Blaby Golf Centre appeal allowed

A government planning inspector has given approval for up to 200 homes to be built on the site of Blaby Golf Centre, after upholding a developer’s appeal. 

Developer, Hallam Land Management (HLM) now has the go ahead to deliver the scheme on the Lutterworth Road site, which currently features the golf range, plus other businesses including a dance school, gym, boutique and beauty salon. 

HLM’s initial outline application for the housing was turned down by Blaby District Council’s planning committee at a meeting on 31 July 2025. Officers had recommended the scheme be refused. 

In their report officers said while the development would provide much-needed housing, the loss of 16 hectares of Green Wedge was “considered to be inherently harmful”. They also said proposals to relocate the other well-used businesses at the site were inadequate. 

HLM appealed the refusal and a public inquiry lasting several days took place before a planning inspector in May this year at the Council offices in Narborough. 

Despite the robust case made by the Council in defending the original refusal, the planning inspector John Longmuir determined the development would do 'very little harm' to the Green Wedge. 

He referenced future uncertainty around the golf course as the operator only has 13 years left on the lease and highlighted that the golf range itself was actually running at a loss. 

Outlining the planning benefits of allowing the scheme, Mr Longmuir said: " The Council has a severe shortfall in Housing Land Supply, which both parties agree is 2.78 years. As such there is a pressing need to find further land for housing and the 200 dwellings here would be a substantial contribution. The new dwellings would help towards the growing needs of the local community, providing a range of new homes." 

Blaby District Council's Portfolio Holder for Planning, Strategic Growth and Environment, Councillor Mike Shirley, said: "We are disappointed the planning inspector has allowed the appeal and given permission for this housing scheme to go ahead. The loss of the golf centre and associated businesses will be felt by local residents. We feel that the planning inspector’s decision is short sighted and conflicts with the long-term aspirations of the recently published Local Plan, which is now out for public consultation. However, we must now work with the developer to ensure the approved scheme brings about the benefits of recreation and connectivity, employment and enterprise which have been proposed." 

A reserved matters application with more details is expected in due course.

The planning application and associated documents can be found here: Blaby Golf Centre outline planning application

Councillor Mike Shirley
Portfolio Holder for Planning, Strategic Growth and Environment