Co-op unveils 'eco-town' details

The Co-op rejected claims the land should not be built on

The proposed Pennbury new town in Leicestershire would create 14,000 jobs and produce more energy than it uses, the Co-operative Group has claimed.

After months of consultation, the Co-op has released plans for a 15,000-home settlement it wants to build on a small airfield site south of Leicester.

It has detailed plans for seven primary schools, two secondary schools and £5m for a tram system feasibility study.

The so-called "eco-town" project faces opposition from many local people.

The Co-op is bidding to be part of a government scheme to create 10 new carbon-neutral developments, which have been dubbed eco-towns.

It is a good piece of fiction Councillor Simon Galton Harborough District Council

Its plan sites the town near Stoughton village, centred on what is currently a small airfield.

Ruairidh Jackson, head of planning and property strategy for the Co-op, said there was a high demand for new housing in Leicestershire, and Pennbury would meet about 10 to 15% of this.

He rejected the idea that the town was needlessly using up valuable countryside.

"We are talking about finding innovative ways to deliver the quality homes and affordable homes that people in this area need.

The plans have provoked several protests

"There is a recognition that brownfield land on its own does not meet that challenge."

Co-op said a waste wood biomass plant would provide all the power for the town, with energy-from-waste and "large-scale" wind power creating a surplus.

Mr Jackson also said fears over congestion were unfounded: "This scheme does work and traffic impact associated with the development would be minimal."

But councillor Simon Galton from Harborough District Council said he was deeply sceptical about the plans: "It is a good piece of fiction.

"The question in my mind is 'Is it realistic? Can it be delivered?' - I don't think it could."

A final decision is expected from the government early next year.

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The Co-op rejected claims the land should not be built on