THE final decision over whether or not to grant planning permission to a significant housing development in Kinwarton will now go to the Planning Inspectorate, after the outline planning application, to build 125 homes to the east of Kinwarton Farm Road, was held up in planning for longer than the allowed eight weeks.

A spokesperson for Stratford District Council, said: “The delay in the council making a decision on the application was in relation to the housing land supply figures, which have only just been released.”

At a meeting of the West Area Planning Committee held last Thursday, councillors were split over the decision, but committee chairman Sir William Lawrence had the deciding vote, giving no objection to the application.

Ward member for Kinwarton, Councillor Mike Gittus, said: “The parish of Kinwarton fought long and hard to prevent this new development, and much emphasis was placed on the unsuitability of the area and the probable inability for adequate service provision in the future.

“The final decision will be made by the planning inspectorate who will consider this matter later this year, the committee’s decision means that the applicants appeal on non determination will not be challenged.”

Anyone wanting to speak at the appeal should call Robert Wordworth, the planning inspectorate on 0117 3728823 quoting ref no.: APP/J3720/A/11/2157126/NWF.