Co-op new town plan 'incoherent'

Protesters greeted Housing Minister Caroline Flint on her visit to Pennbury

Campaigners have criticised the developers of a proposed Leicestershire "eco-town" after a visit by Housing Minister Caroline Flint.

Protesters against the Pennbury plans said the Co-Operative Group had not provided enough details.

Harborough MP Edward Garnier described them as "intellectually lazy", while local councillor Kevin Feltham said they had "a lot of work to do".

The developers said detailed plans were available on the company's website.

Ms Flint held meetings with the Co-Operative Group, local councillors and protesters during her visit.

It's a wholly incoherent plan Harborough MP Edward Garnier

Chairman of the protest group and councillor Mr Feltham said: "She acknowledged the fact that the Co-Op had not provided enough detail.

"The message was that they only have until the end of July."

Mr Garnier said the meeting "opened my eyes to the total lack of preparedness of the Co-Op and the total lack of detail in any of their plans.

"I think they are either hiding a lot of stuff from us or they are the most intellectually lazy developers I have ever come across.

"It's a wholly incoherent plan. There are massive issues which remain to be answered."

Housing demand

Ms Flint said: "These are big issues, I know that. But again, the challenge of finding homes for people is a big issue."

Atul Patel, from the Housing Association who deals with Leicester's waiting list for homes, said affordable housing was needed in Pennbury because there was a "huge demand".

"But the planning and infrastructure have to be done very well, " he added.

Graham Ramsbottom of the Co-Operative Group insisted support for the project was growing.

"I think people recognise the need there is out there to start addressing these issues that we face as a society.

"Whether that is climate change or affordable housing - of which there is a desperate shortage in this area - people are aware of this and want to do something about it."