Edward has joined with local people in Rearsby in opposing plans for another 66 properties proposed for a green field site between Rearsby and East Goscote, submitting his formal written objections to Charnwood Borough Council. Along with the 'Keep Rearsby Rural' group, Edward objected to a near identical application in 2015, and local campaigners were delighted when the council rejected that application.
Edward said: "All communities need to make sure they have enough housing, but our part of Charnwood has done more than its fair share to increase the supply. As planning is a matter for local councillors, as an MP, I only get involved in planning matters where an application is of such a scale that I believe fundamentally changes the character of a village or town, or would place a large strain on local infrastructure.
This application in my view clearly does that, and with the potential loss of this 'green wedge' risks moving us a step closer to Rearsby and East Goscote merging in to one, instead of the vibrant, individual, rural communities that they are. Like local campaigners in Rearsby, I hope that the Council will reject this application just as firmly as it rejected the last one, to help us keep Rearsby rural."