Dear Residents of Great Glen, Stretton Hall, Newton Harcourt, Oadby, Houghton on the Hill, Burton Overy, Kibworth & Surrounding Communities
A major new town is being proposed on the farmland between Stretton Hall and Great Glen – 4,000 houses in Harborough District, plus a further 2,000 houses in neighbouring Oadby & Wigston.
If approved, this would create a 6,000-home conurbation across our rural landscape.
This proposal is fundamentally harmful. It would:
- Destroy irreplaceable farmland and countryside
- Push the A6 and local roads beyond breaking point
- Overload schools, NHS services, drainage, and utilities
- Worsen flooding in Great Glen, already a designated Flood Zone 3
- Ignore better alternatives such as brownfield and urban redevelopment
Where we are now:
The public consultation has closed.
STNT has submitted a detailed, evidence-based objection on behalf of our community.
The councils will now send the Local Plan to the Independent Planning Inspectorate, where it will undergo a formal Examination in Public. This is a highly technical, rule-bound process where evidence must be presented professionally and strategically.
Why we must raise funds now
To stand any real chance of influencing the Inspectorate, we must hire professional planning experts who can:
- Prepare a robust, inspector-ready case for STNT
- Represent our community at the Examination
- Respond to developer submissions and counter-arguments
- Ensure our concerns are presented clearly, accurately, and effectively
This level of representation is essential – and it is expensive.
To put it plainly: we need to raise a significant amount of money to secure the calibre of expert support required. Without it, our community enters this final stage at a severe disadvantage.
How your contribution will help
All funds will go directly towards:
- Engaging independent planning specialists
- Preparing formal submissions for the Examination
- Securing expert attendance and advocacy at the hearings
Every pound strengthens our position.
If we cannot fund this work, the developers’ case will dominate unchallenged.
Transparency
We will publish full details of all expenditure.
Any remaining funds at the end of the campaign will be donated to charity.
About STNT
This campaign is organised by Stop The New Town (STNT) Action Group – a non-political, volunteer-run, formally constituted community group.
All donations go directly into the STNT Action Group bank account.
Stay informed
For updates, key dates, and press coverage, please visit our website: Stop The New Town.
We thank you for your generosity. This land is precious, our rural communities are under threat, and we need your support to protect them.
Find out more about what is happening, important council meeting dates and press at our website: Stop The New Town Website.
Organizer and beneficiary
Dr Anne Whitehouse
Beneficiary