Aero club opposing eco-town plan

Flying enthusiasts in Leicestershire say they could be forced to relocate at a cost of around £20m if plans for an eco-town go ahead.

Leicestershire Aero Club, based near Stoughton-on-the-Hill, is the heart of where the Co-operative Group wants to build 15,000 new homes.

The planned town, Pennbury, is one of 15 shortlisted by the government.

Ivan Court of the Leicestershire Aero Club said relocating the club could prove extremely difficult.

"The cost would be, we envisage, somewhere in the region of £20m. Is it feasible? Well, no, we don't think it is. There is nowhere that can accommodate the existing airfields in Leicestershire."

Paul Jenkins, a flying instructor, added: "I know what I would prefer. Either these fields and the wildlife or thousands of homes and an infrastructure. It's a no-brainer really."

Last month Leicestershire County Council voted to object to the plans for Pennbury.

The government will make a decision in the summer.

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The eco-town would hold at least 15,000 homes