Leicester eco town faces strong opposition by county council

Plans for an eco-town near Leicester are being opposed by the local county council.

Opponents of the scheme to build 15,000 homes at Stoughton demonstrated outside Leicestershire County Council's offices yesterday.

The council has now come down against developer Co-op's plans for the site known as Pennbury.

The council's ruling cabinet voted to "object strongly" to the plan due to concerns over attracting employers and creating jobs for new residents.

County council leader David Parsons met protesters and said: "I cannot support this town and the town cannot support itself."

The council has worked with neighbouring authorities and expert consultants to study the Co-op's plans in detail.

Leicester City, Harborough District, and Oadby and Wigston Borough Councils will make their formal positions known in coming weeks.

Councillor Kevin Feltham, chairman of anti-Pennbury protest group Cascet, said: "We have been campaigning against the Government's and Co-op's proposals for over a year, and this is fantastic news, to finally get a clear decision objecting to Pennbury from the principal authority in Leicestershire."

A spokesperson for Co-operative Group said: "We believe the eco-town is a viable solution to the housing challenges facing the Leicester city region."