New-build plans rejected despite previous approval

The homes would have been built on the edge of the village of Kilsby

Plans for homes to be built near a village have been rejected despite having been previously approved.

In December, West Northamptonshire Council had granted planning permission for 19 homes, including seven affordable properties, towards the western edge of Kilsby.

However, after changes to part of Section 106 contributions - money from the developer for infrastructure - the Barby Road application went back to the planning committee and has now been refused.

More than 230 objections were raised by members of the public against the plans, which were also not supported by the area's Conservative MP, Stuart Andrew.

Following the decision in December, the plans were heard again in June but deferred for a site visit before appearing in front of members for a final time on Thursday, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Ian Gidley from the Kilsby Action Group said the need for more houses in the village - which lies a few miles outside Rugby, Warwickshire - was a "fallacy" and called on members to reject the proposals as it was outside of the village confines.

Speaking on behalf of the applicant, Alasdair Avila-Thorne said it was "clearly evidenced" that there were insufficient sites within the village boundary to meet the identified local housing needs.

Members voted to refuse the plans on the basis that the development would be outside the village confines and did not meet the 'exceptional criteria' necessary to do so.

They also found that the proposal would result in the loss of open land, which would conflict with the character of Kilsby.

Richborough Estates have up to six months to appeal the decision with the planning inspectorate.