Labour councillors have spoken out against the District Council's proposal for over 14,000 new houses in North West Leicestershire between 2021 and 2040.

The recommendations, which Labour points out would mean an average of 755 new houses a year for the next 19 years, were put to the Council's Local Plan Committee in Coalville last week.

Labour committee member and Cllr Dave Bigby, said, "These numbers are unacceptable for a mainly rural area like ours.

"The Government calculated that we need to build at least 372 new homes a year - that's a reasonable number which can be met through the allocations already in the local plan.

North West Leicestershire told to double its housing target to over 10,000 as Leicester has no room for them

Labour councillor Dave Bigby

"But we are now being asked to accept a further 314 a year, due to the City of Leicester being unable to provide sufficient housing.

"And the council wants to add another 10 per cent for 'flexibility'.

"This represents nearly 30 per cent of Leicester's 'unmet need'.

"North West Leicestershire does not have a common boundary with Leicester and our public transport links to the City are appalling.

"Labour accepts that Leicester's unmet need has to be accommodated, but we believe it should be distributed much more fairly between the surrounding Districts, particularly those adjacent to the City which have the infrastructure to cope."

Labour councillors, supported by Lib Dem and Independent members on the committee, all voted against the proposals on Tuesday, but they were outvoted by the Conservative members and the recommendations were passed by six votes to five.

The full Council will now be asked to vote on this in September.

The District Council Labour Group are suggesting that residents who are unhappy with these proposals contact their local councillors asking them to vote them down in September.

However, there were suggestions last week that North West Leicestershire may not have to take on Leicester City Council's shortfall.