'A victory for common sense' - Residents delighted after housebuilder shelves a controversial scheme in Harborough

David Wilson Homes had hoped to erect two flags and advertising on thecorner of Bates Close and Alvington Way

Campaigners are hailing a victory for “common sense” after a housebuilder shelved a controversial scheme in Market Harborough.

Residents have been battling plans by David Wilson Homes to erect two flags and advertising on the corner of Bates Close and Alvington Way.

The story of their bitter fight to stop the controversial blueprint was carried on Harborough Mail online on March 30 and you can read it here: https://www.harboroughmail.co.uk/news/people/yet-another-slap-face-campaigners-fight-against-plans-erect-pole-and-two-flags-near-controversial-new-estate-harborough-2522838Protesters have now spoken to the Mail of their “huge relief” after the application to Harborough District Council promoting the developer’s nearby 128-home Burnmill Farm estate was suddenly withdrawn.

Ecstatic Mike Major, 73, deputy chairman of Burnmill Farm Estate Action Group, said: “We are delighted.

“This is a victory for common sense and we are pleased that David Wilson Homes have acted to drop this initiative.”

He added: “We have been fighting no end of problems blighting the Burnmill Farm development right on our very doorsteps for many months now.

“Local people have united like never before to try to combat a whole catalogue of flooding issues throughout the winter – as well as heavy lorries invading our tight, narrow streets.

“So it’s great that this plan has been withdrawn after we have strongly opposed it right from the start.”

The retired chief executive of a London-based trade association, Mike also praised Harborough MP Neil O’Brien for getting behind their crusade.

“We would also like to thank our local councillor, Dominic Fosker, for his first-class support and the key role played by council planning officer Matthew Jedruch,” said Mike.

A spokesman for David Wilson Homes East Midlands said: “Following discussions with Harborough District Council and in order to adhere to the Government’s guidelines, we have decided to temporarily withdraw the planning application for the signage for our Burnmill Grange development.”

He added: “The development is closed for the time being as the health and safety of customers and employees remains our number one priority.”