Councillors to decide on new town

The project has met with opposition from local people

Leicestershire County Council will make its decision over a proposed 15,000 home new town next week.

Pennbury is one of 15 planned new towns shortlisted by the government of which up to 10 may be given the go-ahead.

The authority's cabinet will meet on 10 February to decide its response to the Government about the development, which members have been advised to oppose.

The Co-operative Group is behind plans for the settlement in the area which lies south-east of Leicester.

'Number of concerns'

Detailed plans unveiled by the group revealed proposals for seven primary schools, two secondary schools and £5m for a tram system feasibility study.

Several local protest groups, which claim the proposal will ruin the greenbelt in the area, have been formed to oppose the development.

Deputy leader of the council, councillor Nick Rushton said: "We've spent a lot of time, money and attention, looking into these plans.

"We have had a number of concerns and we must now decide our final stance on this issue."

Officers have recommended the cabinet objects to the proposals due to a lack of information on schools, health facilities and waste management - as well as a lack of an economic strategy.