Villagers march on council in bid to stop homes
Angry residents will march to a council headquarters to oppose plans for hundreds of homes.
Barwell protesters are campaigning against a £250 million development that would see about 2,500 homes built, with employment areas, a school and health centre.
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In a referendum this year, 96 per cent of villagers who voted were against the scheme.
However, Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council is pushing ahead with the plans.
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Opponents are planning to march through Hinckley to the council offices on Tuesday, September 18, ahead of a meeting of the Liberal Democrat-run authority.
Campaigner Huw Williams said: "The referendum result has surely put an end to the crazy claims of Lib Dem councillors that Barwell residents were fully consulted about these plans and are in favour of this massive expansion.
"Quite incredibly, though, the Lib Dem councillors have made it clear they will not take any notice of the people of Barwell.
"They cannot simply ignore the will of our community and, along with people from Stapleton, Earl Shilton and other affected communities, we will be marching to the council offices in Hinckley."
All members are expected to be at the offices on September 18 for a full council meeting.
Council leader Stuart Bray will be asked to meet the campaigners and answer their questions.
The land affected is between Barwell and Stapleton.
It has been earmarked by the council as suitable for "sustainable urban expansion" and a planning application has been made by a consortium consisting of Ainscough Strategic Land, Barwood Development Securities and Taylor Wimpey.
Matthew Hulbert, the Lib Dem Barwell ward councillor, said the village could not afford to miss out on the opportunity for so much development.
He said: "There are those that are opposed to it and those who think it would be good.
"We've listened to the views of all sides and we believe this is only going to be for the best for Barwell.
"It comes with a new school, health facilities, development of the village centre and improvements Barwell can't afford not to have."
The marchers will meet at 6.30pm on September 18 on the corner of Regent Street and Market Place, in Hinckley, setting off at 7pm.
Comments
by City_C10
Thursday, September 06 2012, 10:15PM
“Over populated world and country, therefore land with have buildings upon them and will be eaten up to make way for new homes.”
by karinfall1955
Thursday, September 06 2012, 10:42AM
“@GrahamLE8. I think this item proves there is a wealth of difference between listening and hearing. To pretend to listen to people when you have already decided what is best for them is patronising in the extreme..”
by Peter20101
Thursday, September 06 2012, 10:42AM
“LikeItaLot, when was the last time you knew all your District Councillors did this?
I cannot remember when I last time I saw or knew that mine did
As these are the places to have good face-to-face discussions on many local topics”
by LikeItaLot
Thursday, September 06 2012, 10:21AM
“"Why not ask your District Councillors to have a "drop-in Surgery" so you can talk to them directly"
They should be doing that anyway !”
by Peter20101
Thursday, September 06 2012, 9:52AM
“Quote (from Matthew Hulbert); "We've listened to the views of all sides and we believe this is only going to be for the best for Barwell"...
Here is a quote from a district council website about the role of District COuncillors
A Councillors Role: As Representative
Most Councillors see their first and foremost role as representing their ward and the people who live there. To do this they may:
•Hold "drop in surgeries" normally in community centres.
•Deal with constituent enquiries about aspects of Council business.
•Undertake case work such as representing an individual or a family at special appeals.
•Support local partnerships.
•Win resources for their ward.
•Listen to the needs of local people when considering policy proposals and in decision making
Is this what your District Councillors do?
Is this happening with regards to Barwell & Lubbesthrope developments
No?
Why not ask your District Councillors to have a "drop-in Surgery" so you can talk to them directly”
by Graham_LE8
Thursday, September 06 2012, 8:10AM
“Quote (from Matthew Hulbert); "We've listened to the views of all sides and we believe this is only going to be for the best for Barwell"...
Which is all very well, but if he's wrong once built this is not a reversible decision and the development can never become rural again - besides which, has he taken into account the (similar but larger) prospect of New Lubbesthorpe's impact?
How can schemes of this size be considered in isolation?; combined they have the potential to swamp the A47 corridor with additional traffic, place greater demand on existing infrastructure, and pave over vast areas of greenbelt all in the guise of satisfying a somewhat unproven demand for housing based on forecasts from vested interests in housebuilding...”