New figures have suggested that the population of North West Leicestershire will rise by more than 20 per cent over the next 18 years.

Mail Online reports that another 23,400 people will be living in the district by 2043, according to estimates from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). 

Currently, around 110,000 residents live in North West Leicestershire, where the towns of Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Castle Donington and Coalville dominate the region.

But the latest figures suggest its population is expected to increase by 20.5 per cent - which is currently predicted to be the biggest leap in the country.

Behind North West Leicestershire in terms of population increases come Stratford-Upon-Avon (17 per cent) and South Derbyshire (16.9 per cent)

Blaby (16.5 per cent) located in Leicestershire's south west region, and Tewkesbury (16.4 per cent) in Gloucestershire round out the top five.

Areas in and around Ashby and Coalville have been proposed for new housing - to keep North West Leicestershire District Council on target to build more than 680 homes a year up to 2042.

The council says it needs to ensure that at least 686 new homes are built every year over the next 17 years. 

There is also a proposal to build a new 4,250-home town near East Midlands Airport.

The BBC has reported that developers are drawing up plans for a community called Isley Woodhouse on farmland to the south west of the airport.