Date of golf course homes appeal confirmed

An appeal against a council decision to refuse planning permission for 200 homes on a golf course is set to be heard in May.

In July 2025, Blaby District Council's planning committee voted to reject the plans for a large proportion of Blaby Golf Centre.

Councillors decided the scheme would be "harmful to the local area rather than beneficial" after concerns were raised over the pressure the new homes could place on local services.

The council has now confirmed that an appeal, launched by developer Hallam Land Management (HLM), will be heard by the government's Planning Inspectorate over nine days, starting on 13 May.

The original decision to refuse the plans was made last summer after more than 1,700 residents voiced objections to the scheme.

In a report produced for the planning committee, council officers said while the development would provide much-needed housing, the loss of 16 hectares (39 acres) of green wedge land was "considered to be inherently harmful".

They said proposals to relocate other well-used businesses at the centre, including a dance school, gym, taxi rank, boutique and beauty salon, were inadequate.

Speaking after HLM announced its appeal, Mike Shirley, council portfolio holder for planning and strategic growth, said he was confident refusing the plans was the "right thing to do".

"The harms it posed, both to established and well-used local businesses and the local community, significantly outweighed the benefits of new housing," he said.

"We do not believe the situation has changed and we hope the government planning inspector will feel the same way."

The council said the hearing will start at 10:00 BST on 13 May in the Council Chamber at Blaby District Council's offices in Desford Road, Narborough.

Listen to BBC Radio Leicester on Sounds and 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.