Traffic fears over 4,500 homes plan
Blaby District Council has proposed the development, which would house more than 10,000 people and include schools, shops and health services.
Members of the public were able to view the details for the first time yesterday at the council's offices in Narborough.
Some were quick to oppose the plans, arguing transport links would not support such an influx, although others said the scheme had the potential to create jobs.
Homes would be built on farmland which borders Leicester Forest East, Enderby and Braunstone Town, west of the M1, north of the M69 and south of the A47.
A 20-hectare area of factories and offices would be built close by, south of the M69, as an extension to the Warrens, in Enderby.
Included in the plans are three primaries and a secondary school and provisions for healthcare and community and faith centres.
Parks and green spaces will be built, as well as a 3,000 to 4,500 sq metre retail park.
The council has identified the need to improve transport links.
Gary Clark, the council's planning policy manager, said: "We are looking at building bridges across the M1 from the A563 Lubbesthorpe Way and also from the site over the M69 towards Enderby.
"We also know there is a lot of work to be done on the A47.
"We have some difficulties widening it but we can certainly improve the junctions.
"If these plans pass the public consultation, we will be able to look at producing more detailed designs."
Karen West, 43, from Narborough, said: "It's a huge space and, potentially, a lot of people.
"Getting to and from the city will be a nightmare with all these extra people on the roads."
George Kinnersley, 58, also from Narborough, said: "I understand the council has no choice but to build the homes but I think it would have been better to build three or four smaller sites.
"That way, it wouldn't feel like such a bit deal."
Luke Harvey, 28, from Littlethorpe, said: "I think it will cause a lot of problems and it is being built on a lot of green land.
"There was all this fuss about the eco-town and, in my opinion, this is similar. I'm not sure how the roads will cope without a large amount of investment."
David Fernley, 31, from Narborough, said: "I don't think it will be that bad a thing. There are going to be jobs as a result."
The council has to find space for 7,600 homes by 2026 to meet Government targets and chose the site over alternatives near Glenfield and Kirby Muxloe.
It said the site was chosen because it is near Fosse Park shops and the Meridian.
It would also be a short distance from the park-and-ride service being built in Enderby.
The public consultation will run until September 10, and will include exhibitions at Enderby Civic Centre on Monday, Braunstone Civic Centre on August 13, and Leicester Forest East Parish Hall on August 18.
Council officers will be at each venue from 3.30pm to 9pm.
The plans can also be viewed during normal office hours at the council office.
Comment on this story