Plans for a Gypsy/Traveller site in Whitwick - to accommodate eight caravans - have been refused by North West Leicestershire District Council.

The site, at 36 Brooks Lane, would have had provided touring caravan pitches under the proposals which were first submitted a year ago by Mr Michael Doran.

But a council report says that the applicant has failed to demonstrate that 'a safe and suitable access for all users would be provided' in what is a mainly residental area.

The refusal adds that the site is 'considered likely to be contaminated due to historic uses within and adjacent'.

It says that there has not been 'an adequate assessment of the risks to the development posed by past commercial uses and activity'.

As well as the eight pitches, there would have been a retention of one static caravan and six welfare buildings to include two toilets, two storerooms and two day rooms.

There would also have been the retention of associated works to include hardstanding and parking spaces.

Whitwick Parish Council had already objected to the scheme in January and said that eight caravans sited in this area would be 'excessive'.

The Parish Council added: "Parking and access is wholly insufficient for the size of vehicles planned for the site; the increased traffic flow would be detrimental to public safety on this busy road; location of the access on a bend in the road would be very hazardous to other road users and pedestrians; insufficient information provided on the application in regard to nature of caravans and accompanying vehicles."

It also said that no operation plans had been specified for management of the site, and there were insufficient details on installation of adequate services for water, power, sanitation and drainage. 

The council added at the time: "The site would be incompatible with the landscape and not in keeping with the visual character and amenity of this residential location; the operation would be environmentally hazardous unless removal of contaminated land was safely concluded, under strict supervision and enforcement.

"The safety of others is compromised at this location which is a known hot-spot for speeding traffic."

North West Leicestershire District Council's refusal added: "The applicant has failed to demonstrate that adequate parking and turning facilities would be provided, with the proposal having the potential to result in vehicles reversing onto the public highway as well as vehicles waiting on Brooks Lane so as to allow vehicles to enter and exit the site, which would not be in the interests of highway safety.

"Therefore, to permit the development would be contrary to the adopted Local Plan (2021) and guidance contained within the Leicestershire Highway Design Guide.

"Planning decisions should ensure that the site is suitable for its proposed use and that adequate site investigation information, prepared by a competent person, is available to inform these assessments.

"Where a site is affected by contamination or land stability issues, responsibility for securing a safe development rests with the developer and/or landowner. 

"In the opinion of the Local Planning Authority, without an adequate assessment of the risks to the development posed by past commercial uses and activity, it is considered that the Authority does not have sufficient information to determine the application and the applicant has therefore failed to demonstrate that the site is safe and suitable to accommodate the development."