All 7 Liberal Democrat Borough Councillors in Oadby have signed this letter going out residents potentially affected by the Washbrook Lane artificial pitch planning appeal:

Planning Appeal for Floodlit Artificial Football Pitches on WashBrook Lane

We just wanted to express our full support for the opposition by residents and park users to the above planning appeal.

We are making submissions to the Planning Inspectorate to oppose this development going forward.

Oadby and Wigston Borough Council refused the original application last year due to its harm on the environment (the site is part of the “green wedge” between Oadby and Wigston in the council’s Local Plan), increased risk of flooding and severe impact on neighbouring properties.

It is also likely that the scheme will create extra traffic using the already congested Wigston/ Brabazon junction and also affect the neighbouring Lucas Marsh Nature Reserve.

You can make a representation by 29^th May 2024 by visiting the case page on the Planning Inspectorate’s web site here bit.ly/washbrook

Residents and park users have formed a group to oppose this development. If you wish to get involved please contact us via email or phone and we will pass your details on so you can make contact.

Yours faithfully,

Cllr. Jeffrey Kaufman & Cllr. Latif Darr (Oadby Brocks Hill)

Cllr. Dr. Ian Ridley & Cllr. Jasvir Chohan (Oadby St. Peter’s)

Cllr. Samia Haq (Oadby Uplands)

Cllr. Dean Gamble & Santokh Athwal (Oadby Woodlands)

The planning application for artificial football pitches, a pavilion and car park on the land east of Washbrook Lane was refused in September by Oadby and Wigston Borough Council as it was contrary to several elements of the Borough Council’s Local Plan. The decision has now gone to the Planning Inspectorate for appeal. 

We hope that the decision is upheld as we agree that, in the words of the decision notice, the development would “…..impact on the open and undeveloped nature of the Green Wedge and the wider Landscape”. 

It looks like the Planning Inspectorate allow representations from groups, rather than individuals for the appeal. We would like to hear from residents who wish to make representations to the appeal to see if it can be coordinated as coming from a community group in an acceptable way to the Inspectorate. So please get in touch by replying to this email if you would like to be part of this.

Talking to council officers it seems that any representation to the Planning Inspectorate needs bring something new to the process. The appeal will have access to all materials submitted in the original application to Oadby and Wigston Borough Council, including objections by residents.

The Borough has a number of artificial pitches, the most recent of which was built 5 years ago at Beauchamp College.