A proposed housing site on farmland off Rushey Close, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, is raising alarm among local residents, who fear the plans are being pushed forward without proper consultation, legal safeguards, or environmental protections.

The land in question lies within the River Mease Special Area of Conservation (SAC) — a protected area due to its rare ecology. Despite this, it has been earmarked in North West Leicestershire District Council's draft Local Plan for the development of 50–60 homes.

But residents say they weren't told.

Photo taken earlier this year of site A27 field, before the fencing was put in (Photo: supplied)

"We found out by word of mouth — no letters, no emails," said one neighbour. "We've since discovered this plan could have serious environmental consequences, yet hardly anyone even knows it's happening."

Key concerns raised include:

• Lack of consultation: Many neighbours were unaware of the site's inclusion in the Local Plan.
• Environmental protections bypassed: The site is within the River Mease SAC, but no valid Habitats Regulations Assessment or approved nutrient neutrality plan appears to be in place.
• Drainage issues and flooding: Leaking, undocumented water pipes and surface flooding have been reported across the land, with concerns this may have influenced phosphate levels tied to the council's environmental strategy.
• Precedent-setting decision: There are questions over whether better alternatives were overlooked, especially after previously protected HS2 land was released nearby.
• Local voices unheard: Public objections were submitted, including one from Ashby Town Council, but no responses have been made public. One councillor has since admitted the site may have been added to the plan without full consultation.

With a key Local Plan Committee meeting set for Wednesday 30th July, and an upcoming unspecified date for the Regulation 19 Consultation towards the end of this year/beginning of next, concerned residents are urging others to get informed and involved before it's too late: "This affects everyone in Ashby, not just Rushey Close. Once this precedent is set, other protected land could and likely will follow."

When asked how they've tried to raise awareness, one resident explained: "We set up a WhatsApp group to talk to each other, but it was tricky because new members couldn't see old messages.

"We tried Facebook too, but posts needed approval and took time. With NWLDC not contacting us directly, we've had to do everything ourselves just to get the word out."

Residents who want to learn more or missed the initial consultation can still submit a late objection by emailing [email protected], referencing Site A27 (Land South of Burton Road). All concerns will form part of the public record ahead of the next formal stage of the Local Plan process.

You can also contact your district councillors for more information on this allocation. You can also follow updates on social media and join resident discussions. The future of Ashby's green space may depend on it.