City council leaders in Leicester have agreed to support eco-town proposals, subject to a number of conditions.

Leicester City Council's cabinet last night said the eco town, known as Pennbury, could have a "positive effect" on the city.

The Co-operative Group is proposing to build 15,000 homes on the site near Stoughton, Oadby and Great Glen.

City council leader Ross Willmott told last night's meeting the eco-town could help provide ‘the most significant social affordable housing programme in the city and the county since the Second World War.’

However, council bosses said their support for Pennbury rested on several conditions including:

  • There must be a tram system;
  • At least 30% of the homes must be affordable;
  • The number of homes planned – 15,000 – should not be reduced.

Councillor Patrick Kitterick, Leicester's regeneration spokesman, said: ‘This is our considered opinion at this stage – that doesn't stop us changing our minds further on.’

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