could have been considerable. Upon the advice of the Council’s legal team, it was agreed a concession was in the best interests of the Council.  

However, even with a concession of the case, the final decision still rests with the Planning Inspector.