Green Councillors Column, Feb 2026

The Taylor Wimpey proposal for 1,100 homes on the edge of Syston, went in as a full planning application on 16th January. If you object, please make sure you submit your comments to the Council’s Planning Department – even if you have already signed a petition or responded to the developer. This is the point at which residents’ voices formally count. You can do this on the council website and searching for planning application number P/25/2585/2 or by emailing development.control@charnwood.gov.uk using the application number in the subject line.
If you are unable to get online, or need some guidance on how to do this, please contact us and we can help. We want to be clear that we will be objecting strongly to this development and will speak up for Syston at any future Plans Committee meetings.
Linked to this, we are also expecting the Government Inspector to formally release Charnwood’s Local Plan for “adoption”. This is a significant moment, as the plan has been going back and forth between Charnwood Borough Council and the Government for many years. We have long raised concerns that the housing allocations within it are unpopular and unsuitable for Syston and surrounding villages. However, the lack of an adopted Local Plan has left the door wide open to speculative and largely uncontrolled development. This has been a major reason why we have seen so much building locally without the improvements to roads, schools, GP services and other infrastructure that residents rightly expect. The Local Plan is expected to come to Full Council shortly, and once that process has concluded we will update residents in the next issue on the outcome and what it means for Syston.
On a more positive note, just before Christmas we were pleased to help with tree “whip” planting at Memorial Park. Over time, these young trees will form a lasting green hedge, supporting wildlife, helping absorb surface water and making the park an even better space for everyone to enjoy – something we were happy to help with.
Behind the scenes, Laurie continues to work with council officers to secure a good outcome for residents at St Peter’s Court, particularly around clearer communication and reassurance during what has been a difficult period. Making sure residents feel listened to and supported remains a key priority.
Looking ahead, February brings the Council’s annual budget to Full Council. Charnwood is in a healthy financial position compared with many councils across the country, and even in Leicestershire, meaning we should not be forced into some of the most damaging choices seen elsewhere. There is information available on the Council’s website, and we will share more details on the budget next issue.