CAMPAIGNERS have vowed to fight plans for nearly 1,000 homes in Castle Donington.

Miller Homes and Clowes Developments want to build up to 975 new properties on farmland off Park Lane, close to Donington Park and East Midlands Airport.

When put together with an application for 275 homes, which was granted permission 12 months ago, it would see the total number of properties in Castle Donington rise by nearly half.

However, Richard Houghton, whose home in Paddock Close backs on to the proposed new development site, is setting up a pressure group to oppose the plans.

He fears the roads in Castle Donington would not cope with the extra traffic and said plans for a relief road were not clear enough.

He has also criticised the decision to put the application in just before Christmas, meaning people may be distracted and forget to make their objections heard.

Mr Houghton said: "That land has had a constant agricultural use – it has never been designated for commercial or residential development.

"It is also not clear what they want to do with the relief road."

Along with housing, developers are proposing an 18-acre light industry and office quarter, which they say will create new jobs. Up to 40% of the homes will be low cost.

Should the scheme be approved, the developers will make sizable contributions to pay for improvements to schools and medical facilities in the area. They will also provide play areas.

Phillip Button, who lives on Park Lane, said: "It is not a welcome proposal. A development of this size will overshadow the village."

A spokesman for the developers said: "This represents an opportunity to provide additional housing, including low-cost housing."

Residents should send their views to North West Leicestershire District Council's planning officers, who will discuss the scheme early in the new year.

Anyone who wants to join the campaign group can e-mail Mr Houghton at houghton735@btinternet.com.