'Overbearing' village warehouse plan refused
BBCControversial plans for a large warehouse in Kegworth have been rejected.
North West Leicestershire District Council's planning committee refused permission for the industrial building, in Packington Hill, at a meeting on Tuesday.
The committee heard more than 200 objections had been lodged by villagers against the scheme for the site of the demolished RBS data centre.
They voted to reject the scheme on the grounds it would be "overbearing" to nearby residents.
Councillors also said they were concerned neighbours would face noise and light pollution as a result of the development.
Kegworth Parish Council was among the objectors.
Chairman Andrew Priestley told the meeting it was feared the warehouse would be used 24 hours a day and seven days a week and that it would bring a "significant number" of lorries on to predominantly residential village roads.
He also warned nearby homes would be left with a view of "a wall of steel" if the 14.5m (47.6ft) building was permitted.
Angela Pritchard, who lives next to the site, said the warehouse was being "imposed" on the village despite concerns about noise and light pollution, traffic congestion and pedestrian safety.
Tom Beardsmore, agent for the applicant and site owner, Hobden Estates Ltd, said the development would be on previously developed brownfield land and could create 250 new full-time jobs.
However, those figures were questioned by objectors and committee members.
Committee member Rachel Canny, who voted against the application, said: "Kegworth is a small village and we are looking to put a huge warehouse on that entrance [to the village]."
District council planning officers had advised councillors to approve the scheme, arguing the application complied with planning policies and that there were no objections from statutory consultees.
The meeting was told the developer could appeal against the refusal and that government planning inspectors would have the final say on the application.
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