Plans for a development of 15 homes near the M42 junction between Measham and Oakthorpe have been thrown out - as the land is wanted by the HS2 rail project.

Outline planning permission for the Paddock scheme on Burton Road, close to the Measham industrial estate, has been refused by North West Leicestershire District Council for a number of reasons.

But HS2 objected, saying the proposed site is safeguarded by the planned high speed rail service and may be needed when the route eventually reaches Leicestershire.

This is despite the controversial rail plan - from Birmingham to East Midlands Parkway then Leeds - being in the balance due to soaring costs.

HS2 says the ringfenced land near the proposed route may be reviewed at some stage.

But until then, no houses can be built on that land.

A council officer's report says that the applicant - Barbara Cotton from Moira - was invited to withdraw the application, or submit further information so as to narrow down the reasons for refusal, but did not agree to this.

It adds that the proposal is unacceptable in principle and "the fundamental objections cannot be overcome through dialogue". 

The district council also received a letter from HS2's Town Planning Team.

It says: "I can confirm that the land falls wholly within land safeguarded for Phase 2b of HS2. 

The map shows the plan for HS2's route from Birmingham to East Midlands Parkway

"It is noted that the applicant does not make reference to HS2 Ltd within their submission or have acknowledged that the red line boundary is wholly within limits of safeguarding. 

"The land which falls within safeguarding will potentially required during construction for HS2 access into the River Mease Viaduct North Satellite Compound followed by mitigation/engineering earthworks.

"The applicant should also be made aware of the Government's recently published Integrated Rail Plan (IRP) and what it means for the HS2 project in this location.

"At this time, we do not expect any changes to safeguarding which will remain unless or until different plans are confirmed. 

"On the basis that the site falls within safeguarding and in light of the information provided above, HS2 Ltd have no alternative other than to object to the application."

It says that the land falls in the Appleby Parva to Ashby de la Zouch stretch of the line.

This was where the development was to have been built. Image: North West Leicestershire District Council

The district council report says: "The applicant is advised that the application site falls within land that may be required to construct and/or operate Phase 2b East of a high speed rail link, known as High Speed Two.

"Powers to construct and operate High Speed Two are to be sought by promoting a hybrid Bill in Parliament. As a result the application site may be compulsorily purchased. 

"In addition as the HS2 project is not yet at a detailed design stage, the applicant is advised to closely follow the ongoing progress of the HS2 programme.

"The proposed development would conflict with the HS2 safeguarded route as published, and would impact on the ability to build and operate HS2 and lead to excessive additional costs, and the Government's objective of delivering HS2, which is a project of national importance."