Controversial Brailes housing plan rejected

A controversial 25 home development in Brailes was rejected by Stratford District Council last night.

Residents in the village argued that the housing scheme, on Betty’s Field, would destroy a group of extremely rare and endangered bats.

Other objections centred around flooding concerns and the site’s location between a conservation area and a vulnerable eco site.

Sharon Thomas, from Planit Brailes, the local group fighting the plan, said: “We are absolutely delighted, I think it’s unusual that it was a unanimous decision by the council. I think we’ve won the battle but the war goes on.

“There was a fantastic turnout from villagers at the meeting, there was about 80 people there, I think we have made it clear that this development is absolutely not what we wanted in the village because of its location in a conservation area and our fears that it would exacerbate the risk of flooding.”

Cllr Chris Saint, leader of Stratford District Council, tweeted after the meeting: “Planning application for Betty's Field in Brailes refused by SDC East Planning Committee. Unanimous decision. Lots of happy bunnies.”