Decision over controversial business units pushed back

Councillors have failed to decide on plans for 35 new business units in a Leicestershire village which received more than 80 objections.

At a meeting, North West Leicestershire District Council's planning committee discussed proposals for new commercial units at Hill Top Farm in Castle Donington.

Officers had advised approval, but the committee delayed the decision because of concerns raised about empty units. However developers say the site would create new jobs for the area.

The committee agreed the decision would give the developer "a couple of weeks" to "investigate the demand needed more thoroughly" for the additional units and to "investigate additional signage".

Developer, JMI Planning, on behalf of applicant John Hambleton, said that the units would "address a shortfall" of employment land in the district and would create new jobs.

However, the proposal received more than 80 objections, with many objectors pushing back on the claims it would help address the employment land shortfall, with one calling it "preposterous".

The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) said one objector, Julia Redfern, told the committee: "The site is on designated greenbelt land within the countryside, which falls outside the limits of development."

Mark Rogers, parish councillor for Castle Donington, said the development would "adversely affect the conservation area, reverse the recent traffic improvements, increase the risk to life, and reduce the amenity value of the area".

Jon Imber, a representative of JMI Planning, argued the developer "worked closely with officers to demonstrate demand" for the units.

He also addressed concerns about potential traffic through Castle Donington, saying the plan would ensure new weight restrictions would direct HGV traffic to approach and leave by the A453 rather than going through the village.

Councillors put forward a motion to defer the planning application as they were on "difficult grounds" to make a decision during the meeting.

Councillors voted 10 in favour of the deferral motion, with one against.

Follow BBC Leicester on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.