WE ‘KEPT THE GAP!”
Unanimously refusing the application
On Thursday 12 February 2026, the planning committee of Harborough District Council unanimously refused the application (25/00793/OUT) to build an estate of 28 houses in the field just to the south of Kibworth Medical Centre.
This was the outcome that our proudly independent little community had hoped for. Not willing to leave the outcome to any sort of chance a “KEEP THE GAP” campaign began last summer soon after the application was first spotted and reported by Kevin Feltham.
It has been testimony to our united spirit that so many people have been involved, each bringing their skills and enthusiasm to generate an effective objection. We have had beautifully presented leaflets and posters created, published and distributed in their hundreds all around the area. People with specialist knowledge have found and highlighted potential technical issues within the application detail. Above all there has been an amazing level of effort and determination to keep driving the process forward, exploring every possible avenue for relevant objections.
Invaluable help and advice from many!
Invaluable help and advice was received from the local ward councillors and Lizzie Beresford (LB Planning) the consultant commissioned by Smeeton Westerby Parish Council. ‘The Kibworth & District Chronicle’ has kindly published our articles to bring the matter to as wide an audience as possible. Even Professor Michael Wood sent us an email detailing the damage that would be caused to some of the historic local features brought to life in his BBC series ‘The Story of England’.
The HDC planning officer dealing with the application cited numerous conflicts with National and Local planning policies as grounds in his recommendation for refusal. Smeeton Westerby and Kibworth Beauchamp Parish Councils had lodged formal objections along with Ward and County Councillor Phil King and 214 individuals. At the committee meeting three village residents, LB Planning and Ward Councillor Robin Hollick all presented their arguments for refusal.
Serious Doubts were cast!
The location of the site was the main reason for refusing the application. It would have created damage to the Area of Separation between the two villages and to the Heritage Assets of the Conservation Areas and the ridge and furrow. Sited between the two villages it would have had no real connection with either. Serious doubts were cast over the economic viability of the whole project.
While HDC has a Local Plan for development that is out of date, lacks evidence of a 5 year supply of new housing projects and has not achieved its target for affordable housing there remains a “Tilted Balance” in favour of new developments that might otherwise be refused. This makes all potential sites more vulnerable to future housing applications however unsuitable they might be. We are aware that the threat has not gone away completely.
Thanks to Everyone who Supported the Campaign!
The ‘Keep The Gap’ Objectors Group would like to thank everyone who supported the campaign in the villages of Smeeton Westerby, the Kibworths and the wider community.
Keep The Gap Objectors Group
