Planning application lodged for 1,100 new homes

Developers have submitted plans to build up to 1,100 homes on the edge of Syston.

Taylor Wimpey has earmarked 213 acres (87.15 hectares) of farmland to the south east of the town for the new estate.

Residents have been asked to submit their views on the scheme to Charnwood Borough Council planners by 11 February.

However concerns have already been expressed about the loss of agricultural land and the strain thousands more people could put on schools and medical services in the area.

The firm said its plans included a new primary school and community building, a shop, new park, play areas and allotments as well as flood defences.

Simon Bradshaw, the county councillor for Syston Ridgeway, said: "People are worried because we just can't cope with this number of houses.

"The whole character of the area is going to change because of the huge number of homes that have already been built nearby already, or are in the pipeline."

The scheme will sit to the north of the 4,500-home Thorpebury development, which is currently being built.

Bradshaw also said he was concerned the area would become a large urban sprawl.

He also said flooding was a particular concern in the town, which has been deluged a number of times in recent years when the Barkby Brook has broken its banks.

The developer said it was working with Merton College, Oxford, which owns the land, to progress the scheme.

Taylor Wimpey said the scheme would establish "a new green parkland edge to Syston that respects the local areas of separation".

The firm said: "It [the development] will be a more locally focused development, extending and contributing to the successful town of Syston.

"It will deliver a new school and open up access to a new area of public open space, with the creation of the Barkby Brook Park, providing attractive pedestrian routes and retaining a view to St Mary's Church for the benefit of all Syston residents."

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