Anger as public hearing refused for Hinckleys Big Pit housing appeal

Residents and Councillors have reacted with fury to the news that an appeal about plans to build on a Hinckley nature feature will not be heard in public.

Orbit housing want to build 60 houses on the Big Pit nature feature, behind Ashby Road in Hinckley. Their proposals were turned down by Hinckley and Bosworth Council's Planning Committee at the beginning of this year. Orbit then appealed the decision and a Government Inspector will now make a decision on whether to allow the development to go ahead or not.

Residents and Councillors are angry that the Government Inspector will only be receiving written submissions and there won't be a public hearing where people can come and give their views to the Inspector.

Local Councillor for the area covering the Big Pit, Michael Mullaney (Lib Dem: Hinckley De Montfort) said "There should be a full public hearing where members of the public can come and give their views to the Inspector on this issue. It's outrageous that there won't be a public hearing held at Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council where people can give their views.

"The plans to develop the Big Pit are hugely controversial. They have been turned down on many occasions by the local Borough and County Council. Over 1,500 people signed a petition opposing plans to build on the site.

"Questions need to be asked of how much of a fight the Tory Borough Council put up to secure a public hearing.

"It's essential that a public hearing is held on the Big Pit where residents and Councillors can express their view. Allowing only written submissions is an attack on local democracy."