Future Of “Green Wedge” to Be Decided
Date of Release: Tue 31st January, 2012
The public inquiry into the planning application to build 1,420 new houses and a new village centre on the ‘Green Wedge’ between Coalville and Whitwick opens at 10am on 7th February 2012.
The Public Inquiry is scheduled to sit for four weeks (Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays only) and will be held within the Council Chamber of North West Leicestershire District Council's Offices. The Inquiry is open to the public and will commence at 10am on each of these days.
The appeal is brought by William Davis Ltd and Jelson Ltd who are contesting the Council’s resolution to refuse the application.
The Council’s position is that the land in question is designated as protected green space and plays an important role in protecting the individual identities of Coalville and Whitwick, and should therefore be protected from development now and in the future.
Portfolio Holder for Planning and Engagement, Councillor Trevor Pendleton said:
"Whilst it is disappointing that the applicants have chosen to appeal and take this decision out of local hands, the Planning Inspector will lead the public inquiry into the proposals for this site, and a final decision will be made.
"We have made it clear to the Inspector that we do not support this scheme and there are better sites for accommodating development in the Coalville area without having to compromise the green spaces that the public have told us are so important to them."
Following the Public Inquiry the Inspector, who will hear evidence from a number of parties during the coming weeks, will prepare a report for the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State will then decide whether or not planning permission should be granted for this scheme. If permission is granted, building could start by 2013 and last for approximately 15 years.
The Inspector’s report to the Secretary of State is expected to be submitted by 8th May 2012. The date of the final decision from the Secretary of State will be confirmed by the Planning Inspectorate shortly after the conclusion of the Public Inquiry.
