Concern village will struggle as new homes get go-ahead

A “struggling” village is in danger of losing its identity, a councillor warned as plans for 220 new homes and a school were given the green light.

- By JULIA BREENS Local Democracy Reporter

Bloor Homes’ scheme for 35 acres north of Willow Road on the edge of Barrow upon Soar, near Loughborough, will see a new roundabout and the demolition of farm buildings.

At the latest meeting of Charnwood Borough Council's plans committee, councillors voted to approve the scheme after members weighed the benefits against concerns over the impact on Barrow’s infrastructure. Speakers raised fears over how the GP surgery would cope, as well as “severe congestion” in the village, and parking on pavements, double yellow lines and zigzag lines, which Barrow Upon Soar parish councillor Christina James called “a risk to safety”.