Residents rally against large development that could join Leicestershire Villages

The site has been included in the Hinckley and Bosworth Local Plan.

Residents have formed a group to oppose a draft site in Hinckley and Bosworth's Local plan.

The local plan highlights sites that could be developed in the future.

One of the sites suggested is Norton Heath, which is a proposal to connect three villages. 

The proposed land is off Atherstone Road (A444), next to Norton Juxta Twycross and close to Twycross Zoo. 

If it goes ahead, over 2,000 homes could be built in the period of this local plan, which runs until 2045. 

It is this part of the draft local plan that has led the Norton Heath Development Opposition Group to form.

Headley Benn, Chair of the Opposition Group, said: “A development of this magnitude would have catastrophic consequences for the local community and environment, yet the six-week consultation period is grossly inadequate for public scrutiny, meaningful questions, and proper expression of concerns.

There are compelling arguments against the viability of this scheme, and with the support of legal and subject matter experts, we are rigorously gathering evidence to formally challenge this reckless proposal.

We urge everybody to join us in demanding a fair process and defending our precious countryside from unreasonable and ill-conceived proposals.”

They wanted Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council to extend the length of the current consultation, but the council has said that this won't happen as they are adhering to the standard consultation period.

A spokesperson for Nurton Developments, who is the site promoter, said: “Norton Heath is a proposal to create three connected villages within a rural parkland setting to help deliver the sustainable growth and essential new homes and jobs that Leicestershire needs.
“With half of Norton Heath dedicated to green space, the proposed settlement is an opportunity to provide a self-sustaining new community with homes, schools, transport, community services, employment space and healthcare. 

“It’s a long-term project which could take around 40 years to complete and subject to planning approval, would provide up to 2,750 homes in the period up to 2045. After this date the proposed settlement which covers both Hinckley & Bosworth and North West Leicestershire could provide space for a further 7,250 homes.

“With development earmarked to start in 2033, subject to planning, we would anticipate that around 250 homes could be built each year in the first phases alongside key infrastructure and community facilities. This will be delivered in a way which respects existing neighbours and new residents at Norton Heath.

“Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council has included the site as a draft allocation in its Draft Local Plan and is currently consulting local people. At this early stage no planning application has been prepared by Nurton Developments. We will be undertaking technical work to assess the site and will formally consult with local communities in 2026.”  

Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council said that, should the Norton Heath proposal remain in the Local Plan process, any undeliverable land will not be included at the next stage, Regulation 19, with a further public consultation expected in Spring 2026.  

The consultation about this stage of the Hinckley and Bosworth Local Plan runs until Friday, 28th November at 5 pm.