Plans for 1,100 homes on edge of town unveiled

Developers said the scheme would include a new primary school, shop, allotments and a community building

Plans to build 1,100 homes on the edge of Syston have been unveiled by developers.

Taylor Wimpey has said it wants to build the estate on farmland to the south east of the town.

The firm said the scheme, on land owned by Oxford University's Merton College, would include a new primary school, community building and public spaces.

However, concerns have been raised about the development including the loss of greenfield land.

There are also fears the development could lead to more flooding in Syston where properties were submerged earlier this year.

A planning application for the scheme is set to be submitted later this year

Simon Bradshaw, the county councillor for Syston Ridgeway, said: "There's not a lot of love for [the development].

"The flooding is the big issue. The developers say there will be sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) but water has to drain somewhere and the fear is that will be into the town.

"Then there's traffic because if you have 1,000 more homes that might mean 2,000 more cars on the roads and they are already busy.

"If these homes are built then Barkby village won't really be a village any more. It will be right by the town."

Developers said the site would provide much-needed new homes

The developer said the plans had been designed to respect and complement the surrounding area.

Its proposals include a new park, play area, pedestrian and cycle routes.

Documents published by the developer said: "We are aware that flood risk is a concern for nearby residents and the wider community.

"Surface water will be stored in a series of detention basins which will be designed to accommodate a one in 100 year storm event with additional capacity to accommodate future climate change and any new housing growth in the area."

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

A Taylor Wimpey spokesperson said: "Our plans will deliver much-needed homes, including affordable housing, along with open spaces and community facilities."

A planning application for the scheme is set to be lodged with Charnwood Borough Council later this year.