Hundreds of homes could be built opposite a Leicestershire school with campaigners saying they are prepared to fight "tooth and nail" against the plans.

Barratt Redrow have revealed plans to build a massive new 400-home development off Meadow Lane in Whitwick, near Coalville, as well as a new road linking Meadow Lane and Leicester Road.

The developer has also said there is potential to create a new drop-off point for Castle Rock School as part of the plan, if it was something the school required, as well as walking and cycling routes as part of the scheme.

The existing Ivanhoe Way, a pedestrian right-of-way, will also be retained as part of the proposals.

The 22.7-hectare site was previously included in the North West Leicestershire District Council's (NWLDC) Local Plan but was later removed due to concerns about traffic congestion, environmental impact, loss of green space, and flooding risks.

Barratt Redrow have said the new homes would be in a "gas-free, low carbon neighbourhood" with a proportion of them being affordable homes, including homes for social rent and shared ownership properties.

It also proposes creating large areas of public open space and biodiversity areas, providing a green buffer to the nearby Coalville Meadows, which is a current site of special scientific interest.

Kate Pryor, planning manager at Barratt Redrow, said: "We have worked hard to identify additional community benefits that we can deliver alongside providing new homes at this site.

"This has led us to propose a new road link through the development to link Meadow Lane to a new junction with Leicester Road, and also to explore the potential to provide a new drop-off area for students at Castle Rock School while also promoting active travel connections between our development and the school.

"The site at Meadow Lane represents a sustainable opportunity to contribute to North West Leicestershire's housing requirements, and this has been acknowledged in the evidence base for the emerging Local Plan.

"We are keen to hear from local people about their aspirations and priorities for new homes and community facilities in Whitwick."

The developer has set up an online consultation for the proposed development with plans to submit a planning application to NWLDC in autumn 2026.

Councillors have also spoken up against the proposals, with Liberal Democrat Cllr Michael Wyatt and Reform county councillor Joseph Boam saying they are against the plan.

Cllr Wyatt told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the council "didn't need" the homes for the Local Plan and was looking to actively fight against the development.

He added: "They see the homes as quite lucrative and based on profit and not the needs of the local area.

"The local residents made it perfectly clear that they are completely and utterly against it.

"Residents don't want this. There's no need for it. In this area, I will fight tooth and nail. The wildlife will be devastated".

He also called on Barratt Redrow to "back off" and "respect the local council and local residents".

Cllr Wyatt also told the LDRS that an online petition has been set up with more than 400 signatures.

Reform county councillor for Whitwick, Joseph Boam, also joined the fight against the plans.

He wrote on social media: "I share the concerns being raised about the impact that development on this scale could have on Whitwick, particularly our already stretched roads and infrastructure, as well as the countryside, wildlife and biodiversity around the site.

"Whatever ultimately comes forward through the planning process, I believe the strength of local feeling needs to be heard loud and clear".