A huge new housing and infrastructure project that could transform the area surrounding Earl Shilton has taken a step forward, with up to 5,000 homes planned as part of a major development west of Stoney Stanton.
The scheme, being put forward by a consortium made up of Barwood Land, Parker Strategic Land, and Leicestershire County Council, aims to create what it calls “three new communities” in the south of the county. An environmental impact assessment (EIA) scoping request has now been submitted to Blaby District Council to examine how the project might affect the environment and local surroundings.
If given the green light, the development would include:
- Up to 5,000 new homes
- Three new primary schools and one secondary school
- A new link road between Stoney Stanton and Sapcote
- Significant employment spaces
- A major revamp of the M69 motorway junction
- Fosse Common – a large new green space designed to bring the communities together with leisure, recreation, and event areas
The consortium says this is a long-term plan shaped by over three years of consultations and workshops, including public engagement sessions dating back to October 2021. A full public consultation will take place before any planning application is submitted, with both in-person and online events promised to ensure residents and stakeholders can have their say.
With Earl Shilton just a short distance from the proposed development site, the project could have significant local implications. Improved road infrastructure could ease pressure on nearby villages and towns, while the influx of new homes and schools may bring both opportunities and challenges to the area.
A spokesperson for the consortium said:
“Making this submission to Blaby District Council demonstrates that we are serious about delivering an infrastructure-led new community on land west of Stoney Stanton.
We are especially excited about the opportunity to create a new secondary school, Fosse Common, and new highways connections, as well as up to 5,000 much-needed new homes.”
The EIA scoping request marks the start of what could be one of Leicestershire’s largest residential developments in recent years. If approved, an outline planning application is expected to be submitted in early 2026.
For residents in Earl Shilton and surrounding villages, this is a project to watch closely. Whether it brings long-term benefits or further strains local infrastructure remains to be seen — but one thing is clear: the landscape of south-west Leicestershire could be set for a dramatic change.
