'Land should be protected, not developed'

CONTROVERSIAL DEVELOPMENT NEAR PARK IS REFUSED

- By HANNAH RICHARDSON

A HUGEGLY controversial “unauthorised” development next to a Leicestershire park has been rejected by planning officials.

Work on a traveller pitch on former allotments in Sycamore Street, in Blaby, was carried out over the August bank holiday weekend.

This was done without the correct permissions from planning authority Blaby District Council, with an application that was lacking some of the necessary documentation submitted to the authority on the Friday of the bank holiday weekend.

The “unauthorised” work saw hedges cleared to enlarge the access, gates erected and hardstanding laid to make room for a static caravan and a touring caravan.

An updated retroactive planning application seeking that permission was later submitted by McDonagh, sparking hundreds of objections from residents.

Blaby District Council’s planning committee met late last week to debate the plan, with elected members unanimously rejecting it.