Residents still strongly object to the scheme

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A controversial proposal to build holiday lodges in a Leicestershire village looks set to get approval after it was initially rejected by planning officials. The scheme, for land at Outwoods Lane, in Coleorton, had been previously labelled “wholly inappropriate”, but is now likely to be approved.

The resubmitted plan, by Darren Betteridge, would again see one new building and three holiday lodges built on the land, near Coalville, to help boost tourism in the area. Similar proposals were turned down by planning officials at North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) in May, when more than 50 residents spoke out in opposition.

However, the scheme now looks set to get approved by NWLDC next week, after the authority said the latest proposal would not have an “unduly harmful effect” on Coleorton. Objections have been submitted against the new plan, as well as some comments in support.

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Documents submitted by JJM Planning, on behalf of Mr Betteridge, reveal his latest proposal would differ from the previous ones by moving all the lodges into the central parcel of land, rather than spread out as before. It is a change that the applicant said he believed made better use of the land. Facilities alongside the lodges, which would be used as holiday rentals, would include a general store, food area and washing facilities.

The documents stated: “The proposals represent an efficient use of land. The proposal would make a positive contribution to helping to maintain local services in the area from visits by guests to nearby services and facilities. The site is well placed in respect of local footpaths and cycling will be promoted on the site as a sustainable form of travel. The proposal would not result in any unacceptable impacts on the natural, built or historic environment.”

Six parking spaces would be allocated alongside the lodges. Three full-time jobs and two part-time jobs would be created if the plan went ahead, the documents stated.

However, concerns remain with residents. Some oppose the application on the grounds that - wherever the lodges were located on the site - it would destroy the character of Coleorton, with others questioning whether a shop on the site would benefit anyone.

One objector said: “The idea of a shop in the middle of a field surrounded by three lodges to support it is as ridiculous as it is unsustainable. [It] raises more concerns than it seeks to address. The proposals unnecessarily increase the urbanisation of the countryside.”

Others have said they believed the lodges would benefit the village. One supporter said: “I feel that the addition of these units for tourist accommodation will only enhance the facilities and opportunities of the area. We are very pleased to live in such a beautiful area and am sure that many other people would benefit from this same opportunity that the area and surroundings offers.”

In their latest judgement, council planning officers acknowledged that some of the site “could be considered to be encroachment into the countryside”, but that the scheme would not have “an unduly harmful effect” on Coleorton itself.

In their report, officers say: “It is not considered that the proposed lodges and additional building would have an unduly harmful effect on the dispersed character of the settlement to warrant the refusal of the application on these grounds. As such, it is considered the proposal would result in acceptable character and appearance impacts as well as impacts on the surrounding countryside.”

The holiday lodges are recommended for approval. A final decision will be made by NWLDC’s planning committee on Wednesday, November 30.