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.