Latest news, stories & updates from CPRE Leicestershire

CPRE Leicestershire has formally submitted an objection to planning application 25/0489/OUT, known as the Cosby Outline proposal. The application seeks outline permission for up to 180 homes on approximately 18 hectares of greenfield land off Broughton Road, Cosby. We believe the proposal represents an unjustified encroachment into the open countryside and raises significant concerns for the future character of the village. Why we're objecting The proposed site sits entirely

CPRE Leicestershire has submitted a formal objection to planning application 26/0361/OUT, which proposes the construction of 120 homes and a retail unit on greenfield land north of Leicester Road, Sharnford. The proposed development would be built outside the village's agreed settlement boundary on designated open countryside. We believe it conflicts with local planning policy and would have a significant impact on the character of Sharnford and its surrounding landscape. Our

CPRE Leicestershire has recently submitted objections to a number of significant planning applications across the county. While each proposal is different, many raise concerns around countryside loss, biodiversity impacts, infrastructure pressure and the importance of plan-led development. 📍 Sharnford Proposal: 120 homes and a retail unit Location: Land north of Leicester Road Key concerns: Development in open countryside Similar proposal previously dismissed on appeal Confl

We are pleased to inform you that the June 2026 newsletter is now available. It shares a snapshot of what’s been happening across CPRE Leicestershire over the past couple of months – and what’s coming next. You can read the full newsletter here and catch up on the latest from the team.

A growing number of residents are speaking out against a proposed industrial and logistics development near Junction 22 of the M1, close to Ulverscroft and Markfield. The site sits within a sensitive part of Leicestershire’s countryside, connected to the Charnwood Forest landscape and within reach of the National Forest. It includes areas of woodland, hedgerows and open land that form part of a wider green corridor supporting local wildlife and well-used walking routes. A pet

This planning guide has been produced by CPRE, the Countryside Charity and NALC, to help everyone navigate and understand the planning application process in England. It condenses technical information and simplifies planning jargon. It will guide you step-by-step to help you understand planning issues and to present your views effectively when it matters most!

Leicestershire Landscapes Are Worth Protecting Leicestershire’s landscape is diverse, rich, and worth protecting. The county’s landscape is generally gentle and agricultural, shaped by centuries of farming or mining, and with only a small amount of forest cover. Its natural beauty and regional distinctiveness are not well known. However, the countryside is surprisingly diverse with six National Landscape Character Areas identified. These range from the unique upland of Char

We are pleased to inform you the March 2026 newsletter is now available. It shares a snapshot of what’s been happening across CPRE Leicestershire over the past couple of months – and what’s coming next. You can read the full newsletter here and catch up on the latest from the team.

We’ve highlighted some green places throughout the county for you to explore. Blaby Fosse Meadows, Sharnford Fosse Meadows has something for everyone. The site was once farmland owned by the Archer family and purchased by Blaby District Council in the late 1980s for the public to enjoy. There are extensive paths that lead through woodlands and flower meadows with the opportunity for bird watching. There is a wildlife lake with bird hides and a riverside walk that leads to a w

Stoneywell Cottage is the only National Trust building in Leicestershire. It was owned by a family who participated in the Arts and Crafts movement and there are very few comparable cottages elsewhere in England. Stoneywell Cottage | National Trust Stoneywell is located in the heart of Charnwood Forest and was designed by Ernest Gimson as a holiday cottage for his brother, Sydney. The building is dated 1899 and the construction work was overseen by Detmar Blow, Ernest Gimson