A developer has launched plans for a second phase of homes on fields in the National Forest on the outskirts of Shepshed.

Bloor Homes was given the green light last year by Charnwood Borough Council to build 200 homes on land off Ingleberry Road.

But now the homebuilder has submitted plans to the council for a further 65 houses on fields next door to the original plot.

The site is on the southern edge of the town, and is currently used for farming.

If approved, there would be a range of one to four-bed homes, with 20 per cent of the properties being allocated for affordable housing. Bloor Homes is promising "extensive public open space", and says phase two residents will share play facilities that will be built as part of phase one of the scheme.

Detailed plans were submitted for phase one earlier this year, with the council yet to make a decision on whether or not to award planning permission. When initial permission was given for the scheme, Councillor Birgitta Worrall expressed fears over a pylon which would loom over the planned playground.

She said: "I am really concerned that a children's play area is planned for straight underneath. I wondered if there are any plans to measure the amount of electromagnetic field radiation at all on the site." But planning officers said National Grid had found the playground's location to be safe, but added the situation could be reconsidered once the detailed application had been submitted.

Planning documents for phase two describe the new estate as "a highly desirable place to live for the 21st century and beyond", and says it will provide "a significant increase in housing choice". The documents add: "The aim is to achieve a development with a strong identity and distinct sense of place, whilst at the same time integrating with the existing community."

Bloor Homes says that, should planning permission be awarded, homes built in phase two would be accessed through phase one, which will have an access road onto Ingleberry Road.

The application documents can be viewed on the council's planning portal, and comments and objections must be made by Monday, September 30.