The most recent development consortium is led by Wm Davis. You may also know that the option to use the Estate for building was effectively rejected in September 2007 when the Labour-led Cabinet asked planners `to look for alternatives. The search for alternatives turned attention to the eastern side of the town. At the same time, in December 2006 the County Council recruited consultants to look at transport plans which would be needed for any further development of Loughborough. They found, as we suspected that there was no affordable road solution for developments in the west of Loughborough, although I believe they would have favoured a western ring road intersecting with J23. An eastern development (Loughborough/Cotes or Wymeswold Airfield) would, however, have been achievable in highways terms.
This work then went before the Public Examionation of the Esast Midlands Regional Plan last summer which I attended. The Inspectors were not impressed with the fact that, as` they saw it, a pre-existing need for more roads seemed to be leading the planners' choice of location. This is explained in a briefing paper from the Borough's Director of Development.
The situation now rests with the new Conservative run Borough Council. They will publish their preferred options in the first half of 2008. The simplistic scenario is that the choice is between the Wolds and Garendon - and for territorial reasons I suspect the Tories would choose not to develop around the Wolds villages. But we have a long way to go. Altready the concept of eco-villages has arisen. The nearest one is near Kingston on Soar. On the other hand the urgency of building homes for future generations is being more and more widely understood.
Finally, I need to say that any councillor who demonstrates a "predetermined" view on this matter will be unable to vote on the issue. It’s complex stuff, but it may explain why councillors, including myself, are unable to be as dogmatic as you would like.
Cllr Max Hunt, 58 William st, Loughborough. LE11 3BZ