Residential scheme that could support 340 jobs set to move forward following appeal

An appeal to build up to 170 homes at a site in north Leicestershire has been won after the local council initially refused to back the scheme.

The development is now expected to support around 340 local jobs.

Fisher German helped David Wilson Homes and Anthony Raymond Shuttlewood win the appeal against Charnwood Borough Council, paving the way for the residential scheme off Cossington Road in Sileby to move forward.

The Council initially refused to grant outline planning permission on the grounds that the site was in an Area of Local Separation (ALS) between Sileby and nearby Cossington, and argued that Sileby had already met the growth target set out in the Council’s Development Plan.

Angela Brooks, associate director at Fisher German, was called as an expert planning witness by Paul Tucker QC, acting for David Wilson Homes, at a public inquiry.

The presumption in favour of sustainable development was engaged as the council were unable to demonstrate a five-year supply of housing.

Brooks was able to successfully demonstrate that any negative effects of the proposed development in terms of character and appearance and the conflict with the development plan were outweighed by clear benefits.

She said: “This is a fantastic result for David Wilson Homes – we felt its application did not contradict relevant guidelines and that there was a good chance the appeal would be allowed by the Planning Inspector.

“While the site was indeed in the ALS, under half of it will be developed with built form, and the separation between Sileby and Cossington would remain.

“We’re delighted the Planning Inspector agreed with our submissions and that David Wilson Homes will now be able to deliver much-needed housing in north Leicestershire.”

John Reddington, managing director at David Wilson Homes East Midlands, added: “Winning the appeal for a new development in Sileby is fantastic news as it brings the delivery of 170 much needed new homes ever closer for Leicestershire property seekers.

“The plans for the development include a mix of housing and will form part of a major investment in this part of the county. Our development would also underpin approximately 340 jobs for local people.”