Council drops fight against 155 homes on farmland

The new estate could be built off Oak Road in Littlethorpe now the council has abandoned its challenge

A application for 155 new homes on Leicestershire farmland looks set to be approved, after a council conceded it did not make the right decision when it originally refused the scheme.

Housebuilder Gladman Developments Ltd applied to Blaby District Council for outline permission to build the new homes off Oak Road in Littlethorpe.

But the council refused the application on the grounds it would pose "significant and demonstrable harm" to the village, which led Gladman to appeal against the decision.

Gladman presented evidence to a four-day appeal hearing on the quality of farmland at the site, which has led the council to concede the case before the Planning Inspectorate announces its decision.

'Best interests'

Speaking following the hearing, a spokesperson for Blaby District Council said it had decided "in the best interests of the council" to drop its case to avoid further costs.

They said: "During the inquiry Gladman's legal team provided strong justification and evidence.

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

Gladman Developments did not wish to comment when contacted by the BBC.