Public consulted on plans for new town near airport

The land south of East Midlands Airport that could be allocated for a town

THE public are being asked for their views on whether a town should be created close to East Midlands Airport.

As part of its local plan review, North West Leicestershire District Council is asking people whether they would support a new town or village to the south west of the airport.

The council’s current plan was agreed in 2017 and runs until 2031, but must be reviewed every five years.

The proposed town on 316 acres consisting of two farms could become a development

4,740 houses.

It would dwarf the neighbouring village of Isley Walton and make the new town potentially home to more people than currently live in Castle Donington, Ibstock, Measham or Kegworth.

Part of the development would be used for employment. The plans also suggest a primary school would be included.

According to council documents, the owner of the land “has indicated support for the development of the site”.

Any development would be required to go through the planning process and, if approved, would be of up to expected to take 11 to 20 years to be completed.

A comprehensive ecological survey would also be expected to be carried out, including surveys on possible badger, water vole and great crested newt populations.

The site is one of several being considered for development to help the council meet its own housing targets and that of Leicester.

The council has estimated, in the worst case, it will need to build up to 13,870 homes by 2031 to keep up with housing need.

It is currently projected short of that by 5,086 homes.

Councillor Keith Merrie, portfolio holder for planning at the council, to fall said: “The Local Plan guides how the council supports the district to grow in a sustainable manner that is suitable for the people who live and work here.

“To grow in the best way, we need the right infrastructure, the right employment opportunities and the right number of homes available, and it’s important that people have a say in how these things take shape.”

Residents are also being asked to give opinions on how the council can ensure new developments contribute towards making the district zero carbon and towards improving health and wellbeing.

The local plan consultation run until Monday, February 28. will