Concerns have been raised that it would add too much pressure on traffic and services in the area, with the village already taking on another 282 homes, being built to its south
Controversial plans for 93 homes in Markfield have been thrown into the air after the scheme was refused by councillors at one local authority despite having been approved by those in another.
Residents of the village have strongly opposed to the proposal to build on pastureland between Ashby Road and the A50 since the scheme emerged last year.
Concerns have been raised that it would add too much pressure on traffic and services in the area, with the village already taking on another 282 homes, being built to its south.
The majority of the scheme, filed by Penland Estates Limited and RV Millington Limited, falls within Charnwood borough, and the scheme was approved by the area’s council in December 2021.
However, land which is a key part of the plan, where the proposed access for the estate is to be created, falls within Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council’s area.
Several Hinckley councillors echoed the concerns of residents about the scheme when it was first brought before their planning committee.
They deferred their decision so they could seek legal advice and to request more information from county highways officials about the impact the development would have on the community.
One important piece of legal advice that they received was that they could consider the proposal as a whole and how it would impact Markfield, and not just the access road and the immediate traffic impact.
The Hinckley councillors unanimously voted to refuse the homes, as their development, due to its location in the open countryside, would be ‘harmful to the character and appearance’ of the area and have an ‘urbanising’ affect.
They added: The proposal would have a significant adverse effect upon the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside.
Sue Pritchard, chairwoman of Newtown Linford Parish Council, within whose area the homes would be built, spoke at the meeting to oppose the scheme.
She warned that the development would add pressure to schools, healthcare and transport provision in Markfield and Newtown Linford.
She said: Transport from this development would be mainly by car. There is no benefit in having travel packs when there are such infrequent buses in this area.
This does not meet sustainability criteria and will lead to further traffic and parking problems within both villages, and Newtown Linford has suffered from both within recent years, she said.
