Developers have lodged an appeal with the council after plans for 28 homes in Smeeton Westerby were rejected.
Developers G S Land Limited, together with E M H Homes, have put forward the appeal after more than 200 people objected to the proposals.
G S Land Limited submitted plans to Harborough District Council (HDC) for land at Smeeton Road, with all 28 homes set to be affordable.
However, officers at HDC said the degree of harm from the development is “substantial” and is “not outweighed by the significant public benefits of the scheme”.
There were four messages of support were submitted in favour of the plans.
One resident described the proposal as “a totally unnecessary speculative development in a completely inappropriate location which if approved will reduce – further – the green ‘gap’ between two distinct rural villages (Smeeton Westerby and Kibworth Beauchamp)”.
Another wrote: “The application is not appropriate for its village-edge location and directly contradicts Harborough District Council’s long-standing policy regarding areas of separation between communities.
“The proposed development is too dense for the limited area of the site and would have a negative impact on a stretch of road that is already subject to problems at peak times and caused by on-road parking.”
While a third wrote: “The traffic on Smeeton Road is already gridlocked in mornings and afternoons at the junction with Kibworth Main Street. Cars and buses are parked opposite the new entrance on a daily basis preventing traffic movement.
“It is already dangerous with children walking to and from school.
“The gap between Smeeton Westerby and Kibworth is critical to the British rural street scene. Once these fields are lost the whole rural area is changed for future generations to enjoy.”
In new appeal documents submitted in July 2026 to the council, Freeths on behalf of GS developments said: “It is evident from the committee report and the wording of the reason for refusal that HDC’s position is that their assessment of adverse impacts on landscape character and the Smeeton Westerby conservation area outweigh the significant benefit of the provision of circa 28 affordable homes.
“The site is a sustainable location on the edge of a settlement with a range of facilities and services. It is identified within the development plan as a location that is appropriate for development.
“The proposals demonstrate an effective use of the land – I conclude the proposed scheme successfully balances efficient use of land, whilst respecting the character of the surrounding area.”
A date is yet to be set for the appeal hearing.