Residents criticise 242-homes plan for village fields

CONCERNS OVER SERVICES, RISE IN TRAFFIC AND LOSS OF AREA'S CHARACTER

- By CLAIRE ELLIOTT

A PLAN to build up to 242 homes on fields has sparked strong opposition from people nearby, who fear the development will worsen traffic, pile pressure on already stretched services and undermine the village's character.

The site, off Torrington Avenue, Whitwick, is one of three neighbouring plots earmarked by North West Leicestershire District Council for around 1,200 new homes.

The other two sites are Broom Leys Farm, off the A511 Stephenson Way, with space for up to 300 houses, and land opposite Whitwick that could accommodate a further 700.

Council documents say the fields between the sites would be kept as an “area of separation” between Whitwick and Coalville, but many locals are unconvinced.

A petition objecting to the Torrington Avenue plan has gathered 1,005 signatures. Opponents argue the housing would threaten green spaces and wildlife, increase congestion and erode “the historical and cultural integrity” of the village.